Experience with the RIA Pro Match Ultra?

[9mmepiphany]

I had a friend thinking about getting a 1911 for some IDPA competition. We're in CA, so our selection is a bit limited.

He asked about the Rock Island Armory (RIA) line, specifically the Pro Match Ultra .45 which runs in the neighborhood of $700. Looks like a competitor for the Springfield Armory Range Officer

It has been several years since I've shot a RIA, about 500 rounds, and didn't realize how many models they had added...I think they had 6 when I last looked. I was pretty impressed by the value of their 1911s and even more impressed after talking to them at the SHOT Show that year.

Does anyone have any experience with this model?

TIA

 

[dave333]

Used to own a Tac Ultra (I believe that was what it was called) a few years ago, either way it had the VZ grips, fiber optic front sight, adjustable rear, and small mag well. Very reliable gun and accurate too, sold it to a guy in my gun club and I still see him from time to time shooting it, he is still enjoying it. The only thing I don't really like about the Rocks are all the sharp edges, they just aren't finished as nicely as higher end guns, but they have to save some money somewhere so I get that. Hard to go wrong with the price of them though. Mine did benefit greatly from a trigger job. Looks like they improved the rear sight on this model over the one I had.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I'd meant to post a picture in the OP:

 

[1KPerDay]

The RIA ambi right side safety might abrade your right hand... it has a sharp corner on it and it sits lower than other designs. Just something to watch out for. I had to modify mine with a file and some black magic marker. Not a huge deal but something to be aware of.

You can see it in this video if you like at 8:00 and at 12:12

 

[9mmepiphany]

Interesting, I'll have to take a look when we check it out at a LGS (Turners).

Might be less of a problem for him as he is a lefty

 

[1KPerDay]

They are ambi and shaped the same on both sides... so the LS safety might bug him. Might not though. I have largish hands.

 

[9mmepiphany]

We'll definitely pay attention to that area when we check it out.

On the plus side, I'm not afraid to take a file to someone else's gun ...and I'm pretty familiar with pulling stuff off and fitting stuff into a 1911 (I'm old and I hung around Bruce Gray a lot)

 

[JR24]

Dont know that model but my 10mm RIA tactical is my most accurate 1911, oddly enough.

Might be the fact it's my only 10mm 1911 though and it really likes my handloads.