Two fold question / RIA - STI

erob3 · March 19, 2012, 01:55 PM

Hey all, I have decided on a 1911 9mm 3" for a conceal carry. I want to stay in the $600 or less range so....... STI has the Spartan and now Rock Island is getting ready to offer one of their own;

http://armscorusa.com/index.php?opti...d=10&Itemid=25

Only problem is who knows when one will be available, hopefully should be soon but?

1)Does anyone have any info as to when the RIA will hit the stores?

2) Which one to choose; STI or RIA?

I have a RIA 1911 9mm Tactical and as many here know they are a great gun for the money. I can't see why this one would be any different. Thoughts and opinions please. Thanks.

KyJim · March 19, 2012, 02:27 PM

As you probably know, Armscor makes both the RIA and STI Spartan. The Spartan uses an upgraded slide (forged versus extruded steel), upgraded fire control system (STI), and is built to STI specs. Only you can answer if any of that is worth it to you.

bitttorrrent · March 19, 2012, 02:29 PM

Just going from my recent forey into guns, it all depends on availability. You can have the best design, but if no one can get it then what good is it.

I have found this out by latchong on to certain guns from kel-tec and Ruger that could take years. 0k I see you have a sr1911 - but most of us don't. And I have been trying at lgs and online for not msrp price and just has not happened.

So, I would not wait and if the STI is available today - buy it today.

That is my new attitude. Found a Ruger sr22 and Hi-point 9mm on discount from same place and just ordered them - will be here today! They do actually have sr1911 in stock, but is a tad high.

good luck. others can compare the brands but I have niether.

erob3 · March 19, 2012, 03:06 PM

KYJim- Thanks for that info. I did not know that. I just checked it out and the frame is made by RIA, shipped to STI and they put everything else on it. So as you said, is it worth the difference? I guess it does all come down to availability.

loose_holster_dan · March 19, 2012, 03:24 PM

personally, i would go with the sti. the finish work just seems of higher quality.

David the Gnome · March 19, 2012, 08:27 PM

I am so going to get one of those Rock Islands when they become available.

WVsig · March 20, 2012, 02:04 PM

Quote:

KYJim- Thanks for that info. I did not know that. I just checked it out and the frame is made by RIA, shipped to STI and they put everything else on it. So as you said, is it worth the difference? I guess it does all come down to availability.

Unless it has changed since the Shot Show this is not correct. STI makes the small parts and ships them to Armscor where they assemble the pistols in a seperate part of the factory from the RIA guns. They are then spot checked/blessed by STI in TX.

STI does not do any assembly on the Spartan line in TX.

Same decision but with a slightly different set of facts & considerations.

erob3 · March 20, 2012, 03:56 PM

Geez - if that is the case then there is little difference from the STI model and the new RIA 9mm. Therefore, why pay $125+ more for the STI than the RIA? Other than the BIG question; When will the RIA 9mm be available?

WVsig · March 20, 2012, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Geez - if that is the case then there is little difference from the STI model and the new RIA 9mm. Therefore, why pay $125+ more for the STI than the RIA? Other than the BIG question; When will the RIA 9mm be available?

Well if you ask STI the assemblers for their Spartans are the best in the factory. I have heard claims that STI trained them to work on their pistols. The STI parts like STI beavertail grip safety, STI trigger, sear, hammer & thumb safety are nicer parts than the RIA parts.

The overall finish is better too. I am personally not a fan of STIs styling but that is nothing more than a personal aesthetic issue. Also IIRC any warranty work on a Spartan will be done at STI.

KyJim · March 20, 2012, 08:31 PM

What WVSig said plus the STI has a forged slide. The RIA slide is made from "extruded" steel. When I bought my Spartan, I contacted STI and a rep emailed me that they used to use the extruded steel slides but went to forged because of longer life. However, I've never heard of anyone complaining about RIA slides cracking or peening very much.

iblong · March 21, 2012, 06:40 AM

I've owmed 3 RIA,s 2-45's and one 9 all have functioned and shot well,but given the choice Ill take the STI.I relaced the springs,trigger and other internals on my 9 for IDPA with STI parts and could have bought the STI cheaper.

bitttorrrent · March 21, 2012, 07:51 AM

So iblong,

I have looked at both - but you have or had THREE RIA and yet still would prefer the STI.

I think i should stop looking at the RIA despite their lower cost. I want something that is quality - not just a good performing cheap gun.

Which STI gun would you suggest. And I don't want a plastic trigger.

iblong · March 21, 2012, 08:17 AM

Check out the spartins nice pistol for the money,although I have nothing against the RIA,I just feel the STI for a little more money is the way to go.

Eppie · March 21, 2012, 08:21 AM

I know this won't work for CCW, but it could be a fun range gun. I've been waiting for it. It's just now coming to market and this one is about $200 too high, because the .45 hi cap are selling for $525

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=277940241

vaskeet · March 21, 2012, 11:29 AM

the sti spartan would be better compaired to the RIA 1911 Match
http://www.1911pistols.com/item/1905..._Inch_Bar.aspx Which costs more than the spartan I am waiting on my sti spartan 9mm to get here I got it for $600 shipped Randy

March 19, 2012, 01:55 PM	#1
erob3 Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2010 Location: East Tn. for 56 years Posts: 540	Two fold question / RIA - STI Hey all, I have decided on a 1911 9mm 3" for a conceal carry. I want to stay in the $600 or less range so....... STI has the Spartan and now Rock Island is getting ready to offer one of their own; http://armscorusa.com/index.php?opti...d=10&Itemid=25 Only problem is who knows when one will be available, hopefully should be soon but? 1)Does anyone have any info as to when the RIA will hit the stores? 2) Which one to choose; STI or RIA? I have a RIA 1911 9mm Tactical and as many here know they are a great gun for the money. I can't see why this one would be any different. Thoughts and opinions please. Thanks. __________________ If something is worth doing well, it is worth failing at to get there.

March 19, 2012, 03:06 PM	#4
erob3 Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2010 Location: East Tn. for 56 years Posts: 540	KYJim- Thanks for that info. I did not know that. I just checked it out and the frame is made by RIA, shipped to STI and they put everything else on it. So as you said, is it worth the difference? I guess it does all come down to availability. __________________ If something is worth doing well, it is worth failing at to get there. Last edited by erob3; March 19, 2012 at 03:17 PM.

March 19, 2012, 03:24 PM	#5
loose_holster_dan Senior Member Join Date: April 5, 2011 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 2,461	personally, i would go with the sti. the finish work just seems of higher quality. __________________ Favorite range gun for the money - CZ 75B or STI Spartan V 9mm Go-to carry setup - Walther PPS or PPQ in FIST kydex holster 1AK Favorite semi-auto design - HK P7 "A Sig is like a lightsaber - not as clumsy or random as a Glock."

March 19, 2012, 08:27 PM	#6
David the Gnome Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2007 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 3,092	I am so going to get one of those Rock Islands when they become available. __________________ Si vis pacem, para bellum.

March 20, 2012, 03:56 PM	#8
erob3 Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2010 Location: East Tn. for 56 years Posts: 540	Geez - if that is the case then there is little difference from the STI model and the new RIA 9mm. Therefore, why pay $125+ more for the STI than the RIA? Other than the BIG question; When will the RIA 9mm be available? __________________ If something is worth doing well, it is worth failing at to get there.

March 19, 2012, 02:27 PM	#2
KyJim Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2005 Location: The Bluegrass Posts: 9,142	As you probably know, Armscor makes both the RIA and STI Spartan. The Spartan uses an upgraded slide (forged versus extruded steel), upgraded fire control system (STI), and is built to STI specs. Only you can answer if any of that is worth it to you.

March 19, 2012, 02:29 PM	#3
bitttorrrent Senior Member Join Date: April 21, 2011 Location: Chicago Posts: 703	Just going from my recent forey into guns, it all depends on availability. You can have the best design, but if no one can get it then what good is it. I have found this out by latchong on to certain guns from kel-tec and Ruger that could take years. 0k I see you have a sr1911 - but most of us don't. And I have been trying at lgs and online for not msrp price and just has not happened. So, I would not wait and if the STI is available today - buy it today. That is my new attitude. Found a Ruger sr22 and Hi-point 9mm on discount from same place and just ordered them - will be here today! They do actually have sr1911 in stock, but is a tad high. good luck. others can compare the brands but I have niether.

March 20, 2012, 08:31 PM	#10
KyJim Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2005 Location: The Bluegrass Posts: 9,142	What WVSig said plus the STI has a forged slide. The RIA slide is made from "extruded" steel. When I bought my Spartan, I contacted STI and a rep emailed me that they used to use the extruded steel slides but went to forged because of longer life. However, I've never heard of anyone complaining about RIA slides cracking or peening very much.

March 21, 2012, 06:40 AM	#11
iblong Senior Member Join Date: October 1, 2008 Location: MN Posts: 559	I've owmed 3 RIA,s 2-45's and one 9 all have functioned and shot well,but given the choice Ill take the STI.I relaced the springs,trigger and other internals on my 9 for IDPA with STI parts and could have bought the STI cheaper.

March 21, 2012, 07:51 AM	#12
bitttorrrent Senior Member Join Date: April 21, 2011 Location: Chicago Posts: 703	So iblong, I have looked at both - but you have or had THREE RIA and yet still would prefer the STI. I think i should stop looking at the RIA despite their lower cost. I want something that is quality - not just a good performing cheap gun. Which STI gun would you suggest. And I don't want a plastic trigger.

March 21, 2012, 08:17 AM	#13
iblong Senior Member Join Date: October 1, 2008 Location: MN Posts: 559	Check out the spartins nice pistol for the money,although I have nothing against the RIA,I just feel the STI for a little more money is the way to go.

March 21, 2012, 08:21 AM	#14
Eppie Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2010 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 802	I know this won't work for CCW, but it could be a fun range gun. I've been waiting for it. It's just now coming to market and this one is about $200 too high, because the .45 hi cap are selling for $525 http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=277940241 __________________ "Socialized Medicine is the Keystone to the Arch of the Socialist State.” -Vladimir Lenin "I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them." - Thomas Jefferson (An early warning to Obama care)

March 21, 2012, 11:29 AM	#15
vaskeet Member Join Date: July 14, 2011 Posts: 75	the sti spartan would be better compaired to the RIA 1911 Match http://www.1911pistols.com/item/1905..._Inch_Bar.aspx Which costs more than the spartan I am waiting on my sti spartan 9mm to get here I got it for $600 shipped Randy