Three 1911s, two from same manufacturer: please educate me?

[Saakee]

I'm looking at buying my first 1911 soon. I'm trying to find one used for a good deal but I'm also debating these three models new:

Rock Island Armory 1911 GI

STI Spartan

ATI HGA FX45 1911 Military

I know the STI and the RIA are Armscorp while the ATI is manufactured by Shooter Arms. Is Shooter Arms better/worse quality than Armscorp? Does the STI have a better something than the Rock Island Armory gun?

 

[G27RR]

The Spartan uses STI internal parts, made in Texas, rather than the Armscor internals that RIA uses. The STI parts are shipped overseas to be used on the Spartan production line at Armscor. STI makes very good quality internals.

You will also get warranty service done at STI's main facility in Texas (if you need it). They rarely send one all the way back to Armscor.

Also, STI specs a bit better fitting, and they went over and trained the six Armscor guys building the Spartan. Those guys build only the Spartan and don't work on the RIA or other Armscor lines (this is per an STI rep on the tour I took of their Texas factory).

I don't know too much about the ATI.

 

[Mr.Blue]

STI makes quality guns.

Is the STI not made and assembled in the USA? Is STI owned by an overseas company? I thought it was 100% American.

 

[Saakee]

the Spartan, as an entry level gun, is made overseas. the other STI guns are made here I believe. It's why it's called the Spartan, not for Sparta, but for the definition: simplicity, frugality, or austereness.
Any ideas on what I should be looking at pricewise if i can find one used?

 

[Jed Carter]

If you are using this as a range pistol, then STI would be my choice. Any way you slice it I would prefer the STI to either of the other choices, but would get the RIA if it was cheap enough.

 

[Saakee]

If you are using this as a range pistol, then STI would be my choice. Any way you slice it I would prefer the STI to either of the other choices, but would get the RIA if it was cheap enough.

Range gun for the most part, maybe HD if I feel like putting a Novak rail and a Streamlight TRL-1 on it.

I think I'll start keeping my eyes peeled for one used.

 

[dcarch]

The STI is much higher quality than the other two guns you have on your list there, at least in my opinion.

 

[harmon rabb]

<edit>

RIA's are good though. Much higher quality than the price and country of origin would lead you to believe.

 

[dusty14u]

<edit>

The 1911 is still used by Philipino police and military. From my research 1911's made in the Philipines are reliable and well made and are a very attractive price for buyers. <edit>

 

[Sniper X]

RIA's are great 1911s. Even if you discount what they cost, they are still a great gun. They stopped making the slides out of cast steel and now they are all forged, they use MIM parts inside but so does everyone else except the high end manufactures, and they have a great service department and warranty. It is a toss up between an RIA and a STI.

 

[KAS1981]

After getting my hands on a few Filipino 1911's, my opinions changed on them.

I always imagined them to be crude, rough, cheaply built, cobbled together pistols. Not so, not so at all. They are really nicely made guns.

You're going to spend $600+ on a Spartan.

Rock Island GI models can be had for $400. "Tactical" models with upgraded features for a few bucks more.

 

[PabloJ]

Someone is asking about Bul M-5. It comes with SA trigger and 13 round stick that fits into polymer frame so your phalanges do not feel cold even ungloved in dead of winter.
It's made in Heaven on Earth........You know place where standard of living is higher then in Los Estados Unidos. Mucho gusto?

 

[Saakee]

I had forgotten about that model. I'm still looking at the metal frames due to eventual mod plans but you know a price point?

 

[G27RR]

With the exception of the Spartan, all STI 1911 and 2011 pistols are made in their Georgetown, Texas factory. They are employee owned by their American employees. They are kind enough to offer factory tours to the public. I took one a few months ago. You can see raw bar stock, etc go from a block of steel into slides, frames, and other parts. They do contract for their rough forgings, but the machining is done in house. My understanding iis that they are USA forgings. I know they keep as much business as possible not only in the USA but as local as they can. Heat treating, for example is done in nearby Round Rock, TX.

See my earlier post for the details on the Spartan as it's the only foreign made pistol (but with American, STI made internal parts).

They make their own internals other than springs and pins. That means they make their own hammers, sears, grip safeties, triggers, etc. They make high quality parts.

I have four STI 1911s, but not the Spartan. They are all very good pistols.

Here are some pictures from their Texas factory:

Welcome mat


Break area


Sears in production


Hammers in production


Slides in production

 

[Saakee]

If I'm ever in texas, I'll have two goals. See this place and get the hell out [of Texas].

 

[Shimitup]

My Wife said something like that 30 years ago, didn't work, still here.

 

[Mr.Blue]

@G27RR

Thanks for the info. I believe that being made/assembled in the USA is prerequisite for a 1911. It's an American legend and should be built here. I will be buying an STI soon, so your info was timely.

Some foreign manufacturers make good 1911, Sig comes to mind, but I wouldn't buy one. Don't get me wrong, I have some foreign guns like my CZ pistol collection. I just would never buy an American classic gun that was made overseas, especially in this economy.

 

[micromontenegro]

Er, the Spartan frame and slide are also made in Philippines, IIRC.

 

[rondog]

I have three RIA's and love them all. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend one to anybody, I'm having trouble resisting the urge to buy one of their 9mm tactical models.

And I may be wrong, but I thought the Spartan only used an Armscor frame, and all the rest of the parts are STI?

 

[mooner]

I think I want a gun made there even less than I would want one made in Turkey.

I think the Philippians have a little bit different view of the United States, than does Turkey. Might want to take that into consideration when deciding where to send your money. I say get the Rock Island.

 

[Saakee]

It's Filipino/Filipina, not philippian or Philipino or Philippino.

 

[G27RR]

I have three RIA's and love them all. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend one to anybody, I'm having trouble resisting the urge to buy one of their 9mm tactical models.

And I may be wrong, but I thought the Spartan only used an Armscor frame, and all the rest of the parts are STI?

Frame and slide, see post #2.

 

[G27RR]

Er, the Spartan frame and slide are also made in Philippines, IIRC.

Right, see posts #2 & #16.

 

[230therapy]

Buy cheap, buy twice.

Good luck.

 

[mooner]

It's Filipino/Filipina, not philippian or Philipino or Philippino.

I am aware of that. I was trying to give reference to the country (because of politics) rather than the inhabitants. Weirdly, spell checker gave me that when I miss typed Philippines.

I was not trying to reference a book in the New Testament. Goes to show the confusion spell checker can cause.

To clear up my statement, the United States has a much less stressed relationship with the Philippines than the do with Turkey. If I were to by a foreign made product, I would tend to support the country that is on better terms with my country.