New or lightly used 1911

[arslin]

Hello -

I have two options and I would like your opinion as to the better option.

Option one is a lightly used Mil Spec Springfield. It does not look to have a lot of use. The grips have been upgraded to a very practical rubberized grip. I also like the standard sites on the Springfield. light barrel wear, and hardly noticeable idiot mark. The gun is tight, and does not rattle much.

http://www.oegmag.com/SpringfieldArmory1911A1.html

The other is a new RIA Tactical. The grips are not very comfortable. The main spring housing area of the handle is not comfortable. The handles look very cheap. Each would likely need to be replaced. I might also get some white-out to put dots on the sites (joke)

http://ezine.m1911.org/RIATactical.htm

Both are in the low 500s. I know this is not a deal... but in this day and age- are there deals in guns? Seems to be a fair price for both. The SA has a 30 return for used guns, and would let me throw some lead thru it to make sure it is good. I am leaning towards it, but i also like the idea of a new gun rather than used.

[keenkeen]

l... but in this day and age- are there deals in guns? .

...Yes.

But, I guess that was not your main question. I would go with with the SA as well.

[himurax13]

Well it all depends if you want a beavertail and Novak Cut Rear sights. If you like the Springfield, spend a little more and get a used Loaded Model. I like my RIA Tactical, my only real complaint is that the Novak Rear Sight cut is just a tad shorter then it should be which required a bit more filing and sanding to get my 10-8 sight to fit.

[arslin]

The RIA has the larger ejection port right? How important is that?

[t0kie]

I have never own RIA so I don't know about it, but you can't go wrong with a Springer.

[9mmepiphany]

The main difference, if you're not going to change anything, is the beavertail grip safety and the sights on the RIA.

If you are looking at changing things later, be aware that:

1. that isn't an accurate Novak sight cut and aftermarket sights designed to fit a Novak sight cut won't fit the RIA without additional fitting.

2. other ambidextrous safeties won't fit the RIA , as they don't use the left grip panel to retain the left side lever.

3. The grips on the RIA are very thick...it is almost like they use pre-checkered panels

[arslin]

The main difference, if you're not going to change anything, is the beavertail grip safety and the sights on the RIA.

If you are looking at changing things later, be aware that:

1. that isn't an accurate Novak sight cut and aftermarket sights designed to fit a Novak sight cut won't fit the RIA without additional fitting.

2. other ambidextrous safeties won't fit the RIA , as they don't use the left grip panel to retain the left side lever.

3. The grips on the RIA are very thick...it is almost like they use pre-checkered panels

I'll be honest... I only understood a bit of that. I am hoping to not make much changes. I would like a raised magazine button if I get the Springfield. Otherwise, I would like to keep as is.

[9mmepiphany]

The usefulness of an extended magazine release is over blown...the exception is in a full on competition gun. It wasn't designed to be within reach of the strong thumb while the hand is in the Master grip.

I'd be happy to explain whatever wasn't clear, you just have to ask which you specifically didn't understand

[gibt]

Go with the Springfield. It's a good platform to start with if you ever want to build a custom 1911.