Which one?

[GunnerMichael]

I am looking to buy a .45 ACP in the near future for target shooting and wanted some input from everyone.

The 2 guns I am looking at, both are around $400 used, are the RIA 1911 or Ruger P90. (I may buy a RIA new if I find at the right price.)

If you were buying one of these which one would you pick and why?



Please only suggest one of the above unless there is another SA/DA .45 ACP that is $400 and you know is a much better gun, meaning you have owned or shot at least one of the above, did not like it and have a similar gun that you love. An opinion from information gathered from online sources is not what I am interested in. If any of you have seen my other posts I am not a Glock fan, I recently made friends with a local gun smith and have fire a G33, a G19 and a G21 SF and was not a fan. The G33 and the G19 were custom and both were very nice machines, however, the grips did not fit my hand well and I was having a hard time getting comfortable. I switched to my 9mm and had was grouping 3" @ 15ft. I have ,however, fire an Older Colt GI 1911 and a LC9 and really enjoyed both of them. I have a DAO striker fire 9mm and am looking to get a SA/DA, that is why I am looking at these 2 options.

On another note, how does the P90 match up to the SR45 (I have held the SR45 and it felt nice, have not shot it though)

Thanks.

[Quiet]

The Ruger P-90 was discontinued in 2010.
They are very rugged, solid pistols.
But, because they have been discontinued finding spare parts and magazines may be a problem.

That said I would go with the (Armscor) Rock Island Armory 1911.

[Doc Hawk]

Used XD45 is only a little over your price range, and a huge step up. Otherwise, grab the RIA and upgrade the internals as your funds allow.

[TMB 1]

The Ruger P-90 was discontinued in 2010.
They are very rugged, solid pistols.
But, because they have been discontinued finding spare parts and magazines may be a problem.

That said I would go with the (Armscor) Rock Island Armory 1911.

^this

[FresnoRob]

For a first .45 I'm always going to vote 1911. Unless I'm clueless and I could be no 1911 is SA/DA.

[CK_32]

I wonder if we have any 1911 fans in this forum..... Lol

[geoint]

find an M&P 9 or 45 to shoot

[GunnerMichael]

Used XD45 is only a little over your price range, and a huge step up. Otherwise, grab the RIA and upgrade the internals as your funds allow.

That was my plan with the RIA, I love tinkering and that is why it would be a good choice. I have considered the XD but I think I really want a 1911. If I decide against the RIA, honestly, I might get the XD in a .357 SIG. Buds has them for $460 right now with the olive frame.

find an M&P 9 or 45 to shoot

I have, sorry, not a fan.

I wonder if we have any 1911 fans in this forum..... Lol

lol. Even though I don't own one I am a fan. That is why I want one for my next purchase. I need to get one before they fall off roster if I want to one new without a stamp. (Stamping is lame. I won't own a gun with the micro-stamping, I am seriously concerned about someone picking up my ammo at the range. I think stamping might even have a negative impact on the shooting range since it could make the cartridges unusable and people that would usually leave the empty casing might pick them up now, so less revenue for the shooting range and that would mean higher prices for us.)

My wife likes the look of the SR45 more than the 1911 and when she is onboard with a gun I would never say no. In the end it is my choice. I bought all of my other guns without consulting her but it makes things easier if she likes the one I am buying. She also likes the LC9, I think she just like the look of the Rugers. I might buy a LC380 if I can find one used, and call it hers. It's funny though, I have the 9C1 Gen2 and love it (one session at the range I had 3 FTF, I think the top of the magazines got bent and I used my thumb to make them even and haven't had an issue since). I think the more a gun looks like the 9C1 the more she like it since that is what she is used to.

Is it possible to change/update a poll? I want to change to RIA, SR45 or XD .357 and would rather change this one then add a new post.

[Kelster1574]

My first handgun back in 2000 was a KP90, still have it as of now. It still shoots pretty good, and honestly I have shot more rounds through it then my other 15+ handguns. It cycles everything from reloads to high end corbon with no problems. The slide has been a little loose since day one and the gun rattles if you shake it......but it's a keeper and will never get rid of it.

I also own a RIA Officer size but I have only put about 25 rounds through it. Seems to to be a solid gun and very reasonable for a reliable, good looking 1911. Honestly it functions just as good as my Kimber. Kimber is more accurate but it's a full size not an officer.

If I walked into a shop tomorrow and had to pick one........man that's a tough one..........if I was just wanting a handgun to shoot for target practice and enjoy, the Ruger. If I wanted something to customize a little then it would be the RIA 1911.

Hope my post helps a little, my Ruger has been solid for the last 14 years, but my RIA looks better, functions good (very few rounds through it), and is a 1911........

[BigPimping]

Ruger. Durable, reliable, accurate and American made. I have 10 rounds through my P95 with no problems ever.

[SoberClurichaun]

RIA 1911 I will be going this route soon once I find the model that fits me!

[rambutan316]

My vote goes towards the RIA 1911, especially if you don't have a 1911 variant in your collection yet.

[MrElectric03]

Of the two, RIA. I considered one myself, the two I have shot operated ok. I've decided to save a little more and get a Springfield Loaded.

[jonzer77]

Which one?

Ruger. Durable, reliable, accurate and American made. I have 10 rounds through my P95 with no problems ever.

10 rounds? Now that is a torture test!

Was this all during one range session?

[colossians323]

ria, even the entry level 1911 is superior to most others