1911 Advice

J

Jacket67

New member
I'm set on a 1911 being the next gun I buy. They have always appealed to me, even more so after shooting my buddy's Colt series 80. As much as I'd love a Colt, I don't want to spend that kind of money for my first one and would rather get a Colt later down the road someday. The two models I am mainly considering right now are the Springfield loaded parkerized (no rail), and the Rock Island Armory rock ultra fs 45 (again, no rail). I would like whichever model I buy to come with an ambi safety given that I'm a lefty. It's kind of a must for this style handgun. I know they can be bought and fitted after the fact, but having it already on there is appealing. Anyway, what would you all recommend for a first 1911?

Is the Springfield worth the extra cost for this, or would the RIA work fine? I haven't read anything bad about them and I love the way the rock ultra looks with the g10 grips already on it. I wouldn't mind saving the difference to put towards a holster, ammo, etc.

Thanks in advance.
 
1911 Forum would assist; too much to write.

Of the two you have targeted I'd take the Springfield.

I usually will tell people a proper 1911 will cost you $1,911...


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I recently bought a Rock Island ultra in 45 auto used at my local gun store. While it's only my first 1911, I'm quite impressed. Several hundred rounds down range with zero malfunctions.
 
I usually will tell people a proper 1911 will cost you $1,911...
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I've never owned a 1911 because of those reasons. They're like violins, you're not going to get a REALLY nice one unless you shell out some big bucks.

I personally wouldn't even consider looking at anything cheaper then the Ruger SR1911. I like the looks of those and that is what I would buy if I were going to by one.

$800 is about as much as I would ever pay for a 1911, or for any handgun really.
 
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Rock Island 1911s have a very large and very loyal following. There are also a lot of people who can't say anything good about a Rock Island pistol, because theirs cost two or three times as much and doesn't shoot any better.

Either of the two pistols the OP named will do him very well. Take your pick.
 
First of all, I'm going to suggest taking a peek at bac1023's 1911 buyer's guide.

Second, Rock Island -- I've never owned or shot one, but I keep picking them up and fiddling with them at gun shows & LGSs. They do not have the feel of a top-notch, custom 1911. Then again, they don't have that price tag, either. They absolutely feel well enough made to be good shooters. If I had some extra cheese laying around, I'd love to pick one up.

Springfield Armory -- I've had two GI models. The first one ran like a top and was stolen ~3 weeks after I bought it. :mad: The second one was a jam-o-matic until I sent it to a gunsmith. It has run like a top ever since, though I will admit to having a fairly low round count. I carried it for about three years after its trip to the gunsmith, but I was exceptionally low on both time and ammo funds at the time.

I think either one of these could serve you well. I like the Springfield, but I admittedly have zero experience with the RI.
 
I quite like my SA Range Officer (9mm). It's tight and runs well. Has eaten everything I've fed it so far without issue. Only issue showed up when it running drier than it liked, a shot of spray lube and it was back to running as it should.

I had a SA Champion LW (.45) for a few months. This one was a peach. Fully built and ran like a charm. This one came to me on a trade and was traded back out. I would have kept this, but I didn't like the Commander size or the LW aspects of it.

I can't say the same certainty about my Rock Island 1911 (22TCM/9mm), haven't had it long enough yet. This is not built as tight as the Springfield or any other gun I have. It's got some play in it. So far, the only issues was again being too dry.

1911s aren't as expensive as some would like others to believe. Buy from a quality manufacturer that will back up their product if there is an issue. You can get quality 1911s in the 700-1000 range, they won't be Dan Wessons or Ed Browns but they aren't junk either. Springfields are great starter 1911s. The company will fix any issues and they are a great platform to customize if you choose to go that route.
 
Save your money and buy a Colt. Even if you don't like it they hold their value and you can sell it later. But I think you will be pleased. Even the used ones are great.
 
One could buy an excellent quality 1911-A1 for well under a grand.

The money pours outta wallets when 1911-A1 users commence to adding aftermarket parts & embellishments.

I believe the RI 1911A1 is made in The Philippines.

Springfield Armory 1911-A1 is made in the USA.

I'd go with a Springfield Armory. A caveat: within a short time of owing a 1911-A1, you'll become prone to modifying it. It's just something 19111-A1 owners do.
 
In my neighborhood, a Springfield RO is a $750-$800 gun, not much cheaper than a Colt.
My RO was a "really nice one".
Fitting an ambi safety is not a big deal, either cost- or difficulty-wise.

If the choice is between a Springfield and a Rock Island, I would definitely go with the former.
 
joe-lumber said:
Save your money and buy a Colt. Even if you don't like it they hold their value and you can sell it later. But I think you will be pleased. Even the used ones are great.
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+1

Some of the less expensive Colts can be had for only a few hundred more. Just save up, trust me, it will be worth it.

A Series 70 Colt is peaches and they simply know how to make a damn reliable and quality 1911. It is rare to have a factory Colt jam from what I've read, they are just built RIGHT. They still use some equipment that is over 70 years old to make them, too. They just know how to set up and 1911 and the resale value is excellent compared to a Rock Island etc.

Or you can get a Ruger or Rock Island etc. but none of those will ever Wear the Pony or be a Colt.
 
Have had good experiences with Springfields. Less so with RIA's; but I'm not giving up on them, yet.

Between those two: Springfield.

That said, I agree with those recommending that a few extra bucks be shelled out for a Colt.
 
I have neither.

I bought a new Auto Ordinance for $300 in the late 80s. Spent some time and a few bucks. I ended up with a bullseye gun that I competed with until 2006.
I now have a standard recoil spring in it and compete in metal bowling pins every week. The wilsons barrel still is accurate as ever.

Somewhere along the way I bought a Colt LW officers model. Zero problems, it feeds anything and has been at my side for a long time. I have shot pins with it a couple times. All I do with the colt is clean it now and then.

David
 
I'd pick the Springfield. Well made and a shooter right out of the box. No experience with Rock Island. And a basic Colt isn't that much more expensive than a Springer loaded.

The warning from earlier posters is real. One 1911 turns into two. Pretty soon you have a gunsmith on speed dial. The Midway/Brownells catalog is on your desk.

Have fun.
 
I have several 1911s and 1911-a1s my 1914 Colt still shoots just fine. I have a R.I. that I shoot regularly. The Colt is the best value over all. Good luck on your search for your ideal 1911.
 
Since when? Assembled =/= "made." SA is a warranty servicing and marketing company for badged engineered imports across most of their product line.
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Springfield is now producing their own 1911s beyond just importing and assembling them. That's according to the 1911 forums and reps at Springfield. You're welcome to not believe them.

It is rare to have a factory Colt jam from what I've read, they are just built RIGHT.
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Mine ejected right into my face. Bought it brand new 2 maybe 3 years ago. Of course it's just a sample of 1.

I've had a Springfield RO now for a number of months. Bought it used. Has run reliably and been as accurate as any other 1911 I've shot. That said a Colt really isn't much more and will likely be easier to turn around.
 
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I kinda figured this would turn into a long thread, given what I have seen on other threads with this question. From what I'm gathering so far, most people are saying save for the Colt. Which I do agree makes sense. But hitting off of what Wisco said, I am aware I will end up buying more than one 1911 in my life. Which is why I was considering the RIA for my first. They're cheap, decent quality 1911s that would give me a feel for what I like...but that Colt I shot did feel just right.

So, if I were to make a Colt my first, which model would be best for a beginner? I don't want a safe queen, I intend on using this gun for everything from woods carry to HD. Also a reason I was looking at RIA. But I'd love to be convinced otherwise!
 
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