Citadel 1911 Full Size

[stringpicker]

I picked one of these up a few weeks ago on Bud's for $443, and feel like I stole it at that price. The only real complaint I had about it was the stock grip panels, which were easily swapped out for darker wood.

So far, 1100 rounds into it, and the gun is great. I swapped out the factory mags for better ones. One stock mag caused a minor feeding issue, that was easily remedied by changing them out.

I was surprised by the number of factory custom upgrades that it came with...especially at that price point.

 

[Chipmunk6]

I'm not familiar with Citadel
1911's, but that looks like a nicely set-up one.
Chipmunk6

 

[Linejudgemick]

I got a 9mm version when Academy had them on sale about six months ago. They're made by Armscor who also makes Rock Islands. Very nice considering their price point IMHO. Good luck with yours, have fun and be safe!

 

[stringpicker]

I'm not familiar with Citadel
1911's, but that looks like a nicely set-up one.
Chipmunk6

Same plant and manufacturing line as the RIA. It's their blinged out version.

Full length guide rod, ambi extended safety, extended slide release, checkered main spring housing, Novak sights, adjustable trigger, skeletonized trigger and hammer, lowered and flared ejection port, beveled mag well, Parkerized finish, comes with 2 mags, and maybe a few things I forgot. Those upgrades are worth the price of the pistol alone.

4 days after purchasing mine, the price was up to $550.

 

[JohnRippert]

I really wish I had been able to catch one of the 9mm models when Academy had them. I have one of the early RIA GI models from the days when they were selling at the funshows for $269. Best buy I made back in those days. 1K+ Wolf steelcase through it without a hickup. These days it hosts my Marvel Unit 2 conversion.

OP: If their quality is the same in that factory as is was in the days mine was built you are going to like it.

 

[stringpicker]

So far, I'm really impressed with mine.

The Tagua OWB holster I ordered came in today, with a huge sticker on the package stating that it wasn't for locked and loaded condition carry. I'll trim the strap a little to make it fit better, but it fits in that condition as is. I've got a Tagua IWB LH holster that I use as ***, and it works well until I need to sit...then it sucks.

I thought about another Kholster, since I love the one I have for my SW9VE, but decided against it due to the full length.

 

[stringpicker]

Coming up on 2 years of ownership, over 2000 rounds thrown down range, and it's still a great 1911. I have the Tagua LH IWB holster for Small of Back carry, which I do on a daily basis. I've since picked up two RIA 1911s and they're only different in the upgrades.

The Citadel has been my daily carry for well over a year now. If you come across one at a good price, I suggest you don't let it get away from you.

 

[max]

I saw a used full size RIA TAC 9mm at my lgsa couple of months ago and grabbed it up. I have had no problems of any kind with it and have been favorably impressed. Now I need a commander size to go with it.

 

[Zoner]

i bought a RIA compact(officers size) 45acp bnib 2 yrs ago. It ran like a top right out of the box. I have since converted it to a CCO(officers size frame,commander length slide and barrel). Its my favorite 1911. I have not needed CS help with this pistol but i hear RIA customer service is top notch.

 

[Farmer17]

I just bought a Rock Island mid size Commander .45 for $346 shipped on Black Friday. I wanted a GI looking gun and don't have a problem with the standard grip safety or thumb safety and I am extremely happy with the gun and it's accuracy.

 

[steamloco76]

The Phillipenes manufactured 1911's are pretty impressive. I have a ATI FireStorm (Not the old Brazilian one) Gov't Model Deluxe which has a fit and trigger nearly as good as my Springfield Range Officer at half the price. Dead nuts reliable too. Bought it used for $350, added Kensight adjustable sights, some ebay G10 grips and still have well under $500 invested.

My LGS won't stock ant RIA or other Phillipino 1911's because it would hurt his Ruger, Kimber and Springfield 1911 sales too much. Truth.

 

[Old Corp]

Before I left the last GS where I worked p/t, I picked up a barely used Charles Daly M1911. Sort of a 'deluxe' Philippine gun. About $300, and figured it'd be a 'beater' 1911 for woods carry. I really didn't expect much. My other Government models, Commanders, and 3" guns are split between Colt and Kimber.
I was quite surprised upon running the Daly through the paces. No malfunctions with many bullet weights and profiles. And accurate.
I was actually a bit peeved at how good it was.
So, it still serves as my beater 1911, and is in the carry rotation.

 

[MCorps0311]

I like it,never owned one!

 

[steamloco76]

Here is the FireStorm - ATI Government Deluxe .45 I mentioned in an earlier post. Pistol is one of the first 500 imported by ATI with the FireStorm name. They did a fine job. One thing, the frame is turning plum in contrast to the slide.

 

[stringpicker]

Before I left the last GS where I worked p/t, I picked up a barely used Charles Daly M1911. Sort of a 'deluxe' Philippine gun. About $300, and figured it'd be a 'beater' 1911 for woods carry. I really didn't expect much. My other Government models, Commanders, and 3" guns are split between Colt and Kimber.
I was quite surprised upon running the Daly through the paces. No malfunctions with many bullet weights and profiles. And accurate.
I was actually a bit peeved at how good it was.
So, it still serves as my beater 1911, and is in the carry rotation.

I know what you mean about being peeved. Knowing that I paid more money for a 1911 platform that is not any better than the Citadel has made me change my mind about other low priced 1911 versions on the market.

What's in a name? More cost...not more value.