I have done a lot of research into this. That is why I didn't buy a RIA, they are good also but don't have the same specs I am reading about with the American Classic. Most people I have contacted who have both say the ACII is a better gun than the RIA but that is subjective as well. The American Classics are made in a totally different factory than any other of the budget 1911's coming from the Phillipines. They are mad by Metro Arms in Manilla and is imported by the same group that imports Bersa handguns. I have seen it mentioned on more than a few sites that the frames and slides are made out of 4140 and forged.
The slide to frame fit is magnitudes better than my Colt as is the amount of barrel movement while in battery. The internals look just as good as the Colt and appear identical. I plan on replacing a few things just to make sure they are good but everything looks fine. And for the record there are other major brands using MIM for their internal parts these days.
The only grip I have about the gun is the bluing is a bit thin. But other than that I am happy with spending $475 OTD for it. It places 5 shots touching each other at 15 yards off a bench using factory ammo. I am goin to try to work up some handloads to see if I can improve upon it.
Do I trust it 100%, no at least not yet. It is going to take a lot more rounds before I feel comfortable. In the mean time I will continue to carry the Colt. And just fo the record I have had issues with the Colt and none with the ACII so far. Again, I am early on in the testing and I will not feel comfortable for at least another 300-500 rounds. If I make it that far without a single incident then I will feel comfotable enough to carry it.
Here is a link to the specs:
http://concealedcarryforum.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=19870
My Colt is a 1991A1 Colt Compact. It is like the one in
these pictures.
Dolomite