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RIA 1911 compact question

2K views 26 replies 12 participants last post by  Pandaz3 
#1 ·
Thinking about buying a compact 1911. Probably leaning towards a RIA tax in 9mm. Can't spend alot right out of the gate, and wondering if I can slowly upgrade with Wilson combat or other high end parts. I already have Glocks but love the 1911's so just wanting to try for carry. To make a long story short, I love Wilson combat 1911's but can't drop 3k all at once. Are parts interchangeable?
 
#4 ·
OP... Rock Island has a solid reputation as to function and that is what counts shoot the RI and save for a high end gun like say a Colt Competition (about double the Rock) that will be as high end as you will ever need. Yes a Wilson, Ed Brown, Ithaca, Les Bear would be nicer, but you only get a diminishing rate of return for your money spent going past Ruger or Colt
 
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#5 ·
OP... Rock Island has a solid reputation as to function and that is what counts shoot the RI and save for a high end gun like say a Colt Competition (about double the Rock) that will be as high end as you will ever need. Yes a Wilson, Ed Brown, Ithaca, Les Bear would be nicer, but you only get a diminishing rate of return for your money spent going past Ruger or Colt
The Colt Competition is a low end 1911. The RIA is entry level.

In my opinion, you get much more for the dollar with Les Baer than Colt. It's not even close.
 
#18 ·
I have a 3 yr old RIA TAC II CS that I bought used (one owner) at the LGS. If you want to change sights, Dawson's has a section of sights made for the RIA dovetail. I'll be swapping the front sight out for the narrower Dawson F/O (currently has blade). The safety was a stock Colt-type and I installed a Wilson extended version. The little bugger is so far has been totally reliable and quite accurate for it's size.
 
#20 ·
how does it carry with the extra weight? Use to a 19.
I have a leather paddle holster from Ross Leather. I was looking specifically for leather for this one, and came across the Ross at MidwayUSA. I bought a "blemish" for $44 and can't find a single mark on it. Currently Midway is out of these but they're expected back in stock in Nov. It carries the gun well in an FBI cant. It's leather with a suede lining. I also have a G19 and a CompTAC paddle holster. I prefer the little RIA and the leather myself. This is the holster I'm referring to:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/52...e-holster-right-hand-1911-officer-leather-tan
 
#21 ·
Have the RIA Compact tactical in .45 and love it. Accurate, reliable (more so than my much more expensive Colt Governemnt Model). Might look at Tagua holsters, decent quality leather and can be purchased on-line---IIRC, it was some riduculously low shipping charge like <$9.00
 
#23 ·
I just received some Altamont Faux Ivory grip panels for mine.... I was almost drafted into the Marines in 68, but I was going back into the Army and the Marine Master Sargent at the induction center told me to get in the USMC line as he thought I was a draftee.. No Globe and Anchor for me.
 
#25 ·
Should be fine. I have had a couple of the little RIAs over the years. Still have the Tacky Cool on top.



Never tried to swap out parts on them. I know the one I have kept is an ounce less than an all steel Colt Commander, so Armscor does not scrimp on steel.
 
#27 ·
Yes I discovered that as I had 'Lost' my mainspring retention pin and ordered some spare pin kits from Brownell's. (For Officer's Model) Well as they showed up, the 'Lost' pin found it's way home. I thought I would just use the new pin....too big. The Rock Island pin fit perfect. I am keeping the spare pins, but my eyes are more open now.
 
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