It was only a few months ago and I was doing the same thing buying myself a stainless 1911. It is not my first but my first stainless. Here is what I found. Springers> I can be wrong but I think you can get a Loaded or Mil-Spec that are US assembled as long as the serial number starts with NM. I know for sure its that way on the Mil-Spec but the Loaded may be different. I believe dong's and sportsworld both carry them. Loaded should be around 700-750 and the mil-spec less. I owned the GI and Mil-Spec version in parkerized finish. I like the GI made in Brazil better than the extra I spent to get the Mil-spec. I have since sold them both. I own a Kimber Custom TLE II. It was my first 1911 and I love that gun it out shot both of the springers. Has some MIM parts that people don't like but it shoots well like it is. I do not have a round count for ya because I don't keep a tab on that kind of stuff but I have put many many rounds down the pipe. It has stood the test of time with me.
I did want the Ruger too. I couldn't find one in stock anywhere unless I was willing to pay 850 and up for it. I was thinking about going after a springer TRP, springer Loaded, Ruger, or another Kimber. Did a lot of research on price and what people were saying. Was leaning towards another Kimber because I love my TLE. Then I saw the Smith E-Series for the first time. Heard a lot of negative stuff about it but also heard good. about the same as the Ruger had. I was scared about the external extractor but heck its rock solid. I got an early production E-series with the Crimson Trace Grips. got it from Budsgunshop.com paid something like 895 after shipping and insurance on it. Again I don't keep an exact count on rounds but I do know its over 1000 rds with no Problems. I know it is more than you want to spend but that is my experience while looking for a stainless gun. Any name manufacture is a good bet on 1911. But my top three would be Smith, Kimber, and colt. Never had a Sig but I think that is my next gun.
I did want the Ruger too. I couldn't find one in stock anywhere unless I was willing to pay 850 and up for it. I was thinking about going after a springer TRP, springer Loaded, Ruger, or another Kimber. Did a lot of research on price and what people were saying. Was leaning towards another Kimber because I love my TLE. Then I saw the Smith E-Series for the first time. Heard a lot of negative stuff about it but also heard good. about the same as the Ruger had. I was scared about the external extractor but heck its rock solid. I got an early production E-series with the Crimson Trace Grips. got it from Budsgunshop.com paid something like 895 after shipping and insurance on it. Again I don't keep an exact count on rounds but I do know its over 1000 rds with no Problems. I know it is more than you want to spend but that is my experience while looking for a stainless gun. Any name manufacture is a good bet on 1911. But my top three would be Smith, Kimber, and colt. Never had a Sig but I think that is my next gun.
