RIA 1911

[cmamath13]

I have been looking at 1911s. I don't have one. Seems there are many manufacturing companies and many different models/options by each. Prices range from $500 - $2500. I am thinking about getting an entry level 1911 to get things started.

So my question is, would a Rock Island Armory 1911 be a good starting point for 1911?

Rock Island Armory 1911 GI Mid Size 45 - Impact Guns

I looks nice and has a nice price! I really like the E-series by S&W, but they are more than twice the price. I am not necessarily looking to buy from Impact, just reference to that model.

Your thoughts please.

 

[Hdfb03]

Are you going to be wanting to change the sights? Grips? Grip safety to an extended beaver tail? Trigger? Hammer?

The reason I ask is bc it just seems (to me) that once you do all that you will have spent the $500 (roughly after tax) on the gun then adding those things will put you around maybe $700, I think there are plenty of 1911's out there with all of that already done for around that price.

That being said, if you like that original old school look then thats a great price, unfortunately I cant speak to the quality/reliability of a RIA.

 

[SERparacord]

I had one RIA, it made a great doorstop. Buy Remington 1911 Enhanced, surprisingly good shooters.

 

[foxmustang]

My rock island has been flawless so far. I bought it to carry and it ate everything I threw at it, even semi wad cutter reloads. Sure the fit and finish aren't perfect, but I'm more of a function over fashion kind of guy.

 

[philbert001]

I have an ATI FX GI, Commander size 1911. It came with the extended beavertail grip safety, skeletonized hammer, and checkered grips, for about the same money as that rock island. The trigger is better on the ATI, than on my buddies RIA Tactical, And the slide to frame fit is better as well!

 

[seldon14]

I have had an RIA for about 7 years. No complaints, great CS when I wanted a new recoil spring. Only question was "What's your address?".

 

[SERparacord]

Buy American.

 

[Brandon]

I have an American Classic II by Metro Arms. It's also a great entry level 1911 to consider.

 

[David]

My first 1911 was a Rock Island full size tactical. It has been a very good gun, too good really . I have others now too, all of them more expensive than the RI, and some not as nice. The tactical models include better sights, hammer, beavertail, etc...for some reason they only offer tac's in full size and compact, not the mid size. Shop around on Gunbroker, i've seen some good deals, or try Centerfire Systems.

 

[paperboy]

I had one RIA, it made a great doorstop. Buy Remington 1911 Enhanced, surprisingly good shooters.

Why did you say door stop? Did you have problems with it? Just curious, don't ususally read too many negatives about them.

 

[red_zr24x4]

I bought my RIA a few months ago and its shot everything-- Lead, plated, hollow-points doesn't matter. I bought the full sized tactical model in 9mm, I've almost got enough to go pick up the FS tactical in .45.
Go to www.1911forum.com and any questions you have about a RIA will be answered. Their customer service is top notch from what I've read.
I know I'm buying at least one more!

 

[88E30M50]

My RIA Compact has been a great gun. It came with a bull barrel, extended beaver tail grip safety, skeletonized hammer and has been very reliable. I've added a match trigger and extended thumb safety and on a whim, refinished it last summer. As long as you stay within the recoil spring change interval, it's been perfectly reliable.

The drawback on it is the sights. I don't know what type they are, but nobody seems to want to change them. I can live with the small sights at the range, but prefer something a bit bigger for carry.

 

[SERparacord]

Why did you say door stop? Did you have problems with it? Just curious, don't ususally read too many negatives about them.

Came out of the box non-functional. After twelve weeks at RIA it came back virtually the same way. So for me, their guns and their service sucks. I've acquired 5 1911's since then, none from RIA.

 

[Tomfoolery]

I've purchased a RIA in Nickel finish and a Metro Arms American Classic Amigo and both have been beautiful, flawless running guns. The RIA had boring grips so I replaced with synthetic pearl grips for pimp factor. The Amigo is an out the box stunner.

 

[Boost Lee]

I am/have been a Kimber, Springfield & Rock Island Armory 1911 owner...

Guess what I carried daily between the three and trust my life with? The RIA 1911.

That's not to take away the spotlight from the other two (or all other high dollar 1911's),
But it's a simple misconception that a "cheaper" 1911 won't work.

The truth of it? The only time I've EVER had a jam/FTF from one of my own 1911's,
It was with the most expensive one (the Kimber). Again, not saying that's how it will always be;
Just making sure EVERYONE understands the design in these pistols are virtually the same technology.

Jeff

 

[cmamath13]

I've purchased a RIA in Nickel finish and a Metro Arms American Classic Amigo and both have been beautiful, flawless running guns. The RIA had boring grips so I replaced with synthetic pearl grips for pimp factor. The Amigo is an out the box stunner.

Good looking guns! Thanks for the post.

 

[cmamath13]

Good feedback everyone. Feel free to keep sharing.

 

[M67]

If you're looking for a 1911 in that price range, get a Citadel. I've yet to hear of one out of the box that wouldn't work, unlike many RIA stories

 

[seldon14]

If you're looking for a 1911 in that price range, get a Citadel. I've yet to hear of one out of the box that wouldn't work, unlike many RIA stories

I'm pretty sure they are both the same Philippines Armscor 1911, just imported by different companies with different roll marks. So yeah....

 

[SERparacord]

I'm pretty sure they are both the same Philippines Armscor 1911, just imported by different companies with different roll marks. So yeah....

ARMSCOR makes parts and assemblies for RIA, Charles Daly, STI, Caspian and others.