1911 options

Status
Not open for further replies.
S

SonOfRoost

Member
Joined
Jun 22, 2010
Messages
76
Location
Minnesota
I'm looking at buying myself a 1911, the model is a long standing favorite of mine in the handgun world. I need something that's a decent gun and cheap, so far I've been leaning towards a Rock Island Armory, but I'm open to suggestions. My big requirement is it has to be under $500. Any opinions would be appreciated, thanks:D

P.S. I also need to know where I can buy one, thanks again.
 
a 1911 under 500 is easy. Rock Island. Its an easy choice because there are only a couple in that price range. lol...

a Used Taurus would be a good choice too... but they are usually 550'ish even used
High Standard
Rock Island (would probably be my choice)
metro arms american classic 2

Those are just what come to mind. Ive owned a Taurus 1911 and the Rock Island.

JOe
 
Thanks guys, just wanted to reconfirm that RIA was a good choice, and thanks for the link King, if anything else on the subject comes up let me know
 
I'm not an expert on 1911s by any means, but I did a bit of research and bought my first, the Metro Arms American Classic II.

This is what I gather from my reasearch, comparing RIA to the ACII:
First, decide what style you want, standard GI or a more 'modern', or 'accessorized' version. RIA sells both (they call the latter 'tactical'). The ACII is very accessorized with skeletonized trigger & hammer, extended mag release, extended safety, extended slide stop, different sights, f&r cocking serrations. It also has a nice blued finish vs. parkered.

I decided I wanted something cheap with all the bells & whistles. I went to the local gun shop to pick up a tactical RIA, but after handling found that I liked the look and feel of the ACII much better. Reviews were similar with both guns, so I picked the one that appealed more to me. Aside from a small hiccup (solved with the help of THR) I'm extremely happy. Paid $449 plus tax.

Here's an ACII on gunbroker for $500 shipped:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=178524947

GI model RIA for $380
http://www.centerfiresystems.com/AC-RI1911.aspx

Tactical RIA for $420
http://www.centerfiresystems.com/AC-RI1911TACA.aspx
 
Thanks Jason, I might go with the RIA because it's slightly cheaper, I may not even be able to afford this by the end of the summer, just getting the research out of the way. Anyway thanks again, that ACII looks cool, just kinda pushing my price limit.
 
You won't regret the RIA Tactical (or the standard if you are happy with the sights).

Got about 15,000 rounds through my oldest RIA (standard with a Burris Fastfire Red Dot) and its had only minor issues, about equal to the repair effort my Colt had at about 8500 rounds.

I don't think its a fluke either as I've an Armscor 9mm "widebody" Para P18 clone with about 12,000 rounds and an Armscor made Charles Daly EMS (4" .45ACP) with about 9000 rounds thru it.
 
consider a STI Spartan. They use Armscor/RIA frame and slide, but STI fits the slide to frame and installs STI internals. Comes with FO site and adjustable rear. Around $650, but you could shop around or save a little longer.
 
I was in the same boat, but wanted a non-BBQ 1911 that looks decent and can carry in the winter. I just bought the "Tactical" version of the RIA 1911. Should be here on Tuesday. I went off of quite a bit of research and tons of great reviews. $480 on Centerfire Systems.
 
I like the STI Spartan and SA GI in that price range, Of course the Spartan may need to be on sale to get in your price range.

I own a PT1911 Taurus which i like alot and it shoots wonderfully, But i don't feel the quality is all that good even for a $550 gun.
What i mean is the gun has a great feel and look, But how many rounds and years it will last is not a lifetime imo. Unless i send it too Taurus continually.

Im not knocking the gun, I trust my life to it 3/4 of the year as my ccw.
But ive just seen to much unnecessary metal wear and softness.

Of course my exterior is well worn as they use a very thin blueing. If you do go Taurus buy the Stainless steel version and it may be an all new ball game.
I like the look of my worn blueing from carry, But if you look inside and i showed you some of the internal wear its beyond acceptable imo.

BTW i think im around 1300 rounds.
Mabey i should contact Taurus since im not carrying the gun in the summer and see if i can at least get the slide replaced. That ought to look dumb with my well worn reciever.
But i could just send it off for a DuraCoat treatment.
 
I bought this earlier this summer from TGS, under $500 out the door. I would recommend it to anyone. I have fired a variety of ammo with no problems and the accuracy has been better than I expected, from 25 yards I can keep all 8 rounds in a 6 to 8 inch circle, I haven't tried it from a rest but I suspect that the gun is more accurate than I am.
IMG_1875.jpg
 
Rock Island all the way! I have the Tactical and its one of the best shooting guns I have ever shot. Super accurate and it eats anything. You just cant beat the price, and its easy to upgrade with some wilson combat drop in parts if desired. Over 1000 rounds here without a hiccup.
 
It's amazing that someone (or a couple) of firms have finally come out with a 1911 that is worth a crap right out of the box and they don't cost an arm and a leg. I recently got an STI Spartan and I'll be darned if it isn't fit as well as my custom built 1911 that cost three times as much. It shoots just as well, if not better, too. I've also heard good things about the RIA. The only bragging rights I have with the Spartan is that it was put together by STI. I know a few guys that have Spartans and they were able to get their hands on theirs for in the $500 range. I paid $650 for mine. I might have been able to do better, but I bought it from a local shop and when I saw it, I had to have it now.
 
Thanks guys, it looks like my research paid off well. I'll probably be getting myself an RIA as soon as I can afford it, probably on King's $365 link, sounds like a great deal and I appreciate the advice.
 
I originally bought a Rock Island GI .45. I carried a couple of .45 autos in the Army - one by Singer and the other one by Remington Rand - - - and I had one as a civillian (wish I'd held on to it). The Rock Island is as close as you can get to the real thing - - - and like the real thing; the sights are not all that good. It doesn't matter when you're engaging at close range in combat, a hit or two, or three anywhere with that thing stops 'em. They weren't intended to be target weapons - - - just efficient man stoppers. They were, and still are.

The GI .45 has a heavy front end and tends to shoot low either aiming or point shooting; you have to compensate - - - which is judging and guessing.

That's why I bought a tactical/target model. Both are accurate and reliable; but the target model seems more so. Once it was broken in it started to group 1 or two inches at 25 yards. I have a lot of GI brass and load it to GI specs or better. The Winchester stuff though, shoots like a dream and the Remington Home Defense Golden Sabre loads feed flawlessly (I use Kimber clips) - - - I'm really happy with it. I put on a Pachmyr grip and bought one of those Israeli made belt holsters from Taurus and a shoulder rig from Cops Plus. It's going to be a Winter carry piece. I may put a Crimson Trace on it down the road.

I think RIA is pretty hard to beat. My gunsmith was really impressed - - - and it takes a lot to get Bill's attention. Go for RIA - whichever model; you won't be disappointed. Oh! and by the way - - - their back up and customer service out in Nevada is excellent.:)
 
Get the RIA, You'll like it. I have a nickel plated GI .38 Super and it's been both accurate and reliable. Eventually I want to get a .45 to keep it company :)
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

D
  • Locked
Rock Island Armory 1911's
2 3
Replies
54
Views
4K
XDKingslayer
X
R
  • Locked
Which 1911 should I get?
Replies
22
Views
1K
Overkilll0084
O
T
  • Locked
Ria 1911
2
Replies
27
Views
1K
jcwit
J
D
  • Locked
RIA 1911 Tactical
Replies
19
Views
1K
Fumbler
F
R
  • Locked
1911 Auto-ordnance
Replies
3
Views
524
Silent Bob
S
Back
Top