1911 advice.

[Deanimator]

My first "I just want to try a 1911." was an RIA 1911 tactical. Since then I have purchased 2 additional RIA 1911's. They aren't pretty, but they are accurate and they work. RIA has a no BS guarantee and in my case paid for shipping to their facility in Nevada both ways. All three pistols had great triggers right out of the box. I've been tempted by higher priced pistols but all my guns are range toys and I just shoot the snot out of them. Get the tactical model they are worth more than the slight bump in price over the G.I.. Resale is easy ( I sold off my 9mm) since they will appeal to a broader market.

I've got a Citadel, which comes from the same factory. It has bar none, the best factory trigger of any M1911 I've ever owned, including a Colt Series 70, a Springfield, and a Norinco. I was simply amazed.

 

[Deanimator]

You make a valid point about those old Norinco 1911s.

The RIAs seem to be the "new Norincos" in today's market, and most of the field reviews I've seen give them high marks out-of-the-box. For the problem RIA guns, reports about their customer service were positive.

That's exactly what the Philippine guns are. They're a better quality Norinco for not much more money.

 

[X-Rap]

I quit buying 1911's before half of the guns in this thread were even released.
I still have a couple Kimbers and PARA's, a Colt and Springfield none of which are daily carriers.
Three are keepers just because I know what's in them.
I'm not a fanboy of any and personally consider them a poor choice for EDC but fun guns to shoot. They are exceedingly finicky about ammo and magazines and in general I call them experts guns because of the manual of arms, tight tolerances, and those who are devoted fans.

 

[doubleh]

As to Taurus: I have four of their handguns, three autos and a revolver. Had 'em all for several years and the number of problems with all of them add up to zero, zilch, nada. Maybe I'm just lucky.

On the other hand I own one RIA 1911 and it has had a couple of problems right out of the box. I fixed both myself for a total cost of less than $25 dollars which I think was cheaper than returning it to RIA. I don't really know as I could never get anyone at RIA to talk to me.

 

[PapaG]

Papa update. Took .my RIA 1911a1 and my Kimber Pro Carry to the club this morning for a little stress relief. Shot everything from 200 grn lrn, 200 swc, 230 rn, 185 jhp, and even some of my old pin thumpers 255 Keith swc. All fed and fired flawlessly in both. RIA grouped all but the 185s a little tighter. Pleased with both.
That said, I'd still like my Gold Cup back.

 

[MikeInOr]

Yes, the RIA's seem to be the new Norinco's except in the day nobody would touch a Norinco even if you tried to pay them to take it. When people would ask me what kind of gun I had I would cheerfully answer a 1911. When they asked me "Yeah, but what manufacture"... I would pretend I didn't hear them.

I think the internet has a lot to do with identifying bargain firearms in which you get a lot for your money. I would have no qualms about buying a RIA... enjoying it... eventually upgrading it when the budget allows.

Which is better? The RIA trigger you replaced with a Wilson combat trigger or the Colt trigger you replaced with a Wilson combat trigger? I know which one costs more!

 

[Panzerschwein]

Is the current Colt Rail Gun any good, or is it junk?

 

[Deanimator]

I'm not a fanboy of any and personally consider them a poor choice for EDC but fun guns to shoot.

I suppose it depends upon what your criteria are.

Mine are that it be accurate, reliable, and have good stopping power.

I can't think of anything that does that better than an M1911.

 

[Sergei Mosin]

Is the current Colt Rail Gun any good, or is it junk?

None of the current Colts are junk. If I wanted a railed 1911, I'd buy one of the Colts.

 

[JDR]

I have a Ruger SR1911 Commander length and I think it's a great choice. But I think the best 1911 for the money is the Smith & Wesson "E" series.

 

[y90125]

Don't overlook the Sig line. Love my Tacops commander; good price as well.

 

[tercel89]

The main thing I would look for is to get one in a "series 70" type. Springfield and RIA and the Ruger are Series 70 .

 

[TfflHndn]

Cooldill, Gun Tests just included the Colt Rail Gun in this month's issue. Got an A grade. Sounds like a good piece of gear.