Experiences with RIA 1911?

[Kram12085]

Has anyone had personal experience with Rock Island Armory 1911?

A thread on here got me looking into them, and I found a lot of info praising them but also some dismissing them because of their origin. So enough with internet rumors, can anyone personally vouch for or against them?

Thanks!

[.223]

It's funny that you ask. I just bought the GI model on Saturday. I'll let you know how it shoots after the 10 day wait .

[akjunkie]

only recommendations is to replace the OEM recoil spring. it is weak.

overall the gun is pretty accurate.

[.45shooter]

picking my tactical up this saturday...I'll let you know after i get a chance to shoot it..look in 1911.org boards...lot of people have no regrets about them especially for the price.

[ThomasMagnum]

I've put a lot of time and a bit of money into mine. It is now by far the most accurate pistol I own. I think they're an excellent starting point and a very good GI model for the money. If you want something exceptional out of the box however, you should get a Springfield Loaded. I have about $150 in my RIA and it is right on par with my dads loaded as far as trigger feel and perceived accuracy. I got mine about 6 years ago and went out the door for under somewhere around $350 I think, so for the $500 I have in it, I'm very happy.

[.223]

I've put a lot of time and a bit of money into mine. It is now by far the most accurate pistol I own. I think they're an excellent starting point and a very good GI model for the money. If you want something exceptional out of the box however, you should get a Springfield Loaded. I have about $150 in my RIA and it is right on par with my dads loaded as far as trigger feel and perceived accuracy. I got mine about 6 years ago and went out the door for under somewhere around $350 I think, so for the $500 I have in it, I'm very happy.

I already ordered a Hogue grip for mine, and I'll keep the recoil spring in mind. What other modifications might I consider? I'm already looking at new sights, but it'll be a while before I can scrape together the cash for it.

[Kram12085]

Is it good enough out of the box? I want the RIA due to it's price since I'm on a small handgun budget, but I don't want to throw down my cash for something that is below par.

.223 and .45shooter - Let us know how they shoot!

[morepoop4u]

It's pretty accurate but the fit and finish is ok. Overall I love my tactical that I feed primarly with wolf ammo without any problems. I just upgraded to trijicon night sights and alumagrips.

[CACitUP]

They are fine guns. True Mil Spec. Well made. Probably more accurate than you. Over 1K rounds through mine with one FTE (my fault). Only thing is that they arent as cheap as they used to be.

[ThomasMagnum]

My absolute favorite addition was the full length guide rod. They come with a new spring and make the gun so much more manageable. A close second would be the adjustable trigger and hammer/sear kit. All the parts I purchased from Fusion on ebay and they are top notch at a great price.

As far as being great out of the box, the only thing I would caution against is the use of ammo. I've had a lot of problem with Wolf in this gun and no longer shoot it. Most everything else has been fine. I have FTF and FTE every once in a while but nothing that seems overly noteworthy. If you shoot 4000 rounds I don't think it's unreasonable to have 15-20 FTF or FTE, but that's me. My dad's loaded had some horrible problems with Wolf as well so I can't believe that it is all a problem with RIA. That being said, I've never had a single problem with my Ruger P345, even shooting Wolf. I guess the reality is that 1911s are incredible guns but they are also a design over a century old. If you get one for the right price I don't think you'll be dissatisfied.

[kris&bela]

I picked mine up 2 days ago and really happy with it. I test fired it today and it's pretty accurate for a low budget 1911. I did replace the recoil guide and bushing from my existing Springfield parts and the little play went away on the barrel. Never had any problem on the first 200 rounds of my reloads(FMJ) and 100 rounds of SWC - 200 grainer, That's when it started jamming...I switched magazine from NOVAK to CHIPMC and the problem went away. The trigger pull is actually very nice (5-5 1/2 pounds) no creep of whatsoever, slide/frame is tight, I never liked the smooth grips though.

[glockshooter]

I've had a wide body 1911 RIA for 4 years. It shoots fine, looks great. The only issue I've had with it is the rear site became loose. It will probably be a good excuse to upgrade that part. Other than that, it's a smooth shooter and can't be beat for the price.

[gunrun45]

My wide body runs as good as my para P14 did for less than half the price.
My tactical has some accuracy issues but I think the last NOB that owned it tried to "tighten" the slide with a bench vise.... I think my problems are due to the last NOB owner, not the pistol.

[TopGun2000]

Got a High-Standard GI version basically the same thing as RIA a few months ago. shot 150 rds cheapest FMJ from walmat, not a single malfunction. a very good deal for the price.

[Astig Boy]

Wish RIA still sold the widebodies here. Cant find them anywhere! Anybody know if they are even still available???