Inexpensive 1911: Firestorm or RIA??

[saturno_v]

Despite my repeated attempt to convince him otherwise, a co-worker of mine want a brand new 1911 but he doesn't want to spend top dollars for it (at least I convinced him of not spending a fortune on it).

Which of these low-end 1911 is better?? The Firestorm (made in Spain by Fabrinor), or the Rock Island Armory?? They both retail around $400...

Regards

 

[kansas45]

I don't know anything about the Firestorm. Heck, I didn't know nuttin' bout' the RIA either, but I bought a 45 GI. I still have it & have added a RIA 45 Tactical & a RIA 38 Super. I think I would encourage my friend to buy the RIA. A few of my buddies have bought RIA's since I bought mine.

 

[wally]

I don't think the Firestorm is a 1911. RIA is the best value in a 1911 these days. I recommend spending the modest price differential to get the RIA Tactical -- better sights, beavertail, ambi safety.

--wally.

 

[Cowboy2]

Don't know anything about Firestorm. I one RIA in .45, the other in .38 super. Both are great guns.

 

[hankdatank1362]

The Firestorm 1911 was my first ever pistol. Not made to spec, doesn't use grip bushings, so aftermarket grips won't fit.

Very accurate, fed anything without a hitch.

Unfortunately, it fell apart in my hands one day while shooting it. The plunger tube fell off, to then the thumb safety fell out, then the grip safety was next. Ridiculous.

get the RIA.

 

[bakert]

I don't think the Firestorm is a 1911. RIA is the best value in a 1911 these days. I recommend spending the modest price differential to get the RIA Tactical -- better sights, beavertail, ambi safety.

--wally.
___________

I wanted a 1911 that didn't cost an arm and a leg for informal shooting. The RIA Tactical was what I settled on. My "wouldn't have anything but a Colt" older friend up the street even likes it.

 

[Calhoun]

I can highly recomend the RIA. And the Tactical version is worth the few extra bucks.

 

[Baneblade]

Unless I am mistaken, the Firestorm is not truly a 1911 and has a couple of differences. Not all of the parts are interchangeable, whereas the RIA is made using equipment we gave the Filipinos. The RIA is truly a 1911.

 

[Steve C]

Get a Taurus PT1911 for a few bucks more. I know a couple people who have then and are very happy so far. Taurus does have a lifetime warranty on the gun and if you have a Cabellas or Sports Authority in your area they do go on sale occasionally. They're like $700 MSRP but you can usually find them well under $600.

 

[novaDAK]

The Firestorm is nothing more than a rebadged Llama. Do a search and you'll learn more...it's not a true 1911.

I've never heard a single bad thing about the RIA.

 

[dracphelan]

I recommend the RIA 1911. I have had one for four years and love it.

 

[weisse52]

Between those, no contest. RIA.

 

[roguejestyr]

Rock Island Armory, without a doubt. i don't even know about or heard of the other choice.

 

[Rex B]

Firestorm

I know this is an old thread, but I think it needs an update.

For a period after the Llama company closed down a few years ago, Bersa sold a 1911 apparently based on the Llama, probably made in South America. Those disappeared shortly afterward, but there are some out there. They appear to be equivalent to the later Llama Max-1. That's not neccessarily a bad thing, my Max-1 is a good pistol for the money.

Current Firestorm pistols are made by MetroArms of Manila, Philippines.
They seem to be the equal of the RIA.

Here's a review: http://ezine.m1911.org/Firestorm_frame.htm

 

[510thomas]

+1 for the RIA Tactical
You might also take a look at a used Taurus 1911. They can be had for around $450. I know several people who have one and love them. The Taurus is the first gun on my wishlist! You wouldn't go wrong with the RIA Tactical or the Taurus...

 

[novaDAK]

Yep. My previous post in this thread only applies to older Firestorms. I've heard decent things about the new TRUE 1911s that are sold under the name.

 

[mmartin101808]

I'd say spend a little more and go with either a Springfield GI, or Mil-Spec. Of the two you metioned go with RIA. A buddy of mine has one and loves it. Also I'm not sure if your a Para fan, but they just came out with a low cost GI as well.

 

[matai]

How does the Taurus 1911 compare to these?

 

[mmartin101808]

I've never shot the taurus 1911's. I have a Mil-Spec and a Loaded Champion and love them both. The GI is about $150 cheeper with a few less options, but still a great gun for the money. Para's have mixed reviews. Their finishes suck, and reliability is debatable. No first hand experience with Para's. I guess I've just heard too many bad things about them to buy one, although I've seriously considered a warthog. I handled a Taurus 1911 at the store a while back and it felt real nice in my hands, but I'm sold on Springfield. All of their mid to entry level 1911's are great bangs for your buck.

 

[MICHAEL T]

My American Classic (firestorm different rollmark) is a great shooter and 1911 compatable Its every bit as good as the RIA and I will put against the Turaus any day . The slide on my is like on ball bearings smoother than my colts The fitting of frame and slide very well done Their well worth the money and They have a nice blue finish. After 7 rounds of ball I started on HP and its has ate them all from Federal to Corbon with out a hicup

 

[Thomas Garrett]

Vote-1, RIA, Have 2 RIA Tactical Bi-Tone 5", .45's. Love them both. Great shooters!

 

[bannockburn]

Just got done modifying a friends RIA M1911. Very impressed by the fit, finish, and function of the gun. I would reccomend one for someone looking for a less expensive M1911 pistol.

 

[devilc]

I have never heard much good about the Firesstorm.
Big plus 1 for the Rock Island Armory Tactical.
Also consider the Taurus - that's a great 1911 for a low price.