Rock Island-tell me the truth.

[JeepGeeek]

Great work!

 

[XDKingslayer]

The truth about Rock Island 1911s?









I pick mine up Thursday...

 

[Ceemack]

Now, I've got more money in it than I would have if I'd have bought a springer mil spec, and I still want a beaver tail, better trigger, skel hammer, bigger slide release, different safety... and my gun smith tells me that all of the above will require a good deal of hand fitting, because the fit of the RIA isn't quite up to spec.

I might start looking for a new gunsmith.

The RIA frame isn't out of "spec"...being cast instead of forged, it's beefed up in a couple of places to maintain strength. Some parts may require hand-fitting, but this is partly because of dimensional differences in the RIA frame and the fact that the part was made oversized (for tight fitting) to begin with.

Replacing the trigger on mine required minor filing of the trigger blade so that it would fit in the slot. Not that big a deal, and probably as much the fault of the trigger as the gun.

Skeletonized hammer? The Wilson Combat hammer dropped right in.

Bigger slide release? Drop in.

Different thumb safety? Haven't tried this one yet.

A GI-style gun has to be modified to put in a beavertail? Stop the presses! Of course the frame has to be ground down to put in a beavertail. That's what those jigs are for. If you've just gotta have one of these, and I think they're a mixed blessing, RIA makes a tactical model that comes with a beavertail.

As for getting a good trigger pull...mine's just over 3 lbs. and very crisp. I put in a new trigger, a skeletonized hammer, a Wolf mainspring and a King's 4-fingered sear spring. Other than fitting the trigger blade to the channel, no alterations were made or required.

 

[Logan5]

That is a little bit funny... "Gee Mr. Gunsmith, hand fitting? You mean you're not just gonna call Brownells, drop everything in when it arrives in a week, then call me and tell me to come down and bring money? I had no idea your business was so complicated!"

 

[kcshooter]

While I agree that the RIA is just fine as far as spec's are concerned, you're kidding yourself if you think there is anything drop-in about a 1911.

Dropping in a hammer is dangerous. So is dropping in a sear or thumb safety. Certain sets are made to drop in, such as a C&S set, but even these need function checked afterwards.

 

[Eric F]

There are a bunch of parts that should drop right in.

Mil spec replacements for plugs guide rods full length or milspec springs main spring houses ect ect.

There are a whole slew of after market parts that can drop in but some times even drop in parts need a tune up here and there.

For me my Ria started out as a Idpa gun but now fills my carry gun spot too. I just wanted an inexpensive 1911 to tinker and build upon. It has been a real education. But again dollar for dollar its the best milspec 1911 your going to find.

 

[DIETOMBRADY]

My RIA 1911A1 Tactical

I have had my RIA for over a year and have had no problems. I have added some goodies and find it to be comparable to other 1911's on the market.

 

[Snowdog]

My RIA (stock other than walnut grips) will reliably feed 185gr and 200gr SWC straight from the box, something my Kimber didn't do without a little tinkering.

I bought my RIA back when they still sold new under $300 and consider it the best "value" purchase I've made in years.

My dressed up series 1 Kimber and RIA