Kimber Custom II Target VS Rock Island Armory

[gorenut]

Functionally both will perform similar. The Kimber will probably have better sights and trigger. The Kimber will definitely have a better fit and finish. As with most guns.. after you spend X base amount, the additional costs may not exactly translate directly in "getting your money's worth" since beyond a certain point it's mostly preference and luxury.

[Lead Waster]

I'm an RIA fanboy, but yes, the RIA could do with better sights and the stock grips aren't very good. However, I think that Armscor realized that most people change these things out to custom parts, even if the gun came with nicer sights and grips.

Is it rough around the edges? Yep. Is it a pretty pretty kitty? Nope.

But it shoots, it's reliable. It's a good place to start if you haven't had a 1911 before and you really don't know what bells and whistles you want.

Sure it's valid to say "Save up your pennies and get what you want" but it's hard to say what those things are that you might want unless you've had a 1911 before!

IMHO, everyone should have 2 1911s (I only have one) the RIA Tactical to start and to figure out what you really want in a 1911, and then the fully customized 1911 that you built based on your experiences with the RIA.

OR, just get the RIA, learn to shoot it really really well, then go to the range and shoot better than newbies with high end guns, just to be annoying! LOL!

[KandyRedCoi]

start with a GI and move up ... you really appreciate the differences even minor, i know i do

[jvpark]

I thought I was missing something when I read the title... seems to be completely different classes of 1911s.

[gmcal]

It's been awhile since I checked out 1911's but, Kimbers usually have smoother edges (dehorning), a better/lighter trigger, and a higher cut front strap than other entry level 1911's. I do wish Kimber would make their "bump and grooved" GS standard across their lineup though.

[KandyRedCoi]

I thought I was missing something when I read the title... seems to be completely different classes of 1911s.

yep, thas why the RIA can be bought and "modded" to the owners preference and still be with-in the budget of the Kimber as-is.

if someone wants to tinker around with their toys i suggest the RIA for the ve u get and the fact that u can mod it as you please and learn how to work on 1911 rather than ruining a more expensive gun

but if all you want is a straight shooter out of the box then just get the other higher priced guns

not that the RIA is not a good gun, but it does lack certain refinements found on the much pricier counter parts

[StormRaven]

I like me some Colt's, and this is probably what I would go home with. They're just better cause as they are from the factory they can play music.

That video is EPIC. Never saw it before, thanks!

Now, if the new Colts didn't have so many quality issues and weren't so expensive on top of that.

[Josh3239]

Go to a gun store and just feel them. You can feel the difference. Fit and finish is nicer on the Kimber and they are tighter. Just better made. I don't think I can ever own a RIA after seeing one that got shipped out without rifling. Yea, stuff slips through the cracks, but that is a pretty big screw up. A lot of RIA owners get emotionally invested in their handgun and try to say it is just as good as other 1911s, they are just plain wrong. RIA is big on the MIM, Kimber has MIM but not nearly as much.

[63 tango]

I used to have a Kimber Stainless Target II. I believe its the same gun your looking at except its stainless. It was a very smooth, nice shooting gun and it felt good in the hand. I liked the adjustable sights. I wouldnt call any Kimber a cheap gun. The only reason I don't have it still is because I sold it to buy a Colt Gold Cup series 70.