[Riverpigusmc]

Originally Posted by edgehill

This would be my first 1911, so I'm not sure of the advantages of the different features. At a picnic, GD2A let me see his RIA and it seemed like it was good in the hand.

Also, Pig, I kind of don't use sights anymore. I seem to be just as accurate with the Snake Oil and I don't have to think as much with it.

Thanks, guys.

The basic GI has the basic grip safety, not the beavertail that extends out to protect you from hammer bite. Also has the small GI sights...but if ya don't need anything better, you're good. Sights are easy to change anyway, depending on the type of dovetail cut in the slide.
I would look at 1911.com and other sites and see what other owners of each brand say, and weight the pros and cons. However, I do know RIA has good customer service, and one of our members, Automag, is an RIA rep, and will answer any questions you have, and prolly give any help he can to a fellow COTEP member. And Dave Waits, our Yoda on here, can give you good advice...I'm more than happy to answer any question that I can, but I own neither one of those brands