I am looking for a somewhat compact semi-auto in 45 ACP. I may concealed carry it at times but this will by no means be a primary carry pistol, and will do duty as both a range gun and a woods carry. My first interest is the RIA 1911 CS, Lipsey's special run in FDE Cerakote (I like the RIA 1911 but their pseudo-Parkerized finish is not nice imo).
So, is it possible to have a dispassionate, factual discussion of the pros and cons of a semi-compact (let's say 3.5"- 4" barrel) 45 ACP pistol of the 1911 variety vs a striker fired pistol?
No, it's probably not possible. At some point a few parties will get angry at someone dissing on their favorite gun and there'll be a 3rd page turn and the thinly veiled insults will fly.
If you're looking for either one or the other there's no way around it though.
I grew up with 1911's. My dad tended to gravitate towards either N and K frame Smiths and Swenson tuned 1911's. He had the occasional J frame S&W and BHP, but for the most part it was either the Smith revolvers or the 1911's. So if it's a semi I tend to judge them against 1911's. He died in 1988, so polymer framed pistols weren't really a consideration.
So while I like 1911's I tend to choose Glock's for carry a few reasons.
1) They're fairly inexpensive.
2) Their capacity is usually greater than the 1911 unless it's a double stack 1911.
3) They're reliable.
4) I keep my finger outside of the trigger guard until I'm on target, so having the safety on the trigger isn't a big deal for me.
5) If they get scratched or develop holster wear I'm okay with it because it's a utilitarian type of pistol anyway.
I tend to go with Glock 26's, 19's and 23's for everyday carry and Glock 20SF's or Glock 21 4th Gens for woods carry.
If you're looking for a one pistol to do it all and you're willing to give polymer a try I'd say go with a Glock 23 (.40) or a Glock 30SF (SF stands for Slim Frame and they tend to not be quite as bulky)
and just switch out for Underwood or Buffalo bore ammo when in the woods. The Glock 30SF is a .45 ACP.
If you're looking for a 1911 in a Commander size I know that Para Ordinance and STI both make double stack .45's. Heard great things about the STI (although a bit pricey) and varying things about the Para Ordinance (depending on who you're talking too).
No idea whatsoever about the RIA, but one pistol that I wish I hadn't gotten rid of was a Llama doublestack 45 Minimax (10+1). Got it an a trade. It's finish was sort of a phosphate deal.wish I'd never sold it. That thing looked rough, but it ran and was accurate