Mr. B,
All my experience with the Rock Island 1911 have been good. Know a few friemds who have and regularly shoot them. I've shot quite a few myself and I was always pleased with the action, cycle and accuracy, shot everything I put through em. Not crazy about the smooth slabs but, they can easily be replaced. Can't see why anyone would discount the RI models. For the price and availablity, seems like a good buy.
IMHO,
Brizco-Z