Anyone have experience with the Firestorm model 1911's? From everything I have read, they seem to be a slight step up from the RIA 1911's, of which I hear nothing but good. I like the looks of the Firestorm better than the RIA (the blued finish is nice), but I don't really know many people with experience with them. Anyone have details on this, and are they really a touch nicer than the RIA?
Firestorm/Metro Arms vs. RIA Tactical
- Thread starter M&PVolk
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FMJMIKE
Member
I have a Metro Arms American Classic II (Same as the Firestorm) and once owned a couple RIA 1911s. I think the Metro Arms is a better built 1911. I paid $400 plus shipping on Gunbroker.com. I saw one at the gunshow for $349. Good Luck !
I have one, Deluxe - early model by serial number and lack of "MA" in hammer center. My first 1911, but have had no problems except for loose sight screw which got lost. I like it, waiting on them to come out with a compact. I too was loooking at the RIA at first, but found this one at a LGS for 400.00. You will want new grips though, cheap and ugly. Probably 500 rounds, no failures.
I have a Metro Arms and a Citadel which is virtually the same as an RIA tactical. The Citadel has been a good gun well made and put together, especially for the price. My Metro Arms appears to be made even better, tighter, better looking. The Metro Arms I would say is way underpriced. The only down side is the rear cocking serations are sharp at the bottom and saw through the skin as I shot it. I have been meaning to stone them down.
I prefer larger serrations than what RIA and Firestorm offer, perhaps a bit more like the Charles Daly. That said, the Firestorm and RIA both seem quite a bit nicer than the Daly. I can live with poor grips at first...easily replaced down the road.
Spad2008
Member
I have a Rock Island Tactical Nickel and it has been superb, trigger as good as my Colt Gold Cup. The pistol has is very accurate and from what I've read the service is very good. Would not hesitate to buy another Rock Island. Bill
MICHAEL T
Member
I have a early American Classic serial is in 70's It has been a perfect performer I took from box oil slide and went to shooting First 7 rounds ball then went to HP tried several brands and even mix them in the mags . Never a problem
Have several members on BersaTalk with the Firestorm or Classic. I believe one member had a problem with slide not locking back on last round .
You will want better grips But everyone changes 1911 grips any way
RIA is a great pistol but I believe the Metro Arms is a little better ,
Have several members on BersaTalk with the Firestorm or Classic. I believe one member had a problem with slide not locking back on last round .
You will want better grips But everyone changes 1911 grips any way
RIA is a great pistol but I believe the Metro Arms is a little better ,
SCBradley
Member
I had an American Classic II. It had the WORST bore I'd ever seen on a firearm. That includes surplus stuff.
The bore was gouged throughout it's entire length and the rifling was cut at varying depths. The barrel walls were also thicker on one side than the other, like it was bored off center.
After seeing that, I went back to the shop where I bought it and looked at the two other Metroarms/Firestorms they had. Sure enough, they both displayed varying degrees of the same shoddy work.
The authorized repair center (CGW) acted like it wasn't an issue and said it should shoot fine anyway. If I really wanted, they would look at it and fit a new barrel, more than likely of similar quality. I decided not to waste my time or the cost of shipping.
I decided to run a few rounds through it to at least see how my $385 headache printed. The rear sight fell off after three rounds.
A friend of mine who isn't a shooter was looking at my handguns. After handling the Metroarms, he picked up my Kimber. Unprompted he said that they look a lot alike, and referencing the AC II he said "but this one feels fake".
The bore was gouged throughout it's entire length and the rifling was cut at varying depths. The barrel walls were also thicker on one side than the other, like it was bored off center.
After seeing that, I went back to the shop where I bought it and looked at the two other Metroarms/Firestorms they had. Sure enough, they both displayed varying degrees of the same shoddy work.
The authorized repair center (CGW) acted like it wasn't an issue and said it should shoot fine anyway. If I really wanted, they would look at it and fit a new barrel, more than likely of similar quality. I decided not to waste my time or the cost of shipping.
I decided to run a few rounds through it to at least see how my $385 headache printed. The rear sight fell off after three rounds.
A friend of mine who isn't a shooter was looking at my handguns. After handling the Metroarms, he picked up my Kimber. Unprompted he said that they look a lot alike, and referencing the AC II he said "but this one feels fake".
MICHAEL T
Member
Did you send it in for Warranty and give it a chance to be corrected .Or is it just laying in a safe .Guns have warranty in case of a problem. If you have a problem and don't try to have it fixed .Then bitch about it I see your just as much of a problem. I give all gun manufactures 1 try at fixing. If they fail then I believe you have a good complaint. I see a lot more Kimber bashing than Metro Arms.
bdb benzino
Member
It is odd to hear bad of a Metro Arms 1911, I almost never hear anything bad about them. Mine is as well fit and finished and accurate as my Springfield loaded, and has been flawless for almost 1000 rounds. I can assure you that my bore is very nice, and I don't believe that 3 different MA's had the same problem. It sounds to me that someone is expecting $1000 work from a $400 pistol.
SCBradley
Member
This is as good a pic as my crappy camera would take. None of that is fouling and it would look a lot worse if it were in focus.
There are scratches that follow the lands, scratches that cut across the lands, gouges in the lands, and multiple sections where the lands are level with the grooves.
I used a bore light, magnifying glass, and a plastic pick to verify that none of what I was seeing was fouling.
Both of the remaining Metroarms 1911s at the shop had the same problem. In fairness, mine was the only one visibly bored off center.
Colorado Gun Works said they would replace the barrel, but made comments suggesting that all the barrels exhibit this and that I was expecting too much from a $400 gun. For $400 I expect a bore that doesn't look like it was hand carved by a 4th grader.
They also carefully hinted that if I did send it in, that I should lie to UPS by omission about shipping a gun in order to pay less.
There are scratches that follow the lands, scratches that cut across the lands, gouges in the lands, and multiple sections where the lands are level with the grooves.
I used a bore light, magnifying glass, and a plastic pick to verify that none of what I was seeing was fouling.
Both of the remaining Metroarms 1911s at the shop had the same problem. In fairness, mine was the only one visibly bored off center.
Colorado Gun Works said they would replace the barrel, but made comments suggesting that all the barrels exhibit this and that I was expecting too much from a $400 gun. For $400 I expect a bore that doesn't look like it was hand carved by a 4th grader.
They also carefully hinted that if I did send it in, that I should lie to UPS by omission about shipping a gun in order to pay less.
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wow looking at the bore of mine; looks good to me but I gotta wear reading glasses. I could say even if it was pitted, scratched, had rust and green mold as long as it fired every time and hit what I aimed at, it's the gun for me..... Totally understand if you gonna buy something for hard earned money it should meet your expectations. WEIRD! Wonder what year the guns were made??
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