Decent, CA Legal and Affordable 1911 Handgun Clones?

Question

That's what I'm in the market for.

I'm not going all out, just looking for a semiautomatic pistol that looks and acts like a 1911.

I might pay about 500 dollars.

Anyone know which, if any, Star models are on the C&R list?

john r, not Star guns on the CA list, but Star guns on the curios and relics list. Those are exempt from the California list requirements.

Answer 1

In California you can only buy a gun on the State's "approved" list.

So, I would recommend a Taurus PT1911. Lots of nice features usually only found on more expensive guns.

The cost for one here, in Wyoming, is $530.00

You'll have to check and see if it is on the "approved" list.

Answer 2

Star pistols are excellent quality, but I would suggest buying a true 1911 clone for the parts interchangeability. Replacement and upgrade parts and magazines are available worldwide for the 1911, and are cheaper than for any other centerfire pistol.
Charles Daly was previously the low-budget champ, but that title currently goes to Rock Island Arms, which is exactly the same pistol, made in the same factory, but with a different name on it.
Here is an article by a well-known gun writer, beating the crap out of some popular 1911s, including the RIA:
http://www.advancedtactical.com/riapress.htm
Around here, RIAs sell for about $350. This is for a NEW 1911; I doubt you could find a used one any cheaper.

BTW, Colt is just a name and in fact, most of their guns are modified from the original 1911A1 pattern. The current quality is certainly no better than most 1911s on the market, and in fact some of them (Springfield for example) are better quality than Colt. Add to that the fact that you can buy 3 RIAs for the price of one Colt. Colt likes to pretend they designed it. They didn't; Jonathan Moses Browning did.
Colt also acts like they designed the AR-15. They didn't, Eugene Stoner (Armalite) did. Colt hasn't designed anything really successful in over 100 years, and they are definitely not the same company now. So don't feel like you are not getting the "real thing" by not buying a Colt.

Answer 3

Affordable 1911

Answer 4

I don't see any Star models on the list: http://certguns.doj.ca.gov/safeguns_resp.asp

There aren't many true 1911 clones in your price range (new) which are on the list. Charles Daly makes/imports one for a little less that $500: http://www.gunsamerica.com/976963925/Guns/Pistols/Charles-Daily-Pistols/Auto/Charles_Daly_Field_1911A_1.htm

If you are willing to depart from the 1911 format, your choices get better: Taurus, Ruger, Glock et.

Answer 5

Charles Daley makes a 1911 clone, and the cost for one here in Texas is rite at $500. Their parts are also interchangeable.

Answer 6

I would also say the Taurus PT1911. Very nice pistol with a lot of the trimmings without the high price of other 1911s. They are pretty nice....

http://www.taurususa.com/products/gunselector-results.cfm?series=19

Answer 7

Kevin; First, you will possibly be able to desire to decide while you're prepared to apply it if necessary. it quite is a effectual concept to wrestle with; yet surely must be considered. as quickly as you have responded confident to that, you're arranged to start the quest on your handgun. come to a decision how plenty you're able spend, alongside with coaching & prepare necessary to alter into proficient! ok, revolver or vehicle, the two will do the job. As a former LEO I even have carried the two and by no potential felt the will for something diverse. looking on the fees on your area, and do save around, make your decision based on what feels comportable on your hand. Calibers start up with the 9MM and .357mag. for a weapon sufficient adequate in skill to guard the kinfolk. seek for stable high quality USED handgun, 4" bbl revolver by potential of Taurus, shape palms, or maybe a Ruger or S&W if somewhat priced; & too many stable high quality, somewhat priced vehicles to call. back interior the vehicle, seek for a minimum of the 9MM or 40 S&W cal's. you may shoot .38 particular ammo interior the .357 magazine for prepare, and in case you experience the will; you may acquire staggering .38 particular very own Defence Ammo to be used interior the abode. i exploit the two Cor-Bon or magazine-secure ammo in in basic terms approximately each handgun I very own for social purposes. certainly, I carry the two a Colt Commander in .38Super, or Taurus 1911A1 in 45acp on the hip and a Smith & Wesson type 37 3" revolver in my front authentic pocket, daily. interior the .45acp I do use Remington 185 grain Gold Saber around which shoots o.k. interior the Taurus. i'm hoping you come across this effectual on your seek.

Answer 8

Springfield Armory is one of the better Colt clones, but it is still NOT a Colt.Cost is about $600.