[nursetim]

which for a first 1911, RIA or Kimber?

 

[clancy]

Some swear by Kimber, others at them. I would recommend RIA.

 

[FLSlim]

If those are the only choices, I'd start with the RIA.

 

[Damn_Yankee]

I had the same choice at the last gun show. I purchased a compact RIA. With the left over cash I bought ammo, a holster and a couple extra mags. I believe I made the right choice (for me).

 

[jellis11]

I'm a springfield fan. Kimber would be my second choice if I had some money.

 

[SpringerTGO]

I'd go Springfield too. Great products, and fantastic service. Their custom shop is excellent too.
My Kimber was garbage, their service was slow, and it came back just as bad as when I sent it in for repair.

 

[Jerry]

My father told me, buy cheap you get cheep buy quality and you’ll never regret it. Now I’ll admit that I bought two of the least expensive Kimbers for competition guns. After thousands and thousands of rounds I have no regrets. I stepped up in price for a carry gun. Also a Kimber. No regrets! My .02 :supergrin:

 

[fnfalman]

In case of the Filipino guns, you buy cheap but you get excellent stuff.

It's funny (not funny "haha") that $400 foreign jobs have better fitment than American made big dollars guns (Kimber, Colt, SW, whatever).

RIAs (Armscor) are nice, but I'd suggest checking out American Classic (Metro Arms) or American Tactical (SAM) first before making the final decision.

 

[MFB]

I tend to agree with the people who are recommending Springfield. But, I am going to qualify that with a question. What features do you want in a 1911?

 

[jrs93accord]

My first 1911 was this Kimber Stainless Pro Carry II.

That was nearly 7 years ago. Since then, I managed to accrue several more 1911s. Several of these 1911s are Phillipines-made RIAs, ATI FX45s, American Classics, and a few more. The RIAs are excellent 1911s to start with. The prices are low and the quality is high. Having a Kimber is nice (I own 16 of them), but owning a RIA 1911 (I own 6 of them) is just good common sense.

 

[doc540]

RIA before the eventual Colt

 

[Hurricanes]

Picked up my RIA Tac in the beginning of the year, and have no regrets whatsoever. They can be had for a nice price, without breaking the bank. I still would like to pick up some higher end 1911s eventually.
-Joel

 

[Ruggles]

I hear the economy is hurting...do you part and do not be cheap!

Can't go wrong either way. I would opt if for the Kimber but be happy with the RIA.

 

[Lew-G17]

If it is your first 1911, go with the RIA. They are good for the money and mine have been dependable and accurate. As you determine what you like and want in a 1911 then spend more money to get what you want. If you become a real 1911 nut, it will end up being custom cause everyone likes something different.

 

[BMF99CamaroSS]

Check out this post. It is great! Also the forum is the best place for 1911 info out there on the net.

http://www.1911addicts.com/showthread.php?511-Buyer-s-guide-for-all-you-1911-addicts...

 

[faawrenchbndr]

I started with a cheap 1911,......shot great!

Over the years I've become a 1911 addict. If you find yourself in need of treatment,
visit 1911addicts.com :supergrin:

 

[Johan Beer]

I would recommend an STI Trojan for your first. Great quality gun at a decent price.

 

[Two Guns]

Since it is your first it should be a Colt.

 

[bac1023]

If your budget is $1000, go with an STI Trojan.

That said, you wouldn't be disappointed with an RIA.

 

[2001SportTJ]

I just recently picked up my first 1911. It is a Kimber Custom TLE II. I love it so far. Over 1200 rounds now with no malfunctions. I sold my G17 and added some cash to get it. Now I am debating selling my G19 to get the colt 1911 I have been eyeballing at my LGS.:whistling: