the RIA is a good gun for the cash and they have excellent customer service.
I personally think the SA is a better gun and SA has excellent customer service as well. I believe that the RIAs are cast whereas the SAs are forged. Also my RIA was great, buti found it to be kinda heavy in comparison to others in terms of carrying.
I went with a MetroArms American Classic Commander for 465 total cost including FFL transfer in December, it had the skeletonized hammer, extended slide release, extended safety and beavertail grip safety, all items I couldn't find on the Rock Island w/o getting the ambidextrous safety, which I wasn't interested in.
I would say RIA or Springfield GI or milspec would be the best bang for your buck. Fair price, nice shooters, and they were not made to be safe queens so you can actually shoot them which is important! Good luck with your decision.
I just sold my mil spec Springfield for $550. It was a great gun, just a safe queen I never shot. I would recommend it. I saw that Remington just came out with a 1911, not sure but I think it is around $600 or so.
First of all, way to go 38special! You just flat stole that thing. As for RIA, I have the Tactical model with the skeleton hammer and trigger. Love it. For the money, I think it would be difficult to better. Go to Gun Broker and look thru them.
Taurus PT1911's are fairly priced. Mine functions flawlessly. The only real down fall is that it does't feed every type of hollowpoint. You would have to do some experimenting.