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Yet another Rock Island 1911 thread (Price quotes and couple questions).

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crew590

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Hey all,

I know you're all probably tired of hearing about RIA or answering price question, so I apologize. Also, I tried searching but didn't really find the answers that I was looking for.

Anyway, I am trying to save up and get into the wonderful world of 1911s via a Rock Island Armory Tactical. My budget is right at $500 (and that's cutting it close) as I am a poor college student so I'm scrapping together what I can. :( I have called around to some of the local shops and they can order a Tactical model for between $475 and 494.50 not including tax.

I guess my question is are these fair prices or would I be better off looking for a private seller/buying the standard model and upgrading?

Also, does RIA accept standard 1911 parts (hammer, trigger, sights, etc.) if I choose to upgrade it?

One again I appreciate the help,

Jay
 
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RIA is built to GI specs so the parts are interchangeable.

I don't know that your prices are unreasonable, have you considered buying used?
 
Treo said:
I don't know that your prices are unreasonable, have you considered buying used?
Click to expand...

Yeah I have. The problem is that I am attending college in NC while my residency remains in WV (ie out of state student). This kind of gives me a narrow window in which to find and buy handguns from a private seller (no one seems to carry used RIAs that I've found) At most I may have a week here (back in WV) at the end of the month.

Also, does the warranty from RIA cover any owner or just the first? I prefer having the assurance that I have a warranty with the manufacturer should anything go wrong. Maybe I'm just paranoid. :scrutiny:

Jay
 
I have a tactical that i bought from sarco and had shipped to my ffl. out the door, including gun, shipping, and ffl fee was 420.

You should go to m1911.org and look for the ria/armscor thread. lots of info.
 
If I remember right RIA stands behind their product period. I think the warranty is lifetime transferable against mfg defects.
 
Might I suggest looking at gunbroker. Usually can find a good deal there.
 
tactical

if ur wishing a tactical, go with the the 3 1/2 officer tactical or full size tactical, if u buy GI model and upgrade its going to cost u quite a bit more to add it yourself!
 
senior said:
if ur wishing a tactical, go with the the 3 1/2 officer tactical or full size tactical, if u buy GI model and upgrade its going to cost u quite a bit more to add it yourself!
Click to expand...

I am planning on getting a full sized tactical model. As far as getting the GI model I was afraid that's what the answer was going to be. Oh well, I happened upon a little extra income so that should help lower the cost.

Eric F said:
Might I suggest looking at gunbroker. Usually can find a good deal there.
Click to expand...

Eric, thanks for the suggestion. I had looked on gunbroker and the cost of the pistol + FFL fees (minimum of $25 or higher) would put me in the same ballpark as if I'd ordered locally. Besides, I kind of want to support some local businesses if possible.

Jay
 
RIA Tactical

I have done a few mods to mine, but so far all parts have been a direct drop in. I have installed an Ed Brown GI guide rod, plug, and a Wolff recoil spring. I had some problems with FTRB with the stock recoil spring, they are supposed to have a 16lb spring from the factory. The Wolff spring I put in is a 16lb and it is much stiffer than factory. I replaced the safety with a GI safety (I didn't need the ambi), a set of Esmeralda's grips with a Pierce finger grove. I am planning on a slide refinish in silver for a two-tone look.


IMGP0715.jpg
 
Yes, DEFINITELY get the Tactical over the GI model, if you're wanting the Tactical's features. They're only about $50 apart in price, but the features FAR surpass that $50. Having the Novak dovetails in the slide are worth more than $50 alone.

Sarco has the best prices, but their online guns sales are currently suspended. Go with Centerfire Systems. Buy it from them yourself over the phone, and have it shipped to a local FFL who'll do the transfer reasonably. They may be able to recommend an FFL for you.
 
I have a Wilson combat ext. slide stop that won't fit with these grips, and the factory ext. ambi safety touched (it worked but touched). If you are gonna carry it, and are right handed you may not want that safety anyway. Mine would click the safety off if I hit it with my arm while I walked, so I got rid of it.

Esmeralda's service is top notch, she offered to send me a return envelope on her dime to send them back, so she could adjust them, if I wanted. I didn't need the safety or the slide stop so I just kept them. Other than that, they fit perfect. The finish on these things is incredible, this pic does not do them justice.
 
Yes Sir, sight are all black. They are not to bad at the range, but for defensive purposes I would put something different on it. I have plans to put adjustable white outline Novaks on the rear and a green fiber optic on the front when I refinish the slide.
 
Hmm. I'd kind of forgotten about gunshows. I'll have to check around. The only issue would I see is being able to be in WV (residency) to pick it up (and maybe finding someone willing to ship it). Like I said I only have about 1 maybe 1.5 weeks in WV every 3 months (school schedule). Still it gives me more options. Thanks.

Jay
 
I'm stealing this quote, but don't remember where from:
"Gunshows are full of dreamers. The customers are dreaming of stealing a really good gun for a low price, and the vendors are dreaming of finding a sucker to buy their mediocre gun for near retail."

Go online, most likely gunbroker, find an FFL to do the transfer cheap, add in the cost + shipping + transfer and 9/10 times it will be considerably cheaper than gunshop price + tax.

Since I own one and like it, I did the 5 seconds worth of work for you.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=107070517

He ships fast, mine went out same day.
 
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