BIGDAVE101
Well-Known Fanatic
Which economy mil spec pistol is most servicable once broken in, for home or self defence? Not purchasing to add on or make custom, just use as is, maybe change grips only. BEST CHOICE: ROCK ISLAND OR TISAS? AND WHY?
BEST CHOICE...TISAS or ROCK ISLAND 1911A1 MIL SPEC.
- Thread starter BIGDAVE101
- Start date
joepistol
Well-Known Fanatic
Tough choice.. I own a few RIAs, no Tisas.. only 'cause of "timing" I really don't need ( or even want) another 1911 
Don't shoot those I have enough as it is. here's my thoughts on the subject of RIA vs Tisas:
The RIAs were the 1st cnc-machined, made in the Philippines 1911's to come on the market..so tried one & it was good enough that I bought my 1st Officer sized 1911, ( which was also a RIA ) Both purchases were years before I heard of Tisas. The Tisas supposedly has a forged frame, which is better than cast, but in almost 50 yrs shooting 1911's , can't say I ever had an issue with any cast frame. As they are entry level priced, I'd probably try a Tisas...with the same attitude I had toward my first RIA purchase..if I don't like it, sell it. You won't lose much if you don't like it & want /need to sell it.
Truth is, you may get a gem or a lemon with either purchase.. & I'd say the odds are about the same with either brand.. My experience would be you'll probably be happy with whichever one you chose.
Don't shoot those I have enough as it is. here's my thoughts on the subject of RIA vs Tisas:
The RIAs were the 1st cnc-machined, made in the Philippines 1911's to come on the market..so tried one & it was good enough that I bought my 1st Officer sized 1911, ( which was also a RIA ) Both purchases were years before I heard of Tisas. The Tisas supposedly has a forged frame, which is better than cast, but in almost 50 yrs shooting 1911's , can't say I ever had an issue with any cast frame. As they are entry level priced, I'd probably try a Tisas...with the same attitude I had toward my first RIA purchase..if I don't like it, sell it. You won't lose much if you don't like it & want /need to sell it.
Truth is, you may get a gem or a lemon with either purchase.. & I'd say the odds are about the same with either brand.. My experience would be you'll probably be happy with whichever one you chose.
Mike D
Well-Known Fanatic
TISAS. Great guns, I have several, not problems.
esmith1721
Fanatic
- Joined
- Sep 18, 2018
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- 8
The guns are about even, IMO the Tisas is closer to the actual GI issue and no MIM parts. Own both brands and happy with all of them.
Babboonbobo
Well-Known Fanatic
Own one Rock Island full size 45 mil spec which has been superb,
Have no opinion on Tisas
Have no opinion on Tisas
seagiant
Well-Known Fanatic
- Joined
- Feb 7, 2019
- Messages
- 105
Hi,
Well, the choice should be obvious???
With the Tisas you get a Forged Frame/Slide, with a Hammer Forged Barrel and no MIM, small parts...
With the RIA, not so much!
Well, the choice should be obvious???
With the Tisas you get a Forged Frame/Slide, with a Hammer Forged Barrel and no MIM, small parts...
With the RIA, not so much!
Which for most people will have no real world difference.....Either gun will (should) work just fine after break in.
Personally though if my intent was to be able to use it for self/home defense, I'd rather go with something other then the GI style sights that the MilSpec pistols come with.
dcoffman
Fanatic
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- Jul 28, 2023
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- 10
I would go with the Tisas, only because of better material of construction than RIA.
I have a mil spec RIA which I changed the grips, grip safety & hammer. Originally intended for a Kimber 22 conversion, which has now moved on as will the RIA.
I have a mil spec RIA which I changed the grips, grip safety & hammer. Originally intended for a Kimber 22 conversion, which has now moved on as will the RIA.
