Posted: 11/28/2010 1:02:13 PM EDT
| So, Christmas is coming, and I'm thinking a RI is on my shopping list...for my future brother-in-law. He doesn't have but a few range sessions of shooting experience with any firearm except shotties until recently. I let him fire my Springfield Loaded a few times this past summer, and he seemed really excited about getting into shooting more, and picking up a 1911 of his own. Problem is he doesn't make much money and doesn't see being able to afford one anytime soon. My question is: Would you be happy with a RI 1911 as a gift? Are they an acceptable enough pistol as a starter? Or is there a different manufacturer I should be looking at instead? |
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Quoted:
So, Christmas is coming, and I'm thinking a RI is on my shopping list...for my future brother-in-law. He doesn't have but a few range sessions of shooting experience with any firearm except shotties until recently. I let him fire my Springfield Loaded a few times this past summer, and he seemed really excited about getting into shooting more, and picking up a 1911 of his own. Problem is he doesn't make much money and doesn't see being able to afford one anytime soon. My question is: Would you be happy with a RI 1911 as a gift? Are they an acceptable enough pistol as a starter? Or is there a different manufacturer I should be looking at instead? I think a Rock Island would be a fine first 1911 (especially a free one). However, I do not think a 1911 is a good beginner's pistol. First, .45 ACP ammo is more expensive than 9mm. Practice is important for beginners and more expensive ammo usually means less practice. Secondly, 1911s have a tendency to occasionally be temperamental. It is discouraging for new shooters to have to deal with an unreliable gun. If Armscor doesn't offer free shipping for problematic pistols, it can be expensive to ship it back and forth. It can also get expensive trying various types of ammo and mags to see what the gun likes. And before I'm accused of being a basher, my Spartan has a RIA/Armscor heritage. IMO, I'd look for something in 9mm for a first pistol, and something with a reputation for reliability. For new pistols, I'd check out the Ruger SR9 and Stoeger Cougar. For used pistols, Glocks, Beretta 92s, and S&W 3rd gen autos would be a good place to look. |
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Quoted:
I think a Rock Island would be a fine first 1911 (especially a free one). However, I do not think a 1911 is a good beginner's pistol. First, .45 ACP ammo is more expensive than 9mm. Practice is important for beginners and more expensive ammo usually means less practice. Secondly, 1911s have a tendency to occasionally be temperamental. It is discouraging for new shooters to have to deal with an unreliable gun. If Armscor doesn't offer free shipping for problematic pistols, it can be expensive to ship it back and forth. It can also get expensive trying various types of ammo and mags to see what the gun likes. And before I'm accused of being a basher, my Spartan has a RIA/Armscor heritage. IMO, I'd look for something in 9mm for a first pistol, and something with a reputation for reliability. For new pistols, I'd check out the Ruger SR9 and Stoeger Cougar. For used pistols, Glocks, Beretta 92s, and S&W 3rd gen autos would be a good place to look. You know what? I'll take this into consideration. The main reasons I'm thinking 1911 are: He fired my wife's M&P9, and preferred the 1911, and he liked the feel of a single stack over a double. Any ideas of a 9mm single stack? ALSO, I'm not rich. The RI is something I can afford. 
EDIT...I just read the post by Andrewh...might be an idea as well. |
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I can't speak about the RIA 9mm specifically, but looking at other 9mm 1911s, they can still be picky about mags and ammo, and have other "1911 problems".
What's your budget? I see Bud's lists the RIA Tactical for $456 and the RIA GI for $402. They have the SR9 for $420. Summit Gun Broker gets used Glocks in from time to time for around $400. For a 1911, I tend to shy away from GI-style models as I hate the sights on them. I greatly prefer modern sights like Novaks and LPAs. Single stack 9mms? Hmmm, not too many around. Off the top of my head: Sig P225 (used, AKA Sig P6), Sig P239, Walther PPS, and some (most? Kahrs. Take him to a gun show, have him handle some stuff. |
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Like Matt said, I have never heard of anyone not liking their RIA.
And if the guy likes your loaded you know he would like a 1911. In my opinion I don't think the 1911 is any more difficult to learn as a first pistol than any other auto. As far as working out any possible bugs, he's not alone. You have already been down this road and would have knowledge valuable to him. So in a statement; I'm all for it. And good on you(OP) for being so generous. BD |
For all the reasons Strat81 listed, and because you are on a budget, I think this is a good alternative.
Smith & Wesson 5904 |