S&W M&P or RIA 1911

[pandemic]

I'm looking to buy a pistol. I'm caught between the M&P or the bottom of the line RIA 1911. I have about $500 to spend, roughly, so, which would you pick?

I've not looked locally yet but the RIA's seem pretty tough to find.

[24/7dude]

They are very 2 different pistols. If you plan on carrying it I'd recommend the M&P but if it's just for a range toy then go for the RIA and you'll have $$$ leftover for extra mags/ammo.

[orionz06]

What do they have to do?

[eXceLon]

On top of the question orionz's question about what the intended use of the gun is for, I'd also be curious what you're background with handguns is. Are you a new pistol shooter, or is this just a new addition to the collection?

[Ronnies111]

I'm looking to buy a pistol. I'm caught between the M&P or the bottom of the line RIA 1911. I have about $500 to spend, roughly, so, which would you pick?

I've not looked locally yet but the RIA's seem pretty tough to find.

Sound's like this will be your first pistol because the difference between the two are Night & Day, if this is so? Get the M&P or a Glock. Don't get a RIA 1911 it will not be as dependable as the other two I mentioned. 1911's are great pistol's I love them but it's hard to get a good dependable one for $500 buck's unless you find a good used one. The MP's or Glocks will shoot any ammo anytime anywhere. 1911's are a whole different kind of beast.

[pandemic]

I've owned a Glock before. I realize they're day and night but those are the two I'm thinking about. Both would be range guns. I don't plan on carrying.

[Charlie De]

If it is for the range go with the M&P 9mm. 9mm is far less expensive to shoot. I really like the M&P. It's on my wish list. As for a 45, I bought a SA 1911 Loaded stainless.

[Ronnies111]

If it is for the range go with the M&P 9mm. 9mm is far less expensive to shoot. I really like the M&P. It's on my wish list. As for a 45, I bought a SA 1911 Loaded stainless.

Well your good to go with the SA Loaded, IMO it's one of the best 1911's for the price, it's amazing at the quality you get for what I consider a low price for such a good 1911.
The most accurate 9mm I've ever shot. I would surely pick the M&P over the RIA. Well that's my preference.

[Cruiser]

The RIA is a low priced 1911,, but it is a very dependable one,, just read over on the 1911 forums about their track record.. one of the least problematic 1911's.. that said.. it is heavy.. I have one.. and its my carry and its heavy,, I have the compact. I love it.. its small.. and I'll be getting a 380 something for summer carry for shorts.. the weight of the 1911 will drag down the shorts.. But it shoots great.. and so far feeds anything..haven't had one FTF/FTE but it is heavy.. and did I say its heavy.. Also if I rest on the bench I can place them in a 3" group at 25 yards.. something I cant do with the lighter pistols but that me..

[Ronnies111]

The RIA is a low priced 1911,, but it is a very dependable one,, just read over on the 1911 forums about their track record.. one of the least problematic 1911's.. that said.. it is heavy.. I have one.. and its my carry and its heavy,, I have the compact. I love it.. its small.. and I'll be getting a 380 something for summer carry for shorts.. the weight of the 1911 will drag down the shorts.. But it shoots great.. and so far feeds anything..haven't had one FTF/FTE but it is heavy.. and did I say its heavy.. Also if I rest on the bench I can place them in a 3" group at 25 yards.. something I cant do with the lighter pistols but that me..

I just wanted to know how big it is?.... so I'll know how heavy it is cause if it's heavy & I fall out of the boat I don't want to drown because it's to heavy. Is it heavier than how it look's, cause it look's heavy...LOL