whats the good the bad and the ugly on these pistol's. what should i look for when im looking at the gun to tell if its good or not. im new to 1911's and im looking into geting a RI 1911 for a plinker, a HD gun and a carry gun for stalking the woods. please keep it to first hand knowledge.
How's the Rock Island 1911's?
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SpiderJohn
Member
My first hand experience?
The highlights:
1. $300 out the door.
2. 2500+ rounds so far no fail to feeds, no fail to fires, no fail to ejects.
3. No modifications required. No ramp polishing, etc.
the downsides:
1. Don't much care for the finish. Doesn't seem to like IWB carry too much.
2. The sights are functional, typical Mil spec type. Could be better.
My only gripe is more about me than anything. I get bit by the hammer a bit more than I would like. Thinking about putting a beaver tail grip safety on.
I do like them and will get another or two when I can justify the need. Great guns for the price.
The highlights:
1. $300 out the door.
2. 2500+ rounds so far no fail to feeds, no fail to fires, no fail to ejects.
3. No modifications required. No ramp polishing, etc.
the downsides:
1. Don't much care for the finish. Doesn't seem to like IWB carry too much.
2. The sights are functional, typical Mil spec type. Could be better.
My only gripe is more about me than anything. I get bit by the hammer a bit more than I would like. Thinking about putting a beaver tail grip safety on.
I do like them and will get another or two when I can justify the need. Great guns for the price.
MarineTech
Member
clone said:
Depends on which parts and mags you're speaking about and which model RIA you get.
The RIA's are a cheap way to ease into the 1911 world and see if they're for you.
As far as magazines are concerned, standard 1911 magazines work in the RIA. How well they work depends on your particular gun. I've owned 6 different 1911s in my life and each of them preferred magazines from a different manufacturer. Get a few different types and find out what works for you.
When it comes to parts, it's anybody's ball game. Cruise the Gunsmithing forum and you'll see that even parts marked "Drop in" do not necessarily do so for every pistol out there. That's part of the charm about the 1911. Think of it as the muscle car of the gun world. It's made to tinker with and thanks to the huge number of parts out there, you can tinker to your hearts content and customize the gun exactly how you want it.
Kramer Krazy
Member
I currently own three Colt 1911s, and just picked up a RIA 1911-A1 as my "tinker/plinker/stinker" 1911 (and picked one up for the wife - paid $295 each). I can't really put in too much opinion here, as the wife's RIA and mine only have about 200 rounds, each through them, so far.
Mine - Has functioned flawlessly and is quite accurate at 15 yds. Didn't like to release the slide with the supplied empty mag (even when using both thumbs with a lot of force), two "el cheapo" mags that work wonderfully in all my Colts won't work with the RIA, and my metalform "Colt" mag that came with my 1989 Government model Colt works well. The sites aren't too bad, but I painted the ramp flourescent green and did a goal-post outline of the rear one in white. The finish seems to scratch a bit easily. Hammer-bite almost seems to be more than my Colts, but I didn't shoot them side-by-side. I also added some Hogue, finger-groove rubber grips. Thinking of installing a beavertail.
Wife's - Had the same magazine issues that mine had. The gun had two FTF, as the round didn't go completely to battery. This was solved with more oil on the rails. Painted the sites the same as mine. She has shot both guns and says hers shoots better for her. I haven't shot her RIA, yet.
* The slide release got much better the more I played with them. Also, both guns have only eaten WWB 230 gr FMJ, so far.
Mine - Has functioned flawlessly and is quite accurate at 15 yds. Didn't like to release the slide with the supplied empty mag (even when using both thumbs with a lot of force), two "el cheapo" mags that work wonderfully in all my Colts won't work with the RIA, and my metalform "Colt" mag that came with my 1989 Government model Colt works well. The sites aren't too bad, but I painted the ramp flourescent green and did a goal-post outline of the rear one in white. The finish seems to scratch a bit easily. Hammer-bite almost seems to be more than my Colts, but I didn't shoot them side-by-side. I also added some Hogue, finger-groove rubber grips. Thinking of installing a beavertail.
Wife's - Had the same magazine issues that mine had. The gun had two FTF, as the round didn't go completely to battery. This was solved with more oil on the rails. Painted the sites the same as mine. She has shot both guns and says hers shoots better for her. I haven't shot her RIA, yet.
* The slide release got much better the more I played with them. Also, both guns have only eaten WWB 230 gr FMJ, so far.
wally
Member
So far the RIA parts I've needed to replace are bone stock. Out of the box mine worked 100% with the included magazine, but many others from my motly assortment (enough to pre-load 500 rounds for an attack on the plate rack) wouldn't lock the slide back. A quick call to Armscor had a replacement slide lock in my hands three days later which solved the problem. My Kimber BP Pro was also having problems locking the slide back reliably so on a lark I took the RIA slide stop I'd replaced and tried it in the Kimber BP Pro and problem solved. Tolerence stack up is a funny thing.
Yesterday I had the link break into two pieces right smack at 90 and 270 degrees on the hole that the slide lock goes thru turning the gun into a single shot. POS had barely 3500 rounds thru it
I had a Wilson link in the parts bin from when I was playing around with their "Group Gripper" guide rod years ago in my Norinco (didn't do anything worthwhile so I removed it). Link was a perfect fit after I broke the front edges of it so it'd swing free, was binding a tad (fingers could force it) as it rotated up so the barrel would be pulled down. Put 250 rounds thru it this morning without issues. I'll be cleaning it carefully later for another inspection, I hadn't cleaned it for probably 1500 rounds when the link broke. I didn't see any wear on the inside of the broken link or the slide lock lever. Nor did I find any extra wear or "peaning" of the frame or underside of the barrel and lugs. At this point all I can say is stuff breaks, maybe this one didn't get the right heat treatment and was brittle.
I still think they are very good for the money, but if you don't want the "GI" configuration don't get the RIA, get the Armscor Enhanced 45 for $50-75 more which has Novak's sights, ambi safety, bevertail grip safety with skeletonized hammer and IMHO better finish and grips.
I got the RIA because I wanted a gun to put a J-point red dot sight on and the small GI front sight would be out of the way. "GI dovetail" J-point mounting plate was a perfect fit after removing the RIA rear sight. I don't have a problem with the GI safety or standard grip safety and spur hammer and prefer the flat mainspring housing. Did I mention that the out of the box triiger was so close to as good as my 2X+ more expenisve Kimbers that it was scary. As to the finish, it may not be pretty, but mine has proven to be very durable and scratch resistant.
--wally
Yesterday I had the link break into two pieces right smack at 90 and 270 degrees on the hole that the slide lock goes thru turning the gun into a single shot. POS had barely 3500 rounds thru it
I had a Wilson link in the parts bin from when I was playing around with their "Group Gripper" guide rod years ago in my Norinco (didn't do anything worthwhile so I removed it). Link was a perfect fit after I broke the front edges of it so it'd swing free, was binding a tad (fingers could force it) as it rotated up so the barrel would be pulled down. Put 250 rounds thru it this morning without issues. I'll be cleaning it carefully later for another inspection, I hadn't cleaned it for probably 1500 rounds when the link broke. I didn't see any wear on the inside of the broken link or the slide lock lever. Nor did I find any extra wear or "peaning" of the frame or underside of the barrel and lugs. At this point all I can say is stuff breaks, maybe this one didn't get the right heat treatment and was brittle.I still think they are very good for the money, but if you don't want the "GI" configuration don't get the RIA, get the Armscor Enhanced 45 for $50-75 more which has Novak's sights, ambi safety, bevertail grip safety with skeletonized hammer and IMHO better finish and grips.
I got the RIA because I wanted a gun to put a J-point red dot sight on and the small GI front sight would be out of the way. "GI dovetail" J-point mounting plate was a perfect fit after removing the RIA rear sight. I don't have a problem with the GI safety or standard grip safety and spur hammer and prefer the flat mainspring housing. Did I mention that the out of the box triiger was so close to as good as my 2X+ more expenisve Kimbers that it was scary. As to the finish, it may not be pretty, but mine has proven to be very durable and scratch resistant.
--wally
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Thrash1982
Member
Mine has worked 100 % barring a goofy magazine borrowed from a friend. I bought it as a project gun to upgrade and switch out parts as I have money. Unfortunately I haven't yet because my AR has been taking most of my attention. I really like the parkerized finish on mine. Very even. Maybe not very durable though. I'm seeing some holster wear on the frame dust cover but haven't been using it in a holster very long. Eventually i'm going to Duracoat it anyway. The sights are the typical, tiny GI sights (those are getting replaced to). Being GI spec it also has the standard grip safety which doesn't protect much from hammer bite (again, replacing that along with hammer). The trigger pull on it is great. Overall, great guns to get into 1911s with. They are accurate and reliable and are suprisingly smooth for their price range.
SpookyPistolero
Member
Just to give you another option that's well below the 'high grade' 1911s in cost, you should look at the springfield mil-spec and GI. The GI retails for just a bit over $400 I believe, and is pretty close to original specs (the search function would be invaluable to find out more about these). The mil-spec is a bit different with a lowered and flared ejection port and some better 3-dot sights. I believe these are around $500. They also make a better 'base' if you're looking to mod the pistol later.
Anyway, springfield has a good reputation for customer service and makes a good product. Just another option.
Anyway, springfield has a good reputation for customer service and makes a good product. Just another option.
Good thread - I was looking at thee yesterday. My local shop has them for $359 ( I know......that sounds high, but this is MD after all) and since I'm a member of that particular range I might be able to swing a better deal on their annual one night members only sale coming up.....
yea tinkering with it is a given, after all isnt that what guns are for? after a while i figured it would end up a project gun, but im hopeing that these are good out of the box and are ok about accepting parts from other brand's. i have the dremel part covered so minor fiting isnt a problem.
after a while i figured it would end up a project gun, but im hopeing that these are good out of the box and are ok about accepting parts from other brand's. i have the dremel part covered so minor fiting isnt a problem.Longbow
Member
I have an Armscor (parent company of RIA) with close to 8k now with no failures of any kind. Some members here www.1911forum.com , share my experience. I'de say go for it. I consider it to be one of my best buys.
BluesBear
member
Lemme guess what they had the most of in stock?
WillBrayJr
Member
The RIA used to be a good deal until the climbed to $450.00 Now Springfield's GI is the best deal on basic 1911A1s.
Longbow
Member
WillBrayJr said:
They're still <$400 in my area (South Texas). More like, $315 before fees.
MarineTech
Member
WillBrayJr said:
You might want to start shopping somewhere else. That's definately well above the normal price for them.
Picked mine up 2 months ago for $325 out the door.
Kramer Krazy
Member
I bought two of them, two weeks ago, today, for $295 each ($309.75 OTD each).WillBrayJr said:
Prices obviously vary a lot per region. Around here, in Knoxville, TN, I've seen them from $379 to $419. A couple of years ago, they were in the $339 range.
Compare one side by side with the Springfield GI. I won't say the RIA is crap, but the Springfield is easily worth the price difference.
A couple of years ago, they were in the $339 range.Compare one side by side with the Springfield GI. I won't say the RIA is crap, but the Springfield is easily worth the price difference.
MrAcheson
Member
I bought mine for $320 a few months ago. I may have had one round fail to feed on the first mag. Nothing since and I've been shooting it a lot. The trigger was great out of the box.
I think I'm going to turn it into an experiment on how cheap I can go with a 1911 and still be reliable. I've put a pair of $20 Navidrex grips on it and bought a bunch of $14 McCormick mags that work just fine. I'll probably either paint or serrate the front and rear sight for improved visibility. The GI spur hammer bites my brother so I'll fix that by taking a little off with a dremel.
I think I'm going to turn it into an experiment on how cheap I can go with a 1911 and still be reliable. I've put a pair of $20 Navidrex grips on it and bought a bunch of $14 McCormick mags that work just fine. I'll probably either paint or serrate the front and rear sight for improved visibility. The GI spur hammer bites my brother so I'll fix that by taking a little off with a dremel.
Terminus
Member
I bought my RIA about six months ago at a gun show for $289 and it's functioned flawlessly over about 2,900 rounds. It rattles and the finish dosen't wear well, but it's reliable and more accurate than it's owner.
I've swapped the trigger, grip safety, hammer, and sear to Wilson and CMC with relative ease for a newbie. At some point, I'll do a GunKote refinish.
I've swapped the trigger, grip safety, hammer, and sear to Wilson and CMC with relative ease for a newbie. At some point, I'll do a GunKote refinish.
chuck pullen
Member
I agree w/ everything SpiderJohn said. They are excellent bargains. I own, or have owned, a Colt1991 Commander; a SW 1911; a kimber Ultra Carry II, and a RIA 5". The only one that was unreliable (and is now gone) was the Colt. The RIA clicks right along.
Woohoo!
I just bought an RIA 1911 tonight for $329 new!!!!
That's about the best price I think I could hope for here in Maryland.
Unfortunately, y'all will have to wait another 8 days to get a range report.
:banghead:
:banghead: stupid waiting period!
I just bought an RIA 1911 tonight for $329 new!!!!
That's about the best price I think I could hope for here in Maryland.
Unfortunately, y'all will have to wait another 8 days to get a range report.
:banghead:
:banghead: stupid waiting period!
horge
Member
You're complaining about an 8 day waiting period, Spot?
Pfffhhhh... in my country, we are made to wait 3-6 weeks. Sometimes longer.
:banghead: :banghead: :banghead:
Converted from Philippine pesos, retail for a RIA here is around US$ 325,
before licensing fees and whatnot. The rollmark-is-the-only-difference
Armscor "GI" pings about US$255, but they're getting real scarce.
horge
Pfffhhhh... in my country, we are made to wait 3-6 weeks. Sometimes longer.
:banghead: :banghead: :banghead:
Converted from Philippine pesos, retail for a RIA here is around US$ 325,
before licensing fees and whatnot. The rollmark-is-the-only-difference
Armscor "GI" pings about US$255, but they're getting real scarce.
horge
1911Tuner
Moderator Emeritus
RIA
I had the opportunity to eyeball a pair of RIAs Sunday, belonging to Kramer and wife. I was duly impressed at the fit and finish. hers had a little issue returning to battery, but I think we got that nailed.
Inside story:
Cast small parts, (not MIM) which was expected. No obvious bad castings noted, but with castings, one never knows.
Wally...on that broken link...that might be bad news at some point down the road. Since the link unlocks the barrel and gets it out of the slide's way...
and yours probably didn't do that, the barrel and slide probably crashed pretty hard when the slide cycled. Keep an eye on the junction of the lower lug and the barrel at the rear corner. It may crack soon. Also watch the
locking lugs for signs of impending failure at the front junctions. When a gun crashes like that, it generally shears off a lug (or lugs) within about 2500-3000 rounds. Sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings...
I had the opportunity to eyeball a pair of RIAs Sunday, belonging to Kramer and wife. I was duly impressed at the fit and finish. hers had a little issue returning to battery, but I think we got that nailed.
Inside story:
Cast small parts, (not MIM) which was expected. No obvious bad castings noted, but with castings, one never knows.
Wally...on that broken link...that might be bad news at some point down the road. Since the link unlocks the barrel and gets it out of the slide's way...
and yours probably didn't do that, the barrel and slide probably crashed pretty hard when the slide cycled. Keep an eye on the junction of the lower lug and the barrel at the rear corner. It may crack soon. Also watch the
locking lugs for signs of impending failure at the front junctions. When a gun crashes like that, it generally shears off a lug (or lugs) within about 2500-3000 rounds. Sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings...
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