I am looking at buying one of 3 1911 and looking for input. Let me start by saying, I know these may not be the best out there, but these are the ones in my budget and that I have access to, so please no recommendations for an Ed Brown, Kimber, or others please. I am looking at the Rock Island Midsize GI, ATI 4.25" compact, or the Citadel 3.5" compact. any experience with these guns or manufacturers? Thanks
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The Ed Brown is tops...slicker than snot on a doorknob
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Of your three, the Rock Island gets my vote. Seems to be the better built of the three, and its a nice platform that you can upgrade over time as money allows.Comment
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Rock islands are cheap. Ed brown is miles ahead of all those. And if one is in the price range of the others please tell me where!!Comment
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RI or Citadel are both good for the money! I do not have experience with the other.Comment
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Have you looked at the Para GI Expert? Not too much higher than the Rock Island and a great shooter.Comment
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First everybody jumped on the 1911 bandwagon, because every part can be replaced with an aftermarket purchase, kinda like souping up a car. I would look into reviews on the ones in your price range. Then as funds become available, good trigger, full beavertail safety, ramp job on barrel and ejection port lowered and a fitted barrel bushing. If you go to another barrel, I would look at Olympic arms, they make some good parts and well cut barrels at a good price. I still have one in my 45. It took me awhile but with a few parts properly fitted, I had a gun that would shoot with some of the high dollar guns.Comment
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I've had a rock island for a couple years now. Probably shot 500 rounds through it with very few issues. I would spend a little more and get the upgraded sights...I have the base model and the front sight is hard to see.
I bought my son a lumber ($1000) and it is a nice gun but the trigger is no better than the RIA and it is finicky as heck about ammo and magazines.Comment
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Supposed to be kimber not lumber!Comment
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I just got a rock island for my first 1911. Awesome gun. I got the G.I. No issues so far.Comment
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If you are new to 1911s be aware that the smaller models are known for being picky and unforgiving with ammo and mag selection. Otherwise, just about every gun on your list will do just fine. As a side note, I've had more problems from Kimbers I've owned than the less expensive brands. Probably due to tight machining tolerances, but still. I expect it to go bang every time I pull the trigger. My RIA and Taurus have never hiccuped and are still in the safe. The two Kimbers I had would only work with Wilson Combat mags and certain ammo. They both found new homes.Comment
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Kimber is not what they used to be. Stay away from them.Comment
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Citadels are going to be alright, but RIA has one of the better low end frames made for upgrading later. the more you shoot them, the smoother they get, so feed it lots and often
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I bet the RI would compete with most 1911's out there. Sure, the ED Brown is nice but I would be willing to bet the RI kill's just as dead! Name doesnt mean anything, there are some very quality firearms built now days without the high sticker price.Comment
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If you can afford the difference, I recommend the Taurus 1911. It's always performed well, and the single problem I had was quickly rectified by Taurus, even though it wasn't their fault. I let a friend shoot it while we were in his field. After he decided to take it apart to "look" inside, the spring decided to fly away. I called them up, told them what happened, and about a week later I had a nice little envelope in the mail :-)
It shoots VERY straight, and is a great gun. I was between the Springfield and the Taurus (literally - I had one in each hand). After I picked the Taurus and took it out to the range I met a guy who was in the same position between the two. We each let the other shoot a few clips through the other's gun to see what we could have bought. We both agreed the Taurus was a better shooter out of the box...
Good luck on your search!Comment
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