Rock Island Armory Mods?

[1forall]

I purchased my first 1911 yesterday, I went with the GI model RIA. I considered the tactical and two-tone but the price of the GI I couldn't pass on. The only thing I dislike are those front and rear sights which i'm changing the first chance I get. Wanted to hear some fellow CGers thoughts and modifications to their GI models. Thanks

[DougJ]

I bought a tactical to play with and modify. The GI model is actually easier to change sights on because the tacticals have a non-standard dovetail.

Any standard 1911 parts should fit, but they aren't going to just drop in. I have put some Ed Brown parts in mine and that's been fun. Decent gun for the money, reliable for the most part, although I did have the barrel link pin walk out on mine and lock up the gun.

[Rekrab]

I swapped the slide release out because of reliability issues. But I like the extended release better than the standard so it worked out nicely for me. I also stuck a generic bushing comp just for grins and giggles. Fun, and it looks neat but no appreciable difference in recoil or performance.

Mine is a tactical so it came with most of the goodies I needed.

[fennecfrank]

Personal preference for a 1911:

Barrel:
Bull barrels from Schuemann Ultimatch, Bar-sto, or Briley


Sight:
Heinie Slant Pro Tritium Sights


Grip Safety:
Ed Brown Memory Groove Beavertail Grip Safety


Thumb Safety:
Ed Brown Tactical Extended Safety


Guide Rod:
Ed Brown Two-Piece Guide Rod Assembly


Magazine:
Wilsom Combat



However, don't think it's worth it to spend that kind of money to modify a Rock Island, even though it's a 1911. It's like spending $60,000 more to modify a $20,000 Toyota Camry. Why not just use the $80,000 to get a Porsche?

[1forall]

^^^exactly, I'm looking to make reasonable upgrades.

[1forall]

Any recommendations on good replacement sights?