[MHB]

I recently traded for a Rock Island Armory 1911A1. Over the past few days I have tried, with no luck, to find out exactly where they were made and who made them. Does anyone have any info on these pistols.

[BHPshooter]

I don't have any of that information, but I've wondered also.

Say, while I'm here, how does it shoot? Any malfunctions yet?

Thanks and good luck.

Wes

[MHB]

Unfortunately I haven't got a chance to shoot it yet. Hopefully it will be some time soon

[railroader]

Made in the phillipines by Armscor. http://www.armscor.com.ph/ Mark

[WonderNine]

Never seen one personally, but I've always heard they are "rough" and yet at the same time a good value if you happen upon one for a good price. I await your range report. :D

[horge]

Yes. The Philippines, which curiously enough, figures in the 1911's origins and legendarium.

The "Rock Island Armory 1911" is the market name in the US for a stricter version of the Armscor "GI series" of 1911-based pistols, built from 4140 steel.

IIRC the objective was to present to the market an affordable and reasonably faithful representative of Browning's warhorse semiauto pistol, something for both aficionados to collect and use (and darn it, these guns are meant to be used) and for amateur 1911 gunsmiths to customize.

[New_comer]

MHB,

I remember reading an article about the RIA in www.1911forum.com

Here it is: http://www.1911forum.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=42458&highlight=Rock+Island+armory

Long read, but it might help...

[New_comer]

A little history here: http://www.1911forum.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=49742&highlight=Rock+Island+armory

HTH ;)

[W Turner]

RIA owner here.......

I bought mine in February of this year. I have since put around 750 round thru it in various IDPA matches and some informal plinking. The only modifications that have been made are a trigger job to lower the pull to about 4.5 lbs, swapped in a slightly longer colt GI grip safety (not a beavertail!), slightly bobbed hammer, and had a trijicon front night sight installed.

So far I have been using the factory supplied Novak 8 rd. mag, and two Springfield factory SS mags. The result? Zero, zilch, Nada and none in the way of malfunctions of any kind. Accuracy is running 3-5" at 25 yards depending on ammo (Winchester White Box, CCI Blazer, local ammo manufacturer's reloads -185 lswc , WW SIlvertips, Speer Gold Dot 230 & 200, Cor-Bon 185).

My gunsmith was impressed with the fit and finish for a sub-$400 1911. It is finished better than other more expensive GI-style 1911's and the only difference is that the slide and frame are cast, not forged like the big boys. The finish has held up well thru hundreds of draws from mostly synthetic holsters, and is a very nice parkerizing.

Overall, it is a good "starter" 1911. I bought it with the intention of finding out if I even like the 1911 platform without breaking the bank and maybe learning some tuning fundamentals later if I liked it. My gunsmith did make the comment that it was much harder steel than he expected for this price point.

The only bad point so far has been that the slide stop on mine is made form VERY hard stock and has made a slight mark in the under-edge of the slide where it rides when cycled. I very slightly filed the front edge of the slide stop and it seems to have fixed it.

Mino

[10-Ring]

As I recall the RIA is 2nd cousin to the Charles Daly.

[New_comer]

More like siblings...


Armscor Philippines churns out from the same foundry the parts for the Standard Armscor, the Medallion (these are beauts!), CD's, and Rock Island Armory.


A sales rep at the last gunshow told me that CD's are assembled there in the US, while RIA's are done by a local outfit, Twin Pines, Inc.


Look at www.armscor.com.ph and www.advancedtactical.com for samples of the products. RIA doesn't have any, unfortunately.


HTH :D

[Tomac]

"Crappy slag gun"??? Interesting how you only hear these kind of misinformed comments from those who've never owned one. Rock Island Armory pistols are mfgd w/4140 ordnance grade steel on ISO-9001 certified CNC equipment. My RIA .45 has an excellent finish, very good trigger, hard chromed bbl (inside and out), very good accuracy and hasn't stumbled once in nearly 500rds fired so far (including Winchester, CCI Blazer & Wolf ball as well as Federal's 200gr +P EFMJ). The only mods I've made are Pachmayr Signature grips, Wilson 18.5 lb recoil spring, Meprolight night sights and having the hammer/grip safety tang dehorned (btw, my 'smith was very impressed w/the quality of the RIA after working on it). I've read far fewer posts about problems with the RIA .45s than I have about "name brand" models costing 5x as much. IMHO they're a superb value as a budget/entry level .45.
Tomac

[Tropical Z]

http://www.shootersarms.com.ph/pistols.html#

My experience with Phillipino 1911's has been extremely positive.I own a S.A.M. combat grade,government model that quickly replaced the "wonderful" Sistema i once had the misfortune of owning.The S.A.M. is MUCH nicer in every way!

[Sean Smith]

on ISO-9001 certified CNC equipment.

Speaking of misinformed comments, CNC equipment, or any equipment for that matter, isn't certified to ISO 9001. ISO 900x standards aren't (directly) concerned with the specific machinery used by a company at all. Saying your widget-making tool is ISO 9001 certified is meaningless.

[antediluvianist]

I've owned an Armscor and a Colt Series 70.

The Colt was better, but certainly not twice as good, although it cost twice as much. In fact more than twice as much. Malfunctions happen even to the most expensive Kimbers.

Armscors are not "slag guns". Only a person who has not owned one would say that. There are uninformed snobs everywhere.

[Sean Smith]

Now there is a silly line of reasoning... "you can't talk, you've never owned one!"

Right. And I've never owned a Pinto or an Edsel, voted Communist or eaten human flesh, but I know those are all bad ideas.

;)

[prisoner6]

My local shop sells them and I had never really paid much attention until a few weeks ago when I noticed a lot of really good shooters were buying them. And none of them were coming back in to be traded in for something else. I have not shot one, but have spoken to no one who has one that doesn't appreciate it. Can't say that about the Kimbers, Springfields, Glocks, HKs, or Sigs.

[Demon440]

I have one. over 500 rounds and only a very few problems in the first 100. Now it shoots perfect and very acurate.

[Tomac]

Okay, Mr. Smith, let me put it to you in plain English: Care to provide hard data to support your "crappy slag gun" accusation regarding Rock Island Armory M1911A1 pistols?
Tomac

[PCRCCW]

Ive shot em..I like em. When they first came out..they had the exteneded controls and such...not they are a basic millspec copy.....:rolleyes:

Shoot well

[Tomac]

Mr. Smith, we're still waiting for the hard data to support your "crappy slag gun" accusation...
Tomac

[Wakal]

And I've never owned a Pinto or an Edsel, voted Communist or eaten human flesh, but I know those are all bad ideas.

Pintos got great gas milage and were fairly peppy, over a hundred thousand Edsels were sold and there is a huge collector market for them, lots of people vote Democrat...err...can't help with that one...and human flesh tastes like pork (or so I have heard from folks who know).

Speaking as a gunsmith, I'm rather impressed with the Rock Island. They are a heck of a value for the money...with some minor fit and finish work, they play with the big boys like the (overpriced) Kimber, (insanely overpriced) Colt, and (pretty expensive) Springfield. You are not getting a Valtro, but you are not paying for it either ;)



Alex

[makarov]

If you read about them on the 1911 forum they have gotten very good reviews. The Dealer Warehouse was selling them for $349. Since Norinco's are no longer imported there is a real gap in the market for a quality (relative to price) 1911 for under $400. I would buy one if the price was right. I would also consider a Springfield Mil-Spec or a Dan Wesson Panther for a little more. The DW is a stainless gun and runs about $500. But I digress.

BTW Pintos make pretty good little race cars and Edsels are one of the finest cars (Ford) ever built, they were just expensive at the time of a recession and marketed poorly. To each his own.

The more people thinking some guns are cheap and crappy the more

Makarovs
SKS's
CZ's
Stars
etc...

for me to buy all the cheaper...

[BluesBear]

Not trying to start a war here, (too late it already looks like urinals at 20 paces) but.....


As for as the not a good ideas part....

I recall reading about a group of people, who surivived an airplane crash who did what they felt they had to do to survive.

Don't get me wrong an Edsel is NOT at the top of my list for dream cars, but I'd still feel pretty good if I had a nice one to drive. It would be one hell of an improvement on the car I now own.

My top choice for a burger is Ostrich (it's the leanest of all red meat) or Buffalo. However, I have a difficult time finding either at a good price here, so I buy 91%-93% lean beef. If I was starving though I wouldn't be quite so picky.

The top gun on my wish list isn't a Rock island either. But it does rank higher than a Glock. And if I found a Rock Island .45 at a good price I'd buy it. But then again I was very happy with both of my Auto-Ordinance .45s.


Just remember opinions are like, er, um, lesee, Oh yeah,
Opinions are like Armpits! Everyone has some, some just smell worse than others. But that doesn't mean that any one of them is better than any other one.

If someone, anyone for that matter, were to put two classified ads in any major newspaper in the USA, one for, lets say, a near mint Ford Edsel, and the other for, let's say, a near mint, 10mm, semi-auto, handgun, each ad listing a reasonable market value price, which one do you suppose would generate the most phone calls?

I'd wager that both would sell in a short period of time and that both of the buyers would be happy with their purchases.
Who knows it's possible that even one person could want to buy BOTH. :eek:


:D


Just my tuppence, YMMV.

[tomkatz]

Anytime you bring up any gun on a forum, there are gonna be negative comments, what's the big deal? That is what makes these forums great, all the different opinions. Man it would be boring if everyone agreed all the time. BTW, I don't like em either, a co-worker bought one at a gunshow, he thought he was buying a Rock River Arms, it was totally unreliable and he spent way too much getting it worked on to make it reliable, then he sold it......tom

[bytor94]

I have a RIA compact (3.5" barrel) and it has been a solid performer for me. The only problem is parts availibility for it. I needed a new recoil rod and spring and Armscorp said they had some coming in a crate from the Phillipenes and they would be here in 2 weeks to a month. :mad: Since then I have stocked up on springs so that I never have to wait again. At no time was the weapon down, it was just that the springs were getting worn and needed replacement.

And how do the springs go bad? By firing many, many rounds downrange:D

I know several people with RIA guns and all of them are satisfied with what they have.

[Tomac]

I have no problems with anyone who doesn't like/want a particular firearm for whatever reason of personal preference (price, finish, options, etc). That's what choice is all about. However, I do take exception at unsubstantiated bashing (whether I own/like the firearm in question or not). I remember years ago when the Norinco .45s first hit the market and they encountered similar bias/prejudice and now they're considered the cat's meow of budget .45s. With the RIA milspec .45 now going for a dealer price of $299 I find little to fault with it for the price.
Tomac

[Tropical Z]

Thats what ticks me off about Hi-Point bashing.Most people wouldnt know a Hi-Point if it smacked em in the face!

[Bravo11]

I'm waiting for someone to chime in on that Charles Daly comment.

[VHinch]

I'm waiting for someone to chime in on that Charles Daly comment.

Ask and ye shall receive. I've never owned or fired a Rock Island 1911, but I wouldn't hesitate to, as I do own 3 Charles Dalys that have all been flawless for somewhere between 2000 and 3000 rounds. These guns aren't anywhere near as fit and polished as my Colts or Kimbers, but I don't expect them to be. They are however, accurate, reliable weapons at a very reasonable price.

Just my 2
Vance

[BHPshooter]

Thats what ticks me off about Hi-Point bashing.Most people wouldnt know a Hi-Point if it smacked em in the face!

Well, it's kinda hard to miss a Hi Point... but I try to keep the bashing to a minimum, since I've always been pretty curious about them. Do you have one? If so, could I PM you about it?

Wes

[TarpleyG]

Tomac,

Don't worry. I am an avid 1911 fan and can tell you that most die-hard 1911 folks won't even look at a 1911 that doesn't cost them at least $1000 and require 12 months at the gunsmith afterward. Doesn't matter whether it works or not. I bought Norinco just about a year ago. About the same level of quality the RIA is. I paid $300 for it about 98%. I put in a new trigger group and a beavertail. It is my favorite gun to shoot.

To hell with 1911 snobs. They'll figure it out sooner or later.

GT

[tomkatz]

With all the positive comments about these guns, I have to say that the one bad one my friend had is outweighed by all these good ones.
I owned a Norinco and it was great, I should have kept it, ya live and learn.Some of my snobbery comes from deals like this, kimber combat carry pre series II, perfect from day one, VERY accurate, bought it used in like new cond. for $500.00........tom

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?s=&postid=105698

[Bravo11]

Hey VHinch,

I kinda like my CD too. I think they get bashed way too much.

[Bainx]

I'll pile on with the CD comment. I got one a few months ago and it has been running GREAT.

A friend at work told me that he has been into this 1911 thing for many, many years and remembers when Colt was "the thing" and Springfield came along. All the Colt shooters said "Springfield is junk, junk....." then people started buying them. Same with Kimber. When they first came out....."junk, junk, junk".

The more I read about the 1911 stigma, the more I find it is mostly fad.

[Abominable No-Man]

I have a question regarding the comment about waiting for the recoil spring guide.

I thought that the RIA 1911's were Mil-Spec, and that you could use after market parts in them. Do they have parts unique to RIA?

ANM

[mtnbkr]

I guess we're never going to hear details about the metallurgic shortcomings of RIA 1911's. :rolleyes:

Chris

[SIC TRANSIT GLORIA MUNDI]

No-Man - The only non mil-spec parts on a RIA are the grip screws and bushings - don't ask me why.

[horge]

I understand the grip screws and bushings were non-spec for the first few production batches only, and that the newer batches are pretty much canon in that regard.

As for metallurgical shortcomings...
If this is another 'forged' vs 'cast' argument, I have to wonder why no one spends as much time and spit badmouthing 'cast' slides from Caspian and other US-based manufacturers :)

[bytor94]

To Abominable;

I have the compact 1911, so the recoil setup is different than a milspec. With 2 sets of springs-no problem. I keep extra springs and things for all my weapons but I had gotten lazy and didn't have any yet for the RIA.

[45auto]

Caspian produces forged and bar stock slides, no cast.
They do produce cast frames which are known to be very strong.

I don't think most people would dispute a well made cast frame is just fine for a 1911. After all, plastic frames hold up fine.

There will be some discussion on whether a well made cast slide is as good as forged, I doubt it is, but it would probably served the needs(durability) of 90% of the shooters. How many people put more than 20,30, 50 thousands rounds through one 1911?

I think sales of guns like RIA, etc would be much higher if Springfield didn't sell a well made, forged mil-specs, WWII models for very low prices.

[horge]

Thanks for the correction on Caspian manufactures :)

If Springfield Armory puts out superior product, then they fully deserve to eat their competitors' cake.

[George Hill]

I like the Rock Island 1911s a lot. I helped a friend pick one up for 299, slightly used at a gun show in a private sale.
I shot it for while and had a favorable impression of it. The gun looked like a GI 1911A1 with a beavertail and a commander hammer. The fit and finish was very well done for this level of gun.
Even at the average 350 dollar price, this entry level 1911 is a danged good gun. No, it's not going to compare with 1911s that are 350 dollars MORE... it's a disservice to compare it to such... If you are going to compare it to other guns, let's keep it in its proper class. Guns to compare it to:
Stars
Llama
Argentines
Norincos
When putting the Rock Island in this list, it hits the top in my opinion, with the Norinco coming in at a close second.
It's a good gun, as is. It's a great gun if you consider it a starter. This is perfect for cats out there wanting to try a 1911, or who doesn't have a lot of money, or the guy who wants a toy to tinker with and or practice home gunsmithing.

[jercamp45]

The reason I ask.......I work Security on several downtown Vegas hotels(very interesting area!), and carry a ParaLDA Companion and four spare mags. I also have a trusted customized Colt LW Officer's that is a off duty, and sometime back up.
I was looking around for a 'patrol carbine' to keep in the trunk, and have ordered a Mech Tech Carbine Conversion Unit for such duties. Same ammo outta the same mags is a very nice concept!!
So, I can use my Officer's(or Government frame), but I am considering the purchase of another compact...the frame of which will mostly be dedicated to the carbine. So I do not put an officer's mag in a Government frame! Likee Boom, Boom..not click click.
Will be getting a white light of some nature for it, another Uncle Mike's Quad pouch, and a few more Wilson's mags. And taking it out to the desert for a good workout, near and far!
From the sounds of the RIA owner's here and at 1911.org, they seem to be a good buy. And looks as if it will fit my needs well.
I started shooting 1911's in 1976, and have always been fond of the slab-sided Beastie. I remember when Springfields first came out...they were bashed. I remember when Norinco's first came out...they were bashed. Several gunsmiths have remarked positively on the quality of the RIA, Daly and Israeli version(which I believe is made in PI) to me......so....I ponder.
What saeth thou, oh noble RIA owner's of America?
Jercamp45

[BluesBear]

Why not just pick up a Marlin Camp carbine in .45? It uses standard 1911 magazines. I see them all of the time on GunBroker usually with a synthetic or folding stock.

[jercamp45]

LEMON!!!!!!!!!!
Already got the mech tech ordered........
Thanks for the answer...

[Ryder]

But when I first got my full size RIA it had what I consider a very nasty trigger. Heavy and "gritty". I found out the problem was with the disconnector/sear interface. They must have run out of parts when they got to my gun and salvaged that disconnector out of the trash. I replaced the trigger, sear, and disconnector with some old Springfield parts I had leftover from a trigger job and it turned out fantastic. Other than that the only other problem I noted was that the stock magazines were not reliable so I replaced those with Wilsons. Wallah, instant shooter.

I bought the RIA to do some home gunsmith experimentation. I only had the Springfield and I wasn't about to experiment on that since it's for carry. So changing out a small part like the disconnector was a non-issue for me.

After adding various aftermarket parts, some minor polishing/fitting, and a professional tuning (couldn't pass up the opportunity, there's only one Ned!) I'd have a hard time choosing a better gun between the two.

I thought the RIA was a really good deal for $325.

[drbironhead]

ive had my rock island for 6 mounths now great gun only had one promblem the front sight blew off while i was at the range put new 3 dot sights on it now its fine i also got the ramp polished. i even carry this gun sometimes depends on what im wearing

[nick8180]

There made in the Phillipines as are the Charles Daly's

[dragongoddess]

Stock mags for the Rock Island are Novaks and the last I heard was Novaks were mighty fine mags for the 45.

The Rock Island 45 is a darn good weapon. It shoots just as well as the Kimbers ,Colts or whatever is the trendy 45 at the moment. Mine shoots 1/2 inch groups at 10 yards. Not bad for a slag gun is it. So what is the problem. Is it because it doesn't cost $1,000.

To tell you how much I like these 45's I'm going to buy myself another one.

[Prince Yamato]

I think it would be amusing if they did a "Coke vs. Pepsi" style test with an expensive 1911 and an RIA 1911 in the same configuration, no markings, and said, "which one do you prefer?" I have a hunch, few people could tell the difference.

[White Horseradish]

I don't think we're going to hear any details on the RIA shortcomings either. We never have, yet, in any of these threads.

In some gun rag there was a side by side test of a Kimber and a RIA where they tossed them in mud, rolled them in a sand bucket and did some other bad things to them that I can't remember. RIA actually handled dirt better.

[45auto]

" I don't think we're going to hear any details on the RIA shortcomings either. We never have, yet, in any of these threads. "

I don't think there's been enough rounds shot through them to determine durability and reliability, at least I haven't read about them in any great numbers yet. Time will tell.

[wally]

Got close to 10,000 rounds thru mine now, original link broke at about 3600, $5 Wilson standard fixed it, no issues since. Its been fed a steady diet of mostly Wolf FMJ and hard cast lead RN & SWC reloads. About two-thirds factory Wolf ball because I'm having a difficulties finding enough spare time to keep up with my reloading. If the "Wolf ammo will break you gun" crowd is correct, then RIA must be well above average toughness.

I've spent well over 3X the cost of the gun on the ammo that's run thru it. Obviously any problems that develop that I can't fix my self I'll just buy another, but seems plenty durable enough for me. After the link broke I cleaned it after every outing for a while, to inspect it to see if the problem was really just a bad link or something else. After about 6000 rounds it went back to the original schedule of cleaning it only when it tells me it needs it by giving a few failures to go fully into battery which is usually in the 1500-2000 round range with the ammo I've been using. Less time cleaning, gives me more time to reload.

As to "knowing the difference", A fellow at the range was having nothing but trouble with his shiney new stainless Colt. I quickly diagnosed the problem to his "gun show" realoads many of which would not fit the chamber causing failures to go fully into battery. I offered to let him try a mag of my Wolf ammo to prove the diagnosis, but he'd heard too much bad info about Wolf and passed, so I let him shoot my RIA. Afterwards he asked if it was one of those "high dollar" 1911s probably confusing it with Rock River because of the red dot I'd mounted and similar name. He was shocked when I told him the price of the new gun.

--wally.

[Helstrm]

I have well over 3000 rounds through my Rock with the only issue being the recoil spring after about 1000 rounds. I replaced the spring and it goes bang everytime. The customer service is second to none, Although I have never had to use it. Both the Sales rep and President of Armscor post in the M1911 forum and jump all over any issue that has come up.

CD is made by the same factory but the Customer service is lacking from what I have read. Armscor and RIA are both supported by the same company. I am shooting a 3" group at 25 yards from a rest.

Do not think of these as crappy cheap guns. These are quality budget minded 1911s and I am confident enough to carry it everyday. In fact my Kimber sits in the safe because it has more Failures than my Rock. (Not that it is a bad gun, I just would not risk my life on it.)

Currently I own a Colt Black Army, Kimber, and the Rock... All are quality firearms and I am proud to take any of them to the range.

http://gunsmithusa.com/files/1911_005_908.jpg
http://gunsmithusa.com/files/1911_006_339.jpg

[45auto]

" Do not think of these as crappy cheap guns"

I don't. ;) I "view" them as entry level 1911's...which is fine.

Just interested in reading how they hold up in the long term. From what I read, they seem to work "out of the box" and the only "issue" that remains, in my mind, is the durability, i.e. parts breakage, rebuilding potential, etc.
That just helps me "decide" on the real "value" of the gun, the price is cheap, and how far and long they can be taken.

Quite frankly, at $350, if they lasted 20,000 rounds and the "specs" are correct, meaning they can take aftermarket parts well, they have it "knocked". Actually, I doubt the average RIA will ever see 5,000 rounds...maybe less.

[Just_a_dude_with_a_gun]

I fired an RIA last weekend along side my Springfield GI.

My cousin bought the Rocky new for $320. I wasn't impressed,
even for the price. Shot 'ok', wasn't very accurate, and stove
piped a couple times, both with my mags and his.

The grip safety was loose as a goose and jingled all over the place,
as did the slide. Finish was passable, but sloppy.

[soutex50]

This is gonna sound stupid, probably been asked before....but, are they parts interchangeable with say, Colt, S&A, Ed Brown, Wilson, etc......

Hlstrm, nice piece you got there, what did you do the OD frame with?

[Helstrm]

All the parts I have tried pretty much dropped in with no problem. I used KG GunKote and an airbrush on my Rock.

Just_a_dude_with_a_gun , Tell yor cousin to contact IVAN nidanblackdragon@myway.com He will make sure his Rock is 100%

As with any 1911 you can always get a lemon but these guys stand behing thier products.

[Hawk]

I think it would be amusing if they did a "Coke vs. Pepsi" style test with an expensive 1911 and an RIA 1911 in the same configuration, no markings, and said, "which one do you prefer?" I have a hunch, few people could tell the difference.

I'd hazard a guess that I could tell the difference between my STI and my RIA quite easily.

I am, however, curious if the difference between an STI Trojan and an STI Spartan will be as apparent.

Once the Spartans start shipping, I'd bet these Armscor threads get a lot more interesting.
:D

[Helstrm]

I'd hazard a guess that I could tell the difference between my STI and my RIA quite easily.

I am, however, curious if the difference between an STI Trojan and an STI Spartan will be as apparent.

Once the Spartans start shipping, I'd bet these Armscor threads get a lot more interesting.

Very good point...

[dragongoddess]

Oh you know they will.:D

[XDKingslayer]

Thats what ticks me off about Hi-Point bashing.Most people wouldnt know a Hi-Point if it smacked em in the face!

It'll be the one with the stovepiped round jammed in the chamber.


Sorry. Couldn't resist.

[Cocked & Locked]

....entry level 1911's...

Entry level into what? The only handguns I hear about having an "entry level" as some folks say, seem to be 1911's (regardless of the brand) with no frills upon them.

I wonder why S&W, SIG, etc., etc. don't make something that some folks refer to as "entry level"...is it the price that's being referred to?

Entry into what? The elite world of gun add-ons and cool do-dads?

Is "entry level" kinda like a baby starter model of whatever, or Junior's first BBgun? Possibly even kinda like sex for the first time?

:neener: The entry level world of 1911's ? Gimmie a break :neener:

http://pic14.picturetrail.com/VOL523/3082611/9381895/145907486.jpg

http://pic14.picturetrail.com/VOL523/3082611/9381895/196893517.jpg

My two entry level Rocks shoot as well as my entry level Colts...no add on doodads required :)

[45auto]

Cocked & Locked,

Too much coffee?...try decaf. :D

Entry level is a price issue. Meaning, people that normally wouldn't buy a 1911, Colt or Springfield for $500-$750 might buy(try) the 1911 RIA platform at $300.

[Thefabulousfink]

Here's what I think is an "entry level" gun:

Affordable: RIA $350
Reasonably accurate: Most accounts say RIA will make some kind of groups at 25 yards
Reliable: Most RIAs either work out of the box or RIA will make it work.
Versitile: Any mil-spec parts or 1911 add ons will fit on this gun.

Most people getting into 1911 don't want to spend $1500 on a custom gun or need a .45 that can shoot .5" groups. But a gun that you can afford, that goes bang every time, from a company with great customer service, that can be easily upgraded as the shooter progresses...now THAT is what I call an "entry level" gun.

And definitely not a cheep piece of slagg.

[Cocked & Locked]

Cocked & Locked,

Too much coffee?...try decaf

I like that! :) I'm just stuck in the entry level mode and can't get out. My Colts are even the basic models with no enhancements...pLeAsE hElP mE! :what:

here's one, see what I mean?
http://pic14.picturetrail.com/VOL523/3082611/9381895/193409840.jpg

[daysleeprx]

Actually, I doubt the average RIA will ever see 5,000 rounds...maybe less.

Why?

[spelsh]

I found a decent artible about an RIA being put through some rediculous tests. Think someone else mentioned it. Link is below.



http://www.advancedtactical.com/sweeneyarticle.pdf

[45auto]

Cocked & Locked,

Very nice. I like the beavertails and all that stuff, but I'd have a hard time hacking that one up. Even I would keep that one clean.
Nice photography too.

daysleeprx,

What I mean by the 5,000 rounds is that I "read" that the average rounds put through a handgun is less than 5,000, far less. Hard for me to believe, but I do have friends that will never shoot that many pistol rounds through a single handgun.

I'm getting myself in a lot of trouble here. ;) Actually, I like the idea of a RIA in the marketplace, low priced and it works...that's good. Even if I don't own one, and I may someday, it keeps the competition honest...and they need it IMHO!!

From what I read, their slides are now barstock, new models coming out and their customer service is very good. Sounds like a company "on the move".

[Hawk]

My two entry level Rocks shoot as well as my entry level Colts...no add on doodads required

I have nothing negative of substance to report regarding RIA.

However, I have long been mystified as to why Colt GIs don't bite but RIA GI patterns are more often reported as doing so. I stared as hard as I could at the profile of each, until my forehead bled, and was unable to discern any dimensional difference in the spur hammer / grip safety.

So howcome one bites and the other doesn't; dimensional differences not noticable to the eyeball that are apparent with a micrometer, geometric difference, other?

Or is it just me, and everyone else finds that they bite equally?

[bender]

I've read thru most of this entire thread, but maybe not all of it.

I was wondering if the members here that reload for this gun could give some info on how it likes different bullets. Mostly plated rainiers or plated berrys. I hope it hasn't been discussed already.

My new Ruger P345 does NOT like rainiers, usually there's a jam in every mag, maybe more than one jam. Works fine with my 230gr FMJ RN bullets, but not the rainiers.

The ruger is around a 4" barrel, and I also want a full-size GI .45, and the RIA at $350 is quite a deal.

Would like some info on how it likes plated bullets first though...

thanks!

[Helstrm]

My Colt Black Army bites me as bad as the Rock did. As did my Sistema Colt.

I have polished the ramp in mine and it eats everything I feed it. Stock the are gaurenteed to eat 230gr FMJ

[catchuhh]

Thanks to your posts I have decided that the RIA would make a good first 1911. I have always wanted one so merry xmas to me. If anyone has any words of wisdom to this young enthusiast I would more than appreciate it.

[daysleeprx]

Thanks to your posts I have decided that the RIA would make a good first 1911. I have always wanted one so merry xmas to me. If anyone has any words of wisdom to this young enthusiast I would more than appreciate it.

The best advice is to go out and shoot the daylights out of it!

I hope you enjoy your new 1911. After I got my first one I was hooked!

[nelson133]

When I go to the range, the RIA Govt Model generally goes too. I have a Sig P220 and an H&K USP Compact in .45 acp, but they only like factory ammo and are very fussy about reloads and thus are too expensive to shoot a couple of hundred rounds a week. The RIA shoots anything I put in it, including some reloads that have been around for 15-20 years that the kids did when they were learning reloading. All fed without a flaw, well all the ones they put powder in anyway. I regularly take people with me to the club range and the RIA is very popular with everyone, last week a 13 year old only gave it up when I ran out of ammo. How many rounds? I don't know, but it is definately over 1000, it's starting be slow to go into battery, time to clean it again.

[tank mechanic]

I feel like the black sheep in saying this, but i am very disappointed in my RIA .45. I was given one as a christmas present and i had a failure to feed or a failure to extract at least once every magazine. I was able to send it back and they sent replaced with a new pistol. This one will fail to extract, with all three brands of ammo I have put through it, at least once a magazine and more often then not at least twice. I have put more then three hundred rounds through it hoping to "break it in" but it has not. On the positive side i have become very proficient in clearance drills. But it comes at the price of being very embarassed shooting a pistol alongside friends, when it does not go bang everytime I want it to. So I highly recommend spending the extra money on a pistol that will save you from the hassle and embarassment.

[dragongoddess]

sounds like a problem with the mags.
Also on the way to 5.000 rounds through it. Should be there in a few months at the present rate of shooting.

[1911 guy]

I've got a pair of CD's, made by the same company. One of these is my carry gun. About two months ago I stopped estimating how many rounds I've put through it, but it's into high four, low five digits. I can't say it's never malf'd on me, but it's been maybe a half dozen times. The planets must have been aligned the day it was built.

DISCLAIMER: Bad mags don't count against a gun. A consistent malf with magazine X is a problem with magazine X. Fix the magazine with a hammer and enjoy your pistol.

[jes]

Fired over 400 rounds without any malfuctions at all. Made a few mods too.:D

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q81/jsmolen/69535694.jpg

[catchuhh]

that is gorgeouse!!! I was looking for replacement grips and I remember some one talking about the screw being to large. Any info would help.

[catchuhh]

also what magazines would be best to purchase as the replacements?

[Ryder]

Mine wouldn't run until I put Wilson Combat mags into it. If it wasn't so heavy I'd use it as a carry piece. It's become that dependable.

[carterbeauford]

So these pistols like to eat Wolf FMJ with good reliability? That is about the only .45ACP I can afford to shoot regularly. Classicarms.us has these for $320, I am going to see if my local dealer can come close to that. Santa are you listening?

[catchuhh]

thanks for the advice about wilson mags, I would appreciate it if someone could tell me about the grips. I read on one post that this pistol is interchangeable with the colt, does that mean that a grip made for the colt should work. I am new at this whole thing so please help. The grip I am interested in as of now is "Pachmayr - Mfr# GRIP423" from cheaperthandirt.com, I know for some of you that site may sound sacrilegious but I am on a college budget and have not been lead astray by this sight as of yet. Please inform this youngin'

[dracphelan]

Yes, Colt Government model parts (including grips) work on RIA 1911s.

[jes]

that is gorgeouse!!! I was looking for replacement grips and I remember some one talking about the screw being to large. Any info would help.

The grips above are made by Herrett.

This is my third set of grips. I have had no fitting problems with the Rock.

[magsnubby]

RIA Commander bought nib from dealer:

Failed to go completly into battery three times on first mag full. Fixed problem with new Wolff recoil spring.

First round nose dives using factory Mec-Gar, Chip McCormic and Novacks mags. Replaced mag springs with Wolff springs. Fixed nose dive problem.

Had gun throated so it would feed hp's.

Second box of 230 gr hardball slide locks back on fifth round. Collar that holds recoil spring on guide rod sheared in half. Recoil spring missing.

October 14th went to shop and ordered parts. Still waiting for parts.

Charles Daly bought nib from dealer:

Not much better than RIA except nothings broken. Yet.

[dracphelan]

Masnubby, contact the RIA distributor in Nevada. They will make this right for you.

[catchuhh]

I am not planning on doing any carrying hot, as I don't need to. I was just wondering if there was a reason why everyone is so passionate about not carrying one in the chamber with the hammer down. I know many police officers that do it with double/single actions semi auto's. Is the 1911 that much different or is it just that you have to bring the hammer down on a live round. Again I will not carry hot, it is just somethin to take to the range or get some squirrel, I was just curiouse.

[dracphelan]

It is because you have to bring the hammer down on a live round. Also, when you have the hammer down on a 1911, you would have to recock it before firing. Using the safety (cocked & locked) is much better.

[BigO01]

magsnubby did your RIA Commander come with a Full Length Guide rod ?

If so did you eliminate it and put in a standard setup ? What recol spring did you use from Wolf if this is indeed what you have done ?

I have a Daly Commander with a FLGR and want to dump it but a stock Commander spring is too long even though this is what I have been advised to use by Armscor reps and Daly service people . The spring is too long and wont compress into a standard recoil spring plug .

Feel free to email me and not waste space on the board .

Thanks for any help you may provide .

[3fgburner]

First thousand rounds through it were Wolf FMJ. Longest it's gone without cleaning was around 300 rounds of Wolf and 200 more of South African. Had to occasionally smack the slide to get it into battery, with HPs.

Clean it every 500 rounds or so, and it works fine for me.

[catchuhh]

Thanks dracphelan. I was just wonderiing, I know you would have to cock the pistol to fire it, I was just wondering because some people were so "excited" over the issue. Again I am not doing that, I was just wondering, as I have fired my fathers H&K USP and the decocker has been used and also the manual method, no one was concerned. It just seemed people are more interested in the 1911, thank god, as it is an amazing firearm. Thanks again

[two tone]

oops

[Kimber1911_06238]

Good looking 1911 ;)

[carterbeauford]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y38/hovisimo2/1911target.jpg

slow and rapid fire at 25'