Rock Island makes a solid mass production 1911 in all of its calibers and configurations. I have one in 9 mm and it has done all that I could expect. I think you get more bang for the buck from Rock Island than any other 1911. I have other 1911s as well. I have never owned a Kel Tec as I have not been impressed with any that I held or shot. I was very tempted by the Kel Tec Sub 2000, but it felt too much like a "secret agent" folding toy rifle that I had as a kid. I know they have their fans and, as always, I only speak for myself.