1911 Rock Island or Taurus 9MM

[theishkid]

My dad is looking at his first 1911. He really wants it in 9MM and we have basically come across two models.

The Rock Island Tactical for just under $500 found here... http://rockislandarmory.com/tactical_pistol.html

Or the new Taurus Stainless 9MM for around $650 found here... http://www.taurususa.com/product-details.cfm?id=677&category=Pistol&toggle=&breadcrumbseries=19

He really likes the Taurus, and visually I agree... but when search around for reviews on the Taurus people kept mentioning the Rock Island. So what's so special about the Rock Island? And which is the better bet/buy? Any downsides to one over the other?

 

[surjimmy]

I have several high end 1911's, and I can tell you this. You will not be sorry with the Rock Island Tactical. It is an outstanding weapon.

 

[grwd]

I have several high end 1911's, and I can tell you this. You will not be sorry with the Rock Island Tactical. It is an outstanding weapon.

a 5" 45, sure; but in a 9mm? eh, I dont know about that. They can be pretty tricky in non 45 calibers.

Id feel better if you looked around for a sti spartan in 9mm.
The bones of which are basically the Rock island, but you have the benefit of some better internals and a more reputable name. -not to say RIA is necessarily that bad.

 

[aeropb]

a 5" 45, sure; but in a 9mm? eh, I dont know about that. They can be pretty tricky in non 45 calibers.

Id feel better if you looked around for a sti spartan in 9mm.
The bones of which are basically the Rock island, but you have the benefit of some better internals and a more reputable name. -not to say RIA is necessarily that bad.

speaking of 9mm STI Trojan's, theres one for rent at H&H if you'd care to let your dad shoot it before making the decision.

 

[natgas]

I have a RIA 9mm tactical and it's one of my favorite shooters; haven't had a problem yet after hundreds of rounds; beats a Taurus anyday

 

[RaysZ71]

I personally hate Taurus and have a .45 RIA, best for the money.

 

[Glockwork1987]

heard nothing but good about RIA 1911's....

 

[Sanjuro82]

They both are good shooters. The Taurus stainless steel 1911s are actually pretty good. For some reason the stainless steel 1911s run much smoother than their blues carbon counterparts. I suggest he try to test fire both pistols if possible and pick the one that he enjoys better. Honestly you probably won't be disappointed with either pistol for their price.

 

[theishkid]

Thank you all for the replies. I'm trying to push the Rock Island based on all the good comments I've heard from here and several other places on the web.

I guess he saw a Rock Island yesterday and just visually doesn't care for the looks of their guns which is why he is leaning towards the Taurus. I personally couldn't care less about the looks of the thing (since it's not for me). I just want him to get the highest quality product for the price. Especially since if he likes this first 1911 he'll be getting a much higher quality one down the road.

 

[Sanjuro82]

BTW I must mention that my opinions were based on the 45 versions. I haven't shot either in 9mm.