How would you spend $500?

**Aguila Blanca** · April 28, 2025, 02:19 PM

I have a $500 gift certificate at the local range/gun store where I shoot. I don't need any firearms at this point, but there are a couple I've been eying for some time. Of the following, if you could pick only one, which would you choose?
If you could take TWO of the three, which two would you take?

1911 Commander clone. Don't remember what brand, but not one of the top tier makers
Rock Island (Armscor) 1911 -- in .22 magnum. The magazines are 15-round, so they will have to be converted using spacers and epoxy to be legal in my state
RIA Imports .22 Magnum revolver, stainless, 8-shot

Drm50 · April 28, 2025, 05:01 PM

None of the above. Buy $500 worth of ammo or components. Why waste your GC on junk?

stinkeypete · April 28, 2025, 05:03 PM

I am voting for ammo or reloading dies.

**Aguila Blanca** · April 28, 2025, 05:31 PM

Ammo and dies are not the question.

If you could pick only one of the three firearms listed above, which would you choose, and why?

gwpercle · April 28, 2025, 06:14 PM

If in the market for a 22 Magnum ... A 8-shot revolver would be my choice over a semi-auto . No problems with feeding or making magazines legal ... a revolver will shoot anything that chambers .

The 1911 Commander Clone would be considered if chambered .
in 45 acp ... I'm set up to reload and cast bullets for 45 acp ... I can reload 45 acp cheaper than I can buy 22 Magnum ammo .
And I don't want no 1911 Commander in stinking 9mm Luger ... that just ain't right !
Gary

Jim Watson · April 28, 2025, 08:23 PM

I’ve GOT a Real Commander, don’t need a cheap copy.
I’ll take the 22 WMR auto just for the novelty.

Shoots Left · April 28, 2025, 11:14 PM

I'd go for the 22 magnum revolver. If it's the AL22 then at $500 it a heck of a deal from some of the prices I've seen elsewhere.

**Aguila Blanca** · April 28, 2025, 11:23 PM

It is, indeed, the AL22M.

FrankenMauser · April 29, 2025, 03:04 AM

I don't like any of the choices.
So, I would buy ammo, gunsmithing, or accessories.

We had the exact opposite of this happen at our latest rimfire match.
A guy won a certificate for $500 off gunsmithing through a local machinist (who doesn't do anything but precision rifle builds any more, so a "gunsmithing" certificate is a big win).
He didn't need gunsmithing. So he immediately traded for $400 worth of ammo from a local shop.

**Aguila Blanca** · April 29, 2025, 03:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrankenMauser

I don't like any of the choices.
So, I would buy ammo, gunsmithing, or accessories.

With all due respect, since the question was clear and specific and you don't like any of the options presented -- why did you comment? Your post is not responsive to the question and is not helpful. It adds nothing to the discussion, it just drags it off into the weeds.

reddog81 · April 29, 2025, 10:27 AM

1911
22 Mag costs about as much as 9mm and ballistics out of a handgun aren't that impressive.

FrankenMauser · April 29, 2025, 11:23 AM

Quote:

With all due respect, since the question was clear and specific and you don't like any of the options presented -- why did you comment? Your post is not responsive to the question and is not helpful. It adds nothing to the discussion, it just drags it off into the weeds.

You said you don't need them.
I offered reasonable alternatives.

RickB · April 29, 2025, 01:56 PM

If the Commander is Tisas brand, I'd go for that.
Not a fan of Rock Island anything.

ballardw · April 29, 2025, 05:39 PM

Given that I have the first and wouldn't go through the mag modification issue on a bet for the XT-22m I'd take option 3 of those given.

**Aguila Blanca** · April 29, 2025, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrankenMauser

You said you don't need them.
I offered reasonable alternatives.

I didn't ask for alternatives.

I have to choose from these the three guns or there is no deal with the shop. There are no alternatives.

Paul B. · April 30, 2025, 04:17 PM

I chose the Commander close. As caliber was not mentioned I would hope that it's in .45 ACP. Absolutely no interest in the other two choices.
Paul B.

FrankenMauser · April 30, 2025, 11:25 PM

Quote:

I didn't ask for alternatives.

I have to choose from these the three guns or there is no deal with the shop. There are no alternatives.

That would have been useful information from the beginning.
Perhaps consider that next time.

BourbonCowboy · May 1, 2025, 12:15 AM

My choices would be exactly how you have them listed.

hammie · May 2, 2025, 12:22 AM

I think your choice will be a function of what you already have, or what you may need and use, or what interests you. Personally I would choose #3. The RIA revolver, chambered for 22 WMR and with a 4 inch barrel, would make a dandy trail, camping, hunting, fishing, etc., gun. Fifty rounds of 22 WMR pack pretty light and small. Unless my chronograph is lying, the 22 Magnum still has a significant advantage over the 22 long rifle in a handgun.

jetinteriorguy · May 2, 2025, 06:17 AM

While none of these choices tickles my fancy, of the three I’d choose #3.

JBB · May 3, 2025, 12:31 PM

I have a 351 PD (7 shot .22 magnum) that I carry a lot. I would choose the Rock Island revolver. Not sure if RIA actually makes them, though.

Hawg · May 4, 2025, 05:47 AM

Rock Island is far from junk but I'd probably go for the commander if it was in .45 ACP.

View Poll Results: Which would you choose?
1911 Commander clone	9	52.94%
Rock Island XT-22M 1911 in .22 Maagnum	2	11.76%
RIA Imports .22 Magnum revolver	6	35.29%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 17. You may not vote on this poll

April 28, 2025, 02:19 PM	#1
Aguila Blanca Staff Join Date: September 25, 2008 Location: CONUS Posts: 19,033	How would you spend $500? I have a $500 gift certificate at the local range/gun store where I shoot. I don't need any firearms at this point, but there are a couple I've been eying for some time. Of the following, if you could pick only one, which would you choose? If you could take TWO of the three, which two would you take? 1911 Commander clone. Don't remember what brand, but not one of the top tier makers Rock Island (Armscor) 1911 -- in .22 magnum. The magazines are 15-round, so they will have to be converted using spacers and epoxy to be legal in my state RIA Imports .22 Magnum revolver, stainless, 8-shot __________________ NRA Life Member / Certified Instructor NRA Chief RSO / CMP RSO 1911 Certified Armorer Jeepaholic

April 28, 2025, 05:31 PM	#4
Aguila Blanca Staff Join Date: September 25, 2008 Location: CONUS Posts: 19,033	Ammo and dies are not the question. If you could pick only one of the three firearms listed above, which would you choose, and why? __________________ NRA Life Member / Certified Instructor NRA Chief RSO / CMP RSO 1911 Certified Armorer Jeepaholic

April 28, 2025, 11:23 PM	#8
Aguila Blanca Staff Join Date: September 25, 2008 Location: CONUS Posts: 19,033	It is, indeed, the AL22M. __________________ NRA Life Member / Certified Instructor NRA Chief RSO / CMP RSO 1911 Certified Armorer Jeepaholic

April 29, 2025, 03:04 AM	#9
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 26, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,767	I don't like any of the choices. So, I would buy ammo, gunsmithing, or accessories. We had the exact opposite of this happen at our latest rimfire match. A guy won a certificate for $500 off gunsmithing through a local machinist (who doesn't do anything but precision rifle builds any more, so a "gunsmithing" certificate is a big win). He didn't need gunsmithing. So he immediately traded for $400 worth of ammo from a local shop. __________________ -Unwilling Range Officer -Unwilling Match Designer -NRL22/PRS22/PRO -Something about broccoli and carrots

April 28, 2025, 05:01 PM	#2
Drm50 Senior Member Join Date: November 10, 2014 Posts: 1,491	None of the above. Buy $500 worth of ammo or components. Why waste your GC on junk?

April 28, 2025, 05:03 PM	#3
stinkeypete Senior Member Join Date: July 22, 2010 Location: Madison, Wisconsin Posts: 1,344	I am voting for ammo or reloading dies. __________________ My book "The Pheasant Hunter's Action Adventure Cookbook" is now on Amazon. Tall tales, hunting tips, butchering from bird to the freezer, and recipes.

April 28, 2025, 06:14 PM	#5
gwpercle Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2012 Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana Posts: 1,910	If in the market for a 22 Magnum ... A 8-shot revolver would be my choice over a semi-auto . No problems with feeding or making magazines legal ... a revolver will shoot anything that chambers . The 1911 Commander Clone would be considered if chambered . in 45 acp ... I'm set up to reload and cast bullets for 45 acp ... I can reload 45 acp cheaper than I can buy 22 Magnum ammo . And I don't want no 1911 Commander in stinking 9mm Luger ... that just ain't right ! Gary

April 28, 2025, 08:23 PM	#6
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 19,155	I’ve GOT a Real Commander, don’t need a cheap copy. I’ll take the 22 WMR auto just for the novelty.

April 28, 2025, 11:14 PM	#7
Shoots Left Senior Member Join Date: November 22, 2024 Location: Southeast Texas Posts: 118	I'd go for the 22 magnum revolver. If it's the AL22 then at $500 it a heck of a deal from some of the prices I've seen elsewhere.

April 29, 2025, 10:27 AM	#11
reddog81 Senior Member Join Date: October 16, 2014 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,658	1911 22 Mag costs about as much as 9mm and ballistics out of a handgun aren't that impressive.

April 29, 2025, 01:56 PM	#13
RickB Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2000 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 8,556	If the Commander is Tisas brand, I'd go for that. Not a fan of Rock Island anything. __________________ Runs off at the mouth about anything 1911 related on this site and half the time is flat out wrong.

April 29, 2025, 05:39 PM	#14
ballardw Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2008 Posts: 1,471	Given that I have the first and wouldn't go through the mag modification issue on a bet for the XT-22m I'd take option 3 of those given. __________________ -+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ All data is flawed, some just less so.

April 30, 2025, 04:17 PM	#16
Paul B. Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 1999 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,926	I chose the Commander close. As caliber was not mentioned I would hope that it's in .45 ACP. Absolutely no interest in the other two choices. Paul B. __________________ COMPROMISE IS NOT AN OPTION!

May 1, 2025, 12:15 AM	#18
BourbonCowboy Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2019 Posts: 139	My choices would be exactly how you have them listed.

May 2, 2025, 12:22 AM	#19
hammie Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2009 Location: Temple, TX Posts: 979	I think your choice will be a function of what you already have, or what you may need and use, or what interests you. Personally I would choose #3. The RIA revolver, chambered for 22 WMR and with a 4 inch barrel, would make a dandy trail, camping, hunting, fishing, etc., gun. Fifty rounds of 22 WMR pack pretty light and small. Unless my chronograph is lying, the 22 Magnum still has a significant advantage over the 22 long rifle in a handgun.

May 2, 2025, 06:17 AM	#20
jetinteriorguy Senior Member Join Date: April 28, 2013 Posts: 3,463	While none of these choices tickles my fancy, of the three I’d choose #3.

May 3, 2025, 12:31 PM	#21
JBB Senior Member Join Date: December 2, 2007 Location: SW Florida Posts: 113	I have a 351 PD (7 shot .22 magnum) that I carry a lot. I would choose the Rock Island revolver. Not sure if RIA actually makes them, though.

May 4, 2025, 05:47 AM	#22
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,376	Rock Island is far from junk but I'd probably go for the commander if it was in .45 ACP.