Low Cost 1911

[m11higgins11]

Hey all, I'm in the market for a new 1911. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions or actually owned either the Taurus 1911 or the Rock Island officers model. Im looking into RIA for an entry gun that I can upgrade over time and a friend recently purchased a Taurus 1911 with tac rail and swears by it due to price and function. Any insight into these or other similarly priced, decent 1911's is greatly appropriated. Thanks.

[Cotillion]

The Taurus is really nice, especially for the price. It's not SO nice however that you wouldn't get rugged with it

[Austin]

I have been looking at the RIA and have heard good things about if from several sources.

The para gi expert is also a good option. It is a little more expensive than the RIA but has a lot of the upgrades already done. It has great reviews as well.

[jibbster]

I have an RIA 1911 tactical and have been very happy with it...my gunsmith also said it's one of the more reliable 1911's in the under $500 range

[drewoufan]

Love my RIA! Its as good of a shooter as I could ask for!

[wrs25936]

I just purchased. Para GI EXPERT like the feel of it I also have Springfield. XD Tactical 45. Like it also. The para will be for conceal carry while the cd will be an at home for the wife.

[THE DUKE OF ESSEX]

You can't go wrong with a Rock Island Armory. One of the best kept secrets in the 1911 world. I own Kimber, Sig Sauer, Taurus, and R.I.A. They are all great shooters, but if service is ever needed Rock Island Armory wins hands down. I bought a basic G.I. model to carry, had it Dura-Coated and now it is my favorite of all that I own. I can't say enough good things about the Rock!

[rogerw]

Taurus 1911 Taurus also has a life time warenty

[jwalker3181]

I love my GI Expert ESP all I've done is add a Wilson Combat Shock Buff, full length guide rod, and polish some of the contact surfaces

[billt]

If your choice is between a Rock Island Armory, and a Taurus, by all means go with the Rock Island Armory weapon. Taurus quality is spotty at best, poor in fact. Yes, they have a lifetime warranty, and chances are you'll need it. Stories abound about these weapons, along with the frequent flyer miles they pile up traveling back and forth to the factory.

Rock Island, (i.e. Armscor), guns are far better in overall performance and quality. Talk to any gun shop that carries both and ask them which model has more satisfied customers, and is less of a headache for them. 3 local dealers near me have stopped carrying Taurus because of all the problems they've had to deal with.

An even better choice in a 1911 for just a little more money would be either a Remington R-1, or else one of the Springfield Mil-Spec models. The latter come in both blue, (Parkerized), finish, as well as Stainless Steel. Springfield Armory builds some of the best 1911 pistols currently obtainable.