Building up on a RIA frame

[Pistolgrip Pump]

Just picked a RIA frame in a trade and excited to build it up. I believe it is the size right below full size. Don't really want to build a compact but would love to put maybe a 4" barrel on it. Any ideas on where I can get a complete RIA parts kit that includes everything and that will be compatible with my frame? Any advice would be helpful considering I have never done this before.

[SMR510]

Sarco had them, not sure about 4" though as Government is more popular. Hopefully you have some experience fitting stuff as you will definitely need to do some fitting of most of the parts.

[Pistolgrip Pump]

Wasn't able to tell what length the barrel was because they didnt post it. Probably gonna be a while until them in stock too is what I heard

[DannyInSoCal]

You can try calling RIA direct -

But when I built my 6" LongSlide they wouldn't ship me the parts directly since the model featuring those parts wasn't on the BS CA roster.

I ended up using Exile Machine as the middle man....

[Pistolgrip Pump]

This is not a full size frame I believe it is the size right below that. What is it called? Anyway, what size barrel would normally come with that gun? 4 1/4?

[jakuda]

Shouldn't you do a little bit of your own basic basic research on the 1911 platform before asking these questions?....

It's called "Commander"

[Pistolgrip Pump]

Is there 3 frame sizes or are commander and government the same size with just a shorter barrel on the commander?

[Pistolgrip Pump]

It's called "Commander"

That on its own would have sufficed. Thanks.

[jfifer]

Building a 1911 from a frame takes lots of dedication, and not so cheap tools if you want aomething accurate and reliable. Good luck, i think you'll enjoy it. But jakuda is right. Do more reseaech. Alot more research before you go buy things. Not knowing the difference in 1911 sizes is a big deal since that dictates theparts required for purchase.

[DannyInSoCal]

That on its own would have sufficed. Thanks.

Hahahahaha - Yeah. You're definetly ready to start ordering parts and building your own.......

[Pistolgrip Pump]

Which is why I came to you fellas. Honestly I'm not looking for something great. As long as it reliably shoots I would be thrilled. Doesn't need any bells or whistles either. I looked at sarco's website but it didnt mention what length te barrel and slide were. I'm guessing 5"? Would that be really awkward looking/feeling on a commander frame?

[CrippledPidgeon]

You'd might as well get a Caspian frame, a match barrel like a Kart, and quality internals...

[S0M1L9S]

https://us.armscor.com/products/1911-midsize-gi RIA/Armscor calls it MS = Midsize, as Commander is Colt's terminology.
Would call them up, to see if they sell slides.

How about a .22LR upper?

[jfifer]

If its "government" its 5". This is why you need a book, or something to further educate you.


Also, dimensionally, the commander frame is different from the government, and will probably not go into battery.


Seriously, pick up a book. You have the frame, parts will always be available.

[GunDog]

As a starting point, I would recommend the OP read and thoroughly understand Jerry Kuhnhausen's two shop manuals on the .45 Auto.