After a discussion with some friends at work, they came to the conclusion that I need to get a 1911 style .45. I've been debating between a 9mm, 357 magnum/38 spec, and a .45. Now this isn't supposed to be a which caliber is better thread. Rather, when I stopped by the gun shop after work I saw two RIA 1911's in the case. One's the Commander style and the other's the full-size. Each are selling for $350. My question is are these good guns for the money and is this a good price for the guns?
Rock Island Armory 1911's
- Thread starter thebucket
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Shootcraps
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Yes.
Yes.
Buy the Commander size. They're more scarce. Go back later and buy the full size.
Yes.
Buy the Commander size. They're more scarce. Go back later and buy the full size.
Texshooter
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A gunsmith friend of my, a fellow of experience I trust, told me that FOR THE MONEY they are OK, not great, but OK.
He also told me they are not really GI spec parts in the gun, meaning that what you see is what you get. It would be very hard, if not impossible, to change certain parts.
But I am far from an expert.
The 1911 and .45 ACP part is 100% correct however.
He also told me they are not really GI spec parts in the gun, meaning that what you see is what you get. It would be very hard, if not impossible, to change certain parts.
But I am far from an expert.
The 1911 and .45 ACP part is 100% correct however.
W Turner
Member
Tex- Your friend is incorrect about the parts interchange. Rock Island Armory 1911's will accept any standard GI parts with only normal fitting. This does not hold true for the Llama pistols.
I have owned one of these and was very impressed with it for the money. The machine work and fit/finish were on par with anything from Springfield, Colt or Kimber. The only difference is the cast slide and frame as opposed to the forgings that the big three use. For $75-$100 more I would go with the Springfield GI series, but if the RIA could be had for $350 OTD, it is a good deal.
FWIW- I shot mine for over a year in IDPA and the only changes I made were a trigger job, Trijicon front night sight with a factory Colt rear, and skateboard tape on the frontstrap. It ran just fine using a wide variety of loads.
BTW- I would snap up the Commander version first. These are very hard to find.
W
I have owned one of these and was very impressed with it for the money. The machine work and fit/finish were on par with anything from Springfield, Colt or Kimber. The only difference is the cast slide and frame as opposed to the forgings that the big three use. For $75-$100 more I would go with the Springfield GI series, but if the RIA could be had for $350 OTD, it is a good deal.
FWIW- I shot mine for over a year in IDPA and the only changes I made were a trigger job, Trijicon front night sight with a factory Colt rear, and skateboard tape on the frontstrap. It ran just fine using a wide variety of loads.
BTW- I would snap up the Commander version first. These are very hard to find.
W
Chipperman
Member
It is worth the money. I've "heard" that a few have crappy triggers, but mine was fine. (I still changed out the springs anyway).
I got a full-size, I've never even seen a Commander for sale.
I got a full-size, I've never even seen a Commander for sale.
rhubarb
Member
A friend recently bought one from Sarco Inc. for about $275 + shipping + FFL so I'd say $350 is a fair price.
I've shot around 100 rounds through it and it shot well. It was accurate and functioned with complete reliability. I ain't no 1911 expert, but it seemed to be well made.
I've shot around 100 rounds through it and it shot well. It was accurate and functioned with complete reliability. I ain't no 1911 expert, but it seemed to be well made.
I bought one in Feb. of 2003. It took about 300-400 rounds to work in, but it has run flawlessly ever since. I paid $350 out the door for mine, but I have seen them around town (ATLANTA) at gun shows for $300 for the full size. They come with a NOVAK mag as well.
I would say well worth the money.
I would say well worth the money.
W Turner is correct. The RIA guns will accept Colt parts.
I have 2, a 1911 (it's a Charles Daley which is a fancier version of the RIA) and a Commander. I had to replace the recoil springs on both guns before they would run 100%. Now they'll eat anything i run through them. They're exellent guns for the money.
I have 2, a 1911 (it's a Charles Daley which is a fancier version of the RIA) and a Commander. I had to replace the recoil springs on both guns before they would run 100%. Now they'll eat anything i run through them. They're exellent guns for the money.
ZenMasterJG
Member
thatguy:
your dueling pistols?
very nice though!
your dueling pistols?
very nice though!
PowderBurn
Member
...and before you buy. I was ready to reach for my wallet after handling one a few days ago. Then I asked the guy behind the counter if I could strip it down. He said yes, but I could tell he wasn't thrilled with the idea. When I opened'er up, it didn't take long to find a blemish in one of the grooves under the slide. Couldn't tell whether it was cosmetic or structural, but it was obviously an imperfection in the casting, and scared me away. Too bad though - the fit and finish was very respectable, and the trigger was nice.
ulflyer
Member
Check out the Kahr 1911
OKA Auto Ordnance. Looked at one yesterday in a Salisbury NC gun shop and was impressed with the fit and finish. The slide worked slicker than snot. Only downside was the trigger was sort of gritty..but that would prob work out, or at most need a touch up. $439. Darn good price.
OKA Auto Ordnance. Looked at one yesterday in a Salisbury NC gun shop and was impressed with the fit and finish. The slide worked slicker than snot. Only downside was the trigger was sort of gritty..but that would prob work out, or at most need a touch up. $439. Darn good price.
Bob F.
Member
I have a RIA Compact, nice looking, good shooter. At the range yesterday had a major malf for the third time. Always with the double recoil spring, outer non-caotive spring poking out in the wrong place locking everything up! First time cracked the recoil guide rod bushing. Finally got a replacement bushing. This time not sure I can fix it myself. Can anyone recommend a a replacement recoil spring setup for the compact model?? BTW: Probably less than 1000 rds thru it.
Love the 1911's. Carry a Glock cause the big gun is so freakin' heavy!!
Stay safe.
Bob
Love the 1911's. Carry a Glock cause the big gun is so freakin' heavy!!
Stay safe.
Bob
osteodoc08
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I've got the newer recoil system in my compact. It is just a FLGR and a spring. I encountered my first jam the other day, probably because I had tightened up the tension on the extractor. Only happened once though.
Bob F.
Member
osteodoc08: Thanks, I'll have to check with Armscor and see if I can interchange.
Daryl Licht
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I have a RIA full size as well as a SA stainless Mil-Spec. The RIA functions as well as the SA. Can't speak for longevity yet, I'll get back to you after a few thousand rounds thru each.
silentshooter
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I bought a RIA 45 about 6 months ago and I love it. I shoot a better pattern with it than I do my springfield 1911
dracphelan
Member
You can get them from http://www.sarcoinc.com/
Hawk
Member
Sure that wasn't a Rock River?
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