Citadel vs RIA 1911s

[supermario]

Hello Guys,

I already own a RIA tactical and MC Operator 1911s. They are both awesome, especially for the price. However with the what Springfield Armory did to the people in Illinois got me not wanting to buy from them anymore. Heres a link just in case you didn't know.

https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2017/04/john-boch/springfield-armory-rock-river-arms-trade-opposition-to-illinois-ffl-licensing-scheme-for-carve-out/

So my question is, are the Citadel tactical models as good (reliable) as the RIA Tactical models? I ask about the Citadel because they are very affordable. My bro wants to buy a 1911 in the future but he don't have much $ so $500-$800 is the most he will afford out the door.

I originally recommended the Springfield Loaded because you get a lot for your $$. But now I'm thinking of the Citadel fully loaded models or a Kimber Custom II on sale or used.
Does anybody know the differences between the Citadel and RIA 1911s? I'm pretty sure I read they both come from same factory in Philippines but are they separate companies?

[Danodog]

Citadels have come with 2 mags instead of RIA including 1 mag. Other than different billboard and slide serrations, I don't think there is that much of a difference. Some will say Citadel is slightly better quality in the machining but I haven't seen it. I have a compact RIA tactical. Model 51429. It has been a great experience so far.

[LMNO]

It's Rock River Arms, not Rock Island Tactical, that you want to boycott.

[supermario]

Oh

Ha I just jumped the gun, didn't even realize. I got my new 1911 and my mind has been a blurrr. LOL.
Thanks soo much for clearing up my brain fart!! This thread is over. thanks

It's Rock River Arms, not Rock Island Tactical, that you want to boycott.

[LMNO]

Oh

Ha I just jumped the gun, didn't even realize. I got my new 1911 and my mind has been a blurrr. LOL.
Thanks soo much for clearing up my brain fart!! This thread is over. thanks

Lol, I probably should've waited 'til you bought a Citadel or two.

[ZER0_]

Did you even read your own source?
Even at first glance it clearly says Rock River Arms and not Rock Island Armory.

Edit: Haha. Well that was a quick thread. Hope you find what you're looking for.

[supermario]

I just saw ROCK and skipped to article. My bad

Did you even read your own source?
Even at first glance it clearly says Rock River Arms and not Rock Island Armory.

[FeuerFrei]

Citadel vs RIA is akin to Chevrolet vs GMC.

The same, but different.😉

Buy either or for a good value. I bought RIA Tactical and changed the grips.

Sent using a long string and 2 Dixie cups

[supermario]

I have the RIA Tactical as well but today I saw a Citadel with all the bells and whistles and it looked similar to the Tactical. The RIA Tactical is no longer on the Roster so that's another reason looking into the Citadel.

Citadel vs RIA is akin to Chevrolet vs GMC.

The same, but different.😉

Buy either or for a good value. I bought RIA Tactical and changed the grips.

Sent using a long string and 2 Dixie cups

[tonyt22]

Personally i like the citadel more they both come with the same warranty and both go thur armscor i believe for warranty issues i dont know if rock osland still puts the billboard on the side of their guns but thats the main reason i like the citadel more

[heidad01]

Citadel vs RIA is akin to Chevrolet vs GMC.

The same, but different.😉

Buy either or for a good value. I bought RIA Tactical and changed the grips.

Sent using a long string and 2 Dixie cups

^^

Same thing slightly different look.

[supermario]

On a side note, does anybody know the difference between the RIA Match vs RIA Target? Both of those models are still on Roster.

[Lead Waster]

If the Citadel is as good a gun and value as the RIA Tactical was when it was on roster, then it's a good buy. Mine is highly reliable.

[MrBlazito]

Citadel has dark parkerized finish. The serrations (back/front) on the slide are cut deeper and are spaced apart wider. It comes with 'tactical' sights, skeletonized trigger/hammer, full size beavertail, ambi safety, wood grips and two mags.

[Two Nuggets]

On a side note, does anybody know the difference between the RIA Match vs RIA Target? Both of those models are still on Roster.

I don't think they make the RIA Target anymore. The Match model was pretty similar in comparison to the Target model.