Save the money buy something better.RIA 1911’s are trash. Someone will come along and tell you different because theirs has had fifty flawless rounds over the last few years, but as in most things in life, you get what you pay for.
I have 2 RIA Ultra Tac 1911's and shoot both of them on a regular basis and never had a single problem with them. Sure there are better 1911's out there. Look at the RIA forum to get a good idea of what actual owners think.
It depends on what you want to do with it. If you just want to have a 1911 and only plan on putting a box per year through it, while never carrying it, an RIA is not too bad for the money. If you want to enjoy the craftsmanship in a nice 1911, then you will be disappointed in an RIA. I’ve owned one and it ran really well. I think it had somewhere around 800 rounds through it when sold but it is built to a price point.
A Colt is not too much more and while those also have a bunch of mediocre parts in them, they often can be tuned well and if not, it’s not too hard to sell a Colt. You will lose money on an RIA unless it’s a really good deal. Even then, you will lose money on it.
But, if it’s just a toy to fill a niche and will only be a one box a year plinker, it’s not a bad choice.
CM will smack me when we hit the range together next...
OOPS, did it again.
I read a comment from the owner of Alchemy Custom on a 1911 forum not long ago.A Colt is not too much more and while those also have a bunch of mediocre parts in them, they often can be tuned well and if not, it’s not too hard to sell a Colt.
I saw in another post that the Springfield Pro had to go to some MIM for the FBI because the Wilson Combat BP part wasn't as durable.Colt guns are as close as you can get to proven spec that just works. Loose slide and all. All the holes are where they should be. Colts have a feed ramp angle and depth that just works. The heat treat of the parts is correct. The small parts are excellent, even the MIM stuff and sometimes the MIM part someone replaces is actually a better part than what it is replaced with.
It's so funny when you ask a question like this and then you get everything but the answer you asked for !!!
For those of you who owned one or at least have had an opportunity to have some range time with one, Thanks for sharing.
I'm just looking for a shooter not a 1 to 2K $ ornament to try and prove something about how cool I am LOL !!!
https://youtu.be/3W7sb9Zp-8o
Hickok45 video above $500 1911 or 3K 1911 fun video about the choice.
OP, I had one awhile back, shot well, really accurate, but too heavy for my EDC, but I'd have another if the price was right.. ,Churchmouse, what would you recommend instead of the RIA as a starter 1911? The price is the main reason for the RIA's, being $500 or less, what can you get in a 1911,for around that? ( sorry to thread jack)