BEST CHOICE...TISAS or ROCK ISLAND 1911A1 MIL SPEC.

Which economy mil spec pistol is most servicable once broken in, for home or self defence? Not purchasing to add on or make custom, just use as is, maybe change grips only. BEST CHOICE: ROCK ISLAND OR TISAS? AND WHY?

Tough choice.. I own a few RIAs, no Tisas.. only 'cause of "timing" I really don't need ( or even want) another 1911
Don't shoot those I have enough as it is. here's my thoughts on the subject of RIA vs Tisas:
The RIAs were the 1st cnc-machined, made in the Philippines 1911's to come on the market..so tried one & it was good enough that I bought my 1st Officer sized 1911, ( which was also a RIA ) Both purchases were years before I heard of Tisas. The Tisas supposedly has a forged frame, which is better than cast, but in almost 50 yrs shooting 1911's , can't say I ever had an issue with any cast frame. As they are entry level priced, I'd probably try a Tisas...with the same attitude I had toward my first RIA purchase..if I don't like it, sell it. You won't lose much if you don't like it & want /need to sell it.

Truth is, you may get a gem or a lemon with either purchase.. & I'd say the odds are about the same with either brand.. My experience would be you'll probably be happy with whichever one you chose.

TISAS. Great guns, I have several, not problems.

BIGDAVE101 said:

Which economy mil spec pistol is most servicable once broken in, for home or self defence? Not purchasing to add on or make custom, just use as is, maybe change grips only. BEST CHOICE: ROCK ISLAND OR TISAS? AND WHY?

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The guns are about even, IMO the Tisas is closer to the actual GI issue and no MIM parts. Own both brands and happy with all of them.

Own one Rock Island full size 45 mil spec which has been superb,
Have no opinion on Tisas

Hi,
Well, the choice should be obvious???

With the Tisas you get a Forged Frame/Slide, with a Hammer Forged Barrel and no MIM, small parts...

With the RIA, not so much!

seagiant said:

Hi,
Well, the choice should be obvious???

With the Tisas you get a Forged Frame/Slide, with a Hammer Forged Barrel and no MIM, small parts...

With the RIA, not so much!

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Which for most people will have no real world difference.....Either gun will (should) work just fine after break in.

Personally though if my intent was to be able to use it for self/home defense, I'd rather go with something other then the GI style sights that the MilSpec pistols come with.

I would go with the Tisas, only because of better material of construction than RIA.
I have a mil spec RIA which I changed the grips, grip safety & hammer. Originally intended for a Kimber 22 conversion, which has now moved on as will the RIA.

Rotorflyr said:

Which for most people will have no real world difference.....Either gun will (should) work just fine after break in.

Personally though if my intent was to be able to use it for self/home defense, I'd rather go with something other then the GI style sights that the MilSpec pistols come with.

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Sights will not matter if shooting some dirtbag in your house, not some TV show!

Colt . Springfield, RIA if you insist..

BIGDAVE101 said:

Which economy mil spec pistol is most servicable once broken in, for home or self defence? Not purchasing to add on or make custom, just use as is, maybe change grips only. BEST CHOICE: ROCK ISLAND OR TISAS? AND WHY?

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Why limit one self to only two differnt desings. There are so many different manufacturers of 1911 frames in different calibers. Each can meet one desire while other others dislike them.

.45ACP only, closest to milspec... similar close prices... which do you recommend?

Old Bill said:

Colt . Springfield, RIA if you insist..

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have KIMBER,COLT,RUGER,SPRINGFIELD..... LOVE THE 1911A1

Airdale26 said:

Why limit one self to only two differnt desings. There are so many different manufacturers of 1911 frames in different calibers. Each can meet one desire while other others dislike them.

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.45ACP ONLY! Any other for a 1911a1 just not right, or normal, or natural....

Honestly compared to the Past Tisas, the Present Tisas seemed to have upped their game. If you're weighing your decision on RIA or Tisas you might want to check this out:

https://thecmp.org/cmp_sales/cmp-tisas-m1911a1-pistol/

Apparently Tisas Partnered with the CMP to make 1911A1 Reproductions for the CMP which I think while not original is still a great idea if they can get them out to as many people affordably as possible.

I have no hate for Rock Island or ATI 1911's as my 1911 is an ATI A1 Copy which I love, though I did not love the rosewood grips it came with and swapped them out for US Surplus Grips. Either way I'd say you probably can't go wrong with either at this point, though with the CMP announcement I'm considering one from the CMP myself.

Nothing wrong with the RIA , I had the officers model in 45acp years ago and sold it off to a neighbor who needed it more that I did. It was a great little piece, never an issue. I have 7 1911's now, Springfield, colt ,a S&W scandium which is my edc and a RIA which is 10mm, right out of the box put 200 rds thru it with no issues, one of the springers is also a 10mm and it's picky on ammo choice, the rock ran anything I put thru it. I will be getting another rock just have not decided which model I want.

I have no personal experince with Tisas firearms. I have some experience with Rock Island and others (Colt, Kimber and various manufacturers of WWII 1911 and 1911A1 frames.) I have listen to others who have experences with them and appear to be satisfied with thier acquistion.
The Rock Island has shown to be a reliable and fully functional firearm in the 1911 frame. I have found no real deficencies other than standard sights vs after market. The Rock Island have the other advantage of be able to accomodate a 22LR conversion. They are a cost effective alternative to more expensive1911 frames. Which go again to show that you do not need to spend alot of money to obtain a qaulity firearm thaat will provide a solid level of reliability for years.

Don't know if this is common knowledge, but back when STI was starting out in the building & selling in the 1911 market,
they used Armscor (RIA) frames, ( & probably other pieces) in their entry-level pistols. I found a clean one in .45 & bought it. It's a keeper , IMO
as it has functioned flawlessly with any of my hand loads. Though one of their entry level models, it came with nice adjustable rear sight, fiber optic front sight.
I added G-10 textured grips, Wilson ( add-on) front strap checkering, & Stan Chen magwell.

Hi,
I've had a couple of RIA 45's and they are good guns, but...

Give me a choice of Forged to Cast and I take Forged everytime!

Look at what Bill Wilson wants for one of his Forged Frames...Yea...

any Tisas owners miss this ?