11,000? Wow I haven't heard much of a seriously used RIA. Would you mind telling me about your pistol? Have there been any parts breakage or other issues? What upgrades have you done? Have any pictures to post?
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I have one in 45acp, got it used. Probably have close to 4k through it. Had to send it in to a gunsmith in sept, it wouldnt go back into battery. Got it back and it runs fine again. It was my first 1911, I like it, but wouldnt buy another for less than double the money springers are acquirable (I am staying with 45acp). Mine served its purpose, to find that I like 1911s. Trp operator, here I come....
It is a 9mm/22TCM, double-stack 1911. I have 10k+ rounds through it with 9mm, and 1k+ rounds using 22TCM. I use it for USPSA and IDPA local matches. Only upgrade was an ECG barrel bushing - it did not really need it, just looked cool. I replace the recoil and firing pin springs every 3-4k rounds. I will probably average about 6k rounds a year with it now, since it is sharing duty with a Sig Tacops 1911.
Rocks are not safe queens or collector items. They are shooters. If you take care of it, it will last as long as you. Tried to attach a photo but I don`t think it worked.
Key on ANY 9mm is mags. For 9 rounds the "Springfield" mags work bra and for 10 I have had the best luck with Tripp as Wilson's may require the bottom of the ejector relieved. They are good for the price but can be tuned up for sure with better guts.
I bought a RIA 9mm Tactical government model. I liked it so much that I purchased their officers sized Tactial 9mm. Buy one. You won't be disappointed.
What is remarkable is the general commentary on these pistols. Generally they run, and in some cases, have for several thousand rounds without major problems. Also, generally, when I pick them up wherever I go, I find that they have better triggers than the average 1911. Mine (in 45) had a couple of hiccups in the first couple of 8 round fully loaded magazines - needed a tap to go into battery. Not a problem after a polish. And, last time out, SWC loaded like a charm.
Here's a quick update, a more detailed review I'll work on later. I received the RIA 9mm Tactical 1911 on friday. I detail stripped it and cleaned it thoroughly and didn't change or adjust anything. I reassembled, lubed, and packed up for the range. I was shooting standard American Eagle 115 grain 9mm ammo that I bought 500 rounds of when Cabelas had a special a year ago. I haven't shot much of it but I figured it would be good basic ammo to shoot and see how the pistol performed. All in all I shot 288 rounds through it and it function perfectly without a stoppage or failure. When I reassembled it I was concerned about how tightly the slide and frame fit together but after 100 rounds it loosened up nicely. The frame and slide are no longer tight but very smooth and certainly within acceptable standards. After the first 100 rounds I did the 10-8 extractor test and if performed and extracted flawlessly. Following that test I ran a few drills and started testing for accuracy. I should say the accuracy when I first started shooting was much worse than I expected, it probably was me getting used to the feel of the pistol, but rounds seemed to be impacting all over the paper at 15 yards and at 10 yards it seemed to be shooting 8" groups. However after the extraction test and drills, the accuracy seemed to really tighten up and I was getting 12 shots in 2"-3" groups at 10 yards. I was starting to become really satisfied at this point. All in all I can say I am really pleased with it and will post a more detailed review in a couple of days.
I did make a few changes to the pistol: replaced the full length guide rod with the standard GI setup, dehorned the thumb safety and dehorned and bobbed the right side of the ambi safety, installed a spare Kimber beavertail grip safety, and replaced the grips with double diamond walnut grips. I'll probably be doing some more in the near future but all in all it is a nice shooting 1911.
Solely personal preference. While a single piece FLGR neither enhances or detracts from the system, I believe a 2 piece FLGR is an unnecessary complication that can only cause problems when it starts to unscrew, which I have seen first hand.
Given that, I can live with a 1 piece FLGR but I strongly prefer the standard GI setup, if for no other reason than I dislike the the look of the guide rod poking out under the barrel.
RIA tacticals use to come with the GI set up at one time. Some of us think it is easier to field strip. It helps me not get an idiot scratch when put the slide release in and then put the plug under the barrel bushing last.
OP I hope you enjoy your new pistol. David