Budget 1911 purchase

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Oldjarhead

New member
Looking to purchase either a Rock Island compact 1911 or a Citadel 1911 compact pistol. I know Armscor makes both, but I would like to hear from someone that has owned either or both. Which would you recommend and why. Thanks. :confused:
 
I don't have either but at least 3 of my friends have them and they seem OK, especially at the price. I have a Citadel 9MM full size and have had a lot of fun with it. Do not expect Colt or SA quality,they ain't but for a range toy they're fine.
 
I have a Rock Island 1911CS and it has been a great little gun. So far I have run everything from 185gn semi wadcutters to 230gn ball through it with no hiccups.

I paid $430 for it, which in my opinion makes it both a bargain and a budget 1911.
 
I own a Citadel 1911 compact in 9mm. Its finish is matte rather than blue, but looks crisp. Its fit is excellent. The 9mm differs from true 1911 in .45 auto,but the tolerances are tight and the pistol is quite accurate to 25 yards (my limit). Not a hiccup after several hundreds of rounds. I own 2 Sig/Sauer and 2 Colt 1911s in .45 auto; the Citadel outshoots the series 80 Gold Cup so far. For its size (3" bbl) it's hefty at 32 ounces
 
I have had ROck Island GI and Commander pistols, ok shooters and look like the real thing but have big " made in Philippines" on bottom of dust cover. The Auto Ordnance GI model is as close to a 1911 a1 pistol as you can get in a copy, side by side it is hard to tell from my 1944 Colt.
 
If you don't mind, I would suggest you also consider a third option. Look at the MetroArms American Classic pistols, they are in the same price range. I have two of them: A Government Model in 45ACP and a Commander in 9MM. Both perform reliably. I've had the Gov't Model the longest and with well over 3,000 rounds using all kinds of magazines and ammo it has been 100% reliable. When I do my part the accuracy is excellent.

https://americanclassic.eagleimportsinc.com/

The Citadel is manufactured by Armscor so either way, you are getting a good gun.

I do believe you can buy a budget gun that you can depend on. Cheap and inexpensive don't mean the same thing.
 
I shot a RIA 4" in 9mm that a customer wanted me to help sight in and I was very impressed with the overall quality and exceptional trigger on this firearm.. She has fired several thousand rounds through that gun without a issue of any kind. She bought it used but unfired so I don't know the exact model but she paid $450 with 5 mags and a variety of grips. I told her anytime she wants to sell that gun for what she paid, mark me first in line.
 
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