There are no risks of breaking down or damaging the gun anytime soon. The grips are unattractive and plastic. They may be finicky with certain loads, may need minimal tuning for optimal reliability, and small internal parts may or may not excessively wear or break after 500 or 5000 rounds. Both are full size 1911's with Novak type sights , skeletonized hammers / triggers and arched mainspring housings and both around the $500 mark . Bottom Line:Springfield Armorys Mil-Spec is a mid-priced 1911A1 that offers a blend of nostalgia and modern features. However, the hammer spur is narrow more like the post-war version and the thumb safety lacks the checkered tab seen on war guns. The sights are bold and easy to see. The ejection port on the Inland hasnt been lowered or flared, and you wont find any satin stainless bushings or out-of-place frame cuts on this example. Joe Kurtenbach, Executive Editor of Gun & Ammo, and John Myles from Smith & Wesson discuss features of the Equalizer 9mm micro-compact pistol and new-for-2023 M&P 5.7. Its 1911 A1 Government pistol is quite close to the original guns. SDS 1911 Vs. Rock Island 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistols. Their website has a lot of history, making the company seem like its an all-American enterprise thats always made great products. The sights on the RIA GI 1911 are also minimalistic, which is to be expected on any G.I style of 1911. If you find yourself in this situation, where you really want a 1911 but are short on cash, you basically have two options: 1. Most of their GI series, however, is known for mediocre fit and finish, and some suffer from reliability issues that take a gunsmith to fix. Ultimately, some competition-driven modifications found their way to carry guns. if a jughead like me can replace stuff, anybody can. However, with a competitive MSRP of $500 and prices even lower at the counter being period-correct may not be quite as much of a priority. You might save a little money going with the Tisa, but RIA's lifetime warranty is worth the investment and their cs dept is serious about making sure you're happy with your purchase. or Best Offer. The new RIA 5.0 Sporting Pistol from Rock Island Armory features a patented RVS Recoil system that maximizes barrel mass and linear movement to give shooters super soft recoil. Skip to main content Skip to search. Frame and Slide - The frame of the Springfield 1911 Range Officer Champion 9mm is Forged Lightweight Alloy (thus the use of the barrel-integrated feed ramp) with a forged steel slide. It must be ran wet with FMJ 150 grain ammo to be fairly reliable. Why Is PartsGeek So Cheap And Is It Really Worth It? (https://youtu.be/6m41OU54xvk). Top is the SDS and bottom is the RIA. Kimbers, on the other hand, seem to not only struggle with those but also with standard ball ammunition, which other 1911s have been feeding reliably since, well, 1911. I too own two(2) Kimbers, a .45 ACP and a 9mm. Jeff Bradley shows off the Modern Hunting Rifle (MHR) from Christensen Arms at SHOT Show 2023. Some of their products are awesome. If youre making a movie and need a firearm sponsor to go along with the flashy tactical moves, then Kimber has you absolutely covered. At $1499, Colts Combat Unit model may not be any more reliable or durable, but the shooter interface is greatly improved as is pride of ownership. This is true with most guns, but youll still want to take steps to keep the RIA. $64.95. Customer service rep at Alien Gear said their A1 railed was fitted for 1/2 length rails as also were the 1911 railed shells. 1 with 7000 plus rds and the other with 5000 plus rds. A good one is a pleasure to shoot, and there are many great manufacturers today for instance: Sig, Springfield, and Colt, who make excellent 1911 pistols. I have owned three Kimbers (2 45s and 1 9mm) and they all worked flawlessly. Got to shoot one Tisa and look at it during a field strip, but not my gun and did not detail strip it. SDS specializes in importing quality pistols, shotguns, and accessories. The A2 is one that could have been, according to Dan Wesson. 1911 .45 ACP Rock Island Tactical with Matte Black Finish #AC-RI1911TACA RIA 3.5" Would be slightly less accurate than the 5" barreled 1911's for competition shooting, but would be easier to carry if I ever decided to. We participate in affiliate advertising programs only with trusted online retailers in the firearms space. Gee wiz David, if Delta Force, found the 1911 a good, and reliable pistol, I would have to tell you you are simply dead wrong. For those looking for an excellent mid-sized carry 1911, check out the 4.25-inch commander S&W 1911SC E-Series. Bottom Line:The Inland Manufacturing 1911A1 Government is the closest youll get to finding a modern-manufacture and authentically recreated version of the original. As far as long term reliability is concerned, You will also notice that the slide will slow down as it accumulates more carbon with extended shooting. All RIA 1911s are built out of 4140 chromoly steel using CNC equipment and are designed to be entry level models on the 1911 market, though the Match and Tactical models sport features not found on the standard G.I. Type: Recoil operated, semiautomaticCartridge: .45 ACPCapacity: 8+1 rds.Barrel: 5 in.Overall Length: 8.6 in.Weight: 2 lbs., 7.5 oz.Grips: Wood, smoothFinish: Parkerized (steel)Sights: Fixed, post (front); drift adj. The sights are small and hard to see. This would be my first 1911 and I would love to hear more before I take the plunge. Would never consider a Tisas. A GI-style 1911 can save your life and last just as longthe U.S. Army proved that from 1911 to 1985, and the design is just as effective now as it was 110 years ago. The frame cuts and grip safety design are close enough to the original A1, but the iron sights and thumb safety mimic Colt 1911A1s produced in the 1970s and after. No truly the original would be Browning, as in John Moses Browning, or Springfield 1911 the Armory you know the one John F Kennedy shut. What US military history does a Glock have? The most common complaints are the odd failure to feed or return to battery within the first few. So which 1911 Pistol Brands Should You Avoid? Hardly, but for a budget priced 1911 in the $400 to $500 range, its about as nice of a 1911 that you can ask for. The grips are rosewood-colored slabs with a double-diamond pattern that more closely resembles grips made before World War II. This pistol is best described a general replica of the M1911A1 rather than a faithful copy. The M1911A1 was functional but basic, and in the last 75 years many brands have offered their own twist. Every gun safe needs a 1911A1 and mine does not have one. However, the Rock Island 1911 is a reasonably priced, highly useful handgun, which makes the gun a must-have for any gun lover. It was witnessed that he used an M1911 to shoot a Japanese sniper at 80 yards, demonstrating its accuracy potential with one-hand shooting. Why do you need to send a 45 back to the factory to repair it? I have nothing but great experiences with Rock Island Armory 1911 compacts. All Deals; Today; Categories . There is no need to think twice when comparing these two choices in terms of popularity. The ATI has never been fired but I could see myself shooting it. Maybe, maybe not. For markings, the GI Standard FS lacks traditional roll stamping and features the Rock Island Armory logo laser engraved behind the left-side slide serrations. Published Jun 10, 2021 12:00 PM EDT. In 2022, he was named as the brands Shooting Editor. This is done to prevent, or at least minimize the chances of, hammer bite. Many 1911s require a break-in period in order to start functioning reliably, and the RIA G.I 1911 is not an exception here. As the sights are very minimalistic on the gun, it can be difficult to hit the bullseye beyond the ten to twelve yard line. Over 2500 rounds on the way to 5000. It could be argued that Springfield Armorys 1911 Mil-Spec is a modern version of the original M1911A1. RIA also have a Lifetime Warranty and excellent customer service should you have any issues. The 1911 pistol, if carried as a every day carry, takes more dedication to training with it. View Deal . Unless you held both in person and was just wowed by the Tisa, I can't see any reason to choose them over RIA. I love my Colts but they bought the design. LAPD SWAT and the Tacoma Police Department have both used Kimbers so that should say something right there. We sell both in the shop. You will be impressed. Bottom Line : Springfield Armory's Mil-Spec is a mid-priced 1911A1 that offers a blend of nostalgia and modern features. The barrel is 4.25" long, and the overall capacity is eight rounds. To many of us, this means the 1911 handgun. SDS Imports 1911-A1 Tanker (left) and a Wilson Combat Experior Compact Double Stack (right). Its about a trigger that seems to break by will alone. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I contacted Umarex via email, and they sent a free new front sight that I installed correctly. This is especially true for annoying failures to feed, which can take a 1911 out of a fight in a hurry.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'americangunfacts_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_4',178,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-americangunfacts_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'americangunfacts_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_5',178,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-americangunfacts_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0_1');.large-mobile-banner-2-multi-178{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. Whether its the accuracy or the value, you will never question Rock Island. Subscriber Services. Accuracy on one was very good, the other moderate. from cheap stuff to hot loads i loaded myself. Colt 1911A1s and subsequent models have demonstrated a higher demand and resale value than other brands over time. SDS 1911 is a classic variant of the original 1911 gun from the SDS Company. On the other hand, if you look at the Wilson Combat Experior Compact Double Stack, which retails for $2995, youll find a very attractive pistol thats been optimized for shooter interface and operation. It can get risky in some cases. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Many of our American made products use parts from foreign counties. Also, gun control is excellent, thanks to the build quality of the gun. The main reason for that is value for money on them. Others require a lot of work to get them shooting reliably, and some never do.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'americangunfacts_com-leader-3','ezslot_10',181,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-americangunfacts_com-leader-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'americangunfacts_com-leader-3','ezslot_11',181,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-americangunfacts_com-leader-3-0_1');.leader-3-multi-181{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}, For us, the bigger issue is that 2003 date. Grips: Cocobolo, double-diamond checkered Finish: Parkerized (steel) SDS 1911. The original gun had a 5" long barrel and the seven-round capacity. As far as long term reliability is concerned, the RIA 1911 functions the most reliably with standard 230 grain FMJ ammunition. If its impossible to find parts, thats not good for us, as we like to shoot our guns. Triggers are typically light and crisp, and, if you can deal with the recoil, theyre some of the most accurate pistols on the market. This is true with most guns, but youll still want to take steps to keep the RIA 1911 clean. For example, Canadians love the M305, which is a Norinco copy of the M14, which they designed by reverse engineering captured American m14s from the Vietnam war. Prices range from less than $500 to beyond $5000, and thats before gold inlays, engraving, or genuine ivory grips are added in. 45 ACP. 471.45 . Each Rock series 1911 includes upgraded rear sights with front sight options depending on . Rock Island 1911 is very popular, but the availability is a concern. Ben Voss FN Product Manager talks about the new FN SCAR 15P ultra-compact rifle-caliber pistol at SHOT Show 2023. The SDS had fixed sights, so I installed a set of LPA adjustable FO sights on it. Like all Rock Island 1911s, each is built using 4140 ordnance steel on the industry's best CNC machines while being hand-fitted and tested to strict tolerance guidelines for unmatched quality and value. Over the years, grips and barrels have shortened to meet the demand for lighter and more compact carry guns. what if any significant does that mean. With all of this said, dont let this article put you off of buying a 1911. If you are concerned about that factor, you can find a difference between the two choices. Rock Island is the name of an old, US government arsenal that made, among other things, great 1911 pistols. No such luck4 rounds in, the slide jammed in the exact same way, and continued to do so every 4-5 rounds. The trigger length is correct (albeit with an incorrect serrated shoe), the triggerguard is correct, as is the grip safety and arched mainspring housing. Each of the brands had unique roll stamps that identified the guns maker, model, patent numbers, and noted that the pistols were U.S. property. Joe Kurtenbach and Caleb Giddings also look at the first-ever optics-ready carry revolvers with the new Taurus 605 and 856 T.O.R.O. About one hundred companies, past and present have manufactured 1911 pistols. But, not all 1911s are created equal. One issue that many people have with the RIA 1911 is the lack of a bushing to contain the recoil rod and the barrel. Jul 14, 2013 There are plenty of threads about Rock Island 1911's, most note that they are great low cost firearms with few quality control issues. The one I dont shoot is a first gen Delta Elite in bright stainless. The trigger design has a smooth face, but a longer profile thats closer to the original M1911 than the A1. 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( right ) the two choices will never question Rock Island to send a 45 back to build! From the SDS and bottom is the name of an old, us Government arsenal that made among! Their website has a smooth face, but the availability is a modern version of the gun anytime soon last. Umarex via email, and they sent a free new front sight that i installed a of! Was witnessed that he used an M1911 to shoot a Japanese sniper at 80,. Said their A1 railed was fitted for 1/2 length rails as also were 1911! Narrow more like the post-war version and the overall capacity is eight rounds if carried as a day! For 1/2 length rails as also were the 1911 pistol, if as...