RIA or Auto Ordnance M1911 .45?

[historynut]

I've decided on a GI .45 for plinking at the range/camping/canoeing/jeeping and have narrowed it down to RIA or Auto Ord. I've read a lot of good stuff about the RIAs here and other places. I've read good reviews about Auto Ord on their site (no surprise there) but have not heard/read much from owners on other sites. I like both for price (I can get the RIA locally for around $360 and the AO for about $100 more). Both seem to handle well, to me anyway. I like the AO Series 80 safety configuration, but don't know if it absolutely necessary for what I'll be using it for.

Any thoughts as to which way to go?

Please don't say go with a Colt, Kimber, SA, etc. I've got my eye out for a good used one from these manufacturers, but they are out of my price range for the moment.

 

[darrenk75b]

In my opinion, the Series 80 stuff only complicates an already safe weapon. Having owned a Rock Island, they would get my vote. They are excellent pistols for the money.

 

[3fgburner]

I've got an RIA that I've had for 3 years or so. Excellent gun. Low-cost, and utterly reliable, as long as you give it the regular 1000-round cleaning.

 

[David the Gnome]

I'm going to buy myself a RIA 1911 once my funds permit.

 

[Dionysusigma]

Rock Island all the way.

My gunsmith's opinion of the AO is, as they say, less than stellar. Plus, the frontstrap on an AO is a tad longer than any other, and it really throws off the feel.

 

[MudPuppy]

A RIA is on my short list. And new checkered grips.

 

[bakert]

At one time my son had an older Auto Ordinance that was a keeper but I bought a RIA not long ago and with exception of one minor problem I am happy with it.

 

[f4t9r]

Go with the Rock !!!!!!!!

 

[strat81]

Rock Island. Fine guns and excellent customer service.

 

[Hunter0924]

My vote goes for the A-O. I have shot RIA pistols and they are fine pistols but I like the Kahr built A-O.
Here is a review I wrote on the A-O for the m1911.org ezine.
http://ezine.m1911.org/AO1911A1.htm

 

[mpmarty]

RIA all the way! Stay away from the series 80 versions if you can. Series 70 have better triggers and a few less parts to cause problems. My RIA is what they call the "tactical" model and comes with some nice options. Very well finished inside, polished feed ramp and quality magazine (8 rounds) very nice wood grips, ambidextrous safety, skeleton hammer, nice trigger and the exterior metalwork is very smooth and while not high gloss blue is quite attractive nonetheless.

 

[HM2PAC]

I would go with the RIA. Mine is fantastic and I plan on ordering more.

I also second the notion of new grips for the weapon. The stock grips are fat and way too smooth. They are a pretty wood though.

 

[historynut]

Hunter - it was your review that got me interested in the AO GI M1911 after seeing one at a local shop a couple months ago. Loved the detail and info in the review/article. Great work.

Thanks for all the input everyone - keep it coming.

And yes, if I go the RIA route I will get some checkered grips.

 

[HM2PAC]

The Wilson Combat Slimline Grips are really nice too.