Next handgun purchase

[CheapBloke]

I am thinking of either purchasing a ruger gp100 3" 44 spl or a ria 1911 .45.
Anyone familiar with these, what would be the pros and cons of it?
Would either be viable as a conceal carry (if I try for license in future)?
Cost per round compared to .45 to .44 spl?
Thanks for your input.

(My current handgun is hi point c9, but have handled many other handguns. Never a revolver or 44 though.)

[ZX9ALLDAY]

I sold my 44 special just because ammo was so hard to find and so expensive to shoot and acttually train with.

[Garv]

My BIL has the RIA and it is a nice shooter.

[Citadelgrad87]

.44 special ammo is much less a available and more expensive than .45 acp.

If you reload, it's not a problem, but my dad bought a .44 and never shot it until we started reloading for it

[hambam105]

40 years from now that Ruger should digest a boat load of ammo and still be functional.
I don't trust the source & longevity of any pistol manufactured in the Philippines.
45acp or 44 Special it pays to Reload, unless...Your intentions is to only put 200 rounds thru the pistol in your lifetime.

[heidad01]

I am thinking of either purchasing a ruger gp100 3" 44 spl or a ria 1911 .45.
Anyone familiar with these, what would be the pros and cons of it?
Would either be viable as a conceal carry (if I try for license in future)?
Cost per round compared to .45 to .44 spl?
Thanks for your input.

(My current handgun is hi point c9, but have handled many other handguns. Never a revolver or 44 though.)

Not withstanding brand loyalty, stopping power, reliability arguments , or any lost love for Dirty Harry, and not even the round capacity, or ammo prices and availability; My vote goes to the 1911. $ to $, there is nothing out there better than a 1911.

[sealocan]

I know this has probably never been suggested on Calguns before but




.... get both?


But seriously, you've picked two good choices and would probably be happy with either one.

I might lean towards the 1911 for different reasons like five rounds in the Ruger goes pretty quit at the range or when you need it even more importantly and it's a little slow to reload the gun, bullet for bullet, the ammo is more expensive on the 44 if you don't reload ...etc.
That said I'd be just as pleased to own the Ruger

[Donkeypunch0420]

Get the Rock. It's a bit rough around the edges, but it's still a lot of gun for the money. Take a look at Citadel 1911's too. Same parent company as Rock, and you usually get 2 mags instead of 1.

[mwr]

In my opinion, neither of these should be considered for conceal carry based upon their physical size.

[Woodythedog]

I have the Citadel and it is a great shooter. No problems ever and it is finished better than the basic RIA models....

[Red9]

I had a 1911 gov issue model 70. I have a smith 629 that is amazingly accurate.
45 is cheaper ammo.
44 is about 75 to buck per round.
45 can be mag picky.
44 recoil is stout.
44 vs 45 at distance? 44 will win hands down. Ive hit steel at 200 yards with my 44.
Get a 44 and matching lever action?
As with all calgunners your going to buy both eventually.



Sent from my LG-TP450 using Tapatalk

[k1dude]

In my opinion, neither of these should be considered for conceal carry based upon their physical size.

And weight.

[Air]

I have the Citadel. It's actually a really nice pistol. I put a magwell on it and some VZ Operators.

I had a RIA .45, GI Pattern. Functionally it was just fine, but it did give me some hammer bite...that or the GI Grip Safety tore up the web of my hand (after prolonged shooting session). The GI sights are a bit dated. I would look at the RIA Tactical or Citadel's as you get some additional creature comforts. (Beavertail, better sights)

Hard to find a better value really. Kind of big for CCW though.


I don't own a Ruger DA revolver, but I would certainly consider one.

[BillyMays]

These are two very, very different guns and if you want them both eventually you will end up with both anyways.

So which first? Well personally, I wouldn't want a .44 special that doesn't shoot .44mag. Also, the ammo is hard to come by while .45 is everywhere. If you reload then it doesn't matter. I also wouldn't carry either because they are both pretty large and heavy and don't fit my mode of dress in the SoCal summer. Maybe winter carry if I was up north would be ok. It also depends what you intend to use the gun for- hunting, competition, plinking, SD, etc. I think the Ruger would be much more fun to shoot but less versatile. 1911's are everywhere. For a starter gun... I say the RIA wins only because of the caliber.

[Jimi Jah]

Springfield's 1911 Defender sells for under 500 bucks in the free states.