Rock Island 1911 help

It's a solid 1911, if a little rough around the edges. That's about the price I'd expect for a marked-up new one, though. See if the seller can be talked down to $400, then you have a pretty good deal if it's in good condition. You can find them used on gunbroker for a little more.

$500 is too much. I got mine for $399 brand new with 2 mags just a few months ago

Though may I ask, why does he NEED it for self defense right now? Could he not move, or go places to avoid confrontation? Guns are supposed to be the final solution, not the first

I'm quite happy with my RIA 1911, but I only paid $289 NIB. However, this was back before the pistol's excellent reputation spread, driving prices through the roof. Out of the box, it proved itself perfectly reliable, even with SWCs.

For $500, I'd think a Springfield would be a better purchase. This isn't saying a Springfield is necessarily the better pistol, but for that kind of money, I'd rather it say Springfield on the side.

If he can talk him down to $350, he'll be receiving a heck of a pistol for that price. I wouldn't personally go over $400, but that's just me.

Half a grand is a little high unless it is the "Tactical" model with the upgraded sights, beavertail and ambidextrous extended thumb safety, and a new one at that. The standard "GI" version is still less than $400. (Personally, since I dislike "bump and hump" sights, I would happily pay the extra for the upgrades.)

Strahley said:

Though may I ask, why does he NEED it for self defense right now? Could he not move, or go places to avoid confrontation? Guns are supposed to be the final solution, not the first

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Moving sounds like something that might take a while if it is even an option. If I thought I needed a gun for self defense, I don't think I would see your suggestions as viable alternatives.

RIA's are great 1911's, IMO. I have three. But $500 is a lot higher than a new one should cost, and way too high for a used one. But it all kinda depends on the market there locally too. I'd try to get it cheaper.

500 to much I agree with others 400 more in line .

He needs a handgun for self defence pretty badly,

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Still hard to beat a good old S&W 38spl. Simple reliable and has worked pretty well over 100 yrs.. 1911 is not a pistol for everyone.

That price is way to high. I've seen them for $360 - $400 NIB at gun shows.

I would say the price is high. I have a GI style (albiet in .38 super and nickel plated), and it was $400 new.

Its a little high but a decent gun.

Great guns, good shooter....

Too high on the price though

I second that bad86ta. Love mine, but the price is to high. You can buy new cheaper than that. If you could not get him down at least $100 from what he is asking, I would go elsewhere....

Even if it's a tactical, that's like $100 too high for a used model.

That said, I have a RIA tactical, and it's great. Very well built, runs very smooth, and it's tight like prom night. So he's at least not getting a bad gun if he buys it.

As others have already stated; decent enough guns but the price for that one is too high. You can find them new for less money. I worked on one for a friend of mine a couple of years ago and I was impressed with the overall fit and finish of the gun. Good barrel to slide, and slide to frame fit, along with a 5 lb. trigger pull made for some nice tight groups.

Go on gunbroker Belshire's Guns has the tactical version for just over 400.00 and the prices include shipping. And there great guns for such a cheap price tag.

RIA is the cheapest 1911 worth owning. That being said I agree with everyone else here. $500 is too much to pay for a new one, much less a used RIA. I wouldn't pay a penny over $300 for it when a new one costs $400 or so. I know because I've been pricing them thinking that I was going to buy one. I chickened out. Sooner or later I'll own a 1911. Just not now.

Check out the Sarco ad in shotgun news. Standard 5" model $349.99, tactical $405.99, 38 super $364.99. I would really like to get that 38 Super at that price, I want a 38 Super pretty bad.

I hope it's not too late to tell you now. ABSOLUTELY DO NOT BUY IT.
500 is too much for Rock Island 1911. If you want it really bad, then offer 350 for it, otherwise offer 250.
I think you should offer him 250, since 500 was an attempt to rip you off.

Agreed, look at gunbroker and see the prices what the average gun is going for.

agreed that is high even for a new tactical, i would pay no more than $350 for a used one, and no more that $450 for a new one. i am currenty looking at picking up a RIA tactical.

Price of new RIA 1911's
http://www.centerfiresystems.com/1911.aspx

Sounds like your dad may not be all too familiar with handguns. Maybe he should consider a revolver which is much simpler to operate? On other hand, a big old black 1911 looks BAD! Unless he gets a "dirty harry" model revolver.