Found a used Safari Arms Enforcer 1911 today

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So I was at a local gun shop distributing Oregon gun rights pamphlets and plugging OCDO when I saw a 4" 1911 pistol (been wanting one). My interest was piqued. Then I saw that it was $550. Then wheels started turning. So anyway, if I can somehow sort of maybe try to get a hold of this gun, what do I need to look for to make sure it's in good shape? the lands and grooves looked fine. I didn't see any weird wear marks on the slide or around the barrel. The slide seemed to fit alright. There was just the TINIEST amount of lateral play. I mean barely perceptible. Trigger had a little take-up, but nothing like my XD. $550 seems too good to be true. Anybody have other suggestions for other stuff I should be looking for? Thanks in advance.

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Well, I don't know anything about Safari Arms specifically, but excellent 1911s can be had in that price range. Taurus makes the PT1911 which has excellent fit and finish ($550 maybe), and Rock Island Armory makes a variety of 1911s which are excellent guns (I have two: a GI and the "Tactical" model; the Tactical cost me $420).

Now, once again, I know basically nothing about Safari Arms, so I can't speak one way or the other as far as this specific gun goes.

My point is just that, excellent 1911s can be had in the price range.

Find a few guides like this and read them before buying any used pistol:

http://www.coolgunsite.com/buying/buying.htm

http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=4576

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Just to reinforce what Marshaul said, $550 can get you a fine new 1911 if you want it to.

This page is linked to in the first site he referenced, but it's worth pointing out separately:

http://www.coolgunsite.com/funcheck/function.htm

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Yes, I should have been more clear. That's exactly what I meant - those prices for the PT1911 and the RIA Tactical are for *new* guns.

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These are said to be quality pieces - never owned one myself though.
According to the Blue Book of Gun Values "Prices average in the $1,500 range."

Safari Arms was bought by Olympic Arms (AR15 people) in 1987. All 1911 after 2004 carry Olympic branding. http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/EveryGun/GunMfgDetail.aspx?id=857

http://www.triplebreakproducts.com/Olympic/1911.htm

Yata hey

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I think you're misreading. $1500-2000 is the price range for the various "commemorative" editions listed.

Most of the SA 1911s are more like $700-850 new.

http://www.triplebreakproducts.com/Olympic/matchmaster1.htm

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marshaul wrote:

I think you're misreading. $1500-2000 is the price range for the various "commemorative" editions listed.

Most of the SA 1911s are more like $700-850 new.

http://www.triplebreakproducts.com/Olympic/matchmaster1.htm

Click to expand...

You are correct - I didn't go far enough in my previous post.

Yata hey