Ruger SR1911 and spend the other $350 on ammo.
The only issue I've had with it is that it is a little picky about reloaded ammo. We had an old 3-turret press from Lee, but changing to the 4-turret press and new dies seems to have solved that.
If you are looking for a carry pistol, I would recommend the Springfield loaded. They are not quite as tight as the Range Officers - so they are generally a bit less accurate,
My Loaded from 10 yds. Last three 8rnd mags after 300rnds fired. The gun was hot and dirty.
I guess I couldve taken a pic of the first 5 rnds that poked out the center before ripping it to shreads, but i didnt.
My Loaded is tight as a drum, even after ~1.5k rnds. Ive never handled an RO but Ive heard from a good source they shoot just fine. I wouldnt call the Loaded any less accurate, its the shooter that makes the gun accurate more than anything.
I still think the Springer Loaded is the best all around 1911 for under 1k , I had a Sig XO for a little while. It was much more loosely fitted, and the grip safety would rattle when I walked while carrying it. It was a great gun and never gave me any trouble though, I just like my Springer better. Also with Springfield you get some of the best CS and warranty policies in the business, if that sort of thing matters to you. Also you can ship your gun to Springfield for custom work.
2.5" groups at 25 yards is not much a feat with a RO, if you are feeding it quality ammunition. My groups seem to be closer to 3"+ at 25 yards with my loaded. After handling at least a dozen of each, the Range Officers in generally seem to have a much tighter fit, and this often translates to a bit more accuracy. Keep in mind - I am not saying the loaded is not accurate... on the contrary, they are more than accurate enough for self defense... but the Range Officers are hand fitted with more care, here in the states - similar to the TRP line. I have yet to handle a loaded that is as tight as a Range Officer, or a Range Officer that is as loose as a mil-spec / loaded. This does not mean that a loaded cannot be as accurate as a Range Officer... this is just my experience drawn from the pistols I have personally handled.
Keep in mind, while a shooter may be the weakest link in most cases - even a bad shooter can get tighter groups with a more accurate firearm.
That being said, anyone who has carried a full sized 1911 with target sights likely understands why the sights on the loaded make it an easier handgun to carry regularly
2.5" groups at 25 yards is not much a feat with a RO, if you are feeding it quality ammunition. My groups seem to be closer to 3"+ at 25 yards with my loaded. After handling at least a dozen of each, the Range Officers in generally seem to have a much tighter fit, and this often translates to a bit more accuracy. Keep in mind - I am not saying the loaded is not accurate... on the contrary, they are more than accurate enough for self defense... but the Range Officers are hand fitted with more care, here in the states - similar to the TRP line. I have yet to handle a loaded that is as tight as a Range Officer, or a Range Officer that is as loose as a mil-spec / loaded. This does not mean that a loaded cannot be as accurate as a Range Officer... this is just my experience drawn from the pistols I have personally handled.
Keep in mind, while a shooter may be the weakest link in most cases - even a bad shooter can get tighter groups with a more accurate firearm.
That being said, anyone who has carried a full sized 1911 with target sights likely understands why the sights on the loaded make it an easier handgun to carry regularly
I also own an RIA. No problems yet. Used to own a Colt, like my RIA better.