Range Report. RIA Tactical .45 (OTB)

Status
Not open for further replies.
T

Thomas Garrett

Member
Joined
Dec 11, 2008
Messages
400
Location
Florida
Gentlemen, After a hard decision of purchasing a economical 1911-A1, I decided on a (new) OTB RIA Tactical Bi-tone. Cost-$465.00. After opening the case, i noticed the pistol was well packed and oiled. Had 2 spent cases in a sealed package, all the paperwork and "only" 1 magizine (the only downfall). Disassembly and cleaning was normal for a 1911. So, decided to take my new "Toy" to the range. Ammunition i had 2 boxes of Remington/UMC 230 gr. TMJ. Shot it free handed and took my time. The slide was tight to the frame, overall the pistol had no rattles. The trigger had about 1/8" take-up (can be repaired with a trigger job), the slide action was smooth, overall feel the pistol was well balanced (compared to my SA Mil-Spec). As you can see the outcome was near perfect. Also I want to note there were no FTCs or FTEs. She was Absolutely Flawless. As a final note, I highly recommend the RIA Tactical 1911-A1 to anyone in the market for a well designed Econimical .45. Please keep in mind i a'm not a professional "shooter", Just the average "Joe", and have no affiliation with any manufacturer. I just enjoy the sport. Enjoy and Keep Shooting. :)

PS. Addition of new grips
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0034.jpg
    IMG_0034.jpg
    450.5 KB · Views: 201
  • IMG_0035.jpg
    IMG_0035.jpg
    724.6 KB · Views: 159
  • IMG_0036.jpg
    IMG_0036.jpg
    787.7 KB · Views: 137
Last edited:
Nice. I wasn't aware they made a two-tone. I have one in standard finish that I've done a few things to (new sights, grips, magwell). Its my IDPA-CDP gun, and it runs like the proverbial swiss watch.
 
Robmoore, Yes, the Bi-Tone is sort of hard to find, I took my time in purchasing (trying to find one) on GunBroker.com. And on the grips, I've got a pair of VZ Aliens already on the way. (3-5 days out, can't wait). The trigger, i'm eventually going to change it out for the Wilson Combat adjustable, with all the internal improvements. (same as my Springfield). I've already have a extra set of Bomar adjustable rear sights, may replace at the same time. Do it all at once!


The Lone haranguer, Sorry to hear that. Must be disappointing, I feel sometimes "Money" can't buy satisfaction, Research is more important.
 
Dang. That's good shooting for 25 yds off hand (both shooter and gun).
 
Hey Dave, If you remember the "RIA" Thread, yes, this is my new RIA., And yes, I was a MTU shooter for the US Army years ago. Kept it up here and there. Haven't shot any NRA or other Competitions for 25 years now. I just got back into Range Target shooting (consistantly) about 3 months ago. (2-3 times a week). I had excellent coaches. My father was also fantastic, Maryland Police Pistol Team Champions 2 years in a row. Guess it's in my blood. I'm prepping to start shooting again, Maybe in the next few months. Also, thanks to you, I ordered VZ Alien's (black) for this one. (also my wife Thanks you !). :) lol
 
I'm just glad to see a 25 yard group. I see alot of 7 yard groups on the internet. Your definately have BRASS-F and concentrating on the front sight down ;). Interesting the Corps calls it MTU also. I was a range coach for my Battalion, mostly rifle though but my pistol groups have never looked as good as yours.

Imagine a $465 1911 that you can cover the groups with the palm of your hand at 25 yards and goes bang everytime. I love it.

MSP is a good crew. I've gotten most of my Collision Reconstruction training from them. Good shooting. David
 
Dave, You just have to been there. I shoot with 2 friends, one has 2 Kimbers, the other has a SA Mil-Spec like my other. I shot 2 magizines, (14 shots). When i brought that target back to the bench, we were all astonished. Even other people shooting, (they had an NRA fimiliarization class going on) looked at me like i was a Professional Target shooter. Started asking me questions about pistols and range gear. I guess it was luck, or even (that) pistol was ment to be mine. Personally I just had a "good" night at the range. It just felt right in my hands. lol, Kudo's to RIA for this one.
 
Last edited:
Dave, got the grips. third picture. Thanks!, (now i have to take my wife to dinner to make it up to her, and possibly flowers:cuss:).
 
Last edited:
Thanks! I like ugly.

PS. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.

PSS. Where's FOMOGO? He like "UGLY" too !
 
Last edited:
So, decided to take my new "Toy" to the range. Ammunition i had 2 boxes of Remington/UMC 230 gr. TMJ. Shot it free handed and took my time. The slide was tight to the frame, overall the pistol had no rattles. The trigger had about 1/8" take-up (can be repaired with a trigger job), the slide action was smooth, overall feel the pistol was well balanced (compared to my SA Mil-Spec). As you can see the outcome was near perfect. Also I want to note there were no FTCs or FTEs. She was Absolutely Flawless. As a final note, I highly recommend the RIA Tactical 1911-A1 to anyone in the market for a well designed Econimical .45.
Click to expand...
I'm glad you like you pistol. I think that they're probably the best buy in 1911 pistols right now. I really don't want too sound be overly contrarian, but....

I think that it's a bit unfair to 'highly recommend' any firearm to a prospective purchaser based upon one range trip and a couple of boxes of ammo worth of experience. Your impression of 'initial quality' was favorable, but that speaks naught to how well this pistol will work over time.

Again - I don't want to sound like I'm busting anyone's chops. I just think that we should work to be a bit more rigorous in our criteria for recommending products to each other.
 
I really need to spend more time at the range. I'd be LUCKY to get a grouping like that with my .357 magnum into a 7-meter trap! I just started plinking at the range again after a bit of a hiatus. Two-thirds of my shots are in the center 3" group with the full .357 loads at 7 meters, which pretty much sucks. So, yes, me need more range time! At 50 feet with the .38 sp. wadcutters, I really need some work. At least I'm on the paper. I know my 4" GP100 is capable of shooting better than what my targets are showing. My last trip was all isosceles stance. I should try some other stances for sure. Anyway, nice grouping. Makes me realize I need to get out there more.

I really like the feel of a 1911 in my hand. I was handling a RIA 1911 at the last show, and really liked the feel. My only problem is that I'm a southpaw; so I'd really prefer ambidextrous thumb safety and slide release. Off the top of my head, the only ambidextrous 1911 I'm aware of (off the shelf anyway) is the Taurus PT-1911. I'm sure there are probably others that I am unaware of. I suppose I could retrofit a RIA, SA, or Kimber. Taurus is not one I'm likely to consider, and if I did, it would have to be the full stainless model.
 
Guitarslinger, Not al all. The RIA Bi-Tone i bought has the Ambi. safety already on it. Came with it. I'm a southpaw also. look at the Target you'll see "left", that means off handed/ left handed. I shot MTU (US. Army) and 2700 series long ago. still shoot 1 handed (left) to this day. The only problem with me is i turned 50 last October than "PooF" my eyesight started fading:cuss:, now i got to wear 1.50 reading glasses, but my Target aquisition is still good. my front sights are perfect, and yes the target is blurred. but can still see it and i shoot POI. Also i still shoot my Colts, Official Police, Match, 6", one in .22 and one in .38 sp. and a 6" Buckmark in .22, plus My Springfield Mil-Spec .45, I'm ammunition broke! But, :)twice a week baby! Guy's night out, (two friends and I) Tonight's range night.:D
 
Nice shooting! I have heard great things about the RIA 1911's. You confirmed a lot of what I've read.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top