Rock Island Armory worth buying as 1st 1911?

[skoro]

For this price range, would you buy this 1911 or just go with a pocket 380 for now and get a 1911 in a few years?

Only you cn answer that question, based on your perceived requirements. If the 380 is something you think you'll need and the 1911 is a an object of desire, then get the 380 first.

But when you're ready for a "beginner" 1911, the RI is a good one. I've had mine for two years and it's a real nice shooter.

 

[HKGuns]

I bought one because it was a no brainer for the price. I got the GI for less than $380 used, but unfired. My expectations were extremely low and as it turns out, so far, unnecessarily low.

It won't win any beauty contests, but mine has gone bang so far for 100 consecutive rounds and the construction and fit far surpassed my expectations of a pistol at this price point. The trigger is good to go as far as I am concerned.

 

[joepa150]

I looked at the 380s and the RIA 45s today. RIA is what I am going to go with. I am going to start a poll about which one I should get (sorry I like polls)

 

[scrod008]

I have a RIA Compact Tactical model and love it. I have over 2500 rounds through it and not one problem. I have more expensive 1911's and like shooting the RIA just as much or more than the more expensive ones. I also don't worry about it getting banged up, scratched up or beat up, it's the one I always grab in addition to my sig p238 in my pocket. The RIA is basically my "truck gun", always with me when I'm out and about.

 

[joepa150]

I can get a full size tactical today for $469. I still haven't found a compact tactical that I can buy today.

I am worried that the full size 1911 would be too big to carry comfortably vs the compact. Is there much of a difference? I guess concealablilty should be the same since the barrel just extends longer down your leg, right?

On the other hand, I do not want reliabilty issues with the shorter barrel.

 

[Purple Rice]

I own four RIA's (GI, Tactical, Match, and Compact). All four combined cost less than my Kimber. All four are great shooters....but now the Kimber is a safe queen.

 

[southeastshooter]

My FFL has a good handful of handguns. Glock, Sig, XD etc. He carries a RIA. I fully intend on purchasing one in the next few months. Not implying that they are good as the above listed but if someone has quality and carries something than that says something to me at least.

 

[KingMedicine]

I own a tactical 1911 9mm, It did need a bit of a clean up when i got it. Everything that was mold injected was not cleaned up one bit, but past that, it functions flawless, shoots straight and is fun to shoot. Totally worth the 440 i paid for it NIB.

 

[NMGonzo]

Do it.

You can get a nicer one down the road.

 

[joepa150]

I ended up buying a Springfield Armory Lightweight Champion GI. It just seemed like the perfect balance of size and weight. It was about $70 more than the RIA Tac compact. It may not have all the options that RIA Tac has but it has a longer barrel and is lighter. What also sealed the deal for me is that the lower end SA 1911 are extremely hard to get. I called about 15 shops and no one had them and they were all backordered for an indefinite amount of time. I then found a shop an hour and a half away that had on GI LW Champion. I told him I will be there ASAP.

 

[bakert]

Another vote for the RIA Tactical. Mine after a few initial FTE runs fine now.

 

[ThePunisher'sArmory]

I love my Rock Island Tactical!!! Will be getting the 9mm soon. If they ever come out with a .22lr.....I will own it too!

 

[ProtoformX]

One of the first 1911's I ever held was the stock RIA GI 1911. I immediatly fell in love with it, and resolved to buy it as my next handgun. But then I held and shot a SA 1911 GI. Nothing wring with the RIA, but four a couple hundred more I figured I could get an even more authentic "vintage" 1911 with the SA one.

Both seem to be great guns, I simply opted for the more expensive one. Doesn't mean that you, or anybody else should.

 

[chucksolo69]

I have a Colt Govt. Model MK IV Series 70, a Springfield Armory GI .45, and a RIA Compact CS. The RIA is as good a quality gun as the other two and shoots just as well.

 

[mordechaianiliewicz]

I personally think the RIA 1911s offer one of the best values in the 1911 market myself.

 

[hobodemon]

Get the RIA. I got their 1911A1 as my first pistol, and it's been a great platform to learn on, and build on.

 

[NovaRey1911]

I just recently bought the gi model and love it. The only thing is that im in california and everyrhing is more expensive with guns here. Tax and ca license and the hogue grip incl7ded was 513 out the door. Not bad considering the Sig wanted was double