RIA 10mm Input

[TomJ]

I've been thinking about picking up a 10mm. I looked at the Glock 20, and while I haven't ruled it out yet the grip is slightly larger than I'd like. I also saw the Dan Wesson Razorback which I really liked, but am having a hard time justifying the price tag for a gun I don't really need. I came across the RIA Ultra FS 10mm, which is in the price range I'm looking for and have seen only good reviews for them. Is there anything I should be aware of that would make me want to stay away from it?

 

[Olympus]

As a dealer, probably 50% of the RIA guns I get either get sent back to the factory by me before ever setting out for sale or by customers. Just sent one back last week because it wouldn't fire, only light primer strikes. My personal opinion is their quality is hit or miss. You either hit and get a great gun for a great price or you miss and end up having to send it back to the factory. The 1911 forum is full of threads where people send guns back to the factory. Just read one where the machining on the barrel looked like it was done by a beaver. They certainly are not finely crafted pieces.

Their entry into the 10mm market was plagued with problems, but I think they've worked out most of the bugs. I've owned the RIA 10s and also own the Razorback 10mm. The RIAs are shooters that don't really raise any eyebrows and probably won't be showing off to strangers at the range. The a Razorback will be a much higher quality piece that you keep forever and take pride in, but you pay for it. Almost twice as much money as the RIA.

 

[Ed Ames]

I can't speak directly to the RIA 10mm. Ive had my eye on thrm but so far my 10mm guns are from para and a glock. But, when it comes to RIA in general: I have owned 4. 3 of them worked without any issues. Number 4 was a .22tcm/9mm combo that worked fine in TCM configuration but would not feed 9mm at all. A few emails back and forth with RIA and they sent me a shipping label. A about 2 months later I had a brand new gun with a barrel mounted feed ramp where the original used a frame feed ramp. Worked flawlessly. As such I have zero hesitation about buying another RIA.

 

[TomJ]

Thanks for the responses. I'm trading in a problem gun (with full disclosure) for this, and until I'm comfortable that I'm not trading one problem gun for another will hold off.

 

[jmrk]

RIA and Glock 10mm Reply

Hi,

Oddly enough, I have both of these 10mm powerhouses. I've been a Glock fan for many years. I have three of them now (Glock model 22 - a .40 S&W , Glock model 40 - 10mm, and Glock model 41 - 45 ACP.) I bought a new Rossi .357 magnum about 23 years ago - has always shot great. Then my RIA model 1911A1 FS Tactical II. This was a very recent purchase (last fall) as was my Glock 40.

I was so impressed with the Glock 40, I had a Trijicon RMR 6.5 sight mounted when I picked it up! That combination is fantastic! A little tweaking of the Trijicon had it centered up and firing away. I'd bet that the iron sights (rear is adjustable) would really bring in some great groups at long distance that might surprise some. I read that the 6 1/2 inch barrel really helps with accuracy. It also carries 15 in the magazine!

The RIA is surprising! I used to use a 1911 in the Army and I wanted to see how the model worked with the 10mm load. It's better than I thought it would be. I've since moved the RIA from the memory department to put it in my rotation! It has a touch bit more of a report than the Glock, but that's somewhat expected with the difference in barrel lengths. The RIA's barrel is very easy to clean and looks very much like a barrel that comes with a more high priced handgun. There isn't anything that I could see that was "cheap" looking. The fitment during field stripping for cleaning and reassembly did not feel or show sloppy machining. The accuracy was great and very repeatable. It comes with a fiber optic front site that does help some. For me, the RIA is a bargain. I'm very pleased with it. It's not a "cheap" handgun. It's probably not a Delta Elite (I haven't owned one or fired one), but it is really fun to use at the range. It's predictable, reliable (so far - the book says 500 rounds for break in), and fits into my lineup.

I use SIG's 10mm ammunition. They state the 180 FMJ muzzle velocity/energy as 1250 fps and 624 ft lbs. When I was low on my SIG ammo, I bought another brand's 10mm 180 FMJ that reported 1030 fps and 390~ ft lbs. I used it in the Glock and RIA. The difference was immediately felt. I don't reload my own yet. Until then, I'll by buying SIG ammo for both of my 10mm handguns.

 

[ljnowell]

RIA is a good company that makes quality budget 1911s. I don't believe any claims of 50% returns unless there were only two guns involved.

 

[rondog]

RIA is a good company that makes quality budget 1911s. I don't believe any claims of 50% returns unless there were only two guns involved.

My experience too. I consider the "50%" claim to be Bravo Sierra as well. RIA's seem to be second only to HiPoints as favorites of the bashers.

 

[Dudedog]

Off thread but
Welcome to THR jmrk.
Lots of great people here.

 

[Dudedog]

Off thread but
Welcome to THR jmrk.
Lots of great people here.

I have a Citadel 1911 .45 (RIA) No problems over 1000 rnds.
Shoots quite well. Overall I am very happy with it.