All:
I am in the market for an entry level full sized .45 ACP 1911. I should have enough toy money saved in the slush fund to get one by the end of August. I am very familiar with Ruger products, have owned a couple over the years, and I have appreciated the quality of the guns of theirs that I have purchased.

However, I have been reading up on the Rock Island Armory 1911's and I have read, primarily, very favorable reviews on not only their guns, but their customer service. They are less expensive, which is a plus.

I would appreciate any feedback anyone has regarding the Rock Island tactical series, full sized 1911 vs. the Ruger full sized SR1911. Is one gun/company really that much of a better buy than the other, and the "why's" of course.

Thanks in advance for the guidance!!

IMO, the RIA is more bang for the buck, especially the Tac model.
If stainless steel is important, that pretty much rules out the RIA.
The RIA's I've seen weren't maybe as refined (spit and polish) but the fit and finish were ok. Both seem to shoot ok.
For the budget minded or as an entry level or hard use not worry about it gun with good customer support, either one will fill the bill.

I have no personal experience of the Ruger, but I can testify that the RIA 1911s are a solid value, excellent pistols at a bargain price.

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Pisgah

No experience with the Ruger but I'm quite pleased with my RIA Tactical FS. Southpaw here and the RIA came with everything I needed out of the box for around $450. Almost everything. I did paint the front sight in fluorescent red.

I bought the Rock to be a range gun and training tool for my Springfield Champion Operator. Surprisingly, the RIA had a slightly lighter trigger (a consistent 4 lbs) right out of the box. I haven't tried hollowpoint ammo yet but with ball, it is fully reliable. I feel that my purchase was well made.

I just got the Rock tactical II and I've owned Kimber, Springfield and Colt all I can say is wow I'm totally impressed. Now it's not a 1200$ kimber but honestly it shoots just as good and is a third the price. I got the commander version and I have the .40 smith on order to replace a glock 22 nothing wrong with the glock I just feel they have no soul.

I just purchased a used RIA 1911 for $300. The only problem seemed to be that the magazine was (very) hard to get in and out of the reciever. I shot it and it shot very well. I mainly wanted it for the lower receiver. I checked and RIA has a Limited life time warrenty. I contacted their Gunsmith who said it diffently had issues. He refered me to customer service, they sent return fedx label and 8 hrs later it was in their shop. So Far so Good! Will let you know when it comes back(4 weeks).

RIA are what you get for the price. However where they do excel is with their 9mm/.22TCM model. You get a 9mm barrel plus a .22 TCM barrel. Now if you don't know anything about .22 TCM Google it. It's not for pussies it'll give you rifle velocities from a handgun similar to the FN 5.7 The 9mm RIA 1911's I've shot also shot .38 Super. However I don't know if the 9mm/.22TCM can fire .38 Super too.

Bought my RIA FS Tactical 9mm as a starter 1911. Love it and now see no reason to 'upgrade'. Fun to fool around and do some 'bubba gunsmithing'. If I screw it up to bad then no big $ loss. Plus, when I buy a gun, I shoot it a lot. The 9mm saves me $$$$.

I've owned the Rock Island and currently own the Ruger. In terms of finish...there's no comparison. The Ruger is better when it comes to finish.

The RIA is a plain-Jane model...no bells and whistles. Made in the Philippines and probably put together by someone who wears B.F. Goodrich sandals and can't speak a word of English.

I had my Rock Island smoothed up a bit, had a trigger job done on it, and put some Pachmayr grips on it.

Now, all that aside, when it comes to shooting, the Rock Island does a heckuva good job. I gave mine to my son-in-law when he was looking to obtain a Model 1911. He loves that gun and tells me that he'll never get rid of it because it's such a great shooter.

I haven't had any work done on the Ruger and when compared to my Rock Island, the RIA is smoother.

So, bottom line, the Rock Island is a great bargain, a good shooter, and will undoubtedly last your grandkids.

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Pack light and cinch tight.

I would go the RUGER route. It is very highly regarded in the 1911 forums. Plus they are just a better company and will take better care of you should you need to use the Warranty. Honestly RIA's despite what people say are very hit or miss. You will have more hits, but a lot of people usually need to have theirs replaced 2 sometimes 3 times to get a good one.

I've never owned an RIA, but I have heard plenty of good things about them. I do have a Ruger SR1911, and can say it's a tremendous gun for the money you pay for it. Mine was one of the first couple thousand made, and it has great fit of all parts, especially the barrel/bushing/slide fit for such an affordable 1911. Mine is accurate and has never bobbled, even with my powderpuff reloads. I can't speak highly enough of it, BUT....there have been reports of other SR1911 owners who have claimed to have some fit issues, so it may be a bit of a dice roll.

RIA are made in the Phillippines and serviced in Nevada. Go to the RIA 1911 facebook page and anyone who has ever had a problem has had it fixed quickly. One of the owners is a regular on the page and makes sure everyone is happy.

Thank you everyone for the opinions....keep them coming. I am definitely looking for the .45 to be more of a range gun than anything, so it sounds like RIA is one that should definitely be considered.

I picked up a Metro Arms Amigo (commander size) used for $300 new they go about $450. Made same place as RI. Great gun, looks really nice, a little heavy but flat shooting for sure. Colt 1911 38 super doesn't go to range anymore.

I don't think you'll go wrong with either.

I have had a Ruger for 2 years and am very pleased. A young friend got a RIA and the magazines will not lock in place. They have asked to have it sent back and sent a pre-paid label. It went back today.

Look at the AUTO ORDNANCE ARMY WW2 1911a1 and the SPRINGFIELD ARMORY 1911's too. The Springer is all forged.

I had a Springfield GI that was nothing but trouble. Went back to the factory twice before I sold it.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

I'm more a traditional guy when it comes to 1911's but RIA's product line has some interesting models. For example, the 2011 model has full-length railed dust cover and also a staggered mag version.
Also, I recently read somewhere that worldwide, Armscor produces more 1911's (don't recall figures) than any other manufacturer. Not all are marketed under RIA logo though. I'm fairly sure that in all those produced, there has to be some lemons. IMO, as long as they keep prices down and service what they sell, they will continue to be strong sellers.

I've been shooting the snot out of my RIA 1911 .45 for 15 years now. If feeds everything I stuff in it which is mostly home cast lead handloads these days. I carry 230 gr HST's for business and they function flawlessly too. It is the most accurate 1911 I've ever owned, and I've owned a bunch, including a lot of Colts.

My RIA sleeps on my nightstand every night, my Colt sleeps in my safe!

I've owned 2 RIA both in 38 super. Both had creep free 4 lb on the dot triggers
Only downfall is factory mags tend to be problem oriented, not so much in feeding but in sticking. Aftermarket never have had a issue

Thank you again everyone for the responses and opinions!! I appreciate them.

I have several Colt 1911s and decided to try an RIA Tac.
This gun is fantastic right out of the box. Great trigger, and functions with all ammo I have fed it. Several ball and defensive HP of different manufactures, and hand loads fed without a hiccup. I only use Check-Mate mags in my 1911s, as they are the key to performance IMO.

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Memory of Randy Freas-Rimfired

I would get the Rock Island. I understand they are drop forged and all Gov. surplus parts as well as any other 1911 type parts will fit.

It is made in the Philippines, as is my Wife, Whom I am Very happy with

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A Snider squibbed n the Jungle

I'm not an expert but to my knowledge, the frames are cast and prolly the slides too. And parts are mostly MIM.
As for parts interchangeability, in my experience they pretty much are as much as any other brand in that some parts may require final fitting.
Same goes for the Ruger.

Rock Iland is the same company as rock Iland armory RIA?

Only load the 1911 or other pistols from the magazine's. I loaded the first round by hand in the chamber and unpsrung the extractor. She would stove pipe one round per mag. It was my fault.
Note, not all 1911 shoot jhp bullets. The 1911 was designed for round nose bullets.

There's reasons why some have problems with 1911.

I actually own both. I wouldn't say that one or the other is a whole lot "better" than the other but if I could only have one I'd probably keep the Ruger mostly because it's stainless & made in America.

I actually shoot the RIA slightly better than the Ruger but my guess is that's because the RIA trigger is a bit lighter.

That's not to say the RIA Tactical isn't a whole lot of gun for the money. It is. Detractors like to say "You get what you pay for." My response is usually "Sometimes you get more." The upgrades on the Tactical vs the GI model would cost far more to have done than the $60-ish more that the Tactical model costs.

Function in both has been 100% with ball ammo and OK with semi wadcutter target fodder. The Ruger comes with two Checkmate mags with dimpled follower & hybrid feed lips. Coincidentally these are exactly what I've been buying since I discovered them.

The fit in the Ruger is a bit better. The grip safety on the RIA has a bit of wiggle sideways but nothing that affects operation. The ambi safety levers on the RIA have some sharp edges and the slide stop has started to peen the slide stop notch a bit.

I like the 3 dot sights on the Ruger better than the plain ones on the RI. As I understand it the newer models have standard Novak dovetails so an easy fix.

The trigger on my RIA is lighter & crisper than the Ruger. Nothing ya can't fix with $$$.

I would not hesitate to buy either pistol again. In fact I've eyeballing a RIA Match model at the LGS.

RIA customer service is reputed to be on par with Ruger's.. ie... both are top drawer.

True, but a good 1911 SHOULD shoot JHP, FMJ and any others.

I have 2 RIA's, both are the compact models. I've had the 45 for 8 or 9 years, and the 9mm for 2 years. I have used the 9mm for my 9mm load development, and it shoots great. I now have somewhere over 3000 rounds through this gun, and not one malfunction. I put different grip panels on it but everything else is stock. I also have a Colt Gold Cup, and a Springfield, both full size guns, but the RIA's are the ones I usually pick up when going to the range.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

3 dot sights. My RIA FS Tactical had little 'dots' on the rear sight that were perfect for a drop or 2 of white paint. Front sight got some red paint. I understand not all have the 'dots' on the rear sight. And +1 on the tactical version.

Rocks are a bargain. I have two of them, a Ruger, and a Colt. When I got my first Rock, I sold a Kimber. The RIAs are (or used to be) about half the price of the Ruger, for the Tactical model, which is the one to have,IMO.

I don't care for the plain mahogany grips on the RIA, but you can fix that at Brownells for about $8.00.

If money is a concern, as it is for most of us, then go with the RIA Tactical. Even if it isn't, the Rock Island is worth a good hard look.

As far as repair work goes, I sent one of the RIAs back for a rough trigger, something to do with a burr in the trigger bow channel or something, and it was repaired and returned within a few days. Nothing to complain about there.

Yep, to my knowledge, theyre the same. Armscor.
Not to confuse with the old gov. Rock Island Arsenal in Illinois.
Kinda like the difference between Springfield Armory in MA (old US Arsenal) and Springfield Armory Inc. in IL.

I am going to the LGS tomorrow morning, which has an indoor firing range (primary reason why I'm going there). After I'm done shooting, I'm going to do a very thorough comparison of the two, hopefully without being annoying.

I bought the Officer's Model RIA back about 2006, along with a 1k round case of Remington 230 Grain Ball & a 500 round case of Remington 185 Grain HP. During the next 3 months I shot about half of each case as well as 400 or so of assorted 200 grain H&G 68 SWC reloads and WWII era Military Ball. Had no FTE issues, although during the 1st 200 or so rounds it would ocassionally have a slow feed episode with all ammo. Touching the rear of the slide would put it fully into battery. I called the Customer Service # and spoke with a very knowledgeable Gunsmith who immediately sent me a Wolfe Recoil Spring at no cost. The Factory Spec weight spring fixed the slow feed issue and the gun ran flawless. After 3 months I traded it away on a whim and have regretted it since. If I was to buy another 1911 it will most likely be a RIA Tactical in 9mm.

I can't speak to the RIA but I do have two Ruger 1911's. One is the full sized government model and the other a commander. Out of the two I'd have to say I like the commander better. I've shot over a thousand rounds through it without a hickup. My daughter came home for Christmas last year and wanted to try several different revolvers and pistols and out of all she tried, she liked the commander best also. That was despite my best efforts to sell her on a J frame 640. She liked the commander so well she bought one of her own a month or so ago.

I have 5 RIAs, they have cast frames and forged slides at last info. they are working on forged frame now. Very innovative company with emphasis on CS. They come in many different names, all made by Armscor, recent acquisition is labeled Taylor. I converted one to 400 CorBon which is pretty stout. I have been able to change all the parts with Millspeck stuff when needed or desired. I wouldn't hesitate to buy any of their stuff, hey its priced right.

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"I'm feeling MUCH better now"

Go to the 1911 forum to read more on them.

After shooting today I took a looooonng look at the RIA and fortunately they had an FS tactical in stock. First of all I was surprised that this gun was a full $100 cheaper than the Ruger (price of the RIA was $550). Fit and finish on the particular FS model they had was very, very impressive. No rough edges on anything and the finish on the gun was very smooth, uniform and well done. I couldn't put the damned thing down, I was so surprised at the initial quality of the piece, for its price. The stainless Ruger SR1911 was of course gorgeous, but I kept going back to the RIA. The trigger on the RIA was very nice as well.

Ok so blah, blah, blah I went home, gathered up my slush fund, and went ahead and bought the RIA. The LGS lubed it up a little bit and I was able to go right into the range for 1/2 hour for free to give it its first 100 round test drive. What a gun---no hiccups or burps and everything functioned as it should have. The accuracy was very nice as well. I'm already planning my next range trip to shoot it some more.

Thanks again for everyone's input and responses! I am definitely a fan, so far, of Rock Island Armory and definitely recommend one for an entry level 1911.

Congrats on your decision and purchase. Between the Ruger and RIA, either one would have been a good choice. I currently own the RIA FS Tac and will maybe pick up a Ruger someday if a good deal comes along.

"You get what you pay for"
Buy the Ruger. Weapons are an investment not only dollar value but for you and your family's protection.

"Be aware and alert the light at the end of the tunnel might be a mussel flash."

I have had a handful of RIA's and all but one have been trouble free. That one went back to Nevada for adjustment in their shop and came back in about ten days with no hassle and had, in fact, received a bit of polishing and smoothing out in the process!
Overall, a great gun at an exceptionally reasonable price.
If you're willing to spend a bit more and want more refinement/features, I have found the ATI Thunderbolt with Bomar style adjustable sights, checkered front strap, extended slide stop and safety, ambi safety, rail and full beavertail to be an exceptional value for all of the great upgrades that are included.

Dam shell fish.

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Memory of Randy Freas-Rimfired

Sometimes you get more.

IMHO this applies to both the Ruger AND the 1911s that are being turned out by our friends in the Phillipines. Don't sell those guys & gals short. Just because labor doesn't cost a lot doesn't mean it's not good.

FWIW I wound up paying just about exactly $800 OTD (Shipping, fees & taxes due to Kalifornistan's "not too unsafe" roster.) for my SR1911 after 2 years of searching and wasn't disappointed in the least.

As for home protection... right now a SIG P220 Carry is about 12 inches from my computer mouse...

I'll go against the grain here, and vote for the Ruger. I've had mine for a while and it's been NOTHING but flawless. I have nothing against RIA other than I'm a "name brand" snobbist. on a budget :-)

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Still just a kid at heart

Have been shooting a RIA 1911-A1 since 2007. Bought it used... $280 OTD. Shoots extremely well. Nice gunsmith customized it a bit. Excellent work. Only charged me shipping... $30 total. The other weekend I used it to place third in a local fund raiser match sponsored by the police department. Well worth the money spent on it. If I were today looking to buy a 1911 w/ adj. sights, etc., would most certainly give the RIA a very hard look. The Ruger is stainless steel which I consider a very good idea. The ones I've handled all show excellent fit/finish and are doubtless of good quality. The increased cost might be a consideration. I've never had so much money that I could buy guns w/o looking at the price tag. Sincerely. bruce.

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<><

I, too am a name brand snobbist and was going to go Ruger all the way, until I saw the RIA was $100 cheaper, and most of the responses to this thread gave RIA positive marks. Another thing that influenced my decision was that this .45 was going to strictly be an entry-level 1911 range toy to get familiar with the caliber and the model---I've NEVER shot a 1911 or a .45 before. I am so far very happy with my decision. Seems like if anything goes wrong their CS would be decent to deal with.

OP--- Glad to hear you decided on the Rock. There is a great Facebook group dedicated to the RIA brand. The president of the company visits the group often. It's a great place to get to know your 1911.

Here is the link to the FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Rockislandarmory1911s/

Congrats on your first 1911. I doubt it'll be your last.

That oil they slather on in the PI is not lubricant, it's preservative. Might wanna give it a few shots of lube oil here & there before ya shoot it.

Actually a detail strip and soak in oderless mineral spirits is highly recommended. Added benefit is you will get to know your first 1911 B4 you shoot it. I did it with "0" experience with a 1911.

The one I bought was the only one they had on hand, in the display case, so fortunately all that stuff had been removed, and the gun was cleaned up pretty good. The gun shop's gunsmith on duty field stripped it to make sure, and lubed it in the necessary areas before I went into their range to shoot it. That was a nice li'l bonus.

Tomorrow I will be doing my maiden voyage field strip and clean. I am going to wait until after the next time I shoot it before I attempt to take out the firing pin and extractor to clean those two parts during the gun cleaning---I'm admittedly intimidated about taking those out.