RIA vs Springfield 1911a1

[titan2]

Looking at getting a 1911 and would like to hear from those with some knowledge about RIA's and Springfield's 1911s in .45 acp.

Pros & Cons about either one or both.
Which would be better to start out with.

Right now I have the S&W M&P .45 FS. Kind of wished I tried to bring the 'Maverick' Colt .45 back from Viet Nam that I bought off of fellow there for a whole whopping $25!!!

[MauserMike]

Springfield would be my bet. I have a stainless loaded from SA that has been perfect couldn't be happier with it. My best bud has a RIA GI model and it does great for him, he doesn't like the standard sights though.

RIA is basically the cheapest 1911 you can get that is still a decent and reliable gun. Get one if your looking to save money.

are you looking at GI 1911a1 models only?

[Steve_In_29]

I have a RIA Tactical and have been very pleased with it. I believe the Springfields have a forged frame vice the cast frame on my Rock. Despite that unless someone is a competitive shooter I don't see anyone wearing out the Rock.

I don't think you can go wrong with either brand.

[jmatt511]

I have a Springer MC operator and 2 RIA compacts (one with a commander length slide/barrel from Fusion). All trhee functionally work fine. The RIA is a bit more coarse. Some parts are out of spec (the hole in the slide for the extractor is always just a little out of spec being too small. This was on both guns.). You get what you pay for. For the price of an MC Operator, you can get a Colt Rail Gun in black cerkote. I'm very happy with mine. Colt definitely upped it's game.

[Chapped Hide]

I had a SS Loaded that was a really good gun. Here's a great deal for one that usually stickers for $849 in CA.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1033161

[titan2]

Are you looking at GI 1911a1 models only?

Basically, yes....

Nothing fancy, but I do want quality!!!

[wilit]

I had a Springfield GI that I sold for a RIA Tactical in 9mm. The GI took about 500 rounds to break in before it would extract 100%. I would get a stovepipe almost once every mag. The RIA was 100% straight out of the box. Both are good, but dollar for dollar, you're not going to get a better value than the RIA.

[WWDHD?]

I own both a RIA Tactical and a SA Loaded in SS. I like them both. Both shoot great. ARMSCOR was great to deal with when I had to send it back for warranty work and now it's better than ever. Have not had a problem with the SA but I've heard they are very good with customer service.
Pro : RIA= good quality 1911 for the $$$. Great CS
Con : RIA= sights could be better.

Pro : SA= Very accurate and reliable. nice smooth trigger IMO.
Con : SA= the ever so slight overhang of the slide over the back of the frame. Bugs me to look at it so I try not to. Stupid two-piece FLGR (replaced it).

Not sure which is a better deal for the $$$. Guess it depends what your going to do with it. I do know for sure the RIA is at least a great way to get into 1911's to see if you like the platform. Good luck.

[Soginator]

I have a SA mil spec. Great gun, definitely worth the price. Honestly, knowing what I know now, I would have rather saved money up for the one I really wanted (TRP operator full rail which I just got my hands on) rather than getting one in the middle that was a compromise.

[MauserMike]

but dollar for dollar, you're not going to get a better value than the RIA.

Yeah what he said!

EDIT___

although you said you want "quality" RIA GI model isn't really known for its outstanding fit and finish. have you handled the RIA GI model? can you live with changing out the grips

[geoint]

I had a Springfield GI that I sold for a RIA Tactical in 9mm. The GI took about 500 rounds to break in before it would extract 100%. I would get a stovepipe almost once every mag. The RIA was 100% straight out of the box. Both are good, but dollar for dollar, you're not going to get a better value than the RIA.

funny, my RIA was the one to give me issues almost every mag. Finally gave up and sold it. I could have taken time to polish or replace parts but wtf if Im going to do that Ill just spend the extra $$ up front for a better gun.


Not sure if the Tactical RIAs are better than their regular models (mine was the regular GI model)

[bullitt3123]

Buying a 1911 is like buying a car their are so many flavors and models that you just have to buy the one that catches your eye. For me, I spent about a month looking for the one that I wanted so I went to my local gun store and played with as many 1911's as I could I was even able to shot some of their rentals and make a choice. In the end I bought a SA 1911 mil spec as my first one really excited to go pick it up and shoot it. Once you buy one you have to buy more so 1911 SA mil spec is good enough for me......for now

[Sailormilan2]

I have a Springfield 1911 GI, a RIA Tactical, and had a RIA GI. I found that the RIAs had tighter chambers than the Springfield, which caused numerous FTFs with my reloads, until I figured it out.
I like the adjustable trigger, ambi safety, and beavertail safety on the RIA Tactical. I replaced the ugly wood grips as soon as I could.
The Springfield I've had for 20+ years and is adequate, though it's now been upgraded with new sights, safeties, and trigger.

[MA5177]

You really get what you pay for with 1911's. I had a RIA tactical a while back and sold it, it had reliability issues and a crappy parkerized finish that scratched just by looking at it. I would try to step up to a $800 gun you will be happier in the long run.

[Fill]

I've got a RIA tac. It shot anything and everything right put of the box. I put Wilson Combat spring kit in it just because I always like to do upgrades. #17 recoil spring, their 30% lighter main spring and the firing pin spring. I also run their 47D mags. This thing is dead nuts reliable and accurate. It'll run +P loads and cheap under powered Tula. I've even Duracoated the slide FDE and put rubber Hogue FDE grips on it. It runs dirty, dry, over lubed, whatever. I know some of those high end 1911s are really trick, but I couldn't imagine spending that kinda of money on one and thinking it would run any better than this one. Everyone who has ever shot it has been impressed.

I also am not oblivious to the fact that there are some bad ones out there too though.