Entry 1911 options and their finishes/materials

First off, I know that used SA Range Officers are still out there and that is an option I am considering, but for the purposes of this discussion, I am concerned with new manufactured options.

In looking for a current production target 1911 there seem to be limited options in the sub-$1000 category, but I wanted to get some advice on how they stack up. Particularly, how their material/finishes will impact the ability to work on them (accurizing, tightening, etc.). The four that I can see are:

MAC 1911 JSOC (made by Tisas) - QPQ Tennifer finish
Tisas 45 Match - stainless
SA Loaded Target - stainless
Armscor/RIA Pro Ultra Match - Parkerized

It seems that the stainless guns would be the first to be eliminated, based on what I've read regarding galling and the ability to tighten up the slides. But how does QPQ/nitriding compare to phosphate in terms permitting a gunsmith to work on the firearm? The Tisas guns have been getting good press and are allegedly forged with no MIM parts, so the MAC JSOC would be my first choice. But if the finish will prevent it from being worked on in the future, I would have to look elsewhere. I think I've read that the Armscor would be cast and may include MIM parts, but I am uncertain about that.

Anyway, any advice regarding the finishes or the general quality of the firearms is welcome. Thanks for your help.

I’ve never had issues with the newer stainless guns. My SA loaded 9mm functions fine.
I have a cast frame Remington R1, works fine.

The Tissa I’ve seen was a conversion lower. Worked fine. Would be surprised if it didn’t have MIM parts.

A lot depends on if you need/want a 4” gun like Bickars, or a 1. 1/2 gun like the rest of we minions.

Take a look at these:-

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1058028408

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1059985419

I have a couple of TISAS 1911 lowers that I am so far happily using with Marvel conversions and I know others using TISAS for "As Issued" matches and are very happy with them.

I don't believe that stainless is a massive issue, but I personally would avoid them unless no other option.

I would go with a SARO if you can.

james r chapman wrote:I’ve never had issues with the newer stainless guns. My SA loaded 9mm functions fine.
I have a cast frame Remington R1, works fine.

The Tissa I’ve seen was a conversion lower. Worked fine. Would be surprised if it didn’t have MIM parts.

A lot depends on if you need/want a 4” gun like Bickars, or a 1. 1/2 gun like the rest of we minions.

I wish my mom built me a 4” hardball gun

1911a145 wrote:

james r chapman wrote:I’ve never had issues with the newer stainless guns. My SA loaded 9mm functions fine.
I have a cast frame Remington R1, works fine.

The Tissa I’ve seen was a conversion lower. Worked fine. Would be surprised if it didn’t have MIM parts.

A lot depends on if you need/want a 4” gun like Bickars, or a 1. 1/2 gun like the rest of we minions.

I wish my mom built me a 4” hardball gun

I was under the impression that his Mom's gun was PFM

1911a145 wrote:

james r chapman wrote:I’ve never had issues with the newer stainless guns. My SA loaded 9mm functions fine.
I have a cast frame Remington R1, works fine.

The Tissa I’ve seen was a conversion lower. Worked fine. Would be surprised if it didn’t have MIM parts.

A lot depends on if you need/want a 4” gun like Bickars, or a 1. 1/2 gun like the rest of we minions.

I wish my mom built me a 4” hardball gun

Just don't tell anyone the banana peel secret.

ok back to OPs question. First things first, what are your goals with the entry level gun? Base for a build, just want a gun with the adjustable sight? 

My first 45 wadgun is a Smith and Wesson full Stainless 1911 with a frame mount. Solid gun that has so much "wrong" with it from the usual desired specs but it works. My brother shot it in a match last week and he did well with it and had zero malfunctions. I also have a few guys in my local league that shoot stainless Springfields with good success. 

Tolerances of some of the import guns (TISAS/Rock island) may make upgrades or changes a bit more challenging. I have handled a few of the TISAS guns, they seem ok for the price but I have not full confirmed that all the critical dimensions are with in reasonable tolerance. I did check hammer/sear pins on one and they were surprisingly good. Statistically speaking my sample size is small, and the inspection I have done is minimal. In general the springfields that I have seen have been good, but they do have some quirks. 

I prefer a parkerized finish as I like the feel and durability. I do like a good blued gun too, but probability of rain seems higher when I shoot blue guns.

zero mim parts in my Tisas base military model. forged frame and slide. I upgraded the pistol with all new ignition parts . trigger channel was a touch large for my Greider trigger.. slide frame fit is excellent for the price. way better than most. upgraded the barrel with a SA one I had welded up. worked fine. upgraded the sights a bit.. 

only real issue was the bushing cut in the slide. around .705 if memory serves so a custom bushing would be needed or swag the bushing out as I did. Cerakote was pretty well done

I was impressed for $320. made a fine lower for a conversion or a decent wad gun

chiz1180 wrote:ok back to OPs question. First things first, what are your goals with the entry level gun? Base for a build, just want a gun with the adjustable sight? 

My first 45 wadgun is a Smith and Wesson full Stainless 1911 with a frame mount. Solid gun that has so much "wrong" with it from the usual desired specs but it works. My brother shot it in a match last week and he did well with it and had zero malfunctions. I also have a few guys in my local league that shoot stainless Springfields with good success. 

Tolerances of some of the import guns (TISAS/Rock island) may make upgrades or changes a bit more challenging. I have handled a few of the TISAS guns, they seem ok for the price but I have not full confirmed that all the critical dimensions are with in reasonable tolerance. I did check hammer/sear pins on one and they were surprisingly good. Statistically speaking my sample size is small, and the inspection I have done is minimal. In general the springfields that I have seen have been good, but they do have some quirks. 

I prefer a parkerized finish as I like the feel and durability. I do like a good blued gun too, but probability of rain seems higher when I shoot blue guns.

The nearest regular CMP match that I can find is 3 hours away from me, so I am not in danger of competing regularly at this stage. I am looking for a gun that I can practice .45 with, but will have the capacity to be improved as my funds and/or skills grow. Initially, I will be using the gun in stock configuration, aside from whatever work I can do myself to tune it up (major improvements will have to be outsourced). Should I decide to make the 3 hour drive to compete in my "local" match, I'd like to have passable .45 to shoot in addition to my .22, just to make the drive a bit more worth it for me.

I am very much a novice and will dedicate most of my shooting time to .22, but I would still like to have a .45 on hand to get some work in with.

then get one of the 4 options you listed initially. you'll need adjustable iron sights. none will have what we would consider a match grade barrel, so eventually you would want a Kart. KKM, or  Nowlin installed with a match bushing. perhaps a trigger job and you'll be able to compete with most folks.

don't be scared of a used range officer. many have been used to obtain a distinguished badge in EIC. I've done several barrel upgrades for shooters who did just that.

I personally would probably go for the Springfield but part of that is some bias from the ROs I have. I got my hardleg with a RO with a stock barrel and some trigger work. I have considered building up a Tisas to be a "period correct" is ball gun, but I have not got around to it at this point. 

Used guns can be a good option too. If you can find a local club (many don't necessarily hold matches) it is generally a good place to find used equipment and get to inspect first hand.

If it was me…

I’d be very tempted to consider a used Springfield Armory or Colt of recent vintage.   Then send it off to a decent smith for a basic accuracy job.