ATI, Tisas, RIA, etc.

[DrCoxx122]

Alright, I've read a lot of forums about 1911's, budgets, etc. but I was never in the market.  Now that I'm in the market I don't want to sift through the forums, so I figured I'd start my own.

 

I'm on a STRICT $500 budget (wife...) so I started with Rock Island Armory.  Everyone I've talked to has said good things about them.  In my search friends of mine mentioned other budget 1911's, Tisas for instance.  I saw a forum from TankerHC who HATED Tisas.  He's been banned since, so I don't know if I can trust his opinion.  Everyone else I've talked to has said good things about them, though.

 

Tonight I was at Academy looking at ammo and started browsing guns, and when I started browsing a guy mentioned American Tactical Imports.  I checked their website and saw THEIR prices, but then I checked Buds and couple other places and saw really decent prices.  I haven't read a ton of reviews but what I read is good.

 

Honestly, I can get a really decent Rock Island for under $500 and still have money for a nice holster, but if I can save a little and be able to buy some hardware to upgrade why not?  So, what does everyone think?

[MacGyver]

Of the three you mentioned, I'd buy the RIA and be done with it. Anything you can save up later can be used for upgrades to a great, basic pistol.

[hipower]

Are you looking for new or used? 5" or 3.5" barrel?

[Joe357]

I agree get the rock island

[hipower]

I agree get the rock island

Of course you would agree, Joe. lol

[TNWNGR]

If your goal is a rock bottom bare bones stock 1911 without a lot of fit & finish then the ATI is your dish. But if you want the better fit & finish & appearance of a more visually appealing gun then go RIA. So my advise is go for the nicer of the two if it's within the reach of your budget or simply wait a bit longer, set aside a few extra dollars and then get what you want.   

[Fourtyfive]

RIA , 3.5" for carry .... http://www.tngunowners.com/forums/topic/85667-for-sale-ria-191145acp/ Edited February 7, 2015 by Fourtyfive

[tnhawk]

I've had a RI Tactical 9mm for over a year and been happy with it.  It doesn't have the finish of a $1000-1500 gun but has been reliable and accurate.  Rock island has an excellent reputation and offers a good warranty.

[wolverine]

I agree get the rock island

I agree too and i am not a Joe    :wave:

Edited February 7, 2015 by wolverine

[peejman]

If Wilson combat parts will fit it, anything can be made to run well.

[DWARREN123]

I have a RIA FS Tactical in 9mm and really like it. It is much better than the Taurus 1911 I had.

Not as quality as my Kimber Custom II but not as much money and it runs very good.

[crossfire]

Get the RIA and don't look back.

[kevincan]

I would go with the RIA.  I have a RIA Tactical 9mm.  It has been a great shooter and I have not had any issues with it.  It does not compare finish wise to a high end $$$ 1911 but when you are shooting it you will not notice.

[94user]

RIA

[DrCoxx122]

I'm looking .45 with a 5" barrel.

[crossfire]

 

RIA Match 45cal Full size 1911 with custom Buckeye Burl grips

Edited February 7, 2015 by crossfire

[hipower]

Great!! Love the Burl grips.

[Guest tangojuliet]

get a rock 

[Fourtyfive]

Case CLOSED

[DrCoxx122]

Case CLOSED

Yes, indeed.  Haha.  Rock Island it is.  Now it's about finding the best local deal.

[Garufa]

In case no one mentioned Rock Island....

 

If you're in Nashville see what Bellshire Hardware on Dickerson Pike can do for you (if they're still open).  I got one of my Rocks from there several years ago at a very nice price.

[Fourtyfive]

Call any forum supporting vendor close to you and see what they have.

[hipower]

In case no one mentioned Rock Island....

 

If you're in Nashville see what Bellshire Hardware on Dickerson Pike can do for you (if they're still open).  I got one of my Rocks from there several years ago at a very nice price.

 

Yes, Phil is still going strong. Strangely though, he doesn't seem to get mentioned around here as much anymore.

[crossfire]

In case no one mentioned Rock Island....

 

If you're in Nashville see what Bellshire Hardware on Dickerson Pike can do for you (if they're still open).  I got one of my Rocks from there several years ago at a very nice price.

You beat me to it Garufa. They had the best prices around, I drove all the way up there from Dunlap. Well worth the drive.

I haven't seen him on Gun Broker

Edited February 8, 2015 by crossfire

[suspiciousmind]

I picked up a transfer at Bellshire a few months ago and talked to them for an hour. Great conversation and good prices.