Converting a RIA 1911 to a Commander sized 1911?

[Jetcutter]

How hard would it be to convert a RIA Full size 1911 to a Commander sized 1911?

Could you just put on a Commander sized slide and cut the barrel down?

Anyone know who makes a Commander sized slide with no serrations on the front of the slide that would work with a RIA 1911?

Thanks!

[Jetcutter]

Also, what is the deal with the Colt Series 70 and 80 pistols? (Sorry, I'm a newbie). Are the parts interchangeable with RIA frames?

Thanks!

[sweetpit]

Wouldn't be more practical to sell it and buy a new one? I was going to cut a barrel of a ruger super redhawk to make it shorter but the cost wasn't practical at all

[Jetcutter]

Wouldn't be more practical to sell it and buy a new one? I was going to cut a barrel of a ruger super redhawk to make it shorter but the cost wasn't practical at all

I didn't see any RIA 1911's that have a 4.25" barrel. I'm particularly interested in the RIA 1911's because of the all steel construction. Not too fond of aluminum alloy frames ... and being in California, there aren't too many options. Figured I'd build my own.

[John Browning]

It would cost probably $500-$700 to convert it. Or you could buy a $500 gun and then have two $500 guns.

It is not practical to convert a full size to a commander.

[9mmlove]

It would cost probably $500-$700 to convert it. Or you could buy a $500 gun and then have two $500 guns.

It is not practical to convert a full size to a commander.

Lol, this..

I would get two glocks a g17 and a g21

You might as well get a nice commander size 1911 instead of throwing money into hacking a low end 1911.

[Oceanbob]

Don't waste money converting a low end RIA. Why?

Spend money on a mainstream 1911 platform.

[kurt521]

Try the Smith and Wesson 1911sc. 4.25 barrel length. Great reviews. Also Ruger has just come out with a sr1911cmd with 4.25 barrel.

[sl2255]

Armscor are all series 70 style.
So, sure the lower frame parts are interchangeable, maybe some fitting because they build them pretty loose.

If you plan to build up, you can put whatever you like. Although steel, they are cast (vs forged).
Nothing wrong with cast, but I would rather build up on a forged frame.

Looks like you a semi new to 1911, they are not like modern design, it's not going to be like build a Glock.

+1, not worth it (check out the sse thread for alternative roster 1911's)

Good luck & have fun