Help me choose an intro 1911: RIA vs SA Mil-Spec vs STI Spartan

[Ben M.]

RIA, SA Mil-Spec, and STI Spartan.

I know these are all at different price points, and the STI Spartan would be right about at my ceiling if I could get one for around $600 (dawson precision maybe). But I'm interested in which you guys think presents the best value.

I have an old Colt 1911 that I got from an inheritance, and it still runs fine on hardball, feels great in my hand, and is fun to shoot, but it does bite my hand some and I'd like something that will shoot hollowpoints for home defense as well. (more of a penetration through walls issue that me being worried about .45 fmj effectiveness)

The most important aspect right now for me is reliability. I'm still a new shooter and anything I get will be much more accurate than me. Good sights are a nice bonus and I'll probably put on an ambi safety at some point for a little bit easier time with my weak hand. Feel free to recommend other brands as well, by the way.

Basically I just want a basic 1911 that will feed modern defensive ammo reliably and won't bite my hand, so I guess part of the question is will the more expensive STI offer any reliability improvement over the others? From what I understand all 3 have solid customer service. Oh, and I know this goes against purist doctrine but I must admit I'm kind of a sucker for front slide serrations.

I know this thread is similar to countless others, but I was hoping to get thoughts on a direct comparison between these 3 with the given criteria.

Final note, I live in the south/southwest suburbs of CHI and haven't been able to find an RIA or STI to hold or buy, does anybody know where I might locate either of these around here?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[fubb]

Don't own any of those, Have shot the spartan a number of times and loved it, made me buy a sti trojan. They were sold out of the spartan, and wife was away for a couple days.

 

[toddmog]

go for the RIA from Sarco Inc. I just got the tactical from them for $389 plus shipping. The GI is only $329 but you don't get the combat hammer and trigger as well as the extended beavertail grip safety or the novak style sights. The tactical also has a full lenght guide rod.

 

[Eric F]

Basically I just want a basic 1911 that will feed modern defensive ammo reliably and won't bite my hand

Unless you go with a tactical model from armscor Ria is out as is SA because they both come with gi grip safety. Only the spartan comes with a beaver tail.
No 1911 I have ever come across stock with out some smithing is completely reliable with all defensive ammo. More specificaly the gold dot. However you will have slightly more luck with the Spartan because they already come with some throught work more so than RIA or SA.
All things considdered and with what you are looking for the Spartan Wins by all means and you are getting a STI!

 

[possum]

check out the taurus line, i know that isn't one that you asked about but they are at a pretty low price point and have lots of bells and wistles includig the beavertail grip safety that will prevent "bite"

but from the models that you listed i would personally go with the sa , i own 3 sa handguns, 2 xd's and one 1911. to me they are the standard and i love em, plus sa stands behind there products and takes care of thier customers.

 

[Treo]

I have an RIA that handles Winchester JHPs fine I like it and had I not fallen under the spell of the CZ75 it would be my EDC, which leads me to say that if it has to be a 1911 go W/ the RIA if it can be any .45 you might want to look at a CZ97B

 

[CarbineKid]

A S&W might be an option. With the $100 rebate they are currently offering, it just might be the best deal going.

 

[weisse52]

Well, I own the Sa and love it. But I will say after looking at the STI it is a very nice pistol. You get a forged slide and STI internals. My only beef is I prefer a forged frame as well.

Since you already have a nice Colt, I would think very long and hard on picking up the STI.

 

[Ben M.]

Thanks for the responses so far. I guess I'm leaning toward the STI, although the RIA tactical is interesting. I don't see much of a need at this point for the adjustable rear sight on the STI, but is there really any downside to it? I guess it seems like the STI would make a pretty nice shooter for the money.

Also, how hard would it be to swap out the FLGR for a GI plug/spring/etc on the STI? That's what I'm used to on my Colt, and even though I'm sure it's not too big a deal, I'm just wondering if it's something that's possible.

Have shot the spartan a number of times and loved it, made me buy a sti trojan. They were sold out of the spartan, and wife was away for a couple days.

Haha, and maybe called the wife while she was away to give her some time to process before she saw you again in person? Funny stuff fubb.

Thanks again for the responses, keep em coming.

 

[Eric F]

Also, how hard would it be to swap out the FLGR for a GI plug/spring/etc on the STI?

Its a streight swap most likely but why? the added weight only helps with recoil control it lessens spring bind. But it is a streight swap

 

[George Hill]

Spartan.

 

[Ben M.]

Its a streight swap most likely but why? the added weight only helps with recoil control it lessens spring bind. But it is a streight swap

Yeah Eric I see what you mean. I guess the main reason was because I don't want to have to use a tool to be able to field strip it, but I read the manual at STI's website and then messed around with my Colt a little bit taking the slide stop out under tension and it's not hard at all, so more than likely if I get the Spartan I'll just keep the FLGR. I guess I was uninformed, but thanks for your answer.

 

[MAKster]

The RIA Tactical is made by Armscor and the STI Spartan is made with Armscor frame, slide, and barrel. Armscor then installs STI parts in the Spartan. The STI costs $200 more than the RIA. Are those STI internal parts worth a $200 price increase?

 

[stolivar]

Most RIA's

Well feed FMJ's and Hollow points with no problem.


steve

 

[Lurper]

I wouldn't get the Spartan, it has a cast frame. The best gun in that price range is the Taurus PT1911. Forged frame, Heinie sights, beavertail grip safety, long lightened trigger, lowered and flared ejection port, front sight is dovetailed, mag well flared. It is probably the best buy in guns at the moment. You can get it for under $500 here:
http://www.gilbertgunworks.com/proddetail.asp?prod=TAU-1191101W++++&cat=150
It is also available in stainless, but I didn't check the price. I've put about 30,000 rounds through mine and haven't had a hitch.

 

[strat81]

will the more expensive STI offer any reliability improvement over the others?

No. However, it will most likely be the most accurate of the three. All three are pretty reliable guns with quality mags. My Spartan has been reliable for me. I use the stock Novak mag, some Nighthawk mags (same as the Novak), and some 7 and 8 round Checkmate mags which seem to feed the smoothest.

I don't see much of a need at this point for the adjustable rear sight on the STI, but is there really any downside to it?

Rear sights can be a bit bulky and pointy which can be bad if you plan on carrying it concealed. Mine is pretty much just for the range so it doesn't bother me.

Also, how hard would it be to swap out the FLGR for a GI plug/spring/etc on the STI? That's what I'm used to on my Colt, and even though I'm sure it's not too big a deal, I'm just wondering if it's something that's possible.

Piece of cake. How fast can you field strip a 1911? That's how long it takes to install a GI-length guide rod. I picked up my GI rod and GI plug used from a 1911forum.com member for less than $10 shipped. However, you will still probably need the bushing wrench for field stripping because the Spartan bushing is tight. The FLGR vs. GI is one of those on-going debates and the supposed benefits of the FLGR have never really materialized for 99.9% of shooters. Buy the parts used, try them, if you don't like them, sell them for what you paid.

The RIA Tactical is made by Armscor and the STI Spartan is made with Armscor frame, slide, and barrel. Armscor then installs STI parts in the Spartan. The STI costs $200 more than the RIA. Are those STI internal parts worth a $200 price increase?

While this is true, there are some important pieces of info left out. First, the frame and slide of the Spartan are hand-fitted and have very close clearances. It is a TIGHT gun. The closest thing RIA offers to this is the FS Match, not the Tactical. The Tactical is a nice gun, but slide to frame fit is not on the same level as the Spartan.

Tactical internals supposedly have more MIM parts compared to the Spartan, and I believe the Spartan gets a better barrel than the Tactical.

I wouldn't get the Spartan, it has a cast frame.

Throw out your Rugers then, too. Cast does not mean junk. There are plenty of pictures of cracked forged frames all over the net of all types of firearms. RIA has been selling tons of those 1911s. If they all sucked, don't you think we'd be hearing more about it?

Two folks with cracked, forged, Springfield frames:
http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=43732

The best gun in that price range is the Taurus PT1911.

I own a Taurus too (not a 1911). I dread the day something goes wrong with it. Taurus has some of THE WORST customer service in the industry. Considering that the chances of having a problem with a 1911 are higher than many other guns, this is a fly in the ointment.

http://forum.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=189880
There is an excellent review of a Spartan, Mil-Spec, and PT1911.

http://ezine.m1911.org/RIASuper38.htm
RIA GI .38 Super Review

http://ezine.m1911.org/RIAMatch.htm
RIA FS Match Review

http://ezine.m1911.org/STISpartan.htm
STI Spartan Review

ETA: If you want a Spartan go to www.fbmginc.com, find the phone number, then call and ask for Larry. He's a mod on this board, really nice, and an STI dealer. Got mine from him and it was a smooth transaction.

 

[tomh1426]

I had a Springfield GI, it was not totally reliable (especially at first) and I couldnt see the sights so I ended up selling it.
Then I got a RIA tac, it was 100% reliable with any ammo and pretty accurate but I ended up trading it towards a PT1911 and Im very happy with it.
So as of now the Taurus holds the position of all around beater 1911 A S&W 1911 gets every day carry duty and my 1991a1 sits in its case.

 

[Ben M.]

Thanks for all the responses so far, keep em coming.

I have to add some more to the mix I guess. I'm looking at the Taurus, as well as a used Kimber Custom (not custom II, this one has no firing pin safety). Also, I could MAYBE stretch for a Springfield Loaded at the very high end of my price range, but is that really that much better than the others I'm considering? Help me out por favor.

Thanks again.

 

[silent one]

Kimber Custom

Ben M,

First off, welcome to the forum. A lot of nice people, and a ton of experiene can be learned from the shooters here. Now, I own a few .45's, all full sized, and I can say without the slightest hesitation, the pre II series Kimbers, have been the finest of all the .45's I shoot. If you have a chance to purchase one at a fair price, by all means jump on it. I don't know how many rounds I have put down the tube, and have never had a glitch with any of them. They are becoming harder to locate too. I know there are people who would differ with my opinion, but I'm speaking from my own experiences with the weapon. Good luck in your Quest.

"Semper Fi"

SILENT ONE

 

[chauncey]

after a trigger job and wrap-around grips, I have been quite happy with my SA mil-spec. feeds reliably, shoots accurately.

I have "small hands" so hammer bite hasn't been an issue on this weapon, for me.

 

[JohnnyOrygun]

I have to give my vote to the SA, I really like mine. It has been utterly reliable and feeds everything very well... I can't remember any jams or ftf's from it. My only complaint is the sights, they are not the best, but they are functional. One of these days...when the lottery matches my numbers, then I will get some new sights. But until then, I feel very confident in my SA and it's ability to protect my family and home, plus I enjoy shooting it. So I think you can't go wrong with SA, but then again, you probably can't go wrong with any of your choices. Good Luck!

 

[geophysicishooter]

Just like when the exact same question came up last week, I cast my vote for STI. THeir customer svc is the shin-diggity, their guns are cherry, I garantee you you'll be the only one at the range with a STI, and they're from Texas