Experiences with RIA 1911?

[AlohaRover]

They are a very good pistol for the price if buying new.
However I would not call them "spec".
They use a cast lower instead of a stronger forged, and many of the inards are investment cast, thus the price saving. Pre 06 the slide was cast also.
If you are looking for a first 1911, this is a good way to start. I would change out the extractor and then shoot it till the frame cracks.

Pete

[AlohaRover]

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

Nope. But you can pick up a forged wide frame and a couple other parts and convert one.

[Astig Boy]

They are a very good pistol for the price if buying new.
However I would not call them "spec".
They use a cast lower instead of a stronger forged, and many of the inards are investment cast, thus the price saving. Pre 06 the slide was cast also.
If you are looking for a first 1911, this is a good way to start. I would change out the extractor and then shoot it till the frame cracks.

Pete

Speaking on frames/slides/receivers, I stopped believing in the whole "cast is inferior to forged" a year ago. Look in to many 1911 companies, and nearly half use "cast" frames and/or slides. STI, Dan Wesson, Caspian are a few that come to mind right now. Norinco M14s have forged receivers and are built more precise to spec then the Springfield M1A cast receivers, but the SAI are just as, if not more desirable...both hold up well to anything.

But I agree with the cheapy investment commercial cast inards you speak of...definitely change that out once funds would allow.

[.223]

I took mine out to the range for the first time today. The groupings were good with about 170 rounds of Magtech 230gr, even if they were a bit lower than where I was aiming. It's still more accurate than I am at this point .

I had some failures to feed using the Novak mag it came with, but this generic stainless mag I ordered from CTD worked fine.

Overall, I'm impressed. I should also note, though, that I replaced the cocobolo grip panels it came with with a Hogue grip, so I can't comment on how it would feel with those.


Edit: Photos

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Pay no mind to the holes on the target. I wasn't the only one shooting that silhouette, and I kind of went bat**** on it, dumping a couple of mags before line break.

[thomasanelson]

I just sold mine because I needed $$$. It was always a good 1911 and totally reliable. I think for the money you can't go wrong.

[.45shooter]

Took mine out for its virgin run...Shot at a metal target..I did have a few FTE's with novak mags that I have..I have some CM mags on the way so I will see if they solve the FTE problem...overall i was impressed with the way it shot..Changed the grip to the pachmayers thought...the slick stock wood grips did appeal to me...

[JERK]

I'm intrested in picking one up, where could go to handle one? I'm in the Inland Empire.