re: Rock Island 1911

The SR1911 is easily the best value American 1911 available right now. Bang-for-buck, it's tops. Here's my review of it:

Ruger SR1911 - Affordable American 1911 Horsepower

Rock Island makes nice 1911s no doubt. But you'll see cheaper fitment, cheaper finishes, cheaper sights, and cheaper magazines, generally. You won't get the highest quality of everything by getting a RI. It'll work no doubt - they're reliable guns. Just that you get more of the nice features when you drop a bit more and get something like the Ruger.

I have never heard anyone regret the money spent on a 1911 so take that for what it's worth.