American Classic II or RIA Tactical?

[Bowhunter57]

I've been considering a 1911 for a long time and have decided this is the year. I've been comparing the Bersa brand American Classic II and the Rock Island Armory Tactical models. I like the sights and triggers on both models.

Both are getting great reviews, both have good price tags and both produce the accuracy that I'm looking to attain for hunting purposes.

Which one would you choose and why?

Your experiences and opinions are appreciated.
Thank you, Bowhunter57

 

[Hornet24]

I wouldn't choose either for hunting.....

 

[Hacker15E]

I think the RIA is preferred over the American Classic, mostly because of customer service.

 

[Nushif]

Aside from also not using one for hunting I would take the RIA fullsize tactical.

Why?
I like a good parkerized finish.
I have personal experience with RIA products and can absolutely assure you that they stand behind their product.

But I do have to say that my local 'smith likes his American Classics.

 

[Sky]

Both are good to go for budget 1911s. The ACll is blued and the RIA is not just a matter of personal preference. One of our Mods was at some tournament using the ACll when it malfunctioned and he was not a happy camper. Parts for both are easily replaced if something breaks so if you get a chance shoot both. The RIAs I have shot have a good trigger but so does the ACll.

 

[allaroundhunter]

I would prefer the RIA, but I would go with an older model tactical. I don't like the current fully railed frame.


.....and I have to ask...what are you intending to hunt with this pistol?

 

[RickMD]

I have full sized RIA's in both .45 and 9mm. Both are solid, dependable, relatively accurate, and trouble free. I wouldn't, however, choose a 1911 style pistol for a hunting gun. I'd be looking for a .357. .41, or .44 Magnum revolver for that duty.

 

[Bowhunter57]

.....and I have to ask...what are you intending to hunt with this pistol?

Varmints...like coyotes and groundhogs. Although, I know a couple of guys that have hunting wild hogs with them...not my first choice for such an aggressive critter. However, I would consider deer hunting with a 1911, with considerations to shot placement, range restriction and bullet selection.

Bowhunter57

 

[trickyasafox]

I own both (tac in 9mm, ACII in 45acp). You can't go wrong with either. the ACII has extended controls and 3-dot sights. The RIA has plain black sights and ambi-safety. The RIA comes standard with a FLGR, whereas the ACII is GI style. Both function well and will serve the purpose you want.

Personally, I prefer the sights on the RIA as it was easier to paint them how I prefer them- but I do find the controls easier on the ACII. I haven't had the RIA long enough to talk about how the finish holds up- but I carry the ACII a LOT and it has held up reasonably well.

I've wrote up both of them on my blog
http://gunzandsh*t.blogspot.com/search/label/RIA here for the RIA http://gunzandsh*t.blogspot.com/search/label/American Classic II here for the ACII

replace * with i to get the links.