LOOKING AT 2 NEW ADDITIONS TO THE ARSENAL

I have been looking at getting 2 new hand guns. One for personal carry & one to build a custom off of.
#1: Springfield P9C in .40cal. For carry. $350.00
#2: Rock Island .45cal. Custom build. $449.00
Can anybody give me info (PRO'S & CONS) of each weapon before I make a purchase?

My vote is for the Rock Island .45cal. Custom build. $449.00 That sounds like a great deal.

Not trying to change your mind but what's already on the rock island? If it's a gi you might want to look at something that's is
mil-spec as it will already have a few of the things you'll want to do anyway. Springfield makes a good base mil-spec for a simi- custom gun.

Define Rock Island Custom build...

I purchased a RIA Tactical model for $389 plus s/h back 2 years ago or so. That gun is plenty accurate, and has been dead reliable. But it's also right outta the box (except for the laser grips).

What have they done to the RIA to make it custom, and who done it? I've been told that custom work by you or me means zip for added value, needs to be done by a gunsmith (with verifiable documentation) to add value. If it's something that's a drop in part, and they have the receipt and you can see the part, okay. But so much of 1911 work ends up being in HOW it's fitted, that it really would behoove you to get all the info. A used RIA, stock, isn't worth that much to me. A professionally enhanced one, yeah.

This is a N-I-B STOCK M1911-A1. I was looking at getting it then adding upgrades to customize myself. Mainly for shooting targets & fun.

You should be fine than. I've heard good thing about them.

The Rock Island are fine guns. I had one a few years ago, never had any problems out of it. I added sights,trigger,replaced all the springs,fitted a barrel bushing and replace all the internal parts, myself. You can do most of the customizing yourself, there are plenty of websites and books to tell you how. Just remember to go slow, read info on how to do the mods 5 or 6 times before you do it and it's easier to take metal off than it is to put i back on.
I look at customizing a gun as making it the way you want it, not trying to add value to it.

I look at customizing a gun as making it the way you want it, not trying to add value to it.[/quote]

That's how I was looking at it.

I got a RIA a couple of years ago at a pawn shop for 300 dollars . It shot perfect then but I still wanted to upgrade it so I installed Houge grips, Wilson combat beavertail , trigger , hammer , sear , and all new springs .I'm still not through w/it , I still need sights and I want to refinish it . . . .any way RIA's are a good gun to customize in my opinion cause the base gun is inexpensive and of fair quality . My first choice would be a Springer but you can save a little w/ a RIA .

I'm glad you made the jump from MDWFP. I missed your earlier posts so here is a welcome aboard. This Michael from the power plant by the way.

I know nothing about the Springfield but the RIA is a good solid platform to start with. You'll have fun along the way also. As much as you can customize a bow...You can do infinately more with a gun.

Thanks mhead & Shooter! Mike glad to here from you.

Keep me up to date on what you do with the 1911. I'd like to try that myself.

I'm glad that ya'll have had good luck with RI pistols. I have a friend that hasn't been so lucky. It's been a Christine from the start. We have tried many things to get it to run right.

Go to the 1911 forum and Ivan over there is a RIA rep they are supposed to have some of the best customer service out there .

mhead wrote:Go to the 1911 forum and Ivan over there is a RIA rep they are supposed to have some of the best customer service out there .

Thanks I'll pass it on to him!