- Thread Starter
- #41
I appreciate your input. Can you tell me any idea of which models of RIA you had bought and about when you bought them? I just have heard that they've made improvements over the years but yeah that sort of experience would make me never want to buy from them again. I've owned all sorts of polymer handguns and I just prefer the way my steel or alloy frame pistols shot by a significant degree. Not to say I haven't shot some great polymer guns...but for the purpose I'm looking to use this one, I'd rather have a metal framed gun.I've had two Rock Island 1911s. The first one came from the factory so badly cast that there were literally bubbles visible in the frame. They said it never should have left assembly in that condition (duh). So I sent it back in and they replaced it with a new pistol. This one didn't get 300 rounds through it before the slide stop notch in the barrel began peening so badly that it was clear that the slide stop eventually would not be able to lock the slide back. They replaced the slide, stating that it probably hadn't been hardened appropriately. I sold that one with full disclosure and haven't looked back. The odds of getting two really unacceptable pistols in a row is astronomical. I'm convinced they really aren't something that is acceptable, low price or not. I've had several Sig 1911s that were beautiful pistols that operated flawlessly. But I decided I'm just not a 1911 guy. For the same price as or less than an entry 1911, you can get a host of proven polymer or even steel .45 ACP double stack pistols. My personal favorite is my Springfield XdM 3.8 inch compact. It comes with a standard 9 round magazine and 13-round extended grip magazine. The weight, ergonomics, build quality, accuracy, and other qualities are exceptional. I've got at least 1500 rounds of all sorts of ammo through it without a single failure I can remember. If you do get a 1911, I'd advise saving up a bit more and getting a Dan Wesson. They're hands down the closest thing you can get to a custom 1911 at maybe half the price of the others in that bracket. My two cents, anyway.