First post and 1911 question

[The Trinity Kid]

Good afternoon all,

as mentioned in the title, this is my first post. That being said, Hello.

Now on to the actual question. I have a RIA 1911 mid-size. It's the one with the weird method of takedown. So my question is, were I to buy a standard barrel, bushing and guide rod/recoil spring, would that work? I just don't want to deal with the complicated take down procedure anymore. :banghead:

--TK

 

[NWcityguy2]

No, the slide isn't designed to use a bushing. Without that, you aren't going to be using any of the other parts.

 

[The Trinity Kid]

well, phooie. Anyone want a 1911?

--TK

 

[ironworkerwill]

Ok fine, give me 20 bucks and ill take it off your hands.

 

[imashooter]

You have options on field stripping / disassembly of the pistol. Which method are you frustrated with?

 

[The Trinity Kid]

imashooter: with this pistol, It requires you to hold the slide past the point where the slide lock holds it, and insert a "key" into a tiny hole. After that, when you drop the slide, it comes off. Then, when you take the guide rod/ spring out, and apart for cleaning, it's a pain in the drain. And reassembly...

Generally, I don't like the fact that it requires a tool at all. It also requires two people, which for a range toy like this is not a huge problem. But if I had to use it in a SHTF scenario(for me, that would be something like breaking an ankle while I'm carrying it out hunting in bear country alone, which happens frequently. The carrying in bear country, not the bone breaking), I'd like tool free, one man cleanability. Not that it's ever likely to happen, but neither was Pearl Harbor.

--TK

 

[shiftyer1]

I like Ria 1911's, I've never owned one but wouldn't mind if the price was right. I'm unfamiliar of the take down process for yours particularly.....but imho if a gun takes 2 people to take down.....it better be a darn big gun!

Maybe theres a better way to grasp it to give you more purchase and leverage?

 

[imashooter]

Some bushingless 1911s have the little hole and others do not. A really great alternative method can be viewed in the attached video. The only thing you might consider doing which is not demonstrated in the video is when removing/installing the slide, wraop your fingers or thumb a little bit around the exposed recoil spring so that there is no chance of it popping out. Practice this a few times and it'll become natural to you. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4lKlMO0uHw

 

[PJSprog]

Hey, TK. Welcome to THR.

I have a full-size RIA 1911 .45 Tactical. It comes apart just like any other 1911. While my thumb doesn't always appreciate it, I don't even need a bushing wrench. Perhaps you might consider trading it for one of their full-size options. Much easier to deal with.

 

[tipoc]

The method shown below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4lKlMO0uHw

Is one of the two basic methods for field stripping any 1911. The other being the standard GI method. It's been around for a few decades.

Once the slide is off it's easier to deal with paper clips, hex head wrenches, etc.

tipoc

 

[MICHAEL T]

No 1911 requires 2 people even that model. to assemble or disassemble . You bought a compact . Now go buy a Commander size 4 1/2" or full 5" World of difference.

 

[imashooter]

Said he bought the midsize (MS) which is 4.25".

 

[NWcityguy2]

What I would do, rather than sell the gun, is shave down a piece of wood to the length that the slide needs to be held open, and then insert it into the ejection port before taking out the slide stop. Problem solved.

 

[The Trinity Kid]

I tried the method in the video. With this particular model, the guide rod is too long to take it down that way. Grumble.

On that note, what do y'all think of the Beretta 92FS Compact?

--TK

 

[Ed Ames]

I didn't watch the videos, but I have two RIA midsize 1911s with full length guide rod.

I have taken them down two ways...
1) quick way: unload and verify clear. Hold pistol on right hand with thumb behind grip safety and fingers wrapped above slide, with the safety off. Push thumb down/frame forward until the take down dimple lines up. Use left index finger to push slide stop out slightly, and then grasp it between left index and thumb and pull from frame. Relax right hand and the slide assembly will slide forward off frame. Take down frame as you see fit. This is easier than Glock or CZ75 (though in principle it is very similar to the standard cz75 method), though not as nice as an XD or FNX. It has worked with every 1911 I have tried, without tools. It also takes about a second with practice.
2) The way the manual says to.

The fingers over top of slide method is very easy.

 

[JTQ]

On that note, what do y'all think of the Beretta 92FS Compact?

It's still a pretty big gun, and holsters availability is limited.

If you like Beretta, the PX4 Compact may be a better choice.

 

[tark]

Welcome to the Monkey House, Kid! I worked for Les Baer for 21 years and The above posters have given you good advise. If I have learned anything in those years, I have learned THIS little tidbit. Any method which involves wrapping your fingers around the slide, whichever hand, should come with this warning! Take OFF your rings!!!! I have seen countless guns at Shot Shows scratched by fingers with rings on them wrapped around the slide. Usually to get better leverage to break a hard lockup. (Our guns were notorious for those) The wedding band is the biggest offender.

Good shooting and be safe.