I have heard stories, and it may be incorrect but...
During the war in the Philippines, Colt set up shop to manufacture 1911's. After the war ended, Colt sold and left all the manufacturing equipment there rather than ship it all back to the US.
Is it true that Rock Island 1911's are manufactured on Colt machinery?
I've also heard that a S&W/Kimber employee moved to the islands and now works for RIA?
I must admit, I've handled a few RIA 1911's and I am impressed with the smoothness of the slide.
I'm in the market for my first 1911 and I'm looking at the affordable RIA Tactical? Or the pricey Sig Sauer 'Nightmare'.
The RIA, I can buy right now, the Sig, I'd have to put on layaway...The Sig is beautiful! But the RIA is affordable...
Decisions decisions...
Edited 11-23-13 to add:
Well? The decision has been made. I figure, once I get the Sig, I won't need the Rock Island. I pick it up tues!