What to look for in a 1911?

[RonC]

I have recently looked at various Kimber's, and the S&W 1911. I recently bought an RIA 1911.

The RIA does not have a firing pin safety, but otherwise, shoots well, shoots reliably and looks like I remember the govt issue looked. I like it a lot. I also recognize it as bottom of the line product, (if price is any indicator.)

However, I have no clue why one would pay twice the price for some of the tricked out models. What do you get for the extra money. Appearance, reliability, accuracy, durability, rampant horse, pride of ownership or what?

If I cannot tell by looking, maybe I am not enough of a connoisseur for it to matter?

Any thoughts?

[joegerardi]

The RIA has no firing pin safety because until the Colt Series 80 NO 1911had a firing pin safety.

Some of the upgrades can be of necessity. For example: If you're experiencing "Hammer Bite" on the webbing of your shooting hand from the hammer whacking you on slide cycling, then a Beavertail grip safety is a no-brainer...

A better barrel bushing will (in most cases) produce better accuracy.

Ambidextrous safeties are not really necessary unless you're left handed...

Front slide serrations are there so you can do a "press check" and maintian the OEM number of digits...

Sights, night sights, and their variations are a personal preference...

The higher priced 1911s have better finishes, are generally a little more hand-fit (the amount of hand-fitting is almost in direct correlation to the price) less MIM, (in most cases) the difference between cast or forged slides and frames, etc.

Does this make a major difference? Minimal difference, I'd say (with the exception of accuracy.) I have 2 1911s at pretty much opposite sides of the spectrum: I have an RIA, and a Springfield Loaded Operator. I like them both a lot, and they both shoot equally accurately. (disregarding the RIA's low-GI sights.)

But, if my RIA gets a ding or a knock on it, I care significantly less that if the Operator does... :)

Lastly, there IS something to be said about a tricked-out 1911. They sure do look great.

If these items are important to you, by all means, get them.

..Joe

[RonC]

Thanks, Joe.

If I read you reply correctly, much of the additional money for the higher end guns is for appearance, fit and finish with little effect on the basic functioning?

I notice the external finish on the RIA barrel is rougher than that of the Kimber or S&W. But overall, what I have looks good (I don't mind parkerizing,) and shoots well. Pretty good trigger and all.

[joegerardi]

Yup. Fit, finish, and the higher cost of the custom parts, fitting those custom parts (very few are truly "drop-in") and still making it reliable.

Your RIA shoots well. What part of its functionality is missing? None, I'd say.

Even on the higher-cost guns, there are things I don't like. I'm getting rid of the full-length guide rod in my Operator. Just one more part I have to tote around to field strip it... No thank you!

There is a cost-to-return factor that works, though. Had I an unlimited budget, I would opt for a Springfield Pro from their custom shop - The FBI gun. That pistol is basically hand-built, super reliable, and 1.5" accurate, but at $2395.00 it BETTER be.

So, you can get a lot, but you have to spend a lot too.

Of course, there's nothing wrong with getting more 1911s. God knows I will be adding at least 2 more in the next 4 months. Heroin is LESS addicting! :)

..Joe

[rsilvers]

I have not seen a RIA in person, but it looks good in their ads. A LB Tunder Ranch is a good way to go. It is just right in features.

[Wildpony]

THE major difference is quality of componenets which holds a direct corelation to the longevity and reliability of the handgun.

From all that I read though, RIA are fine arms at a economical price. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one to suplement my original Series 70.

Im not sure but I think I heard somewhere that RIA is now using forged steel slides. If its true that would make them an even better value. Can anyone verify if that is correct?

[rsilvers]

Are you saying RIA has been using cast slides?

[joegerardi]

Originally posted by rsilvers
Are you saying RIA has been using cast slides?

Yup. Cast frames and slides. If casting is done properly, there's no issue.

..Joe

[NetNinja]

I wonder if Teddy Jacobson does reliability work on RIA?

I think that would be the best bang for the buck to improve on an already decent pistol.

[rsilvers]

Well Caspian just dropped barstock frames and only makes cast now. I reluctantly assumed they know what they are doing and got some. I am not sure I would go so far as want a cast slide also.

[RonC]

The cast vs forged debate is going on on another 1911 thread.

I posted a quote from Bill Caldwell on the subject...he thinks cast frames are fine. Not sure he addresses slides specifically.

See Link (http://glocktalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=264327)

I have not heard the other side supporting the superiority of forged, at least, not in the detail Caldwell discusses.

[RonC]

By the way, Caldwell's quote came from pistolsmith.com

[joegerardi]

Ol' Wild Bill sure knows his stuff, don't he? I love reading his posts.

..Joe

[rsilvers]

I am looking at Caspian cast frames now, and -- well, they look real nice.

[CCV]

Caspian makes good stuff.

[GlockST]

The RIA is a great pistol. Who are the famous gunsmiths that performed work on them?