First 1911 Questions

[Noah]

I am looking at getting my first 1911 sometime in the next month, I was hoping for some advice/answers to a few questions I have.

I am on a tight budget, and I am looking at 3 different guns. I can get a Rock Island Armory Tactical with a factory duracoat finish, beavertail, and extended ambidextrous safety for $480, a Springfield Mil Spec for $575, with a mail in rebate for 2 free magazines, or a Ruger SR1911 for $650. All are 5", .45 ACP guns. I have shot 1911s quite a bit, but never owned one.

All 3 guns have very good reviews and warranties, so I am having trouble choosing the best option. I would like an extended beavertail and safety like the Ruger and RIA both come with, but the Springfield is in between the 2 in price, and would come with the 2 free magazines (saving me another $50). However, it does not come with a beavertail grip safety, or a larger safety. I already know first hand I'd like it a lot more with those features, since I shoot a high thumbs forward grip and have gotten hammer bite from GI guns before.

Would I have to switch to a more modern style bobbed hammer to use a Wilson beavertail? What are the chances that swapping the hammer, beavertail, and safety could cause reliability issues? Are the parts most likely to be drop in, or require fitting?

So my logic goes as such- If I am going to spend the money to swap all the parts on the Springfield, should I just pony up and get the Ruger instead? It comes set up exactly how I'd like. Or should I just save $200 from the Ruger and go with the RIA? $200 will buy a lot of ammo. I want as much reliability as possible, but I have really only seen good reviews for all 3 guns. Is there another gun in the $400-600 price range I should be looking at?

Thanks for the help in advance!

 

[NWcityguy2]

I wouldn't worry about reliability. Go RIA for parkerized, Ruger for stainless. Easy choice.

 

[JTQ]

Would I have to switch to a more modern style bobbed hammer to use a Wilson beavertail?

Yes, unless you filed down the spur hammer.

What are the chances that swapping the hammer, beavertail, and safety could cause reliability issues?

Unless you are a gunsmith, probably 100%. OK, not 100%, but that's a job I'd take to a gunsmith.

Are the parts most likely to be drop in, or require fitting?

The saying in the 1911 world is, there are no drop in parts. I like to remind folks the 1911 is not a Glock or A/R. 1911 parts don't just snap together like a Lego set.

Springfield makes the Loaded model, if you'd like to get a Springfield with the features you prefer. http://www.springfield-armory.com/products/1911-loaded-45-acp/

They are all fine guns, though. I'd get the one you like and not worry about the price. A few trips to the range and you'll have spent the difference in ammo.

 

[mongoose33]

Since the Springfield doesn't have the features you want, it's out. Period.

Then it's a question of whether the Ruger is worth $170 more to you. That's something only you can decide. What does the Ruger have that makes it worth that much more than the RIA?

****************

Suppose you buy the RIA and put the difference into ammo. A year from now, that ammo will be gone and all you'll have left is the gun. Are you going to be happier a year from now w/ the RIA, or after that ammo is gone, will you wish you had the Ruger?

 

[highlander 5]

I vote for the Ruger, I'm getting lazy in my old age and have always liked stainless easier to care for and Ruger's customer service is excellent.

 

[redneck]

I really liked the ruger I handled. I have only seen a couple but I think they are comparable to guns that cost a lot more.
I looked at a rock island tactical in 9mm and its a very nice gun for the money but I found the ambi thumb safety to stick out too far and to have sharp edges. It hits the knuckle on my index finger and would probably be uncomfortable to shoot without knocking the edges down on it and re blueing or re coating. I would try to handle a rock island before you buy one, they're nice but you may decide its needs some tweaking that the ruger doesn't.

 

[Yo Mama]

All of the ones you are looking at are great guns.

I have the SA Milspec, but those Rugers are really nicely done. I'd go with the Ruger and save money and time on switching parts that you know you'll be looking at down the road.

 

[PabloJ]

Since the Springfield doesn't have the features you want, it's out. Period.

Then it's a question of whether the Ruger is worth $170 more to you. That's something only you can decide. What does the Ruger have that makes it worth that much more than the RIA?

****************

Suppose you buy the RIA and put the difference into ammo. A year from now, that ammo will be gone and all you'll have left is the gun. Are you going to be happier a year from now w/ the RIA, or after that ammo is gone, will you wish you had the Ruger?

The SA and RIA are both from Philippines if I recall correctly. The $170 isn't a whole lot more for something stainless made in the USA.

 

[tercel89]

I have the Springfield Mil-Spec and the Rock Island basic model. I like them both . The Springfield would be my choice . It has the forged upper and lower . The Ruger , Springfield and Rock Island are all great though. They are all "series 70" which is what I always want .

 

[627PCFan]

Personally I like the Ruger but for you the RIA and use the change for extra mags and ammo.

 

[samweller]

Buy the Ruger.

 

[JTQ]

PabloJ wrote,
The SA and RIA are both from Philippines if I recall correctly.

RIA is from the Philippines. Springfield Armory guns have never come from the Philippines. They were at one time made in Brazil, though they are apparently now made in the US.

 

[Tallball]

There are good Turkish ones in the same price range as the RIA's.

Bud's sell Tisas, and I think that the Sar ones are more widely available.

 

[Sunray]

"...beavertail grip safety or a larger safety..." Those are "I want." things. Not really necessary. High visibility sights and grips that feel right to you, are.
"...made in the USA..." Isn't any sort of guarantee of anything.
"...Springfield Armory guns have never come from the Philippines..." Still Brazil, last I heard. Wouldn't base any purchase on what parts you think you'll have to change. S'really none for any brand.
A Springfield Milspec is an entry level pistol with a match grade barrel with so-so sights.
The Ruger has better sights but not a match barrel. The 'long' trigger may not fit your hand.
The RIA is indeed made in the PI. By Armscor, the same guys who made/make the assorted AR and AK style .22 junk rifles.

 

[Noah]

All of your answers have been very helpful, both the general opinions and the answers to my specific questions. I think my choice now is between the Rock Island vs. saving for a little longer and getting the Ruger. The Springfield is also a great gun but the parts and labor to change parts take it out of the equation- I don't want to mess it up. I am very comfortable working on ARs and AKs, but that is a different ball game than 1911s, so "set up how I want" from the factory seems to be important.

 

[imashooter]

If the Rock has the features you desire, I recommend it. Had 4 now I have 3 and all are excellent. Had a minor issue with one and RIA customer service in Nevada insisted on my sending it to them. They pay the shipping and the customer service is excellent. Take the saved cash and buy some extra magazines. If you get the rock, follow their recommendation, which is totally disassemble (they're so trusting ) the firearm, clean well with mineral spirits, dry well, lube well, commence firing. In fairness, SA also has great customer service (imo).

 

[Capt. Ct.]

I must say I like the looks of the Ruger and it has the features you want. Not to say anything bad about the other guns but I would suck it up and get the Ruger. In a while you will forget about the extra money.

 

[Magnumite]

""...beavertail grip safety or a larger safety..." Those are "I want." things. Not really necessary. High visibility sights and grips that feel right to you, are."

The beavertail (specifically the grip safety contour) is a must for some shooters, myself incuded. It can affect pointsbility and stability in the hand dependent on the shooters hand dimensions and hold. I think the OP has done well to realize that.

As to specific contour, one can shoot the different types to see what works best.