Trying to make a RIA .45 more mil spec... need help

[10 Ringer']

I tell ya, for the three and a half I shelled out for it, the RIA .45 is about as close to a budget shooter's piece as there is. Took it out to the range last weekend and was mighty impressed (until I fed hollowpoints, but who carried those 50yrs ago?) I still want to make mine a little closer to mil spec than the grips and chunky bottom 8rd mag that come with it. I bought it knowing that most aftermarket parts for 1911s are supposed to work, but was wondering if any of you out there have also mil-spec'd or added anything to your RIA and what parts work best.

Namely I'm most interested in one or two 7rd mags (they don't have to be pretty-just work at the range) and a set of grip panels that complete the mil-spec look of something my granddad's generation relied on in WWII hot spots all over the world. I'd also like to read up in a good history of the 1911 too, but can't decide what volume to pick up since many of them also deal with those hot rod custom guns I have no need for. Any help appreciated. Thanks.

 

[horge]

I apologize if you already know this, but...

The Sight M1911
seems to have a fair enough amount of information on mil-specs.

1911Forum,
also has good information, and a discussion board.


Appropriate 7-round mags can be purchased from a number of vendors, and historically-accurate grips similarly so. If your RIA is of recent manufacture, then the grip screws and bushing ought to be spec. I've heard iffy things about the extractor in US-distributed RIA's though --you might want to have it looked at.

it is said that back before Armscor assumed States-side assembly and distribution duties for Twin Pines' RIA pistols, some substandard and out-of-spec parts from just any supplier would wind up in RIA pistols.


hth

 

[1911Tuner]

Mil-Spec RIA

Howdy 10Ringer, and welcome to the fray.

You can get grips like you want through Brownells. I'll look up the part number for a few that fit your description and post, along with Brownells
toll-free number.

For the magazines, go check out Metalform's website. I don't know if the
prices have been updated yet, so there may be a difference.
I forget the model number, but the magazines that you seek are carbon
steel, 7-round, welded base. If you don't mind the contrast, the stainless
magazines in the same style are just a little higher, and seem to be a
bit tougher...especially the followers. Do yourself a favor and pop the
extra charge for the Wolff spring upgrade. It will be well worth it.
I'm pretty sure the designation is 45-293...but don't hold me to it.

I'll post those Brownells numbers first thing in the A.M. Been a long stretch
since 3 this mornin' and I'm goin' blind here. Gotta go dig up the
catalog anyway...Might take a while.

Stay tuned...(pun intended)

Tuner

 

[Josey]

www.brownells.com or www.midwayusa.com have all you could want or need for a 1911. I bought the stainless mags myself.

 

[1911Tuner]

Grips

Okay 10Ringer...Here are the part numbers for mahogany grip panels.
18 bucks a set plus shipping.

647-025-001 Classic Double Diamond...Nice. (Standard size)
(647-026-001 for the Officer's Model sized grip frame)

Full checkered

647-025-005 (Standard)
647-026-005 (Officer's Model)


Brownells toll-free is 1-800-741-0015 They take Mastercard and Visa,
and will probably ship COD if you talk nice.

Luck!

Tuner