Couldn't resist posting this as I happen to have picked up two 1911s on opposite sides of the price range in the same week.
First up is an Ed Brown Executive Target. Look at that flawless finish and beautiful craftsmanship..
Next is a RIA M1911A1. Look at that ...well pretty damn flawed finish and absence of craftsmanship
Strangely enough both guns performed very well so far. Had a couple of FTFs to start with the RIA but they shot in just fine and did not reappear since. No probs of any kind with the EB. The Brown is noticeably more accurate even in my mediocre hands - some 40% smaller groups. But then it is $2K more! Of course that money shows up in more places than the slide - the fit and finish and attention to detail of the Brown is breathtaking throughout whereas the RIA is rough and ready. If I could not bring myself to spend a lot of money on a 1911 I would say the RIA is an excellent buy, and I truly think it is - seems to be working into a reliable and functional low cost 1911. But if you are willing to shell out the bigger sticker price of the Brown you'll find yourself happy with the value too I think.
I have two other 1911s in the middle of that price range and what do you know - the workmanship and quality is in the middle too. Amazaing, that..
Here are a couple of side on shots to go along with it - I have added Hogues and a FLGR to the RIA whereas the Ed Brown is shown in it's pre-finger grooved state.
First up is an Ed Brown Executive Target. Look at that flawless finish and beautiful craftsmanship..
Next is a RIA M1911A1. Look at that ...well pretty damn flawed finish and absence of craftsmanship
Strangely enough both guns performed very well so far. Had a couple of FTFs to start with the RIA but they shot in just fine and did not reappear since. No probs of any kind with the EB. The Brown is noticeably more accurate even in my mediocre hands - some 40% smaller groups. But then it is $2K more! Of course that money shows up in more places than the slide - the fit and finish and attention to detail of the Brown is breathtaking throughout whereas the RIA is rough and ready. If I could not bring myself to spend a lot of money on a 1911 I would say the RIA is an excellent buy, and I truly think it is - seems to be working into a reliable and functional low cost 1911. But if you are willing to shell out the bigger sticker price of the Brown you'll find yourself happy with the value too I think.
I have two other 1911s in the middle of that price range and what do you know - the workmanship and quality is in the middle too. Amazaing, that..
Here are a couple of side on shots to go along with it - I have added Hogues and a FLGR to the RIA whereas the Ed Brown is shown in it's pre-finger grooved state.