are all Phillipino 1911's equal?

BEER · 11-05-2012, 21:23

i know rock island guns are good to go since i've owned 2 that never gave me much of a problem beyond not liking hollowpoints.

now i'm interested in these new "ati" guns that look like rock islands with different roll marks. are these guns the same, or is this another company altogether, and if so are their guns any good?

bac1023 · 11-06-2012, 02:02

There are three Filipino 1911 companies, Armscor, Metro, and, SAM.

Rock islands are built by Armscor. ATI is SAM. I actually like the ATI guns better than Rock Island.

fnfalman · 11-06-2012, 10:08

I think that Filipino guns are great values but their QAQC is inconsistent.

I lined up five ARMSCORs and none of them quite fit the same. Quite a bit of loosiness between them.

I lined up eight ATI (SAM) and they still have some inconsistencies but not as much. So I went with the ATI's version of the Commander. I gave that gun away to one of my friends, but it shot well while I still had it.

I haven't had the chance to play with the Metro Arms one, but it has the most bling out of three manufacturers.

bac1023 · 11-06-2012, 13:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by fnfalman

I think that Filipino guns are great values but their QAQC is inconsistent.

I lined up five ARMSCORs and none of them quite fit the same. Quite a bit of loosiness between them.

I lined up eight ATI (SAM) and they still have some inconsistencies but not as much. So I went with the ATI's version of the Commander. I gave that gun away to one of my friends, but it shot well while I still had it.

I haven't had the chance to play with the Metro Arms one, but it has the most bling out of three manufacturers.

I'd put Metro on par with Armscor.

Unk · 11-06-2012, 16:03

Don't know about equal however my MA American Classic Commander was well finished and tight. My LGS guy sells a lot of firearms and he preferred the MA of the Philippines 1911 s. Here's mine;

Best.

FLSlim · 11-12-2012, 19:41

I'm biased and admit it, but I'd put the STI Spartan (mostly Filipino with STI QC) a cut above and from a company with super CS. Of course it costs more than the basic Armscor, but worth it I think.

sna0403 · 11-15-2012, 16:53

I have a 4" RIA and a 5"ATI. Both shoot great but the serpa holster is hard on the finish. Both are tight and accurate, but neither finish is all that great. I don't think you can go wrong with either one.

bac1023 · 11-16-2012, 07:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by sna0403

I have a 4" RIA and a 5"ATI. Both shoot great but the serpa holster is hard on the finish. Both are tight and accurate, but neither finish is all that great. I don't think you can go wrong with either one.

Yeah, you're generally not going to get the best finish on a 1911 under $500.

bac1023 · 11-16-2012, 07:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLSlim

I'm biased and admit it, but I'd put the STI Spartan (mostly Filipino with STI QC) a cut above and from a company with super CS. Of course it costs more than the basic Armscor, but worth it I think.

I love the Spartan too. However, keep on mind that it's price point is about the same as the Desert Eagle 1911 and the Ruger 1911.

Joshhtn · 11-16-2012, 19:41

Absolutely love my Spartan!!

bac1023 · 11-16-2012, 19:44

Looks nice

Joshhtn · 11-16-2012, 19:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by bac1023

Looks nice

Thank you good Sir!

jrs93accord · 11-16-2012, 20:42

Personally, I have twelve Filipino 1911s (examples from all three manufacturers) and I am happy with each and every one of them.

bac1023 · 11-16-2012, 21:57

You certainly have the most, James

Rick O'Shay · 11-17-2012, 04:59

I've only had experience with Rock Island:
My compact .45 is 100% reliable, shoots to point of aim, and other than the slick grips, is an awesome pistol. Added rubber Kimber grips.
My mid-length .45 is 100% reliable, shoots to point of aim, and I've also swapped out the slick grips for better ones.
My full-size "match" .45 has excellent adjustable sights. Very smooth action, excellent accuracy and precision, but is magazine 'finicky'. Prefers the Wilson Combat mags in order to run smoothly.
I had (and sold) a full size tactical .45 with rail to the end of the slide. Out of probably 600 rounds, swapping recoil spring 3 times, trying every magazine in my bag with different ammo, I never got it to run a full magazine without hanging up.
So there are differences within manufacturer for sure.

sna0403 · 11-17-2012, 15:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by bac1023

Yeah, you're generally not going to get the best finish on a 1911 under $500.

You are correct, sir. Considering I have less than $1k (with the upgrades) for 2 weapons, I'm not gonna complain. Besides, I'm gonna use them to learn how to cerakote, duracote or whatever. If I botch that, there's a guy in town that does really nice work at a reasonable price. But as far as working guns go, I wouldn't take for either one!

bac1023 · 11-17-2012, 20:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by sna0403

You are correct, sir. Considering I have less than $1k (with the upgrades) for 2 weapons, I'm not gonna complain. Besides, I'm gonna use them to learn how to cerakote, duracote or whatever. If I botch that, there's a guy in town that does really nice work at a reasonable price. But as far as working guns go, I wouldn't take for either one!

Cool.

Good luck with the project.