,,,

[Sinixstar]

In addition to the reliability improvements of the mil-spec, I think a beavertail grip safety is a must as it allows the shooter to get a higher grip on the pistol. This higher grip in turn allows the shooter to control recoil effectively and thus a loaded is what I would get at a minimum.

Agreed.

I think the GI is more for someone who's looking for some nostalgia in having a true 1911 spec gun, without spending thousands on something that's 50,60,70+ years old.

[1911Operator]

im not going to tell you to go all out, but I wouldnt recommend a basic model either. get this one http://www.springfield-armory.com/armory.php?version=4 its fully loaded, but nothing crazy! you can tell yourself im not going to customize it, but.......your going to one day or another. this one already has the upgrated hammer, trigger, beaver tail, and im sure you can find one with night sights. should go for about $850-900 on gun broker like this one that even has the night sights http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=166900166 , but too bad he dsnt ship to CA.

[Rock_Islander]

Okay drider here's my skinny on what you might want to consider:

1. If you want a plain jane 1911 that's got a basic World War 2 Era "look" to it, then go with the Springfield Mil-Spec. It's the model just above the GI, and it's got a stainless steel barrel, instead of a parkerized carbon steel barrel. It should hold up to rust and corrosion much better. It also has a lowered and flared ejection port, which is the NUMBER ONE reliability upgrade for ejecting your empty shells. Plus it's got a set of 3-dot combat sights right out of the box. The GI doesn't. Now it doesn't have a beavertail, skeletonized hammer, skeletonized trigger, extended thumb safety, or any of those "modern" goodies, but it is a solid, and great plain jane, that can be customized and built up to become a really nice Semi-Custom/Fully-Custom if you're willing to spend the money on it.

2. If you want a more modern 1911(right outta the box), as in one with a beavertail grip safety, skeleton-hammer, 3-hole trigger, etc. etc. then expect to pay around 750-800 dollars. A Kimber Custom 2 is a great gun for $750. It's got a match grade barrel and match grade barrel bushing, right out of the box which should provide you with tremendous accuracy, more than any Springfield Armory 1911 priced under $1200-$1400 will. Springfield TRP's are around $1400 and come with the match grade accurized stuff. $750 beats $1400 in my (check) book any day. You can also get a Springfield Loaded, for around $800, it will have all the modern furnishings, without the match grade accuracy of the Kimber.

3. Another great value to consider is a Rock Island Armory 1911. I own 2. I loved my first one so much, I bought a second one. I'm picking up the second from my FFL this Thursday (my tenth day). I bought two of the Tactical models, accurate, accurate, accurate... Reliable, durable, inexpensive. Around $500 or so for a modernized 1911. PM me if you want more info on them or just reply here if you want to see pictures by quick postin them on this thread.

[railroader]

I'll second a rock island tactical if you are on a budget. I had one and it was accurate and reliable. The better option is to save a little more for a basic kimber custom. They are very accurate and will have a much better trigger than the springfield. They go on sale here in so cal for around $750. Mark

[eastershawn]

ok buddy i have owned a glock 21 (.45 acp), sold it to buy my current 1911 springfield loaded and have shot a rock island G.I. several times. its like everybody says, the 1911 is more accurate and the glock is more relaible. i love the 1911 for its accuracy, that why i got it. it is way more accurate at 25 yrds than the glock. it has however had a problem chambering. it has only happened five times in about five hundred rounds, but the glock never once had a problem, zero. but i sometimes would completely miss the target at 25 yards with the glock. as far as rock island goes, they are awesome, same accuracy and reliability as my springfield. only had one problem chambering in about 100 rounds. so i guess it comes down to do you trust your life with a super accurate 1911 that might malfunction, or a super reliable glock that might miss.

[den888]

1911's are classic and great guns. Go for it.

[JanG]

i have a rock island armory tactical. eats fmj and winchester hollowpoints all day. wilson mags help feeding.

[Foriegn power]

That is the thing gents that I have to deal with, $600 for a functional working Glock (I know that). Or Somewhat spending close to a $1,000 for an 1911, I think I will have to do some thinking. On the other hand not to throw my thread off track has anyone held the new G19 RTF Gen 4, if there is a Gen 4 G19 out yet?

[lazs]

you are aware that the 1911 will shoot inexpensive cast bullet reloads and that it will be more accurate than a glock...

Not to mention.. you can use it to pistol whip all the bad guys that have to defend ourselves from everytime we step outside.

And.. you can buy some neat grips for it.

[B Strong]

I use Glocks as working pieces, but own many 1911 type pistols from small (Detonics Combat Master Mk.1) to large (AMT Longslide)

A quality 1911 will go bang every time if you use good quality mags (I use Wilson 47D's) and maintain the piece correctly - you'll need to experiment with HP rounds on an individual basis to see which will run 100% in a given example of 1911, but I've found that Federal ACP 230 Grain Hydra-Shok seems to run 100% in many different manufacturer's pieces.

[Rekrab]

If you want a plain-jane 1911 the SA Mil-Spec and the RIA GI are your two best choices in my opinion. They'll go bang every time and they maintain the classic look of the 1911 with the RIA GI being slightly more true to the original design.

Neither gun is made in America, SA is forged in Brazil and RIA is cast in the Phillipines.

I love my Rock and I wouldn't give it up for anything. I went with the Tactical because it had all the features I wanted in a 1911 and for less cost than the SA GI or Milspec.

The only funny business going on with my Rock was that it would return to battery after the last round which was great for diagnosing what I was doing wrong while shooting, but horrible for operation. One $40 Wilson slide stop later and it works flawlessly.

[cortayack]

I have a RIA GI....Did some simple upgrades to it and it made it better....I can shoot it very well. Its accurate and fun to shoot! Even when I'm shooting in rapid fire.....So I just bought a RIA tactical.....Looking forward to geting her out of jail....

I've been very happy with the RIA 1911, for the price they can't be beat....

[1 SIG fan]

Crazy or not?

Yeah, CRAZY...not to get one

[teflondog]

Another vote for the Springfield Milspec. A lot of people make many modifications to it but honestly it's a very good gun out of the box. It has everything you need (lowered/flared ejection port and decent sights). Any modifications you'd make to it would come from personal preference and not out of necessity.

[MossbergMan]

I'm a confirmed Glockaholic (13), an affirmed and devoted supporter of Springfield Armory(8) and I even have 3 Colt 1911's and let's not forget the 2 Para's taking up safe space. But if you are on a budget and you want a good quality 1911, Rock Island Tactical model is for you. For less than $600 you get custom features...bearvertail grip safety,ambi-safety,novac sights, 3 hole comp. trigger...if I didn't have so many safe queens already I would buy one myself.
The range that I frequent rents one and speaks highly of it. The sample they have for sale has a trigger that most Springfields and Kimbers would envy. It's hard to believe, but the rental sees more use than most owners would ever put a normal gun through and it keeps banging away. But as posted before...quality magazines are a must for any 1911.
So if you want a 1911, you're on a budget, look at the RI Tactical. I love my Glocks and Springfields but there are just some things one can do better than the other so I have both. When the budget allows get the other.
Good luck and let us know what you buy and how you like it.