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I'd like to get a compact 1911 one of these days, but the only thing I've seen in any of the local stores is the Kimber Ultra Carry II. I wouldn't mind a Kimber, but I'd like to spend less than $1000 on the gun. After all, who would want to lose a $1000 carry gun if you ever had to use it? So any suggestions on a reasonably priced compact 1911?

I saw a lot of Rock Island Armory 1911's at Saxet gun show in San Antonio this past weekend; good looking guns and they make a compact model, Rock Island .45 1911 Compact CSP in the $500 range... seem to be getting some decent reviews on the internet. I also am being tempted...

I've seen several mil-spec Springfield compact 1911's around lately. $550 and above based on options.

My primary Carry is a Rock Island Armory (RIA) compact tactical model. The tactical part means commander style hammer and beaver tail grip safety, on some guns like mine it also means Novak style sites. Mine is 100% reliable, even when it shouldn't be. This is the handgun I trust my life to first and foremost, even though I have more expensive and so called "better" guns in my collection.

dcphoto wrote:I'd like to get a compact 1911 one of these days, but the only thing I've seen in any of the local stores is the Kimber Ultra Carry II. I wouldn't mind a Kimber, but I'd like to spend less than $1000 on the gun. After all, who would want to lose a $1000 carry gun if you ever had to use it? So any suggestions on a reasonably priced compact 1911?

If I had to use my gun, the financial loss of the gun would be one of the least important issues in my life. I still wouldn't carry a thousand gun because it would quickly turn into 500 dollar gun because of the wear. My Cheaper guns are probably worth more than I paid for them despite the wear.

TexasFlash wrote:I saw a lot of Rock Island Armory 1911's at Saxet gun show in San Antonio this past weekend; good looking guns and they make a compact model, Rock Island .45 1911 Compact CSP in the $500 range... seem to be getting some decent reviews on the internet. I also am being tempted...

Be careful of these Rock Island guns. My machinist buddy bought one thinking it was a steal only to find out the gun was out of spec and he had to do a lot of machining to correct it......some might be good but QC is an issue. I would look somewhere else........

Check out the Colt Defender. They can be found under $1000 regularly and are very nice.

I have been thinking of a Colt New Agent, got to fondle one a while ago and was very impressed. Just a bit hard to find right now...

wilder wrote:Check out the Colt Defender. They can be found under $1000 regularly and are very nice.

It's on my "short list" when I change my PT145 PRO for a compact 1911. $799 at Academy the last time they had one.

I love my Springer LW Compact but since we're passing through an open carry state that does not recognize any other state's CHL (Oregon), it's stashed in the RV.

BTW,I've not seen anyone carrying a gun on their hip except LEO's. Again I ask, what's the big deal about open carry?

shooter4 wrote:

TexasFlash wrote:I saw a lot of Rock Island Armory 1911's at Saxet gun show in San Antonio this past weekend; good looking guns and they make a compact model, Rock Island .45 1911 Compact CSP in the $500 range... seem to be getting some decent reviews on the internet. I also am being tempted...

Be careful of these Rock Island guns. My machinist buddy bought one thinking it was a steal only to find out the gun was out of spec and he had to do a lot of machining to correct it......some might be good but QC is an issue. I would look somewhere else........

Mine runs! Your buddy must have gotten a bad one. I had a similar problem years ago with a couple Spingfields. A buddy and each bought 1 at the same time from the same dealer in San Diego. Mine was spot on, but his couldnt hit the broad side of a barn even if he was standing in the barn. Musta been built on a Wed.

There was a nice Colt Defender for sale here in Fort Worth last week for $800.
FTF individual CHLer

RIA gun not functioning correctly? Out of spec? Other? Call Ivan @ 775-537-1444. Arnel is their gunsmith and he will
make it right. Or email ivan@armscor.net. Their customer service is usually very good.

wilder wrote:Check out the Colt Defender. They can be found under $1000 regularly and are very nice.

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