Already have a Springfield Armory series 70 that was customized in the mid 80's for bowling pins, and I am looking at another 45 for part time carry and general protection. I do not want to carry the SA as it is in perfect condition and not setup for carry, or for a truck gun. Academy has the RIA A1 FS on their website that looks like what I am looking for and I am looking for opinions on this gun as a budget 45. I reload and cast for 45 so that is not an issue, and I have read multiple reviews of the RIA 45s and most have been very good, but your thoughts are needed as well. This gun will be shot and and shot a lot, so my concern is function not looks. I have other guns to carry as well, but I have a great respect for the ole 45 just not entirely sure if the RIA is the one to go with. Your thoughts will be appreciated. Please keep in mind that budget is a concern due to having other guns for this purpose.
RIA 1911 45-A1-FS question
- Thread starter ncairman
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JTQ
Member
If that is your budget, the RIA should work nicely for you.
CoalCrackerAl
Member
I love my Rocks.
Cornhusker77
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- Dec 20, 2008
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Rocks rock
I have 2 and while they aren't the smoothest or the prettiest, they shoot well, and hey, they are 1911s.
I have 2 and while they aren't the smoothest or the prettiest, they shoot well, and hey, they are 1911s.
nofendertom
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I like the "Longmire" gun (stag grips).
1-cavediver
Member
RIA 1911’s are solid and reliable. I have the full size tactical and it is accurate and has never had a failure of any kind. It feeds, fires and ejects all the factory and reloads I feed it.
Cornhusker77
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The nice thing about inexpensive 1911's is you don't have to decide which grips to put on them, just buy another RIA
bangswitch
Member
If I were to take apart my SA 1911A1, and my RIA GI 1911, and scatter the parts around, I couldn't tell what went with which gun, except for the bore diameter (RIA is a .38 Super, SA is .45 Auto). The RIA shoots no differently and it just as nice as my other 1911's, and the price is great.
entropy
Member
Nothing wrong with the RIA's. I had one, a GI, sold it to a friend, bought it back, then gave it to my oldest son. The dummy traded it away, my friend was mad, he would have bought it from the boy, he ended up buying one later.
ontarget
Member
I love mine. It's very close to the top of my favorites list.
Thank you for all the replies, and that is good to know. I also like the Longmire gun and it was one of my favorite series. I have extra parts from the SA that may end of another 1911 but I have been out of touch with 1911's for years, so wanted the information on the RIA guns. With all the options that the FS model has on it already, all I plan to add is maybe grips and a magwell for faster reloading. I am still going to visit a local shop before purchasing one, but will probably end up with the FS model.
When I bought my first RIA 1911, the Tactical Model was only $50 more than the GI model. That $50 was well worth the upgrades that came on the pistol from the factory. You can't add the same upgrades ourself for that price difference.
I have enjoyed the ATI Firepower xtreme GI 1911 made by Shooter's Arms in the Philippines. It is a commander size 45 ACP with a few upgraded parts, and cost around $360 when I bought it.
I agree the price difference is why I am looking at the FS version on Academy's website. Only problem is I will have to order it as they don't have one in stock to inspect before purchasing. Now the difference is close to $100 vs the GI version, just got to make up my mind if the worth the difference of the basic version. That is the way the SA started out before, but that is another story. I am looking closely at this purchase, as I really do not need it, but do not want to use the SA for the purposes intended.
It depends on how well you can still see and use the GI sights. For me, I want the upgrades sights, plus it should have the beavertail grip safety and ambidextrous safety. All of which will cost more than $110 to add yourself later.
JTQ
Member
Sights and grip safety are the two things I always recommend folks decide on before buying.
If you choose wrong, you could spend over $100 on parts, and need to have your gun filed or welded on, or both.
It is much cheaper, and convenient to get what you want right up front rather than making the changes later.
hawg
Member
I love my RIA A1 FS Tactical. The factory ACT mags suck. I use CMC flush mounts. I also changed out the grips. Mine has been running everything I put through it for 11 years. Now it gets a steady diet of home cast SWC's with a few boxes of Tula throw in now and then. The mag well on the tactical is beveled.
I agree the extra parts are worth the extra cost over GI model and I do want them and sure do not want to upgrade another one. When you say Tula are you talking about the steel case or the brass cased? I may try to run some steel case as my Dillon is in storage right now as it has been over 20 years since I reloaded 45. Thank you for the pictures as that makes the choice easier
hawg
Member
Steel cased. It's nice to shoot a few mags now and then without having to chase brass.
Mn Fats
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"Shot a lot" varies greatly from one guy to the next. I personally know of a Rock Island with close to 15,000 rounds through it with no major mechanical issues. And RIA offers a Lifetime Warranty, so I wouldn't be concerned. These two are a great value.
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/924437579
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/918321766
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/924437579
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/918321766
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md7
Member
RIA owners tend to be a well pleased bunch.
If you see one you like at a cost that works for you then I’d imagine you’ll come out alright. Based on what I’ve heard/read from those that have em.
If you see one you like at a cost that works for you then I’d imagine you’ll come out alright. Based on what I’ve heard/read from those that have em.
WestKentucky
Member
Jump right on in on the RIA bandwagon. They are no-frills guns but they work. Not fancy in fit, finish, or options, but very solid and reliable. I’m going to be buying more. I have the 10mm and will be adding a 9mm commander and a baby rock at some point in the next couple years.
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