Inferior firearms vs function and reliability

[MikeJinVT]

https://www.classicfirearms.com/sds-duty-1911-45-stainless-w-enhanced-features/

I just picked up one of these Turkish 1911’s. The Turks are turning out an awful lot of firearms of all descriptions lately and the price point makes them very interesting. I would have preferred a Ruger 1911 but this will do.

My initial impression of the fit and finish was that it rivals any of the better American brands. Everything was very tight and stiff. Due to the weather, I was only able to get it out and put a few magazines through it. Function was great except for one style of older handload that won’t reliably function in my Sig 1911 either. I cannot comment on accuracy since it was 30 degrees and I was just banging at the steel plate. I think that this will be a great pistol.

 

[arcticruger]

I bought this RIA 1911 new in 2008. Was totally blown away how well it shot and handled, not one hiccup. After all these years, and thousands of rounds, it's still one of my all around favorites. BTW, Colt is still my 1911 of choice.

 

[Ride1949]

I bought my RIA 1911-A1 FS in 2013. Never a hiccup, eats everything I feed it, and accuracy was everything you'd expect from one of the more expensive offerings. I made two changes on it. Replaced the ful length guide rod with a GI guide rod and Wolf spring (I got tired of crawling around on the shop floor looking for the plug I just launched.) And switched out the ambi safety for a GI safety. I'd definitely buy another one if I get the itch for another 1911.

 

[Springer2]

Most of the 1911s I had were good. Strangely the worst one was a Colt 1980s series Gold Cup that I bought new. No reflection on Colt but that just seemed to be a "built on Monday" gun.

 

[The Preacher]

I had an Auto Ordinance 1911 after Kahr began making them. It was a "GI" Government model with parkerized finish. Had about $380 into it. Fit and finish were "okay". Worked like a trooper, never a hitch. Factory loads/lead reloads. Really liked it but It disappeared a few years ago when I fell to the siren call of a Colt new series 70 in Stainless. I wanted a real Colt 1911. And yep, I paid for the real deal and the horsey... But I love it, great fit and finish, it's a real work of art. Shoots great without a hitch... But is it really that much better than my old AO? Not really...But I have my Colt 1911.....

The Preacher

 

[pogomo]

Let me say upfront that I am a Ruger firearms fan, otherwise why would I be signed up on the website?
That being said, I am getting confused regarding the actual quality and reliability of supposed inferior firearms. In this case, I am speaking of Rock Island Armory 1911 handguns. First of all,
they are much less expensive then our Rugers, S&Ws, Kimbers, Springfields, etc. Secondly they shoot and function every bit as well as our favorite "superior" brands. My eyes have been opened to this fact just recently with the recent purchase of 2 RIA 1911 pistols. Both have exceeded my expectations to the point of rethinking future purchases. One is a Mil-spec 1911A1 45 auto. The second is a 1911A1 Rock Ultra FS in 10mm.
I reviewed and posted remarks about the 45 elsewhere in this forum. The 10mm is a recent purchase which has been shot by me and others the last couple of days.

The positives:
100% reliable with mild to +P ammo including FMJ, Lead, and JHP. A little over 100 rounds fired.
Accuracy is very good. Shoots to point of aim consistently. Very comfortable to shoot. I really like the sights, especially the fiber optic front sight.

The only negative to me was getting hit in the forehead by ejected brass a couple of times.

Yesterday, I was shooting at about 10 yards off hand, both braced and free hand. Results of some shots on the target below.


My conclusion is that the RIA performed better for me than the same configuration in my previously owned SR1911, Kimber, Colt Delta Elite, and other 1911 platforms I have owned or shot. Not only is the RIA a bargain, but in my opinion equal to or superior to those mentioned.

This of course is just my opinion. 😉

Dave

I have stopped to look more and more at various listings and auctions for RIA 1911's. Mostly due to the price. I own several colts, kimbers, in 45 and a couple of springfields in 9mm. All of mine are older purchases. At new cost it would really put a dent in my goody bag to buy one. I have lusted after a colt in 38super for several years. But current prices have me at least wanting to try the cheaper offerings. I can't find one from the big 3 for less than a 2k asking price for a plain jane. I hope anyone else who's purchased a Rock Island will comment.

 

[BBarn]

My RIA in 45 Auto with a few thousand rounds through it has been very good so far, better than several more expensive 1911s I've owned.

 

[DGW1949]

I presently own two of the newer RIA 1911A1-FS pistols in .45ACP Caliber (no billboard on the slide). Both have fired in excess of 500 Rds of 230-FMJ ammo without a single mishap....Disclaimer: I've yet to even load either of the 8-Rd (ACT) Mags that they came with. All of the firing I've done has been with USGI Military, SA Inc, or surplus M1927 Argentine mags. Not saying that there's anything wrong with ACT Mags, it's just that I'm not a fan of 8-Rd 1911 mags in general.

 

[rugerguy]

When we had our fist shop back in the 1970s, I had a 'Norinco' 1911 and it shot as well , and better at times than ANY 1911 we had, or shot or others shot and had....and it cost $300 with tax, transfer and shipping...it fed and shot anything you put in it.....don;t knock "simplicity" ( yes them darn chinese copied everything, and still do)