FN FNX-45 Tactical .45 ACP vs Rock Island Armory 1911 GI Standard .45 ACP

Both are full-size .45 ACP pistols of almost identical overall length, 8.6" against 8.54", with little else in common. The FN FNX-45 Tactical .45 ACP is a polymer-framed DA/SA gun holding 15 rounds on a 5.3" barrel at 33.3 oz, with a threaded barrel, an optic cut, suppressor-height night sights, an ambidextrous safety/decocker, a 3.96-5.06 lb single-action pull after a long first shot, and a 6.4" sight radius. The Rock Island Armory 1911 GI Standard .45 ACP is a 4140 steel single-action 1911 holding 8 rounds on a 5.0" barrel at 39.5 oz — the heavier gun — with GI-type fixed sights, a thumb and grip safety, and a 4-6 lb trigger. The FNX is taller (6.5" vs 5.51") and 0.28" wider (1.58" vs 1.3"). MSRP is $1,394.00 against $420.00, a $974.00 difference.

Pick the FN FNX-45 Tactical if:

• You want 15 rounds of .45 instead of 8, and two magazines instead of one
• A threaded barrel, an optic cut and suppressor-height night sights are on your list
• The single-action pull after the first shot, the 33.3 oz weight and the ambidextrous safety/decocker suit you

Pick the Rock Island Armory 1911 GI Standard if:

• You want a single-action 1911 with a thumb and grip safety, not a DA/SA gun
• The 1.3" width is 0.28" under the FNX, and the 5.51" height is lower too
• The $420.00 MSRP is $974.00 less

These are not close on price or capacity. The FNX buys 7 more rounds, threads, an optic cut and night sights for $974.00 more; the RIA is a plain steel 1911 that is narrower, shorter and cheaper.