Impressed with RIA 1911’s.

Barry loyd

Years ago I worked on a friend's RIA 1911, doing some modifications to it that he wanted (beavertail grip safety, new round hammer, and an extended safety and slide release). When I took it apart I immediately noticed how evenly and completely the nickel plating had been applied to the entire gun. The gun itself was very tight and solidly constructed and the aftermarket parts went in fairly easily with very little in the way of extra fitting required. Overall I was very favorably impressed with the overall fit and finish and build quality of the gun.

I have a nothing-special (it was probably listed as a "standard" grade, or the like) RIA 1911A1 that I bought new for $290 sixteen years ago.

It is surprisingly well-made and in my hand it is reliable & accurate. I cannot say the same for the ShotShow-used AO 1911A1 that I purchased two years before the RIA for $70 more. <sigh>

For the last several years I have used the RIA, mainly, for testing new .45acp loads.

whats the texture on the frame? It looks like rough casting in the pic, is it some kind of matte blast finish?

mjsdwash

I believe this is what RIA calls "a blasted matte nickel finish". It's available as the Rock Standard FS Matte Nickel Model.

They also have a Gun Metal Grey Cerakote Finish in the Rock Standard line-up.

After looking again at RIA's website and going by the OP's description of the guns I'm pretty sure it's the Gun Metal Grey Cerakote Finish.

Barry loyd

The Cerakote looks great on the gun! If I were in the market for another 1911 I would certainly give that particular model a look! Let us know how well that finish holds up!

I like RIA 1911 pistols, I own three of them. A 45 FS TAC, 45 Compact and a 9mm FS GI. I really wanted a 38 Super but my local shop couldn't get one right away and they had the 9mm on hand. All three have been flawless for me.

I have owned a RIA OFFICER 9mm for a few years, very nice gun. Tuned trigger, new grips, polished ramp
I have moved parts from my 1911 ruger commander back and forth with no issues.
I bought a 45 slide, barrel and parts from ebay and now its configured for 45 auto, takes me about 2 min. To change out calibers. I have about 600 in this gun altogether...very nice shooter...never regretted buying it configured for 45 here...

A 1911 is a very modern piece of equipment.

It's also a very nice piece of history...

Electricmo said:

A 1911 is a very modern piece of equipment.

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bannockburn said:

... The Cerakote looks great on the gun! If I were in the market for another 1911 I would certainly give that particular model a look! Let us know how well that finish holds up!

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I, too, am interested in how well that Cerakote does. I thought that it was a matte nickle finish.

I have not yet advanced to the point where I would want a "painted" handgun. I know, I know, it is more than "paint", but still ... perhaps it is simply an Old Dogs, New Tricks thing.

GBExpat said:

I, too, am interested in how well that Cerakote does. I thought that it was a matte nickle finish.

I have not yet advanced to the point where I would want a "painted" handgun. I know, I know, it is more than "paint", but still ... perhaps it is simply an Old Dogs, New Tricks thing.

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When done properly Cerakote holds up well. Like any finish the prep work done prior to the final finish really determines the quality of the finished product.

GBExpat

I know I have the same concerns with a finish like Cerakote but then I see how well parkerizing has held up on my guns (yes, I worried about that finish too), such that it no longer bothers me.

I would get that model with the Cerakote for a couple of reasons: 1) because I want to see for myself how well it holds up and 2) I like the way it looks! Besides I think my Colt Commander has some sort of Cerakote-like finish on the aluminum alloy frame and it's holding up just fine!

Looks really nice.

Modern manufacturing technology is a godsend to those of us with... uh... how shall I say this.... "budget constraints."

I only have one RIA 1911 and I wouldn't say it has great fit and finish, it's a bit rough on the inside with some tool marks and sharp edges.

But it's reliable, has a good trigger and is quite accurate.

And that's all I need.