when I started to get serious about buying my first 1911 last year, I did look at the RIAs. Seemed to be good value, but if you wanted one with some upgrades such as skeletonized trigger and hammer, extended beaver tail, Novak style rear sights and better barrel than you were into the mid to high $500 range. Then I heard rumors of the Ruger SR1911, which some said would compete. Then it came out at MSRP $799. Then on Monday I found one for $649. Yes $50 to $100 more than RIA with similar features but RIA is Phillipino, Ruger is 100% US, and that was important to me for new 1911 in 2011. There are reports on RugerForum.net of some getting it for mid to high 5s, so that would be even more competitive, but I could not wait for $50 or so saving
Anyway, sorry to thread jack, not my intent -, just thought OP might want to put Ruger in running with RIA. My pics and report
here if you are curious.