[ElBoricua]

So I recently sold my S&W 36 (I regret it but is already done), I wanted to buy a S&W M&P but now i changed my mind I want a 1911. So i have been looking at them and I narrow it to Springfield 1911A1 GI Micro Compact, Springfield 1911A1 GI Champion, Rock Island Commander or the 5" RIA A1. Anybody here had any experience with the RIA's. I have been re-searching it and most of what i read is good, the difference between the the Springfield and the RIA is almost $200. The gun will be for range and also carry. What you guys think? If i go with the RIA i can use the extra $200 for accessories and ammo one of the accessories that is a most is an ambi safety because i am a lefty.

 

[brownie]

ElBoricua,

I had an RIA GI 1911 about 4 years ago. Entry level with no bells or whistles and very reliable. The first RIA's into the country had extractors that were over hardened [ rockwell hardness ] and were prone to chip or break the claw on the extractor after some use.

Mine didn't break or chip while I had it but I called Ivan who is the main contact for them and explained I was worried my gun might be one of the early guns [ I bought it used ] and would like an extractor sent my way, and how much would the cost be. Ivan sent one out to me for free. I've heard nothing but this type of story if an RIA has a problem, Ivan will make it right one way or the other.

Overall, a reliable entry level 1911. Most parts interchange with the exception of the grips. The grips on the GI model are cut a little different, but a few minutes with the dremel and my other set of grips fit perfectly around the plunger.

I suggest staying away from any 1911 with a barrel length under 4.25 inches [ the commander length models ]. Once you get smaller than that, the 1911 can be problematic and have timing issues which cause failures to feed or extract.

I also bought a Springfield 1911A1 GI Champion [ the lightweight version ] and it ran just fine after some teething problems during break in. I swapped out the reverse recoil spring plug for a standard set up right away. I don't like the reverse plugs, just being old school I guess. I didn't keep it but a year as well and traded it off for something with no manual safety [ forget what I traded for at the moment ]

Hope that helps.

Brownie

 

[ElBoricua]

Thank you Brownie, that helps. One thing i forgot to say was that about 5 years ago i had a really bad experince with a 1911 it was a Century Commodore, i paid around $400 for brand new and it will fte and the rounds were not sitting right on the chamber with every type of ammo that i tried, the people from the gun shop told me that it was because i had to break it in but i put about 800 rounds in 2 months and it kept doing the same thing so i sold it. And since then i try not to go cheap but like i said I have only read good things about the RIA so i think its worth to give it a try. Thank you for your input on the barrel length i think i will go with the 5".

 

[brownie]

ElBoricua,

I think you'll like the 5" govt model. That was the model I had and it ran superbly while I had it. A little rough on the hands after 4-500 rds downrange in an hour or so, but all entry level GI models are like that.

Let us know how you like it after you get some range time with it in the future.

Brownie

 

[dcook22]

I'm a long way from getting a 1911 myself, but I've read quite a bit about this one from Para Ordinance:

http://www.paraord.com/new/product_pistol.php?id=73


Seems to get good reviews and it's price is really hard to beat for a 1911.

Dan

 

[ElBoricua]

I am looking at this one in Gun Broker right now.
is a RIA 1911 A1 $380 with free shipping.

Here is the link

 

[brownie]

That's the same gun model I had, you'll likely want to change out those grips, they are "fat" on that gun and don't forget another 1911 set may need to be fitted on the left grip panel a little if you change them out.

Brownie

 

[Cthulhu]

The RIA guns are from Armscor, based in the Philippines. For whatever reason, RIA is the name they market their guns under in the U.S. You can get a Tactical model RIA 1911 (ramped barrel, full-length guide rod, ambi-safety, Novak-type sights, and beavertail grip safety) at a VERY reasonable price, if you shop around. The only reason I got the Ruger SR9 over the RIA Tactical is that I can't afford to shoot .45ACP regularly right now. Should that ever change, I'd get one.

As Brownie said, their customer support is insanely good, the U.S. support being handled by Advanced Tactical in NV. I've heard of one account where a guy bought an Armscor (I believe) a few years before Advanced Tactical took over the service for RIA in the U.S. They had him send him the old gun, and they gave him a brand new RIA. Basically, you tell them something is wrong, and they'll take care of it. Simple as that. No debates, disputes, or disagreements. Just good ol' customer service.

-JT

 

[Rvrctyrngr]

Good choice, ElBoricua.

Only thing I can add, in general, is to stay away from ANY 1911 in any caliber from any maker with a sub-4.25" barrel. Nobody has been able to get the timing right on those things. It just wasn't meant to be.

Enjoy! :thumsup

 

[SGB]

ElBoricua,

I suggest staying away from any 1911 with a barrel length under 4.25 inches [ the commander length models ]. Once you get smaller than that, the 1911 can be problematic and have timing issues which cause failures to feed or extract.

I would tend to agree, while many of the 4", 3.5" and 3" guns will run they have a higher percentage of being problematic.

Take a look at the Colt LW Commander XSE.

My LW Commander has about 25years of hard use behind it and has never let me down.