which RIA do I have?

[buddah]

Just picked up a used- Like new condition RIA 1911 for $300.00 w/ 4 mags and pachmayer presentation grips. Only thing is I don't know which model I have. I checked on-line and can't seem to find my particuliar model.

Description:
Blued 1911 w/ flush 8-shot mags.
Commander hammer
Novak style sights (Not G.I sights)
Non-skeletonized trigger
Beavertail safety
Ambi-thumb safety

Went on RIA/armscor and Sarco.com sites to no avail. The tactical compact pictured has commander hammer and Commander trigger. Do I have some type of "Limited edition" or discontinued gun?

 

[Horvath819]

Maybe it was previously a G.I. model and someone added parts to it.

 

[SteelManCM]

Novak sights and Beavertail would suggest a Tactical model in 5". If it is a 5", you have the RIA M1911-A1 FS TAC. The Tactical has a skeletonized trigger, though. This gun has had a trigger replacement and possible some work done.

If it does not have a bull barrel, it's the 5". If it IS bushingless, it is most likely the 3.5" Compact Size.

 

[franco45]

Very good question. i have a RIA two tone tactical with the 5 inch barrel.I love it for the price. I am left handed and need the ambi safety. I would like to have a 3.5 inch 1911. I have not been able to find out if the RIA tactical with 3.5 barrel has the ambi safety.

 

[SteelManCM]

RIA 3.5" Tactical has the single-side, non-extended safety. I have an RIA Ambi safety that I took off my 5" Matte Nickel Tactical. It uses an extended Sear Pin to hold the right side of the safety on. No need for Ambi Cuts on your grips. PM me if interested.

 

[buddah]

My bad, the barrel is absolutely NOT the 5". It is a 4" or 3.5" and does not require a barrel bushing tool to take the weapon down for cleaning. The finish is all black w/no forward cocking serrations. Gun looks like it was never fired. Any ideas?

 

[SteelManCM]

Ok. No barrel bushing means 3.5" or 4". Beavertail and commander hammer mean that it is the 3.5".

You have the M1911-A1 CS

Congratulations.

 

[Holo]

Well now that that is solved.......PICTURES.

sure we have all seen a thousand RIA 1911's but I always love to see

 

[buddah]

Thanks guys. Called Ivan, Sales manager at RIA in NV he said I have a "Mid-size" model. He says that it should have came w/ a skeletonized trigger. He thinks someone swapped the trigger out. Haven't had a chance to shoot it yet. Hope it works w/ Colt factory 8-rd. mags. I hear that 1911's are finicky w/mags. Got me some wally world winchester FMJ and Remingtom golden sabre JHP all 230gr. will post range report soon. This is my first 1911. Hope I don't develop an addiction and trade/sell all my other guns .

 

[gunfighter48]

buddah,

It's too late, now that you bought a 1911 you are infected!!!! You'll windup looking at your other guns wondering what can go and how much you can get for it. It's a wicked addiction, always looking for the next 1911. You won't be able to think of anything except getting that next 1911. The worst thing is there is NO cure, you just have to keep getting them!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[SteelManCM]

The Mid-Size is a good gun. It's only offered in the GI model, so upgrades were done (the ones that everyone want, it seems!). Good score!

 

[harmon rabb]

Thanks guys. Called Ivan, Sales manager at RIA in NV he said I have a "Mid-size" model. He says that it should have came w/ a skeletonized trigger. He thinks someone swapped the trigger out. Haven't had a chance to shoot it yet. Hope it works w/ Colt factory 8-rd. mags. I hear that 1911's are finicky w/mags. Got me some wally world winchester FMJ and Remingtom golden sabre JHP all 230gr. will post range report soon. This is my first 1911. Hope I don't develop an addiction and trade/sell all my other guns .

Some 1911's are finicky. RIA's are not. It'll probably run fine with any mag.

 

[JLaScala]

Yeah, what harmon said. Mine does.