1911 Input

[Emptymag]

Should I post pics again of my $300 polished nickel, blingy-bling, Rock Island Armory?

[rlms]

Thanks for the replies. Are the lower end 1911s aluminum frames. I see some adds specifically mentioning steel frame.

[Emptymag]

Thanks for the replies. Are the lower end 1911s aluminum frames. I see some adds specifically mentioning steel frame.

I can't comment on others, but RIA (Rock Island Armory) are steel.

From the website product description for the GI Series.

The frame and slide are built from 4140 steel and...

I won't steer you away from other brands because there are quite a few decent "middle of the road" 1911s out there, I'll just say that I've never heard anything bad about RIA. They have a reputation as a good value and I can't say that I disagree.

I always thought you had to spend "thousands" on a 1911 "just to get it to run reliably".
That may have been the case in the past, but there seem to be several decent 1911s out there that are both affordable and don't need gunsmithing to get them to work.

As was mentioned, watch the classifieds and do some research. Be ready to jump when what you want pops up.


I got this in new condition with the case, an extra mag, and a box of ammo for $350. Got lucky on that one.

[Hodgie]

I can't comment on others, but RIA (Rock Island Armory) are steel.

From the website product description for the GI Series.



I won't steer you away from other brands because there are quite a few decent "middle of the road" 1911s out there, I'll just say that I've never heard anything bad about RIA. They have a reputation as a good value and I can't say that I disagree.

I always thought you had to spend "thousands" on a 1911 "just to get it to run reliably".
That may have been the case in the past, but there seem to be several decent 1911s out there that are both affordable and don't need gunsmithing to get them to work.

As was mentioned, watch the classifieds and do some research. Be ready to jump when what you want pops up.


I got this in new condition with the case, an extra mag, and a box of ammo for $350. Got lucky on that one.

CNC machines have changed the game in modern manufacturing especially when Percision is required.

[Sgt.K]

Thanks for the replies. Are the lower end 1911s aluminum frames. I see some adds specifically mentioning steel frame.

Taurus are steel.

[thebearpack]

Auto Ordnance is owned by Kahr and uses American steel for their frames.

[Emptymag]

I just looked up "ATI/GSG" and their 22LR 1911's are made of aluminum.

[Delkal]

Look for USED......you can find all you want for $4-600.

A 1911 can run for tens of thousands of rounds with maybe an occasional tweaking.

[MikeStull]

Look for a used Ruger, they are a "model 70" meaning no rube goldberg firing pin block. You can get steel or aluminum frame. They are good guns at that price point and you can upgrade parts if and when you want. The RIA may be good guns, I haven't owned one so I can't offer an opinion. I have two Ruger 1911. One is a Talo Night Watchman. One is a steel Commander that I tore down to bare metal and rebuilt with EGW, Wilson and Cylinder and Slide parts. Both are good guns.

[Everready73]

Springfield Range officer is good. The Rock Islands are too for the price. SARCO has very good pricing on the rock island. Under 500 for the tactical and 2011 models from what I remember