I have been pretty happy with my RIA Tactical. I took it to the range today, along with Dad and his brand new ATI Commander.
I hate to say, it is not even a close comparison. The ATI was significantly better in almost every respect. Someone said something about getting what you pay for with 1911s. This is absolutely not the case. The ATI was a $700+ pistol for $400.
- Less play in the slide, barrel, and bushing than the RIA
- Buttery action, without all of the rough tool marks/grain that the RIA has on its slide
- Absolutely perfect trigger--smooth and light, but with a quick, crisp snap
- No sharp edges or dehorning needed--in contrast with my RIA needing massive dehorning.
- Perfectly blended beavertail--in contrast with the rough, sharp, uneven seam on my RIA that needed to be filed down so it wouldn't cut my hand.
- Much blacker, thicker, more even parkerizing--in contrast with the RIA's thin, two-tone grayish finish.
- Slide release and safety were parkerized. Can you parkerize MIM parts? MIM parts are often painted to cover up the MIM grain, so if they are MIM they are very good. But I suspect they may be machined.
The RIA is still a solid pistol, but other than RIA's stellar customer service reputation, the ATI is in another league than the RIA. As such, I cannot recommend them if at the same price, let alone that the ATI is often a bit less expensive currently.
If I hadn't customized my RIA perfectly to my liking, I would immediately sell it and snag an ATI.