9mm 1911: Taurus vs. RIA?

[SpookyPistolero]

Howdy folks-

I've had a hankering to play with a 1911 again, but I'm not going to pay for .45 ammo. I already have some more serious 'primary' pistols and this would be a range or possible game gun. I've been reading as much as possible about the RIA and the Taurus in 9mm. But I'm torn!

The RIA has a cult following and I like the price and 'knock around' style. But it's got a cast frame and who knows what for internals.

The Taurus is... a Taurus. It comes with the "legendary" customer service (lack thereof). I've heard reports of random small parts breakage (safety, ex). It costs more than the RIA. It seems there are several reports of the sights shooting low. But it's got a more polished look to it and has forged frame/slide/barrel.

Does anyone have a good deal of experience with both, or either, that would care to comment? I am of course primarily interested in reliability, but also trigger quality and accuracy.

I can get a new Taurus for a bit under $500 it looks like. The RIA 9mm tactical is ~$430 from Centerfire.

Incidentally, I'm aware of the STI Spartan at a bit above $600. But this is just a 'fling' from my glocks, and a prolonged impulse buy on a toy. Getting something too pricey takes the fun out of it for me. These are really the only two pistols I'm interested in right now.

Thanks much for your thoughts!

 

[viking499]

I have also looked at the RIA 9mm. My RIA 45 has been flawless. RIA has a lifetime warranty and great CS. The cast frame is not an issue to me.

Never handles a Taurus, can not tell you anything about it/them. If I had to buy one today, it would be the RIA.

If you go with the RIA, get the Tactical version. It is worth the extra money for the better sights and trigger.

 

[WC145]

Like Viking said, I'd buy a 9mm RIA Tactical before I'd buy a Taurus. I had a RIA GI .38 Super, great gun, never had an issue, I only got rid of it because I got a great deal on a Colt .38 Super.

Also, I wouldn't sweat the cast frame or internal parts, the RIA reputation is well deserved. Their guns are rugged, they run, and they last.

 

[SpookyPistolero]

Thanks guys. I was leaning towards the RIA, my gut doesn't tell me the Taurus is a safe bet.

I might be taking a trip to Centerfire today.... [ETA: Or maybe not... looks like they're closed on weekends. Grr!]

 

[Hunterdad]

I just bought a RIA in 9mm and love it.

 

[CZ223]

Honestly you can't go wrong with either

I have 2 Taurus 1911's in 45 ACP and they are great guns. I have had zero problems with either. I wish I could say that about all of my 5 Kimbers but I can't. I have the Rock in 9mm and it hates hollow points but will pretty much gobble up any FMJ round. Get a couple of spare mags fron RIA, they are made by Check-mate. If the Taurus had been available in 9mm at the time I would probably have gone for it over the Rock.

 

[greyling22]

my 45 pt1911 was super duper. I wanted one in 9mm for years but taurus never got around to actually making any, they just sat in the catalogue mocking me. So I bought an eaa witness elite match, ran it for a while and sold my 45 and my glocks. I really really like that gun.

RIA makes a good quality product, but I had such great success with the taurus 45 that I'd probably go that route. in stainless.

 

[bikerdoc]

9 mm TAURUS in SS

Like you I bought it on a whim. Very impressed, couple hundred rounds down range without a hiccup. Has even nudged my CZ's, Smiths and Rugers, asside for EDC on occaision. Highly recommend. Will take kimber mags # 308 at about 19 bucks also.

 

[John Browning]

Anybody shot the Colt 9mm New Agent-how is the recoil-thanks for helping me out

 

[Snowdog]

As much as I know you probably don't want to hear it, I'll chime and suggest you looking into reloading. I remember how annoyed I used to get when folks would advise to take up reloading whenever I would comments on ammunition costs... then I decided to.

Now I can't imagine paying for ammunition when I can reload it to my own specifications for sometimes less than half the price (depending on the deals I get on primers and bullets).
Reloading is also quite relaxing too, IMO.

I find the .45acp a very easy cartridge to reload.