"Starter" 1911

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meatballs

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Would like to get in to 1911s. Already got two .45s and thought a 1911 would be a nice addition to the collection. I would like something affordable with ambidextrous safeties as I am a lefty. How about an Auto Ordnance, or maybe an RIA? Been reading good things about those RIAs. Thanks.
 
I'd generally prefer the AO, because I like the arched housing and simpler roll marks, but I understand most would probably prefer the RIA since it is probably less expensive, has no firing pin safety, and probably has a reliability and customer service advantage.

The RIA folks are typically a happy bunch.
 
RIA Tactical or Tactical II. Ambi safety. My experience with RIAs has been excellent. Their customer service also has a good rep.
 
An RIA Tactical would get my vote as well as an affordable 1911 that's a decent buy for the money.
 
For a good quality 1911 that won't break the bank, RIA is a great option. For a few more bucks, the Springfield Loaded is also a good option, but they typically fetch a couple hundred dollars more than the RIA.
 
I've been pretty happy with my Taurus PT1911. I've had it for about 10 years now, and put about 8,000 rounds through it. It's pretty reliable and accurate. A couple years ago the Ambi-safety broke. It was covered under warranty. Other than that it's just replacing recoil springs and worn out magazines as needed.

I don't have much experience with other 1911s, but if you are interested in one with a fair amount of nice touches like ambi safety, serrations on the front of the slide, decent sights, and stippled trigger guard, take a look at Taurus.
 
Rocks will probably give you the most options from basic G.I. style to those with fancier sights and other features. Good pistol with good customer service and lifetime (of the pistol / no matter how many owners) warranty. I also find Tisas to be excellent. My Taurus PT1911 was excellent (no longer have it) though I see talk of some of them being hit or miss. Taurus CS isn't the greatest. FYI: If you ever have interest in a Tisas, I would recommend purchasing it from Bud's and make sure you pay the extra 20.00 for lifetime warranty. Though I've never had a need for the warranty, I have seen some folks with assorted firearms who say that Bud's warranty is top notch with quality work, quick turn-around, etc. Or purchase one from Gallery of Guns / Davidson's. They lifetime warrant what they sell for free.
 
My RIA has been troublesome, but it is a double-stack 40 and that may make a difference. My Tisas from Bud's has never malfunctioned in the five or so years I've had it.
 
Tallball said:
My RIA has been troublesome, but it is a double-stack 40 and that may make a difference. My Tisas from Bud's has never malfunctioned in the five or so years I've had it.
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The TISAS 1911s get a bad rap for having poor triggers, is that so or just Internet hearsay?
 
My Dad was so chipper with his GI RIA that he went and got himself the Officer for Christmas.
The GI isn't fancy or slick, but my Dad wanted his 1911 that way. Definitely worth what you pay for it and then some.

If you want to pay more, Springfield would be my recommendation.
 
stchman said:
The TISAS 1911s get a bad rap for having poor triggers, is that so or just Internet hearsay?
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I wouldn't sweat a "bad" trigger from an out of the box gun.

Other than the Citadel 3.5 CS I just bought, EVERY M1911 I've ever owned either had a gunsmith trigger job before I bought it or immediately afterward.
 
I have two RIA 1911's one a straight .45 acp and one a .45/.22 with the 22 conversion upper. Both had good triggers out of the box both make very good range guns, that feed everything I've tried in the way of reloads. The first one I bought as a "starter 1911". I've had the opportunity and the money to purchase much more expensive 1911's but the RIA's simply fill the bill for my range days.
 
Thanks for all the replies folks. One thing that I found interesting is that Rock Island Armory seems to have a much better warranty. Also, their customer service gets good reviews.
 
I would absolutely recommend an RIA. Mine has proven very reliable and impressively accurate.
 
anyone try the RIA double stack pistols? are these compatible with para or caspian mags or are they something proprietary?
 
Stchman - My Tisas has a nice trigger. It is also surprisingly accurate, considering that it's a GI model with those small sights. It was my first 1911. I liked it so much that now I have 4 1911esque pistols and like them all.

My RIA doublestack keeps having ftf issues. It came with a Mecgar magazine and I bought two more that are identical. I believe I have heard that it is a Para Ordinance design and made under license, though I could certainly be confused.

My others are a Colt and a Star.
 
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RIA or Springfield Range Officer. I managed to steal an excellent Range Officer for $550 shipped a year and a half ago.
 
giggitygiggity said:
RIA or Springfield Range Officer. I managed to steal an excellent Range Officer for $550 shipped a year and a half ago.
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Yep,I was just about to post nearly the same thing. I'd recommend the OP check his local classified sites like Armslist or Outdoors trader, for a used Springfield. I've found it to be a nicer pistol than the RIA's, for not that much more money. Though I've heard RIA's customer service is very good, over on the 1911 forum, folks absolutely rave about Springfield's customer service.
Last year, I scored a nearly NIB stainless Mil-spec, with an extra 8-rd mag, and a 100-rd box of brass Federals, for $550, and it's been dead-nuts accurate, and 100% reliable with various brands of aluminum and brass cased ammo, FMJ's and hollow points.
I see decent deals on them pretty regularly on the Georgia classified sites. Dollar-for-dollar, I think they're the best thing going in 1911's.
 
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