[MrBret]

I was just checking out the 1911 options out there and came up with these two gems so far (looking for cheap'ish with some level of high quality):

Rock Island 1911 - $489
Rock Island Armory 1911 45ACP Matte Nickel $489.00 SHIPS FREE

Taurus 1911 - $484
Taurus 9 + 1 Round 9MM w/5" Barrel/Blue Finish $484.00 SHIPS FREE


Any thoughts on these or better sub $500 1911's?

 

[willow]

I actually just ordered one, picking it up on 7/18. I got the Officers model with the 3 1/2" barrel. I played with it for a while at the gun shop, feels really nice, the slide is smooth and the trigger felt really nice.

I have found a lot of good reviews online, just google Rock Island Armory and you should be able to find quite a few articles and YouTube videos about them.

And here is a thread I had about RIA's recently.
http://www.xdtalk.com/forums/m1911/179507-rock-island-armory.html

 

[1lowlife]

I would opt for the Tactical RIA over the GI version..
The nickel GI is nice, but the Tactical has better features, including;
Novak style fixed, front and rear sights
Dove tail front sight
Ambidextrous safety
beaver tail
skeletonized trigger
commander hammer
wood grips



API RIA 1911A1 FS 45 TAC 8 $437.00 SHIPS FREE

GI Nickel

Tactical..

 

[Bonehead]

be warned... Pete uses big boy words sometimes so... if you are sensitive to that you probably shouldn't watch.

 

[ETexPops]

I've got a RIA 9mm tactical (that I bought from 1lowlife) and also a PT1911 (.45 ACP) and both are flawless. RIA is dead on with factory ammo; but, doesn't like my reloads so far; it may be up for sale shortly. Taurus eats anything and POA=POI out to 25 yds.

The Taurus deal listed is a pretty good one but like has been stated if you go RIA; go tactical model.

 

[Cuda66]

If possible, stretch your budget another $150, and get the RIA 2011 Tactical; full-length rail, Tru-Glo 3-dot night sights...$649 or less.

Otherwise--get the RIA Tactical--looks like Bud's has 'em for $437.

 

[1lowlife]

If possible, stretch your budget another $150, and get the RIA 2011 Tactical; full-length rail, Tru-Glo 3-dot night sights...$649 or less.

Otherwise--get the RIA Tactical--looks like Bud's has 'em for $437.

Interesting...

Rock Island 1911 .45 ACP 2011 Series Tactical Handgun #AC-RI1911-2011-NS

 

[Cuda66]

1LL, it's quite nice...I traded my RIA 1911 Tac for the 2011, and it's impressing the heck out of me. I added a Insight wX150 light, and while it feels a touch heavy...it shoots like a frickin' dream. They put a really nice trigger in these guns--or at least, they did in mine.

I think it's going to replace my G34 as a nightstand gun...I shoot it considerably better. I've ordered some Wilson 10 rounders to see how it likes 'em, and if it does...it'll move upstairs.

Makes me want a Baer Monolith now...

 

[Bart]

Citadel compact. Same factory as RIA but with all the upgrades.

 

[Wes28376]

I agree with 1lowlife. The tactical is equipped much better and has most of the initial upgrade most people make.

I'm a huge fan of RIA. I purchased the RIA Match close to two months ago. I've put 1500 trouble free rounds through it so far.

 

[N.E. Tx.XD]

I have heard nothing but good things about the RIA, 1911.
And, after my last experience with a Taurus, I won't spend my money there again.

 

[Diocoles]

Interesting...

Rock Island 1911 .45 ACP 2011 Series Tactical Handgun #AC-RI1911-2011-NS

With 2 changes, that is exactly what I want.
But, I can't get it the way I want it.
9mm and a 4" or 4.25" barrel....sigh. :sad:

 

[yocan]

citadel hands down. its from armscor (same as RIA) but its their premier version. will be 489 if you look around.

 

[yocan]

With 2 changes, that is exactly what I want.
But, I can't get it the way I want it.
9mm and a 4" or 4.25" barrel....sigh. :sad:

sorry dude but a 4/4.25 barrel is for concealing so making a high end tactical 1911 that length is mixing markets and won't generally sell. Not saying your need isn't legitimate just not a big enough marketin their eyes.