RIA 1911 ??????

I would like to know how many of ya own a Rock Island Amory 1911?? I have thought about buying one for possible carry and more for the fun of a low budget 1911 shooter...I have read great things bout this lil jewel but would like to know if anyone believes enough in them to use as a carry piece also?? My other option is an XDM9/40 but I already own a full size XD45TAC so I would like a lil 1911 and cant spend the savings on a nice SA TRP right now.....Thanks

i think that you may get a couple different type answers to your question. some will say buy the RIA and have a new gun now, others will say save up and buy the SA TRP that you really want. I have heard good things about the RIA 1911's so i dont think that you would go wrong with owning one. Now playing devils advocate- what are the odds of you buying the RIA and a few months down the road start wishing you had the SA. If you trade or sell the RIA you will not get as good a re-sale as with some other brands. So you may end up better in the end just saving up and getting the exact one that you want.

If you want to spend money now buy the xdm and save for the TRP. You won't regret it.

I am not big of sub-compacts but my XD 5' tac is too large for everyday carry IMO....I would like a slim frame 45 mainly cause I already have a nice supply of ammo but a 40 would be nice due to the availabilty of ammo... 1911's I love and am very impatient so the RIA seems to fit the bill over the Taurus pt1911 I had in mind as in my readings it seems the PT1911 has alot more issues with QC! The SA will come next spring so not too worried about wasted money jus need something now, I have the bug but not the funds at the moment.....

I've had a RIA 1911 for awhile and like it just fine. I got a GREAT deal on it from a local pawnshop. I already had a Kimber Custom II, so the RIA was my second 1911.

If you've really got your eye on a higher-end 1911, just save your money and buy it first. Personally, I'd hold out 'til I had enough for a Kimber. Nothing wrong with an RIA, but I definitely consider my RIA to be more of just a blaster.

My RIA Tactical:



Been uber reliable. I've sold a few others, but the RIA is still here.

See now that's a nice look'n piece for a fraction of the cost some of the other even mid range 1911's...seems to me it is way underated and priced just right.... I do love name brands but I like reliable, functional get what ya paid for better.....Now I will still strive for that SA TRp but for now that looks like it'll fit the bill...

Note the "Homegrown" job on the ambi safety? I was in such a rush to get the lasergrips installed that I couldn't stand it, and really don't prefer ambi safeties. So, I used some Dremel-Fu on it, and wala, instantly worked. Been planning to get it to the 'smith to get a right handed (left side) safety put on it, but just can't seem to let it go.

Would you trust it to carry..........my budget is shot to hell for lil while and I think this is the route I am going to take....jus like an ak simple yet highly effective and n ow where near the cost of a trendy ar.

Both RIA Tacticals, have used the one on the right (Cobra grips) for carry, haven't really fired the other that much...not real fond of ambi-safety, just got a good deal on it. Neither has had any feed problems.

slabsides45 wrote:My RIA Tactical:



Been uber reliable. I've sold a few others, but the RIA is still here.

I like that alot and I think it would touch it up alot if you put some stainless grip screws. Thats my opinion but the gun looks great anyway.

slabsides45 wrote:Note the "Homegrown" job on the ambi safety? I was in such a rush to get the lasergrips installed that I couldn't stand it, and really don't prefer ambi safeties. So, I used some Dremel-Fu on it, and wala, instantly worked. Been planning to get it to the 'smith to get a right handed (left side) safety put on it, but just can't seem to let it go.

Why get a 'smith to do it? If I can do it, you can do it. Just need a small flat file, Brownells has how-to article on doing it. Everybody needs to learn how to do a little 'smithing cause if the SHF there aren't gonna be no gunsmiths in the boonies.

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/lid=12542/GunTechdetail/Building_A_1911___Part_VI

where is the best, wait let me rephrase so as to not show favortism, where would be a good place/places to look for a nice tactical model...Philly gun and pawn only have some base lines but decent prices....3 to be exact...

Bellshire Guns on gunbroker usually has the best prices on Rock Islands. $455 for the tactical with free shipping. I have never seen any locally in shops.

Never seen any Tacticals local either, got both of mine used on other forums.

If you are ever down this way go the Great Southern in Pearl they might. There are a few places in brandon that you could look around in. BTW I love Philly gun and pawn when i lived up there I basically lived at that place.

As I posted last week, I picked this up at the last Jackson show from Collins Pawn for $513 OTD. Almost two weeks now and still haven't run a single round through her. Working for a living sure is inconvenient!

bubbat wrote:

slabsides45 wrote:Note the "Homegrown" job on the ambi safety? I was in such a rush to get the lasergrips installed that I couldn't stand it, and really don't prefer ambi safeties. So, I used some Dremel-Fu on it, and wala, instantly worked. Been planning to get it to the 'smith to get a right handed (left side) safety put on it, but just can't seem to let it go.

Why get a 'smith to do it? If I can do it, you can do it. Just need a small flat file, Brownells has how-to article on doing it. Everybody needs to learn how to do a little 'smithing cause if the SHF there aren't gonna be no gunsmiths in the boonies.

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/lid=12542/GunTechdetail/Building_A_1911___Part_VI

Agreed, bubbat-but when the my simple plan is to procure ammo and firearms from the remains of the interlopers, thus constantly restocking my supplies....

Here are my suggestion(s)

If you are set on a 1911 NOW, get a basic GI model Springfield, para ordinance, colt, etc. Should be able to get one around mid 5s to mid 6s.

How bout a Walther PPS? That's my carry and its sweet!

Have you ever carried/ trained with a single action pistol?

That be a big negative Joe S. I will have a quite a bit of learning before I ever consider carrying it. I am a newbie and have just only now filled out the forms for my permit. Just think'n ahead, I plan religiously before spending good money. Dont want a great big ole "DAMN" later.