STI Spartan or Trojan, they should out shoot and be more reliable than anything in their price ranges, 3 calibers to choose from too. Colts are decent 1911s but are not what they used to be. What they, (like a lot of 1911s) are, is overpriced because of the Colt name. Currently have 6 1911s, including a Colt MK IV Series 70 9mm. I shoot my STI and a SIG RCS more often than the others, With the STI getting the nod most often. I would have a seventh 1911 this weekend, but the Les Baer Premier II at the LGS was sold before I could make a move on it. Of your 2 choices I would get the SA RO, Ruger makes good revolvers, my only wheel gun I still own is a Ruger. I do not own any of their pistols, but have had oportunity to shoot several over the years, unimpressed, there are better choices IMO. All features and materials being equal the STI should have at least a better trigger, better QC and build quality. At this price level you just cannot beat an STI, tie maybe. At $1600 on the Les Baer vs $999 for the STI Trojan, for the same level of performance, I would be paying $600 for a name. Good name though, Les Baer...