I asked Gary Reeder essentially the same question
Both he and Kase wholeheartedly recommended the basic Rock Island Arms/High Standard 1911s.
Complete thread:
- So, if a new shooter wanted a 1911... - 
Hoot, 
2013-09-10, 07:13 ![Open whole thread [*]](themes/default/images/complete_thread.png)  - I was impressed with the Rock Island Tactical a buddy has - 
cubrock, 
2013-09-10, 07:32
- Have 2 Rock Islands.... - Bud, 2013-09-10, 08:29
- I've sold a LOT of Rock Island 1911s...... - 
Otony, 
2013-09-10, 15:42
- I asked Gary Reeder essentially the same question - bpjon, 2013-09-10, 19:46
- Col. Cooper also advised steering clear of 'cheap' firearms - 
FOG, 
2013-09-10, 20:09
- Col. Cooper also advised steering clear of 'cheap' firearms - 
Lee J., 
2013-09-10, 21:29
- Col. Cooper also advised steering clear of 'cheap' firearms - FOG, 2013-09-11, 01:19
 
 
- Col. Cooper also advised steering clear of 'cheap' firearms - 
Lee J., 
2013-09-10, 21:29
 
 
- So, if a new shooter wanted a 1911... - jgt, 2013-09-10, 08:50
- The locals buying Taurus 1911s seem to be happy. - Wildcat, 2013-09-10, 09:28
- I've been happy with the Ruger Commander - mcassill, 2013-09-10, 13:55
- Nobody will like my answer but... - 
Jeff Taylor, 
2013-09-10, 16:44
- Nobody will like my answer but... - Catoosa, 2013-09-10, 19:35
 
- One of my employes recently asked the same question - 
Rob Leahy, 
2013-09-10, 23:32
- I agree 110%: The RUGER SR1911 is probably the best answer - 
FOG, 
2013-09-11, 01:36
- Insider info the Commander length SR1911 is a better more - 
Rob Leahy, 
2013-09-11, 11:38
- At the time I typed this I had no idea that I would be given - Rob Leahy, 2013-09-12, 10:45
 
 
- Insider info the Commander length SR1911 is a better more - 
Rob Leahy, 
2013-09-11, 11:38
 
- I agree 110%: The RUGER SR1911 is probably the best answer - 
FOG, 
2013-09-11, 01:36
- 1911's... - Murphy, 2013-09-11, 12:16
- Thanks for all the help folks. - 
Hoot, 
2013-09-12, 11:03
- Ah, just get a Hi-Point... - Rob Leahy, 2013-09-12, 16:42
 
 
- I was impressed with the Rock Island Tactical a buddy has - 
cubrock, 
2013-09-10, 07:32