However, the current S70 Series pistol is not like the Colts of World War II beyond the steel frame, trigger length, checkered magazine release button, arched mainspring housing and 5-inch barrel. You will also notice that the slide will slow down as it accumulates more carbon with extended shooting. Even so, the basic design of how the pistol works has not changed. But like most others at their core they are good guns. While it might leave the history buff snorting in contempt, the alternate-history approach is clever and makes for an excellent pistol that most traditionalists should enjoy. Meet the all-new Taurus Judge Executive Grade, a revolver featuring a hand-polished satin finish, presentation-grade wood grips, a brass rod front sight and an exceptional hand-tuned trigger. Very nice and reliable. I now carry a Sig P365XL, and with over 15,000 rounds down the range, I have not experienced a single malfunction, regardless of what type of ammo I feed her. From the GI Standard FS 9mm at $522 to the GI Standard FS Nickel in both the 45ACP and 38SUPER at $814, it provides a range of prices for any type of shooter. View Deal . But now that you have gone through the comparison in detail, you also know why Rock Island 1911 is the winner between the two of them. A Coonan Classic in 357 magnum. Whenever you get into the debate of SDS 1911 vs. Rock Island 1911, most of the time, Rock Island emerges as the winner. model (such as a beavertail grip safety, ambidextrous extended thumb safety, skeleton hammer, an improved trigger and barrel, and so on). For some reason, it never clicked with me; I had the trigger, magazine release changed, and different grips installed. Accuracy on one was very good, the other moderate. All Deals; Today; Categories . Bottom Line:The GI Standard FS is a high-value M1911A1 with the soul and finish of the original. And SDS Imports offers Turkish-made 1911s starting at only $409. Bottom Line : Springfield Armory's Mil-Spec is a mid-priced 1911A1 that offers a blend of nostalgia and modern features. This pistol also lacks a lanyard loop under the mainspring housing, and it has a lowered and flared ejection port that wasnt present on guns of World War II. One place where an RIA GI 1911 will commonly have machining marks is on the curve at the top of the slide. ; blade, gold bead (front); ramped, white dot (rear)MSRP: $1,363Contact: Dan Wesson Firearms,607-336-1174, danwessonfirearms.com. But when you get to the accuracy of the SDS 1911, you will have some trouble with it. This is true with most guns, but youll still want to take steps to keep the RIA. If you are struggling with the decision, I suggest you stick with this in-depth comparison of the two guns. Yes, its decent for sure, but when you bring a Rock Island into the comparison, I think it doesnt even stand a chance. Fit is impeccable and the pistol is optimized for accuracy and reliability. grabagun.com . The lower end 1911's are assembled in Brazil, the higher end 1911's assembled in the US. Shoot 500-600 round out of it and decide if you like the platform. The trigger action is magnificent. The new big bore pistols feature industry-first capacity, with a standard 15-round capacity and 22+1 rounds of 10mm or 18+1 rounds of .45 ACP from the extended magazines. Rock Island Armory currently produces a handful of different 1911 models, including a G.I. You will have to look for them quickly to find one in good condition. It is a remarkably accurate pistol. Colt 1911A1s and subsequent models have demonstrated a higher demand and resale value than other brands over time. The barrel is 4.25" long, and the overall capacity is eight rounds. Like with any machine, reliability and durability become a question, and you must considerservice down the road. Where this pistol is lacking is in the inclusion of many of the upgrades gunsmiths like Bill Wilson made popular. The extended beavertail is tastefully modern with protection from being bitten by the spur hammer, which even has a subtly reduced profile. We sell both in the shop. The A2 is one that could have been, according to Dan Wesson. 10+1. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Youre better off licking doorknobs during a pandemic than trusting no-name 1911 gun-plumbers. When you open the case, youll find the GI 1911 with its parkerized finish (which is more durable than bluing) and traditional GI style sights. Conversely , the Rock Islands get high marks for fit and reliability (praised for tolerances held even by . It was created over a century ago, and it has undergone a few tweaks over the years. It is simply training to a point, that it become second nature. If you look at the 1911-A1 Tanker imported by SDS Imports youll find a very reliable, less-than-$500 handgun. I have have a Kimber 1911 45, for sometime now. The controls are in the same place and they have a straight-to-the-rear trigger compression, slide lock safety and grip safety. This would be my first 1911 and I would love to hear more before I take the plunge. This itself is nice, since many major manufacturers (such as Ruger) ship their handguns in disposable cardboard boxes. Richard Mann I've owned 2 and both of them ran flawlessly. RIA also currently produces 1911s in each of the following calibers: When you purchase the RIA G.I. Why does popularity matter? kygunco.com . SDS Imports 1911-A1 Tanker (left) and a Wilson Combat Experior Compact Double Stack (right). The slide serrations are akin to the originals, and in other places the aptly named A2 offers modern touches that include an extended, serrated thumb safety lever, a functionally-minded lowered and flared ejection port. Kimbers, on the other hand, seem to not only struggle with those but also with standard ball ammunition, which other 1911s have been feeding reliably since, well, 1911. If youre making a movie and need a firearm sponsor to go along with the flashy tactical moves, then Kimber has you absolutely covered. You are correct that DA/SA are more difficult to shoot well. The pistol features a parkerized finish, properly designed checkered plastic grips, an arched mainspring housing, and the original spur hammer. If you find yourself in this situation, where you really want a 1911 but are short on cash, you basically have two options: 1. 471.45 . After that they slipped a little. The only time you will want to get the SDS is when you desperately want to save up on money. 1911 the best 1911 on the market? Still, if you are thinking about saving money, then SDS 1911 will be your pick. Barrel: 5 in. I paid $650 during the crazy times 2 years ago. Its about a trigger that seems to break by will alone. Learn More. Jeff Bradley shows off the Modern Hunting Rifle (MHR) from Christensen Arms at SHOT Show 2023. The most common complaints are the odd failure to feed or return to battery within the first few. Accuracy has to be one of the critical points when you think about guns. The one I dont shoot is a first gen Delta Elite in bright stainless. Type: Recoil operated, semiautomaticCartridge: .45 ACPCapacity: 7+1 rds.Barrel: 5 in.Overall Length: 8.6 in.Weight: 2 lbs., 7 oz.Grips: Cocobolo, double-diamond checkeredFinish: Parkerized (steel)Sights: 3 white dot; fixed blade (front); drift-adj. I recently shot a 1911 (Id been scared because newbies are often advised against 1911s) at a meeting of Armed Women of America and again, I was hooked; the slide was like silk, the action marvelous. I would (and have) purchase a Rock Island. In 2022, he was named as the brands Shooting Editor. Chris Johnson, FN Senior Product Manager, walks us through two new FN striker-fired pistols at SHOT Show 2023: the FN 510 Tactical, chambered in 10mm Auto, and the FN 545 Tactical, chambered in .45 ACP. It takes more training to be good with the 1911 but thats OK. As far as the problems with out-of the box 1911s not feeding, it is usually due to trying to load hollow point ammo. It is the only brand that has continuously produced Model 1911A1s since World War II. Fenix Vs. Streamlight (2023): Which Flashlight Is Right For You? Type: Recoil operated, semiautomatic Cartridge: .45 ACP Capacity: 7+1 rds. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Nighthawks Turnbull VIP 1911 retails for $7999. I spend a lot of time at the range and have seen numerous RIA and SDS/Tisas guns have parts breakages and malfunctions. As the popularity of the 1911 skyrocketed in the last part of the 20th century, low-cost versions became available to meet the demand. Build quality and overall dimensions are also similar to the original. However, Springfield Armorys 1911 Mil-Spec isnt quite so mil-spec. Inside the slide is a stainless steel, match-grade barrel fitted with a stainless barrel bushing. Read Next: Seven Serious Concealed Carry Handguns. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. Upon basic inspection I couldnt identify an obvious cause for this malfunctionso, sadly, I mourned the loss of my beautiful Kimber & shipped her back to the mothership to let them deal with it. Whats going on with Rock Island Armory is something altogether different. Come join the discussion about collections, gear, DIY projects, hobbies, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! or Best Offer. I able to force the slide forward enough to drop the magazine, which then allowed enough slide movement to eject the round & resolve the issue.I figured it either a faulty round or maybe the spring in that magazine was getting weak, so I retired the mag & picked up some fresh, top shelf ammo for my next range session. For example, Canadians love the M305, which is a Norinco copy of the M14, which they designed by reverse engineering captured American m14s from the Vietnam war. Springfield Armory is a US company and buying their products supports them. Sights Fiber Optic Light Tube Front & Rear-Novak Cut Green/RedRear Sight 1911. Armscor Rock Island M1911-A1 ROCK Ultra FS 10mm 51991 vs Smith & Wesson M&P 10MM M2.0 Thumb Safety Optics Ready Slide 10mm 13388 Compare Recent coupons (10) $40 off $275+ WINTER40 Expiration date Unknown Store Brownells Report $30 off $215+ 30off215 Expiration date Unknown Store Brownells Report $150 Off $1,000+ FEB150 A forum community dedicated to 1911 firearm owners and enthusiasts. . All these features add up to a pistol that represents one intended for a destiny at the range. Both are good guns . So, which one comes out on top in a head-to-head matchup? Included. Or more to do with those guns not being in proper spec, such as the slide sized inaccurately, various pin holes in the right places, etc? This fantastic pistol features all-steel construction on the frame and slide with a 5" hammer-forged barrel. Triggers are typically light and crisp, and, if you can deal with the recoil, theyre some of the most accurate pistols on the market. I would buy another RIA. Glad I waited to get my full size. 75 sold. If you want the gun to last you a lifetime I recommend you spend a little more. Rock Island has a superior build quality over the SDS 1911. To ease production costs, adapt the design to modern manufacturing and make M1911A1s more enjoyable to shoot, most are a blend of traditional and modern features. Ammo Designed for the Way You Shoot. The Tisas gets high marks for being all forged while the Rock Island is cast . JavaScript is disabled. Customer service rep at Alien Gear said their A1 railed was fitted for 1/2 length rails as also were the 1911 railed shells. 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The 32/40 Cartridge History, Specs, and Uses. Learn More. Give a Gift $64.95. There is no need to think twice when comparing these two choices in terms of popularity. And a plain GI-style 1911 can be customized to run like a top and drive nails, but still look like the gun your granddaddy took to war. I fiddled with it and it seems g2g now. Two very popular budget 1911 pistols are the Taurus pt1911 and the Rock Island Armory 1911. Learn how your comment data is processed. Fixed on top of the slide. Between that and the cost, Kimber is not a manufacturer that we can recommend. Find an authorized Rock Island Armory dealer near you. But if I had to choose between the two, Im picking the GTO every time. Kimber Rapide purchased in November, 2021 and has 600 rounds of various makes of FMJ and HP ammo. nuff said, let the haters hate! In conclusion, is the RIA G.I. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Arched mainspring housing with grooved texture? But, not all 1911s are created equal. Steel frame with a Parkerized finish. Also, gun control is excellent, thanks to the build quality of the gun. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. I bought my Rock years ago back when they were under 300. I have an ATI from S.A.M. Other than that, Rock Island is a better option in all aspects. Compare. $4.00 shipping. We hear lots of love stories for the 1911s. Plastic checkered grips? Any of you have experience with these. So, when it comes to the popularity of the gun, and you want the best value, Rock Island is a better option. The 1911 pistol is a Colt design that has been in production for over a century and has earned its reputation among civilian, military, and police as being a reliable, hard-hitting weapon that many folks happily carry every day to protect their lives or the lives of others. Compare specifications of Armscor Rock Island 3.10 45 ACP 51577 and Colt 1911 Defender .45 ACP O7000D. Bottom Line: Colt offers a respectable and updated M1911A1 that maintains the legacy of the original warfighter. By Gee wiz David, if Delta Force, found the 1911 a good, and reliable pistol, I would have to tell you you are simply dead wrong. Short-profile A1 iron sights? Just like a Hyundai or a Bentley, all guns can have issues and even break. if a jughead like me can replace stuff, anybody can. Colt has been manufacturing 1911 pistols longer than any other manufacturer, and to this day, they are one of the highest quality factory 1911s that money can buy. A break-in of around two hundred to two hundred and fifty rounds should be sufficient. Outdoor Hub, LLC (d/b/a Carbon Media Group), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA. First, they work. In order to gain acceptance by the stodgily revolver-oriented Army bureaucrats, the gun had to pass a 6,000-round . A good one is a pleasure to shoot, and there are many great manufacturers today for instance: Sig, Springfield, and Colt, who make excellent 1911 pistols. Sep 8, 2022 the_keeper said: I would but neither, but that's me. Assume they are the same price. Why do you need to send a 45 back to the factory to repair it? Kimber- if you can find one built before they got the swat contract it is a hand fitted match grade gun. Its 1911 A1 Government pistol is quite close to the original guns. Yes, SDS and Tisas are the same company for guns. You can now get a 1911 any way you want it. Since this is a 1911 priced in the $400 to $500 range, its safe to say that its not going to be as nice as higher priced G.I style 1911s such as from Springfield or Colt. kygunco.com . kevinxlr 2 yr. ago Wilderness Survival, Hiking and Camping Forum. In terms of usage, 1911s can come in a wide variety of barrel lengths, the longer ones being more accurate but harder to conceal. The trigger length is correct (albeit with an incorrect serrated shoe), the triggerguard is correct, as is the grip safety and arched mainspring housing. Whenever you use this or want to, Your email address will not be published. This article by Alex Joseph originally appeared at Gun News Daily in 2019. Seriously invest in some good ones and most 1911s will operate just fine. The outwears are 86% cotton, 13% nylon, and 1% elastic. Most modern replicas of the M1911A1 will run you between $900 and $1000 for a newly made pistol. As the sights are very minimalistic on the gun, it can be difficult to hit the bullseye beyond the ten to twelve yard line. Maybe, maybe not. Have fired a little over 500 rounds through it. Here is a final summary of the pros and cons of the Rock Island Armory G.I. They also come in a variety of calibers, ranging from .38 up to .45 (there are others, but those are uncommon, for instance, the .50GI ). For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. If you are an individual searching for insulated clothing that goes beyond wear and tear, the search is over. The targets below were the last 8- shot group I fired at 10 yards from each gun-SDS on the left and the RIA on the right. A number of manufacturers were building them including Colt, Ithaca Gun Company, Remington Rand, Singer and Union Switch & Signal. vs. B&T APC9K PRO 9mm BT-36045-SB. Similarly, if they come from the factory with major flaws, thats another issue. Its all about whats going on under the hood. The only thing I don't like is the cheaply made 7 round mags that come with it. There is no question about the accuracy of Rock Island 1911. O Otony2 Registered Never had a problem of any kind. Prices range from less than $500 to beyond $5000, and thats before gold inlays, engraving, or genuine ivory grips are added in. I love my Colts but they bought the design. Including Colt, Ithaca gun company, Remington Rand, Singer and Union &. 500-600 round out of it and decide if you are thinking about saving money, then 1911! Named as the popularity of the 1911 skyrocketed in the inclusion of many of the skyrocketed. Tube Front & amp ; T APC9K PRO 9mm BT-36045-SB Wilson Combat Experior Compact Double Stack ( )... Will slow down as it accumulates more carbon with extended shooting supports them undergone a few tweaks the! Of manufacturers were building them including Colt, Ithaca gun company, Remington Rand, Singer and Switch. And decide if you are struggling with the decision, I suggest you stick with this in-depth of. Fit is impeccable and the overall capacity is eight rounds to take steps to keep the RIA G.I and. Love my Colts but they bought the design an individual searching for insulated clothing that goes beyond and. The following calibers: when you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission which. 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Of FMJ and HP ammo nylon, and Uses about guns me ; I had trigger. 13 % nylon, and different grips installed 1 % elastic shoot well they got swat... Mann I & # x27 ; T GHM9 gen 2 9mm BT at gear... Near you down the road Armory G.I and a Wilson Combat Experior Double... Neither, but that & # x27 ; s Mil-Spec is a high-value M1911A1 with the,... Down as it sds 1911 vs rock island 1911 more carbon with extended shooting will not be published to between... Thinking about saving money, then SDS 1911, you will have some trouble with it mainspring! Will not be published are more difficult to shoot well the A2 is one that could have,! Excellent, thanks to the build quality and overall dimensions are also similar to the original goes beyond and. Specifications of Armscor Rock Island century ago, and 1 % elastic be! It was created over a century ago, and it seems g2g now to feed or return to within. 9Mm BT-36045-SB has continuously produced Model 1911A1s since World War II the years ( ). 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Since many major manufacturers ( such as Ruger ) ship their handguns in disposable cardboard boxes its 1911 A1 pistol. And durability become a question, and more, an arched mainspring housing and... ; s Mil-Spec is a high-value M1911A1 with the soul and finish of the M1911A1 will you.