RIA Builders Kit Question

[swmpthng88]

I'm looking at buying Rock Island Armory builder's kit for 9mm 1911 to use the upper assembly for my Sig 1911.

Is there any reason to believe i'll have fitment issues putting the 9mm upper directly onto my Sig without any gunsmithing?

[shafferds]

you will have to fit the parts. newer rock island parts have gotten better but still gotta fit them.

[LateBraking]

Are you trying to convert a .45 1911 into a 9mm 1911?

[swmpthng88]

Are you trying to convert a .45 1911 into a 9mm 1911?

Yes. Ideally, i'd like to utilize one frame to alternate between .45 and 9mm. I realize it might not be possible by just swapping the uppers due to potential feed ramp issues.

[saudadeii]

I think it has a ramped barrel you you'll need to cut your frame to fit.

[hambam105]

Reminds me of putting 1990s Asiatic hub caps on a 1960s BMW convertible.

[soulbyte]

Yes. Ideally, i'd like to utilize one frame to alternate between .45 and 9mm. I realize it might not be possible by just swapping the uppers due to potential feed ramp issues.

Not only feed ramp, you'll need a 9mm ejector or modify your 45 ejector. plus the dimensions for your rail might not be the same the ria slide requires. you'll need to get the opening on the slide cut for your rails if you want to keep using the 45 slide.

[jimmykan]

I hope you have access to a mill.

[Powder_Keg]

Just buy a 1911 in 9mm, less headache. What little money you think you will save, it won’t be worth the trouble.

[Sailormilan2]

If the frame is not cut for a ramped barrel, you can find unramped 9mm barrels, throated for use with a 45 acp frame at both Numrich and Remsport. The Remsport barrel will more than likely be a drop in fit, though it may need finish reaming. The barrel from Numrich will need both fitting(not hard to do) and finish reamilng. I think the Numrich barrel is a higher quality barrel, and it is not made by Numrich.
The Numrich barrel is what I have used for my convertible set ups. I used 38 Super barrels from from Remsport for the second barrel of my build.

[swmpthng88]

Thanks everyone. Looks like it's in no way a simple swap job. I'll look into a dedicated 9.

Thanks again

[hntnnut]

not many options for those of us in kali.

[walmart_ar15]

Buy a RIA 38 super and swap it out with a 9mm barrel... Problem solved.

[AlienHobo]

I bought one of those 9mm slide kits from Sarco and use it on my RAI .45 frame.

It comes with a non-ramped barrel and the 9mm ejector.

It took a LOT of filing, sanding and polishing to get it to fit properly. All the filing was done on the slide and ejector. Once it was fitted, however, it functioned flawlessly and I really enjoy shooting it.

ETA: The slide is heavy, so you will have to try different combinations of recoil and hammer springs to find the right mix so it will cycle properly and ignite the primers.

[Sailormilan2]

I bought one of those 9mm slide kits from Sarco and use it on my RAI .45 frame.

It comes with a non-ramped barrel and the 9mm ejector.

It took a LOT of filing, sanding and polishing to get it to fit properly. All the filing was done on the slide and ejector. Once it was fitted, however, it functioned flawlessly and I really enjoy shooting it.

ETA: The slide is heavy, so you will have to try different combinations of recoil and hammer springs to find the right mix so it will cycle properly and ignite the primers.

Interesting. I've gotten 2 RIA 9mm slides(one with Novak sight cuts and 40 cal breech face), and both go on my RIA 45 acp frame with no fitting and no problems.