Rock Island 1911A1 or Smith and Wesson SW99?

[lizardking7750]

I know these are 2 COMPLETELY different guns, but I really like the styling of both. I love the Walter look, but 1911s are just awesome. I can get them for around the same price +/-$20, both in .45 acp. I want a gun that isn't gonna break immediately, good accuracy, and possible ccw. I'm not worried about the 1911's size, I'm 6'1" 200 pounds. I just want the best gun value, it would be my first 1911 or Walter style. I do have a Smith and Wesson 5903 auto in 9mm and love it.

 

[kazzxtrismus]

S&W 1911 forged stainless everything!!

 

[wally]

I've got both. The RIA is a much better shooter because the 1911 trigger flat out rocks.

My oldest RIA is over 15,000 rounds, they work very well.

 

[Tomcat47]

Either way.... but I say get your first 1911

 

[lizardking7750]

Thats what I'm going to get, I was also looking at the Wilson combat trigger and hammer any good?

 

[wally]

I was also looking at the Wilson combat trigger and hammer any good?

I'm sure they are fine, but IMHO you are better off spending the money on ammo initially.

I'm a real big believer in: "if it ain't broke, don't fix it!"

 

[CZ223]

Get the RIA but

get the Tactical or the compact Tactical models. I have the Comp Tac and it is a very good gun. The sights and the beavertail safety on these models are worth extra money.

 

[lizardking7750]

I usually abide by the same rule, but I really don't like the stock trigger and hammer, and want to give it that custom look. The last thing is the sights, is there anything you can do with them being GI style sights?

 

[wally]

As was said above, pay about $50 more and get the "Tactical" model -- all the "loaded" creature comforts!

 

[lechiffre]

i would get the SW99.

as far as CCW the SW99 is bigger than a 1911. the SW99 is lighter than the 1911.

 

[wally]

the SW99 is bigger than a 1911

That is my main problem with it, its nearly as large in the grip as a Glock 21 yet only holds 9 rounds in the mag. It took me over a year to find enough spare mags for my SW99 .45 (and the prices were on the high side) to be able to have 50 rounds loaded ready to go at the plate rack -- its way too hot here to be standing at the firing line stuffing magazines!

SW99, like the Glock 21 are good pistols, but only if they fit you well. I had to have one of each for the collection, but I don't shoot either very well or often because the fit is poor for me YMMV. I found the alternate backstrap for the SW99 to made minimal difference, but the small was best for me.

 

[Furncliff]

I'm very glad I went with the RIA tactical model, the improved trigger alone was worth it. better sights etc...

 

[viking499]

i'm very glad i went with the ria tactical model, the improved trigger alone was worth it. Better sights etc...

Me TOO.