Rock Island 1911 Tactical (Nickel) vs Ruger SR1911

[Youngrevolver]

i was just wondering if anyone had experiences with these two 1911's. I am planning on purchasing my first 1911 and I am not really sure if one was made with better quality as far as trigger and internals. I have heard good things about both but if they are pretty much equal i will go with the one that is the least expensive witch is obviously the RIA.

Thanks

 

[NMBrian]

The Ruger is for sure the better over all gun in terms of production process, finish, American Made, etc.

Is it worth DOUBLE the cost of the RIA? I doubt it. Are you in law enforcement? Is this a duty gun you have to rest your life on every day? Just for the range? Home defense?

I have only held the Ruger, I have shot and owned a RIA 1911, it was 100% and well built. That being said if I had the $$ I would probably buy the Ruger.

 

[Youngrevolver]

I would be using it for range and HD. i wouldn't mind waiting to save money for the Ruger like you said IF it was worth nearly double the RIA. I was considering the SA Loaded 1911 but it a couple bills more than the Ruger which IMO is not justifiable.

 

[nwilliams]

For the price I would go RIA.

The Ruger is a bit new to the market but it seems nice and is getting positive reviews.

Both are Series 70 based 1911's both are cast not forged, both share the many of same features such as the beavertail grip safety, sights, skeleton trigger and hammer. Both the RIA Tactical and Ruger are CNC machined and both companies are known for providing good customer service.

If you ask me the the only thing that the Ruger has going for it over the RIA is that fact that it's American made. If you don't mind buying a Philippine made gun then get the RIA.

Also the RIA can be had for under $500, most of the SR1911's I've seen selling locally are around $700. For that kind of money I would sooner spend a little bit more and get a Colt.

 

[Apocalypse-Now]

seems 99% of people recommending the SR1911 have never even seen one in person, let alone fired one lol. i'm sure you'll get a bunch of posts from those folks on your thread here.

RIA's aren't my cup of tea, but most folks seem to like 'em.

i prefer springfield armory

 

[KingMedicine]

I havent even felt a ruger 1911, but alas, i own a Rock Island 1911 in 9mm, and its a solid SOLID shooter. I have seen the light and love Rock Islands for the price point and quality. Just take apart the rock island when you get it and clean up the MIM parts...

 

[kyletx1911]

i have never held a ruger but i own 3 rocks and own the nickel tac nib 540.00 otd
but if you are going to carry owb and sweat like me it is a little hard in the finish

 

[RX-178]

No, the SR1911 is not worth nearly double the RIA.

Of course, you shouldn't be seeing prices so mismatched either.

The RIA tactical with the nickel finish should average out at about $500. The SR1911 should average at about $700 currently.

Owning an RIA (GI model, not the tactical model), I'd probably say the SR1911 would be worth the extra $200 in fit, finish, and general quality, but if the price gap is any more than that, you won't regret getting the RIA either.

 

[simonm2211]

I own both. It is pretty much as others have suggested; the SR1911 is the better gun in terms of fit and finish but both have been very reliable, although the round count in each is still less than 500. I would recommend the Ruger if you can wait to save the money, because it is a gun that i can see myself keeping forever. I also like the fact that it is made here. Fewer and fewer things are anymore. Based on my experience, you can't go wrong with either one, though. I paid $480 OTD and $699 plus tax but the Ruger was an impulse buy and i could probably done better if I shopped online and waited.