I would think the RIA 1911's are good and serviceable. There seems to be plenty of supporting comments on here. Sometimes I am a little troubled when folks compare firearms with little demonstrated knowledge of quality differences. RIA's are not in the same class as Taurus 1911's. RIA's are cast alloy frames, Taurus' are forged steel. If one finds a Taurus 1911 priced equally with an RIA, the Taurus represents an higher quality firearm.
good point about life in general, guns or not, apples to apples is a rare comparison when prices vary so much from product to product there is generally a good reason, as you pointed out. Doesn't make one better or worse, just different product/market (and where better to note it than a Hi-point forum?)
In my earlier post I called the GI sights crappy. They are slow to align on target cuz the front sight is just hard to find. BUT for long range work I have never seen better sights on a handgun. That thin front sight is oh so much more precise than any of these new fad thick front sights.
I'm very much looking fwd to this aspect of the gun! i like what i hear about 1911s at the 50yd ranges... my wide bladed JHP .45 can only hit as small as my eye can divde that blade, but a small blade... well, aim small miss small.
