We've gotten off track, let's try to get back on here
So I am looking to get into the 1911 world. This wouldn't be a carry gun or a home defense gun, but a bit of Americana. I just want a cheap 1911 to have a 1911. It wouldn't be my main hand gun.
I saw the Rock Island Armory GI M1911 replica, and it seemed pretty nice, I especially liked that $399 price tag. Plus I hear they run like a top.
I mean no offense, but please don't tell me to "just spend the money" on an expensive gun... I'm not going to buy a Colt, Remington, or Kimber, or any of the custom shop 1911 with the ridiculous price tags.
By all accounts, the Armscor (Rock Island) guns work and hold up quite well. They seem to be the most prevalent of the sub $400 1911's. I've mentioned in my post, I have an Armscor High Standard, which was a Lipsey's special done a little over decade ago, it is still nice.
You mention "Americana" and GI replica, it kinda sounds like you want a classic GI-type, military looking gun. 5" slide, minimal bells and whistles, etc. I have 3 such, from the "bargain" tier. My Tisas has the arched mainspring housing, and with the correct grips it is very close to correct. My biggest gripe is that it has a matte black finish, a little soft, and doesn't quite look right.
2nd gun is the High Standard, this has a parkerized slide and frame, and is very close to mil-spec looking. Has the flat mainspring housing, and if you quibble on such stuff the hammer spur isn't wide.
3rd gun is an ATI Extreme GI. This has a parked or matte blued finish, it also looks close but with a flat mainspring housing. Looking at pics online, you see a big logo on the slide... that doesn't jump out too much in person.
The Tisas is harder to find, and probably not going to be supported by warranty too much (not that it matters a lot). The RIA will be easier to find, great warranty. The ATI is out there if you look, and quite often goes for $300 or $325 online. Also warranty is present.
These all look great in a classic old holster, and they sling .45 downrange accurately. If you just want "a representative 1911" for that slot in the collection, they're a great deal.