I was wanting to buy a ruger when they first came out but ended up getting a used kimber eclipse for the same price as a ruger. This was back when you could hardly find a ruger or any other guns during the obama admin. I don't know what their availability now is and I know they are a little more than your $500 RIA. On the other hand my son really wanted a 1911 after I had one and when he was 15 or 16 he bought one with money he saved up. RIA was basically his budget but other than a few misfires or jams during the first box or so it has run great and been a good gun for him.
