RIA 1911 as a "Project Gun"??

[Rather-B-Huntin]

Howdy,
I'm a new user to this site, and 1911 pistols in general. I have considerable experience in shooting handguns, and have owned a Springfield 1911 previously. I unfortunaltly sold the Springfield several years ago to help purchase an O/U shotgun for skeet shooting and upland hunting.
Last year I began shooting competitivley in IDPA and similar Action Pistol events. I started out with a Glock, and still use it in IDPA SSP class, and recently purchased a Smith 625 to shoot in ESR class.
I have always fancied and been intrigued by the 1911 pistol, but the "loaded" versions tend to stay just out of my financial reach, and my gunsmithing skills dont extend much past changing sights and grips. I would like to have a good, mechanically sound, basic style 1911 to use as a platform to build a gun to shoot in IDPA CDP class. I need to keep total cost to between $600-$650. I've considered a Springfield GI model, then add on some "extras" (Videki style trigger/ Commander hammer/ Sights that I can actually see, preferably 3 dot/ possibly a Beavertail safety). After looking over the Brownells catalog, I can make these upgrades to the GI and stay pretty well within my budget. Then I saw RIA Government model at a local gun shop which cost about $60 less than the GI. The RIA, in addition to costing less, and IMO, has better "lines" than the GI. It comes standard with a flared and lowered ejection port, better magazine, nicer grips (I've always preferred smooth to checkered, especially on a 1911), and seems a better choice for what I want to do with the gun.
Now, after all I've said here, I'm basically looking for someone whom can make an honest comparison between the two guns to give me the confidence to "go ahead" with the purchase of the RIA Government model over the Springfield. As mentioned, I've had a Springfield before, and it performed flawlessly for me. I also compete with several guys who shoot Springfields (which began life as a plain jane and were doctored up into some real shooters, not the models that came from the factory with all the bells and whistles already installed) who regularly finish matches at the top of the CDP rankings. As far as doing the improvements to the gun, I'll be assisted by a fellow competitor whom is an excellent gunsmith and a 1911 enthusiast who has "built up" several nice guns that started from the humble GI beginings.
I'm not looking to make a silk purse from a sows ear, just want something reliable that wont cost me $2000.
So, there you have it guys, what I want in 10,000 words or less. Who can help me out here?

[Sabre]

The RIA slides and frames are cast. Springers are forged. That would be enough for me to pick the SA over the RIA for a competition pistol that will be fired a lot. Also, it would stand to reason that since the frame and slide are higher quality on the SA, the internals are, also.

That said, those on forums like these that report having RIAs seem to have good things to say. (And so do GI Springer owners, like me)

[jdboy]

I also had a SA and it was a good little pistol. A V10 Ultra Compact High Capasity, with its short barrel the accuracey left a lot to be desired though. I now own a Century Arms Elite (another varient similar to RIA). This is my first budget pistol having owned 2 Sigs a 220 and a 245, the little SA mentioned above, and a baby Glock in 10mm. So I was very hesitent in purchasing a low dollar firearm. But over the years I've found you don't always get what you pay for even with some of the higher price guns on the market. The Sigs are still my favorite of the 4 higher end guns but the little Elite has won me over hands down overall. With the ability to have an unlimited sorce of upgrades offered to the 1911 style pistol it's comperable to an old hot rod, you build it the way you want it. The good thing here is it already came with a wide arrey of the most wanted options. With the Elite model you get a government style pistol with its 5" barrel, 3 hole lightend trigger, commander stye hammer, extended bevertail with palm swell, extended thumb safety, extended slide stop, a flat top slide and you also get a pistol that shoots very well. I've added a set of rosewood checkered grips and a Wilson-Rogers 8rd. magazine. The sights are of the military style so that will be swapped soon for a set of low mount 3 dots. The gun has injested 400-500 rounds over the last month without so much as a burp (except for some hand loads with A-Merc brass, but that's amother forum)! I purchased my little gun for $299 plus background and tax.

[revitup]

I too have owned SA's, Colt's & one STI. I got an Armscor 1911A1 about 6 mths. ago. I have put over 1600 rds. w/o a hitch except for some Fiocchi JHP. Then we discovered it was that particular lot having problems. I have put a full legth guide rod, 18# recoil spring, shok buff, & use Wilson 47 D mags. Total cost of original pistol was $301.17 w/ background. I use this for my carry gun, then I have also shot limited 10 on a club level w/ it. Good luck in whatever you choose and use.

[stans]

There have been several reports of aftermarket replacement parts, especially extractors, not fitting the CD/RIA/ARMSCOR 1911's. These pistols also have cast frames and I understand that some also have cast slides. A well made cast frame is just fine, but cast slides are usually not as durable as forged or barstock. If it were me, I would opt for the Springfield if it was only a $60 difference.

[1911slabsides]

I've had both Springfield and RIA, while the RIA is a very decent pistol, I'd go for the Springfield particularly if I were planning to shoot it often.

[Tokarev]

There seems to be somewhat of a concensus here on the Internet that RIA/Armscor 1911's are soft and will wear out faster than other .45's. While this may be true, how many rounds are we talking about? Has anybody actaully seen a worn out RIA? I've got an Armscor Enhanced and a RIA .38 Super and shoot both often. Neither shows wear or battering that I can't find on my other 1911's.

[Labuyo]

I don't know about Armscor guns being soft. AFAIK, I've never seen one that cracked or break. There is a thread on www.thehighroad.org, however, about an S.A. slide broken in half, a couple of months ago. Just do a search on "one more reason to buy a colt" thread.
I used to own a CD that I put more than 12k rounds trough it before I let her go for a trade on a Belgian BHP (' just gotta have one of those ;) ). I use it in IPSC matches (L10) and managed to win (B class :) ) 2 state sectional matches with it.
I say, Armscor makes decent 1911's for the $$. I won't hesitate on buying one if $$ is a concern.

[Tokarev]

If and when they start importing the high-cap .40, I'll probably get one and have it built into a spare USPSA pistol.

[handlebar]

Ultimately, what one purchases is that persons business. If you are happy with it (as many RIA owners are) then, your money was well spent. Unless you are planning on many, many thousands of rounds in a short period of time (such as competition) then the RIA is 'better than the average bear' for the average guy who simply wants a .45. I have had many .45's including SA and right now, the RIA serves its purpose. I used to shoot NRA bullseye, but that seems to be a thing of the past. Do what suits you.

[Labuyo]

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=62390&highlight=reason+buy+colt

[Tokarev]

Interesting...