Thinking about going .45 acp

[AFJuvat]

To add to my earlier comments in the interest of full disclosure:

One gripe I do have about my RIA is that the slots machined for the front and rear sights are NOT the same as Novak.

If you want to change the sights, you need to either find ones made for RIAs, or send your slide back to RIA and for $120 or so, they will machine the slide and install your Novak sights.

[guitargain]

I have an E Series S&W 1911 and love it. Less than $1000

[sdmc530]

Originally Posted by AFJuvat

To add to my earlier comments in the interest of full disclosure:

One gripe I do have about my RIA is that the slots machined for the front and rear sights are NOT the same as Novak.

If you want to change the sights, you need to either find ones made for RIAs, or send your slide back to RIA and for $120 or so, they will machine the slide and install your Novak sights.

This is very true^^^^

A lot has already been stated. I will defend the RIA brand I have two and both run very well. Not one complaint. HOWEVER if I have $1000 I would set my sights a big higher. I too would look to find a well made gun for all of the 1K. Springfield, Kimber, maybe Colt. I would check online for a deal on a STI or like has been stated find a bit more cash and go up to the next level even.
If you were set at the $1000 that is a good chunk of money for a gun, I wouldn't shy away from all that has been listed.

S&W have probably the finest factory trigger on a production gun in that price range but a 1911 should not have an external extractor, come on S&W!!!

Good luck, can't wait to see what you get.