CITADEL FIREARMS

[Pete92FS]

Has anyone had any experience with Citadel pistols made by Legacy ?

Have been looking at 1911's in 9MM. The Springfield EMP, Kimber compacts, Colt Defender all go in the range of $1000 - $1200. The Citadel Compact 1911 / 9MM at Academy is half the price at $599.

Any comments about the quality / dependability of this brand would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Pete

[Pawpaw]

It's the same as a Rock Island. Made in the same factory and both are imported by Armscor.

http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?8 ... ht=citadel

Ivan, from Armscor, confirmed that in the above thread.

I personally have no experience with Citadel, but I do have two RIAs. They are solid entry-level pistols and probably the best value 1911 on the market.

RIAs have a lifetime warranty. Not sure about Citadel, but I would assume they do too.

[CC Italian]

viewtopic.php?f=23&t=62582

I own the 5inch government size 9mm Citadel and it has worked pretty well for an entry level 1911. Check the link I had from last year. So far I have over a 1000 rounds and after the first 300 I have had no FTFs. The gun does need to be lubed good though like many guns or it will start to jam up after about 50 rounds. Last time I took it to the range I put 200 rounds through it without a hiccup. I just made sure it had a generous amount of Break free before I took it to the range. Well worth the money once it breaks in imo.

[howdy]

Just got a flyer from Buds Guns and they have a Rock Island for $423.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/prod ... /411539804" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Oldgringo]

What is an 'entry level' 1911? They either function or they don't - irrespective of cost and advertisement glitter.

[bigbang]

What is an 'entry level' 1911? They either function or they don't - irrespective of cost and advertisement glitter.

Higher cost doesn't always mean a 1911 will function right out of the box.

[Oldgringo]

What is an 'entry level' 1911? They either function or they don't - irrespective of cost and advertisement glitter.

Higher cost doesn't always mean a 1911 will function right out of the box.

Exactly!

[Pawpaw]

What is an 'entry level' 1911? They either function or they don't - irrespective of cost and advertisement glitter.

It's a difference in form, not function. The next time you're in my area, let me know and I'll let you look over both of my RIAs, a Kimber, & two Dan Wessons. They're all 1911s, but there is a big difference in fit and finish.

[ghostrider]

What is an 'entry level' 1911?

RIA vs Wilson Combat SuperGrade :-)

or equivalent to Rossi 357mag vs S&W Custom Shop

[Oldgringo]

What is an 'entry level' 1911? They either function or they don't - irrespective of cost and advertisement glitter.

It's a difference in form, not function. The next time you're in my area, let me know and I'll let you look over both of my RIAs, a Kimber, & two Dan Wessons. They're all 1911s, but there is a big difference in fit and finish.

Thanks, Pawpaw,
I have a SA Lightweight Compact, my EDC, and a Kimber Custom Target II. They're both 1911's and they either work or they don't. Granted, there are prettier ones out there than mine.

[nyj]

At that price, I would much rather find a lightly used better 1911. Springfield Range Officer is what I'd aim for.

If new in that price range, I'd be looking at RIA.

[Pawpaw]

What is an 'entry level' 1911? They either function or they don't - irrespective of cost and advertisement glitter.

It's a difference in form, not function. The next time you're in my area, let me know and I'll let you look over both of my RIAs, a Kimber, & two Dan Wessons. They're all 1911s, but there is a big difference in fit and finish.

Thanks, Pawpaw,
I have a SA Lightweight Compact, my EDC, and a Kimber Custom Target II. They're both 1911's and they either work or they don't. Granted, there are prettier ones out there than mine.

And mine. As much as I like my Kimber & Dan Wessons, they are not Les Baers or any of the REALLY high-end 1911s.

[Pawpaw]

If new in that price range, I'd be looking at RIA.

Can you explain why, please? Since the Citadel & RIA are the same guns, made in the same plant and imported by the same company, what's the difference in your mind?

It's an honest question. I'd really like to know your thinking on the subject.

[nyj]

I've never heard definitively that they are directly made at the same plant. I simply prefer the RIA's in that price range compared to the Citadel's. And after seeing a Citadel do this, no thank you.

http://i.imgur.com/kHps946.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Pawpaw]

Thank you. Now I understand your viewpoint. I don't agree with it, but that was never a requirement.

Machines fail. It happens. I seriously doubt you could find a single firearm maker that hasn't had some failures that put the gun out of commission, or worse. Kimber frequently gets a bad rap from some for that reason, as even does Glock.