[Scotty45]

Okay, I bought my first 1911 and am sinking deep into that black hole where I will have no more spare money for the rest of my life because I am so hooked on these! I feel that my basic SA Loaded could use a new friend in the price range of the Rock River or maybe STI models(maybe $900-1300). Les Baer, Robar, Wilson, etc. are too much to cough up right now. I guess the Wilson Protector is their cheapest at 1399.00, though. How do these compare and are there others in this price range that I am missing an dshould consider? A lot of these smiths do work on customer-supplied pistols as well, but I don't really know what is better!

 

[Glock_Racer]

Any of the above mentioned pistols will do you well. My personal choice would be a Wilson because of their tight tolerances, strict quality control, and reputation and you certainly can't go wrong with buying them from Terry at http://www.pt-partners.com

He'll answer all your questions. I just bought a NIB Wilson CQB from him and just got a chance to handle it and will pick it up in a few days (Kalifornia waiting period). Can't really help you with the performance area but I think this can give a clue:

 

[CCV]

I have a Rock River and am delighted. Eight months is a long time to wait but the finished product is worth it.

 

[Tom Freeman]

I am partial to the STI's. All my high cap 1911's are STI's. I do have a SV gun on order though. None of them are factory guns though. My single stack 1911's are Caspian frames and STI slides.

For a factory single stack, either the STI or the Rock River is a good way to go. I would get the STI and start shooting now instead of waiting. Hard to dry fire or live fire with no gun...

Tom
AF Shooting Team

 

[stipilot]

I have several STIs including a Trojan in .45 ACP and I'm very happy with all of them. My Trojan has worked flawlessly out of the box and is a much better gun in terms of fit and finish and the several Kimbers I have.

I've delt with Chuck Bradley at Shooters Connection quite a bit and he's great to do business with (http://www.shootersconnection.com). You might also talk to Emidio Gaspari at Gaspari & Associates (http://www.gaspariassociates.com/)

I understand Emidio has some exceptional prices on STI products right now.