1911 collector question and shooter question.

Can't answer the collector question, but as far as the shooter goes I would also look at the New Ruger 1911. Its close to the same price point as the Taurus and 100% american made. I just don't have a ton of faith in Taurus Weapons.

I would say as far as a collectors piece goes mint condition is always better than used condition unless the condition in which it was used was bad arse. For example some people get boners for WWII German lugers or their grandfather's issued 1911. You busting a few rounds at a zombie osama target doesn't qualify as bad arse, so I'd keep it mint.

For the collector gun, I would not put anything through it.

I am leary of Taurus. I'm sure it would be fine but I have just read too many things about them. I personally like and want a Springfield. If I were looking for another in the price range at the Taurus I would look at the Ruger or the Remington.

Remington

Ruger

BP,
Your "collector's" 1911 should bring more money unfired/mint than fired. Having said that, if you ran a few rounds through, cleaned it and it was othherwise mint, the only one who'd know would be you and God!

I don't have any personal experience w/ a Taurus 1911, although I do have 2 Taurus revolvers. I've been very pleased w/ my Taurus revolvers. Nevertheless, from what I've read, quality control can be rather spotty w/ Taurus guns. If you don't want to spend a lot of money on a 1911, I'd suggest considering one made in the Philippines. RIA/Citadel (made from Armscorp) and American Classic (imported by same company that imports Bersa) and ATI make nice, solid, lower priced 1911's. These guns are well-repected on the 1911 forums on the 'net. My AC Commander (4 1/4" barrel) only cost $450 and came w/ a number of "custom" accessories, similar to your Citadel. 500 rounds later I'm still very pleased. My Concealed Carry Citadel (3 1//2" barrel) has been very pleasing, as well, except for the Parkerized finish I've yet to warm up to. The RIA guns have a good reputation, as well, but their lowere priced models lack the custom accessories on the AC and Citadel. I've seen some RIA's or Citadel's at some of the Academy's. All the above manufacturers have a chrome finish available, although these models are frequently hard to find.

There are at least 3-4 different price ranges w/ 1911's. In the lower price range I'd include Rock Island Armory, Citadel, Firestorm, American Classic and ATI. The next price range up would be the $600-800 range. Things start getting really expensive beyond that. Taurus will be in the next price range up from the models I have. Were I interested in buying one from the other price ranges, I'd seriously consider a Springfield.

Better get ready to come up with some cash....BADASS 1911's can cost between $1500 to $4000. Not many "informed" individuals would give you more than $275ish on a used LCP

Also check out magazines from Checkmate, best in the business, and learn to reload you will get to shoot a lot if you do