How does RIA or Norinco compare to Springfield 1911's?

[sprice]

Would I be better off just getting an RIA or Norinco, or even a Llama 1911 instead of a Springfield Mil-Spec? I don't care for fit or finish at all by the way, I'm just going to actually use the gun so I could care less about those aesthetic things. I'm just wondering if the extra money for the springer is goin to bring me more reliability and/or accuracy. Thanks (in advance) for your input!

 

[Taurus 617 CCW]

I previously owned a Springer Mil Spec and had the chance to take a look at a buddy's RIA 1911. I was impressed at the quality for what he paid for it. The custom 1911 instructor at the gunsmithing school I attended admitted that the RIA 1911's are just as good in metal quality as the Springfields and are a good platform to start with for a customization project with limited budget.

 

[bannockburn]

sprice

I worked on a friends RIA M1911 and was very impressed with the quality of the fit and finish of his particular model. It was nickel plated and the plating was applied very evenly with no build up or thin areas that I could detect. All internal parts were properly finished and polished, with few if any signs of machine or tool marks anywhere. Barrel to slide and slide to frame fit were especially tight, but the gun functioned fine without any problems. My friend later added Meprolight night sights, and the gun shot to POA at 50' with 230 gr. hardball. Accuracy was very good overall. I was very favorably impressed with the quality of this gun and with others of this brand that I have examined at dealers and at gunshows.

 

[Strahley]

The RIA's have better (lighter) triggers out of the box than the cheaper Springers

If you don't care for the gun being prettier or having a "better" name stamped on the slide, get the RIA. They are awesome

 

[sprice]

Does anybody else have experience with these? What about norinco?

 

[pageophile]

I've got a Norc 1911A1, in Canada they are a worst kept secret for a great 1911 at a bargain basement price.

They are usually a little rough around the edges but reliable as heck. With a little tweaking (common 1911 work), they get even better.

Not the prettiest but it's what sits inside the safe ready to rumble.

They also make a heck of a base for a custom project.

 

[ol' scratch]

I own a RIA. It had a lighter trigger than the Springer I was looking at (and also $140 cheaper when I purchased it). A great pistol. The only real problem I have had with it is hammer bite. Bob the hammer or get a replacement. No big deal. My wife actually likes to shoot it better than my Kimber.

 

[bannockburn]

ol' scratch

Do you mean maybe bob the hammer instead of the trigger? I ask this because that was one of the things my friend wanted done; replace the standard grip safety with a beavertail one that protected his hand from getting bit by the original hammer. I found one in stainless that fit the RIA and after some filing, fitting, and polishing, got it in place. Works fine and looks pretty close in terms of matching the bright nickel finish.

 

[Magnumite]

On 1911's I've had in the past, I would shape the A1 grip safety like an original 1911 spur safety then bob the hammer. I could get a higher hold on the pistol, especially with thumb over safety hold. This allowed enhanced control and faster follow up shots. I'd then bob the hammer so my hand wouldnt' get devoured the the pistol's hammer.

 

[zombie1210]

I like the "Model of THE 1911A1"

All steel forgings, weighs a ton.

Paid 300 for mine. SERIOUS value for the dollar.

 

[Full Metal Jacket]

^^^that's true. the norinco is one of the few products to come out of china that don't contain lead.


seriously though, my first pistol was a norinco 1911. mine happened to be a jammomatic, but just needed a new extractor, feed ramp/throat polish. good quality steel though.

 

[ol' scratch]

ol' scratch

Do you mean maybe bob the hammer instead of the trigger? I ask this because that was one of the things my friend wanted done; replace the standard grip safety with a beavertail one that protected his hand from getting bit by the original hammer. I found one in stainless that fit the RIA and after some filing, fitting, and polishing, got it in place. Works fine and looks pretty close in terms of matching the bright nickel finish.

Yes I meant bob the hammer...Sorry. I edited my original post.

 

[CoRoMo]

Wow, this will be the third time today that I say something about a Norinco 1911. Must be something in the 1911 market these days.

Here's what I'll say, I sometimes wish I had one, especially for the old ~$200 prices. I'll probably own one someday. It had just better live up to all the internet love that they get because prices are no longer down in the two-hundreds.

 

[combatantr2]

as for quality of steel, norcs beat the sa and ria. as for reliability, have not heard any bad news about norcs.

 

[Full Metal Jacket]

think of springfield as a brand new mercedes, whereas ria is more like a pinto.

norincos have good steel, but can be horribly out of spec (mine was).

buy springer

 

[Strahley]

RIA's are better than a Pinto

 

[MAKster]

The RIA Tactical sells for $300 less than the comparable Springfield Loaded.

 

[frankiestoys]

The RIA are less expensive 1911's but they are not pinto's Ive spoke to several Smiths and they rate them very high and state them as a good value.

 

[CoRoMo]

How similar is the RIA Tac to a Loaded Springfield?

 

[Snowdog]

My RIA has been a joy. Great fit and decent finish and a very respectable trigger as others have pointed out. Mine is just as tight now as it was when purchased, some 2,500 RNFP and SWC handloads later (I don't have time to shoot much these days, so that's a lot for me).
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend one to anyone who wants a 1911 for at or under $400 (bought mine for $289 NIB before they became "popular")

 

[test drive]

I have many 1911's. among them 2 RIA AND 2 Springers. nothing wrong with a RIA and i think FOR THE MONEY its the best bargin going. but the springers are a level above. if i wanted a 1911 to just have and target shoot with, the RIA would win. if i wanted a 1911 for self defence and planning on keeping it til the cows came home i would go with the SA. one thing i like about the SA is the frame and slide are forged. RAI frames are cast. now nothing wrong with cast, Ruger has been makeing cast frames for forever, and thier guns are built like a tank. just that after all is said and done forged is stronger than cast. as for norinco i have hade 2 over the years. they are all forged steel. one was a great gun, one was junk. as for RAI or Springfield you will be happy either way. both have great CS. depends on what your plans are.