looking for a budget 1911

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ika'ika

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So ive always wanted a 1911. and its time to finally buy one. although my budget doesn't allow the kimber I really want. I know I want a .45 acp because its one of the few pistol cartridges I do not have a weapon for. and seeing as I already own some expensive ccw and home defense toys, as well as nail driver target revolver. im just getting this one for fun. well they are all fun, but this is fun and fun only.

so im looking at a Rock Island Armory standard GI model. Its around 450 out the door locally.

All the info I can find online seems to be positive. I do not like the factory grips. but that can be remedied easily enough.

I am just curious of the opinions any of you might have. Everyone here has been so helpful since ive joined this forum.

All replies are greatly appreciated. and thank you for your time.
 
The RIA's are a good bang for the buck. I tried one in 9mm and it worked just fine with really good accuracy so I bought two more, a .45 FS Tactical and a .45 MS (think combat commander) with good results. The only real problem I had was with the .45 FS tac. that had an extractor set too tight, a simple adjustment and it was good to go. Good luck with your hunt!
 
I have a RIA 1911 Tactical that I use for daily carry. Except for one stovepipe from the first magazine, it has run like a top with every type of ammo I tried.

David
 
I bought a RIA model 1911 several years ago. I had a little work done to smooth it up just a bit. Added some Pachmayr grips. It shot like a dream.

I later gave it to my son-in-law. He loves it and vows he'll never get rid of it because it shoots so well. I guess my loss is his gain, but he's a neat guy and deserves a good gun like that Rock Island.

I think, of all the 1911's out there, the Rock Island comes as close to the original government issue 1911 as any of them...even better than some.

Sure, it's no Kimber, but remember, the original 1911 didn't come with any bells and whistles either and still got the job done.
 
I'm not familiar with RIA 1911's but my desire for one led me to the Ruger SR1911. It's an all stainless 70 series style and I've been quite pleased with it.
 
does anyone have experience with the standard gi ria has? and I bit that ruger was a bit more than I have to spend right now
 
I have two RIA compacts, (3 1/2" barrel) one in 45 I've had for several years, and one in 9mm I got more recently. Both exceed expectations. I'm in the process of putting 500+ rounds through the 9mm to break it in and so far not one hiccup. In my opinion the best 1911 for the money available. I got the fully upgraded 9mm with Novak sights, beavertail grip safety. and the trigger set at 4.7 lbs.
 
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I have to RIA's and love both of them, one in 45 and the other in 9:

r1a15.jpg

RIA9mm17.jpg
 
They're great pistols for the $$$. Their customer service is reputed to be top drawer as well, in case you have any problems.

Unless you really want the old school GI look the Tactical model has a lot of upgrades for the $$$. Last I looked you pay about $60-ish more for better sights, ambi safety, better trigger & a beavertail. You'll pay WAY more than that if you have it done after the fact.

This is my Tactical with a set of aftermarket grips. A friend who's into high end gear tried it & said it shoots better than a gun in it's price range has any right to do. :D

 
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I wanted a Government Issue look .45 and researched all the brands for many months. I finally bought an American Classic on this forum from 2gunJay, brand new for $375 shipped about 1-1/2 years ago. The AC guns are made by MetroArms in the Phillipines and their GI gun is similar to Rock Island but has bigger fixed sights. The period correct RI sights are way too small to be of much use. I have had Colt and Kimber 1911s and I think the American Classic is just as good as those guns and it is very accurate and has been perfectly reliable with many different brands of ammo.
 
You might look at the Tisas 1911 in 45 acp from Buds gun shop. Mine has performed just fine for around 450.00. I did change the grips to a set of hogues and had the trigger set to 4.5 pounds. So far so good.
 
Try a Metro Arms American Classic, better finish and IMO an all around better weapon than the Rock Island. I have one I bought in 2010 and I have over 5000 rounds through it. After a break in period of 200 rounds it has been flawless. It eats whatever I feed it! If I recall correctly I paid $425.00 for it.
 
I have heard good things about the RIA......I also have owned a Springfield government style....A little more expensive but I can't say any thing bad about it except i wouldn't carry it due to size...The same thing goes for any standerd size 1911...I'm looking for a commander or smaller size that is reliable..........Hard ball ammo is fine in a 45 but I would love a 38 Super but I have just about given up in what is left in my life time........always loved that round...So I will be watching what the members say on this thread as I am very interested myself.....Glad you asked.......
 
Fishslayer said:
They're great pistols for the $$$. Their customer service is reputed to be top drawer as well, in case you have any problems.

Unless you really want the old school GI look the Tactical model has a lot of upgrades for the $$$. Last I looked you pay about $60-ish more for better sights, ambi safety, better trigger & a beavertail. You'll pay WAY more than that if you have it done after the fact.

This is my Tactical with a set of aftermarket grips. A friend who's into high end gear tried it & said it shoots better than a gun in it's price range has any right to do. :D

Click to expand...

What he said.

I really like the look of GI models, but for a modest price increase you get some really nice upgrades that you'd probably wish you had sprung for at some point. For me the sights alone would be worth it.

Happy shopping!
 
My first gun purchase ever was a used Magnum research 1911g. It was true love at day 1. After taxes it was $699.95 total cost. It only jammed twice per magazine. I could put 3 out of 8 rounds into a 5 gallon bucket from 6 feet away......... Yeah, the gunsmith currently has it. He ordered parts and they've shipped.

So this Sig Sauer 1911 crimson xo, my other 1911, was bought new. I love it. Everything about it is amazing except the $1200 price tag.

Moral of the story, if you buy a budget used gun, go ahead and replace the magazines and every spring you can and have the gunsmith replace the springs you can't. Get it good and clean and in new condition. Or save your money and buy that freaking new kimber. Note my story, I did both.

Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk
 



My 4" Rock Island is accurate, 100% reliable, and seems to be a very nice handgun; regardless of price.

As you can see, a fellow member here (executioner) makes a great cure for the ugly factory grips. I also installed 3 dot sights, and an ambi safety lever since I'm left handed.

You won't go wrong with a Rock Island in my opinion.
 
Another option:

I guess I have the "old school" equivalent to the RIA, a Norinco 1911A1 that I bought new in the early 90s. GI except for a flared port and slightly larger sights. Not a tack driver, but good combat accuracy and every round fires every time. Decent trigger too. Also the Norinco is all forged, no castings. Because of the forging quite a few gunsmiths used Norincos as the base for custom pistols. The current price seems to be about the same as a RIA.

I've thought about trading off my Norinco for something more modern, but for me the trade options don't stand up to the Norinco
 
My friend's daughter had a RIA Compact. When I shot it I had to have one. Mine is just great, as well fitted and finished on the inside as on the outside. It shoots SWCs out of the original magazine with no problem. For business it's loaded with Federal 230 gr HPs. Right now it's sitting beside the computer; if the doorbell rings, it will go into my pocket. One of these days I'll put tritium sights on it. I can't recommend them highly enough.
 
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