One will say Springfield Armory on the slide and will hold considerably more value down the road than the one that says, "Rock Island Armory."

RIA is cast, made in the Philipines by Armscor. The Springfield is forged and says it is made in USA and has Springfield's national match barrel which is so good the Range Officer (same barrel, adjustable sights) is the #1 pick for a beginner gun in precision pistol competition.

How is this even a question? The Springfield is the choice by a mile.

 

One will say Springfield Armory on the slide and will hold considerably more value down the road than the one that says, "Rock Island Armory."

RIA is cast, made in the Philipines by Armscor. The Springfield is forged and says it is made in USA and has Springfield's national match barrel which is so good the Range Officer (same barrel, adjustable sights) is the #1 pick for a beginner gun in precision pistol competition.

How is this even a question? The Springfield is the choice by a mile.

* I appreciate the replies - I never have owned a 1911 but it's on the bucket list because as a red blooded American male , I believe you should experience owning at least one 1911 ... What conservative mods would you expect to make to a 1911 in this price range (such as the Defender) to improve handling , shootability , etc. without spending double what this 1911 cost ?

 

I'm curious to know the price difference between the RIA and the Springfield.

My RIA has been reliable and a fun range gun. I trust Bren's evaluation of the Springfield.

 

As much as I love my Rock Islands, I am gonna say the Springfield, all day long, no question.

 

By the time you add the mods you will eventually want, it would be cheaper to go with a Dan Wesson, and you'll have twice the gun.

 

I'm considering a vigil myself, for a little over a grand

 

I'm curious to know the price difference between the RIA and the Springfield.

My RIA has been reliable and a fun range gun. I trust Bren's evaluation of the Springfield.

Looks like about $80-100 difference.

 

I've owned both and I'd say build quality goes to Springfield. Not by a mile, but it's better fit/finished, which can certainly contribute to accuracy and reliability in some examples. The milspec has a far better barrel as noted above.

 

Definitely Springfield

 

My Rock was tight and accurate. Also, if I was hungry, I could slice meat with the sharp edges.

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I'd go with the Springfield if the price isn't a huge difference. I wouldn't buy anything right now, who knows what kind of Christmas season sales are going to be happening.

 

Wise choice!

 

I have several Armcor handguns, Rock Island Armory and Citadel. They've all been flawless in function. That being said, I'd have to give the nod to the Defender. They can easily be had for well under $500, which is really a steal for an SA handgun. I'd have to go with the Springfield if I'm looking for a basic mil spec style 1911.

 

The RIA pistols are excellent for the price. However, I'd go with the Springfield as it will always carry that name and hold its value better.

 

Springfield all day. Love my mil-spec!

 

By the time you add the mods you will eventually want, it would be cheaper to go with a Dan Wesson, and you'll have twice the gun.

What mods would you want and why are they costing $500? The Springfield certainly doesn't need a new barrel or slide-to-frame fitting. You can drop in an EGW trigger kit and get a great trigger for under $150, but some of the Springfields I have bought have been equal to a trigger job from a great gunsmith, straight from the box (you do have to try a few or get lucky to get that). What else does it need?

BTW, it looks like most Dan Wessons cost way more than $1,000.