Rock Island VS ATI

[Daveyg]

So I find myself in the market for a 1911, my budget has me looking at the Rock Island Armory and ATI (American Tactical Imports) both manufactured in the Philippines any opinions on either line?? I also considered the Ruger SR 1911 I happen to live near a shop that has them in stock but they are about $200.00 more dollars. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

[fullmann]

I can tell you that my RIA's have been absolutely 100% reliable. I've probably put 1000 rounds thru my tactical.

I wouldn't hesitate for a second on the ATI either. In fact, that's what I started looking at, but found a couple really good deals on the rocks.

I'd say go for whichever has the options you like, I know they both have a couple different configurations

[Ran]

Dave,

I'm gonna be watching this thread. I too am in the market for a new FS 1911 (the only other 1911 I have in is a compact Colt Defender). I keep reading very good reviews on the RIA pistols. Somewhat ironically, I seem to find more negative reviews on some of the much more expensive guns (Kimbers, Colts, etc.). Honestly, it confuses me.

Randy

[hernan]

I just oredered a ria compact last night. The winner for me was the warranty of the RIA and their CS.

[smoothRod1911]

I haven't shot or owned a ATI but I have a Rock and I love it. Acccurate straight out the box. I got a 9mm by the way and it was very hard to find.

[Roadhouse]

I have several RIA's, they are fine guns, that said I would pay the extra $200 for a Ruger in a heartbeat.
tb

[Dwight55]

I have a full size RIA and a compact ATI, . . . both are good hand guns. I carry either one as my CCW and have total confidence in either.

RIA is basic GI configuration, . . . the ATI has a beavertail.

Neither came to me as a tack driver, and the triggers were both a bit heavy.

I have "accurized" both, . . . and done some trigger work as well, . . . have right at $1000 in both, total.

I really do not know of any one 1911 I would trade for both of them, . . . but I might be tempted if the slide said "Wilson".

May God bless,
Dwight

[crashoverrideplik]

I own guns from both companies, mainly GI models. I give the nod to ATI in better build quality. Both are great companies and I think you'll like either.

[Daveyg]

Wow thanks for all the input, still not sure what to do. I hear on other forums how scarce the Ruger is but I happen to have 2 or 3 shops relatively close to me where they have them in stock all the time and the price varies from 669.00 to 799.00 , the ATI was 469.00 to 505.00. AHHHH decisions decisions.

[TN.Frank]

I have an ATI and it has a nice fit and finish but only a 2 year warranty which didn't matter since I got it used from a local guy. He said he'd put around 600 rounds through it without a hitch and the first 7 rounds I put through it at 7 yards printed a nice group. I really like this Commander size gun.
RIA has a lifetime warranty so if you're buying new that's a pretty good deal. I think either way you'd be getting a good entry level gun that'll not break the bank.
If you can afford to spend a bit more you might check out Springfield Armory, they make some pretty decent guns. Parts are made in Brazil but assembled here in the U.S. I'd really like to pick up an S.A. Range Officer some day and put a good fixed rear sight on it since I really don't care for an adjustable sight on a carry gun. Even S.A.'s Mil-Spec is a pretty good gun that has improved sights and a lowered and fluted ejection port. You can normally get into one for around $600-$650 if you shop around and even less if you can find a used one.

[SundownRider]

I have two RIA's and they've been flawless. Both are 9mm, and are very accurate. For whatever reason, the RIA Gi fits my hand very well, better than any other.

[Daveyg]

Gun shop near me has SA 1911-A1 new 589.00, Remington R1 for 599.00 I believe this is also
a mil spec pistol.

[Airborne Falcon]

I almost hate to admit this ... but I shot my first ATI last night and was fairly impressed. For the money they seem like a steal and you can own two of them for what one would normally cost.

Buddy of mine and his Pastor bought a bunch of ATI 9s, 40s and 45s and we shot two of the 9s and 45s last night after dinner out on the back forty. I'm very tempted now, to call CDNN and order myself a couple of each as truck guns, barn guns, etc., along with a couple of extra magazines. I actually already own a RIA that I picked-up cheap in a FTF transaction through the local trader a few years ago ... it's fine for what it is but I'll be darned if I am not asking myself if the ATI is a better bang for the buck now that I have shot them.

The ported model was pretty cool too.

[gamma72]

Look at the Citadel also, same manufacturer as the Rock.

[dickenscpa]

I have an RIA Match 5", GI 5", MS 4" and CS 3.5" - never a hiccup out of any of them and I love them.

I imagine I would probably think the same of ATI, however some key people from RIA are not only accessible, they participate here on our site. I like that.

I did buy a brand new ATI Titan (3.18") but traded it for the RIA MS 4" and happy. The Titan is well noted on this site to have a weak recoil system. It was evident after maybe 75 rnds.

Brad

[Lt.Smoke]

I cant speak on ATI i can however speak from experience on the ROCK being a GREAT weapon.... I have a RIA Tactical 5" and from Day 1 it has been a shooter since coming out of the box

[mkflyfisherman]

...with RIA. I have two (tactical and compact) and both have been perfectly reliable - more than I can say about several of my other much more costly 1911's. If I blindfolded you and had you rack the slides and dry fire them alongside the more expensive ones (excluding the bullseye wadguns) I doubt that you could tell much difference. You'll want more "polish" and bells & whistles later on so buy the RIA now and then save for your "dream" 1911. You'll have a MUCH better idea of what you really want. /MK

[Hicompression]

I own both. The ATI is more pretty...but for reliability I would stick with Rock Island Armory.

[tekarra]

Does the ATI Commander have a bull barrel or barrel bushing?

[Dwight55]

Mine came with a bushing and a 7 lb trigger,.......lol

May God bless,
Dwight

[WESHOOT2]

Originally Posted by Daveyg

So I find myself in the market for a 1911, my budget has me looking at the Rock Island Armory and ATI (American Tactical Imports) both manufactured in the Philippines any opinions on either line?? I also considered the Ruger SR 1911 I happen to live near a shop that has them in stock but they are about $200.00 more dollars. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

The $200 more is soooooo worth it.
Ruger.

[Daveyg]

Originally Posted by WESHOOT2

The $200 more is soooooo worth it.
Ruger.

Haha see it's those comments like that that cause me to 2nd guess my decision to go the other way, appreciate your input can I ask you to expound just a little cause al though I never owned a 1911 I feel the same way but then think the $200 I save could be used towards holster and ammo??? Ahhhhh see what I mean??? Thanks again.

[Kodadek]

Originally Posted by WESHOOT2

The $200 more is soooooo worth it.
Ruger.

If could actually find a place that didn't have a twelve customer waiting list I'd be inclined to agree with you. I feel to some extent that Ruger dropped the proverbial ball...either they didn't anticipate the demand and thus failed to meet production. The more dastardly theory is they intentionally have kept production low to keep demand up. Incompetent or malevolent, either way it sticks in my craw, though I am prone to feeling slighted

If you can find a Ruger and afford it? Well it ain't a bad way to go. Otherwise I don't think you can do too wrong with an RIA Tactical model. No real experience with ATI, though since they are Shooters Arms Manufacturing 1911s and my experience with those have been fairly positive I don't believe you can go wrong that way. The SAM Elite my buddy bought and then traded had in my opinion an amazingly well fitted BVTGS for a gun he bought for 420 plus tax. I lament him not approaching me to see if I wanted it.

[WESHOOT2]

I suggest a 1911 with its dimensions more likely to be correct; one with substantial experience in its making; one with the reputation of a highly successful American company behind it.

But mostly it's that "holes in the right places" thing.....

[Daveyg]

Went with the RIA 4" 1911-A1, paid $449.00 plus tax it really boiled down to price for me it was a better deal I understand the ATI has a better finish but RIA has a lifetime warranty thanks to all for your opinions.