Rock island tactical or used Taurus 1911?

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  • amboran

    Sharpshooter
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Dec 25, 2008
    416
    16
    Brownstown,IN
    Son is wanting a 1911 and has around $500 to spend. Which would you buy---a new RIA tactical or a gently used Taurus 1911 with 3 mags . He isn't fond of used guns,but I'm thinking a Taurus has a lot of nice features that outweigh the "new" factor of a RIA. What you say? Thanks for any input........
     

    LPMan59

    Grandmaster
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    May 8, 2009
    5,560
    48
    South of Heaven
    i bought a PT1911 as my first 1911. I really liked the feel and it was accurate. But the safety was flimsy and the gun did not like most of the JHPs I tried to feed it.

    The RIA Tactical I had ate everything. I would personally go with the RIA because of their better reputation concerning customer service.
     

    churchmouse

    I still care....Really
    Emeritus
    Rating - 100%
    187   0   0
    Dec 7, 2011
    191,809
    152
    Speedway area
    RIA is an OK gun. Have considered one myself but in the double stack hi-cap. I have owned a few Taurus and they were just fine for what they were. I would consider the Taurus or just save up a few hundred more and get a Springer 1911 A-1. I found a used one for $550.00 not long ago and did not act on it. Missed the deal. They are out there. Just look over real good and nothing wrong with used.
     

    Brandon

    Grandmaster
    Rating - 100%
    11   0   0
    Jun 28, 2010
    6,997
    113
    SE Indy
    I would go with the RIA over the Taurus. I have a couple of Tauruses but they are nothing great... They go bang when you pull the trigger...

    I would look for a used Kimber or Colt or something in the classifieds and pay a couple bucks more..
     

    cwillour

    Expert
    Rating - 100%
    90   0   0
    Dec 10, 2011
    1,144
    38
    Northern Indiana
    The PT1911 was the pickiest of my 1911s by far. I had a Springfield GI-series model in all stainless (yes, I get the fact that stainless was hardly spec) that was about the same money 2-3 years ago that was much more reliable.
     

    daspurlock

    Sharpshooter
    Rating - 100%
    6   0   0
    Feb 8, 2011
    330
    16
    I have a RIA in 9mm, it has been a great gun. It shoot's federal 100 rd packs from wal-mart very well. I never have any problems with it and I take it with me every time I go out. It's very accurate and dependable. I would buy another, for the money I would say their worth it.
     

    KillStick

    Sharpshooter
    Rating - 100%
    29   0   0
    Dec 9, 2010
    696
    18
    Anderson
    Rock Island hands down, but if he isn't in the need to buy quickly just have him save a few pennies and get a springer. Getting 1911's used can be a tricky business. 1911's are one of the most customize hand guns out there, that being said every joe smoe tinkers with their 1911 at some point, if you don't know what to look for, buying a used 1911 can be a dud. You don't want to be stuck with a bubba gun smith job that leaves you with a worthless firearm.
     

    james.bryant88

    Plinker
    Rating - 100%
    3   0   0
    Feb 9, 2012
    51
    6
    I bought a RIA 1911 it was a great buy, very dependable for the money I spent. I made a few adjustments, I would recommend deburring it if you get a new one or at least polishing all of the metal on metal contact points. After I dd this on my it has been flawless, haven't had a single jam or malfunction yet. So my vote is RIA.
     

    Boost Lee

    Expert
    Rating - 100%
    16   0   0
    Jul 24, 2011
    820
    18
    Greenwood, IN
    Hands on experience says for the money and best long term investment, go RIA 1911.

    I have absolutely NOTHING against the Taurus 1911's... they're just overall good quality.

    RIA made about the finest attempt out there to make an affordable 1911 with the quality to back it up.

    And IF you can keep your $ lowkey in your pocket; Yes, on occasion, you will definitely find those used Kimber's and Springfield's at killer prices.
     

    Sticky

    Sharpshooter
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Jan 22, 2011
    497
    18
    central IN
    RIA over the Taurus.

    For an extra $100 ($599) you can get a new Ruger SR1911 in SS; if you can locate one. Mine will feed everything, including the old Speer Lawman "Flying Ashtray" HP and H&G 200gr. SWC.
     

    Double T

    Grandmaster
    Rating - 100%
    15   0   1
    Aug 5, 2011
    5,955
    84
    Huntington
    I enjoy my metro arms 1911's. I have the commander and a government. Fit and finish was better than the RIA's I looked at. Not sure where you live, but I plan on going to roush today with both and my 1022 with my father in law.
     

    chraland51

    Expert
    Rating - 100%
    8   0   0
    May 31, 2009
    1,096
    38
    Camby Area
    I have never shot an RIA, but I do have a Taurus 1911 and a much more expensive S&W 1911. My ambidexterous safety on the Taurus has yet to fall off like has been often complained about and I have never had any trouble with it feeding as long as I use factory mags. It does not like to eat from even the best Chip McCormicks or other inexpensive magazines. The Taurus is definitely not the equivalent of a $2200 custom 1911 as originally advertised, but I have found it to be very reliable once you detemine what yours likes to be fed and from what.
     
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