Tuner, your opinion please?

[Red_SC]

Tuner,

I'm pretty well set on getting a SA Milspec, however both of my younger brothers are planning on buying 1911's, probably tomorrow, and they're still deciding.

The shop they are going to buy from has Rock Islands for $350 and SA GI's for $420. They look very much alike to me, in my lack of 1911 knowledge. They both have the terrible sights. Someone said the RI has a lowered and flared port, and a beveled mag well. I didn't look at this pistol closely, so I'll have to look again. I know the SA doesn't have these. Also, the SA has a lifetime warranty, and the RI has a 1 year warranty.

Tuner, IN YOUR OWN OPINION, would it be better to get the Rock Island, or spend the extra $70 for the Springfield Armory? I know this is dependant on what you want, and your priorities, but I'd like to have your opinion. Thanks!

 

[1911Tuner]

RIA

hey Red,

Wish I could help, but I don't see RIAs around here in great enough
numbers to offer a judgement call. I've HEARD varying reports from
owners on the forums that range from "Great" to "So-So" to
"Rotten POS"...which is pretty true of most anything you'll ask about today.
By and large, most of the reports that I've read are favorable, with a
few nit-picky gripes...mainly over the sights and the bloody hands from
the hammers and grip safeties. Occasionally you'll hear from somebody
who has functional problems with a RIA, but no more or less frequent than
any other brand.

'Bout all I can tell ya...

Luck!

Tuner

 

[Red_SC]

Thanks, Tuner. Someone should be paying you big bucks for all the services you provide around here!

 

[mpthole]

Red_SC: Just a for-what-its-worth comment...

$350 is a little pricey for a RIA if you've got some time to spare and don't have to walk out the door with it. There's a place called Southern Ohio Guns (I don't have a URL at the moment) that was selling RIA's for $279 + shipping. Of course, then you have to get them a signed FFL and wait for it to be shipped.

Maybe you can talk your local guy down in price...?

Just wanted to let you know about the price difference.

 

[Red_SC]

Thanks, mpthole, I didn't realize SOG had them. My uncle is friends with an FFL, also, so he's trying to see if he can get a better price for them, too. We asked the FFL about a lower price, since we're getting a couple of them, but no dice.

 

[W Turner]

I have a RIA that I bought when they were still running around $375. For what the SA GI Mil-Spec's are going for, I would much rather have the SA.

Spend the extra $70, it's worth it in resale value if nothing else.

This is not to say that the RIA is a bad gun, because mine has been flawless, but for that kind of difference in price I would go for the SA.

W

 

[Red_SC]

Thanks for the input, all. One brother is probably going to get a Springfield Loaded, and the other is set on a Rock Island. Personally, I would rather he got the Springfield, but either pistol should be fine. I think the best pistol for a person is the one they want, and he wants the Rock Island, so Rock Island it is. I don't think he will be disappointed.

I'm in love with a Springfield Loaded in OD right now, but sadly it will be a little while before I am able to get it.