OP, I had one awhile back, shot well, really accurate, but too heavy for my EDC, but I'd have another if the price was right.. ,Churchmouse, what would you recommend instead of the RIA as a starter 1911? The price is the main reason for the RIA's, being $500 or less, what can you get in a 1911,for around that? ( sorry to thread jack)
Not a 1911 guy myself, so take it for what it's worth, but there are times when the choice is between throwing $$ into something that won't be up to par or spending more and getting something that will be. I'd rather be $750 for example into something that is fit for the task than take a loss of $500 on something that is not. Now that definition of up to par, depends on your usage. Personally if I were looking for a 45 ACP to put in the night stand and serve that role (which is what the OP stated), and I only had $500 to do it, I'd be looking at something besides a 1911. (You can get into other make and models of firearms for $500 in 45 ACP that will definitely feed anything you want, go bang every time, etc. That's not easily said of a 1911.)
That said, if you just want to dabble in the 1911 pond for a range gun and are ok with getting something that may need some work, then the RIA may be fine, though I think I'd still evaluate if I'd rather put a little extra money into it and get the Ruger (as CM mentioned) or something else a bit up the food chain.
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