decision: 1911 RIA gi Vs SA milspec

[ren]

first 1911 I will purchase. I've shot both but can't decide. aside from their cost difference and the features on the milspec, what would be the better choice?

[himurax13]

Depends on what you plan on using it for, depends on how it looks and feels to you. The Tactical is basically good to go right out of the box. It has a lot of Custom features at a reasonable price.

Although the Milspec has a better frame and Slide, some don't like the Milspec due to:

1. Standard Eagle Claw Safety and Spur Hammer (Tactical has a Beavertail and Commander Hammer)
2. Crappy Trigger (Tactical is slightly better)
3. Heavy Trigger Pull with Lots of Creep (Tactical is better)
4. Small Sights (Tactical is better)
5. No Full Length Guide Rod (Tactical has one)

[evidens83]

what would be the better choice?

RIA Tactical

[honeywalnutshrimp]

Tactical out of the box is really nice standard GI ria is super inexpensive but to add the things onto the GI that the tactical already has would cost more then just buying the tac first... Sa mil spec is a good looking gun especially in stainless but will cost you more then the already decked out ria tactical which has imo just as if not better reputation for being solid out of the box... So its your choice I would personally spend less and get more with ria but many 1911 users would say otherwise because to some the ria is a poormans 1911 even though its accurate reliable and looks like any other 1911.. Oh its "cast and not forged" apparently a lot of people have been having problems breaking there cast framed firearms like the gp100 that thing breaks all the time... End sarcasm... Get whichever you like both companies are solid

[alex45auto]

RIA frame and slide is casted by Armscorp in the Philippines. I lean towards forged frame and slide from Brazil for SA.

[Chief-7700]

Springfield's customer service is tied for first place with Dillon's.

[C73P]

I just shot my RIA in 38 super first time 100 round no problems!!!! I now love the 38 super but its expensive and hard to get. I would go with the RIA!

[JanG]

that's the reason i sold my ria 38 super and went back to 45 auto

op... you can't go wrong with either one. it really depends on your budget and what features you want. the way i see it, unless you're sponsored by an ammunition company, you won't shoot them often enough to cause catastrophic damage. and in case you do, the warranty is there to cover you.

[DaveFJ80]

If the OP is in So Cal, today would've been a good day to just pick up the RIA 1911 GI model from Turner's and play with that (great sale price they had today). I've seen a few ranges (LAGC, LPFR, and OC Indoor for example) have the SA 1911 GI models that you can rent. Worst case you don't like the RIA, sell it and pick up the Springfield.

[S dot]

RIA frame and slide is casted by Armscorp in the Philippines. I lean towards forged frame and slide from Brazil for SA.

Only the frame is cast. The slide is not.

The 1911 also has a much longer history in the Philippines (second only to the US of course) than Brazil.

They make the slide barrel and frame for the STI Spartan if im not mistaken as well.

They are also a lifetime guarantee

[ren]

yea I'm located in SD. I was playing with the idea of GI from turners knowing them it will go on sale again. might just get the RIA tactical

[kahai808]

the RIA GI was $379 at turners yesterday.

[Darklyte27]

Upgrade to tactical better sights trigger etc
I just got mine

[esartori]

Sa milspec. Mine has been flawless and super reliable

[m98]

My vote goes out to SA. Superb cust service. If you want to spend less then get the RIA. They do make decent 1911's but expect to do some minor mods to the gun to improve reliability. From what i've seen it's somewhat a hit or miss on RIA's.