The comment about Rock Island Armory being a 1911 to stay away ffrom is off base. Took one of the base 1911's and had it RC tested by Cylinder and Slide; the only parts that were suspect were the hammer pin and the sear pin; the slide stop was a tad sort to be activated. Out of the box it shot 2.5" groups at 20yards and shot everything it was fed, from JHPs to LSWCs.
Auto Ordnance ia also seeing an improvement in quality, since Kahr Arms purchased them.
They are an inexpensive 1911 partly do to lower advertising budget.
In the world of 1911's, having carried on on duty to exciting places of the world and tothe range for over 20 years; from a professional stand point all the companies put out crap. Considering the numbers of Kimbers, Springfields, Colts, etc., there are several in every production run that should not get out of the factory but they do. Yet these are still the greatest production 1911's; look at all the gun rags.
For that matter I have had my hands on several 1911s from Baer that I wouldn't give you a pluggen nickel for. They only fed one type of ammunition reliably, were jam-o-matics; and these are high-end production pieces. Thanks but no.
I have seen Wilson's 1911s choke and puke too. I would take Wilson over a Baer for small things like; no sharp edges, standard fixed sights, etc.
Preference for a semi-custom would be a Nowlin. They make alot of the parts that are stamped with other name brands, they are concerned about customers, and the pistols are damn accurate.
A common problem in the world of 1911s is getting caught up in the NAME game. Just because it says so and so or such and such, makes it no better or worse. Decide what your needs are and go from there.
