Looking to purchase my first 1911

[DFidler87]

Keeping in mind I'm on about an $800 budget for a 1911. I've read quite a few things about Rock Island Armory's products and a guy at Bradis right up the road told me he swears by them. Also,s seen online that their customer service is apparently one of the best. Lately, I've been checking out the STI Spartan V and that really catches my eye as well. It'll be within the next month or so before I go out and make a purchase. But I'd really love to hear some recommendations and reviews on the STI Spartan V and RIA's products.

Thanks

 

[Who Dares Wins]

There is a Para Expert 1911 in Stainless on the internet right now for $720 at a well known broker/trader website for guns.

Not me selling it, but I do like my Para 1911 which has the Cocobolo grips. It shoots well and has good quality. I haven't tried any of the ones that you mention.

 

[gregkl]

Should be able to find a nice Springfield Armory in that price range. My Range Officer was $799 awhile back. You may be able to find one at that price again.

 

[halfmileharry]

RIA is a hit or miss product. I've owned 3. Past tense I assure you. Go Springfield, Kimber, S&W, Ruger, Remington, etc and you'll have a better, more dependable firearm you can trust and enjoy.
I like the STI as well. I'm carrying a series 1 Kimber Custom mostly. I carry a Wilson and Ed Brown when the weather is nicer. Thousands upon thousands of rounds without a fail of any type.
My RIAs combined were a major issue keeping them running. 2 out of the 3 were trouble out of the box with one not being able to be fixed. My first I loved until it puked around 3K rounds. It cost me almost $300 to bring it up to snuff and I've still got a $400 gun after putting almost $700 in it. It's the GI model and I figured $300 in another .45 was better than another parts gun in the drawer.

 

[nakinate]

There is a Para Expert 1911 in Stainless on the internet right now for $720 at a well known broker/trader website for guns.

Not me selling it, but I do like my Para 1911 which has the Cocobolo grips. It shoots well and has good quality. I haven't tried any of the ones that you mention.

My friend has a Para Ordnance 1911. It is a sweet gun. When it comes time for me to buy a 1911 I will be looking at Para first.

 

[45fan]

Not a thing wrong with the RI 1911s. I have thought about adding one to the collection myself. In the price range you specify, any one of their line should be well within your budget. I cant speak on STIs, as I have never seen one.

Another brand to consider, Springfield Armory, has a few that should fall in your price range, depending on what type and accessories you are looking for from the factory.

 

[halfmileharry]

https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...land-armory-1911-owner-satisfaction-poll.html

 

[churchmouse]

Here we go again.

What are you using it for....target/carry/safe queen. Valid questions.
The answers to these questions will tell others what to suggest.

 

[Harley46982]

I just picked up a Springfield Mil-Spec in .45 it's in your budget and makes a nice gun to build on should you want to customize it. On the other hand I have a Rock Tactical I bought for my son and so far it's been perfect in 3k rounds.

 

[Trigger Time]

Keeping in mind I'm on about an $800 budget for a 1911. I've read quite a few things about Rock Island Armory's products and a guy at Bradis right up the road told me he swears by them. Also,s seen online that their customer service is apparently one of the best. Lately, I've been checking out the STI Spartan V and that really catches my eye as well. It'll be within the next month or so before I go out and make a purchase. But I'd really love to hear some recommendations and reviews on the STI Spartan V and RIA's products.

Thanks

Check out USDS in greenwood. Their customers service is the best and they are very knowledgeable. When I was in there a few days ago they had a very good selection of 1911's including nice rock islands! Check them out for no BS honesty! It will take you forever to get helped in the other shop you mentioned and it feels like they have better things to do than answer your questions.


I think its a good idea to see and feel several different brands side by side.
Here's a link: usds.biz

 

[DFidler87]

Check out USDS in greenwood. Their customers service is the best and they are very knowledgeable. When I was in there a few days ago they had a very good selection of 1911's including nice rock islands! Check them out for no BS honesty! It will take you forever to get helped in the other shop you mentioned and it feels like they have better things to do than answer your questions.


I think its a good idea to see and feel several different brands side by side.
Here's a link: usds.biz

Overall, I've never had a problem with Bradis. They've usually answered my questions pretty quickly. But I'm always open to checking out other shops. Next time I'm in the Greenwood area, I'll check them out.

Thanks for the responses thus far.

 

[LostLake]

Hello Sir,

Speaking from my own experience, I've had really good luck with my own RIA 1911. IMHO it's a fine 1911 for the money - especially if you 'fluff 'n buff' one or after a couple thousand rounds has been put through it . S&W has their lowest tier E-Series 1911 right in that $800.00 range - that's a NICE 1911 for the money. If I were you, I'd give the Smith custom shop gun a look.

I lay-a-way'd a used Kase Reeder 'Condition One' yesterday for under a grand. Thing was pretty much flawless. I can't wait to compare it to my other 1911's.

Smith and the RIA Compact Tactical

S&W E-Series (lowest tier)

 

[SERparacord]

Hello Sir,

Speaking from my own experience, I've had really good luck with my own RIA 1911. IMHO it's a fine 1911 for the money - especially if you 'fluff 'n buff' one or after a couple thousand rounds has been put through it . S&W has their lowest tier E-Series 1911 right in that $800.00 range - that's a NICE 1911 for the money. If I were you, I'd give the Smith custom shop gun a look.

I lay-a-way'd a used Kase Reeder 'Condition One' yesterday for under a grand. Thing was pretty much flawless. I can't wait to compare it to my other 1911's.

 

[rambokid]

I love my Springfield 1911 in OD green that I bought a few years ago from Plainfield Shooting Supply. It is one of my guns that I will NEVER get rid of.

 

[KG1]

Here we go again.

What are you using it for....target/carry/safe queen. Valid questions.
The answers to these questions will tell others what to suggest.

Sure you don't need to take a nap first?

 

[Magnum314]

Both can be quite good at that price range. Personal experience will vary from one individual to another. You could be well served by either. Within that price range...you will get as many opinions as there are options. And you know what they say about opinions!

 

[churchmouse]

Sure you don't need to take a nap first?

I see what you did there.....:Laugh:

 

[churchmouse]

For that price range...and given quality of product in my experience..and quality customer service support...I would go a Springfield Armory loaded or a Range Officer. Depending on new/used you can get a LOT of features for the money...especially when you can find one used. But everybody on here is going to have their loyalties, personal experience, and opinions...and we all know what they say about opinions.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^This^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

See how easy that was.......

 

[88E30M50]

For that kind of money, I'd skip the Rocks and move up the ladder a bit. I was at Elmore's the other day and they had a new Kimber full size 1911 for around $800. I cannot remember if it was $780 or $850 but am thinking it was the lessor amount. I was buying another 1911 and was struck by a passing thought of picking that one up as well since it was priced very well for a Kimber. Springfields are also in that range as mentioned above if not lower. I bought a Springfield Mil-Spec for my nephew when he graduated SF training a year or so back and it only set me back $650. My Remington R1S set me back $689 and I love that gun. The Ruger 1911s are also in that range and are quite popular.

Rocks are good guns but if spending near $800, there are many better options.

 

[SpaldingPM]

There is a Para Expert 1911 in Stainless on the internet right now for $720 at a well known broker/trader website for guns.

Not me selling it, but I do like my Para 1911 which has the Cocobolo grips. It shoots well and has good quality. I haven't tried any of the ones that you mention.

You can get them from Buds for about mid $500