Fantastic review of a RIA 1911 by a master of the platform!

[cundiff5535]

Not only was this a nice surprise, it’s one heck of a review of a 1912 that nearly anyone who likes the 1911 platform can afford!

Watch, take notes, and enjoy!!

 

[88E30M50]

That’s really interesting. Adherence to tolerances were always were the lower market 1911s struggled. It’s nice to see that has changed. The 1911 is a very reliable gun as long as it’s built to the correct tolerances. I do wish that he had checked the ramp angle and commented on overall internal finishing standards though. The ramp angle has been a source of issue with some off brands in the past as has been burrs not cleaned up in manufacturing.

My guess is that the ramp angle is fine. My old RIA Compact was from back in the day when quality was hit/miss and it functioned just as well as any other 1911 I had, including the Ed Brown Exec Carry.

 

[DadSmith]

That's an interesting video. My gunsmith was impressed with my RIA 10mm I brought him to install the firing pin stop. He said it was well made for a low cost 1911.

 

[Steel and wood]

Thanks for posting this. I think it would make a good backup pistol after giving it some love.
Also going to check out there Patreon page looks like he would be another good one to donate to.

 

[Hopper]

Yes, this was a great review. I was always happy with how my Ruger SR1911 ran with nothing but a recoil spring change to make it cycle a bit more snappy. And I've occasionally seen other aficionados like CM say that RIA has upped their game in recent years. Getting into the 1911 game doesn't have to break the bank (hence my Ruger experience reference), and a RIA for about the same price as a new Glock? Why not?!?

 

[Magnum314]

That's an interesting video. My gunsmith was impressed with my RIA 10mm I brought him to install the firing pin stop. He said it was well made for a low cost 1911.

This is what I frequently hear as well for various RIA platforms. Quality and consistency from weapon to weapon in a manufactures line/platform are good things to be aware of. For 1911's on the "cheaper" side...I have not complaints and have been pleasantly impressed as well. Not that I am anybody that really matters...except to me.

And DadSmith...I am THIS close to snagging a RIA 1911 in 10mm...I don't think I can hold out much longer! UGH!

 

[Robert Richardson]

I have a midsize that's built just as good as the one he reviewed.

 

[DadSmith]

This is what I frequently hear as well for various RIA platforms. Quality and consistency from weapon to weapon in a manufactures line/platform are good things to be aware of. For 1911's on the "cheaper" side...I have not complaints and have been pleasantly impressed as well. Not that I am anybody that really matters...except to me.

And DadSmith...I am THIS close to snagging a RIA 1911 in 10mm...I don't think I can hold out much longer! UGH!

Wait until I get 1000rds in to give my 1k rd report. I cleaned and lubed it when I got it. Cleaned and lubed it at 400rds per Manuel. It's ran 400rds perfectly since the required clean and lube at 400rd. 200rds to go. Most of the loads are running around 550lb of energy at 15' From muzzle. 180gr FN at avg of 1174 fps. Which has 40 ft lbs of energy more than the Federal 357 magnum 180gr Swift A Frame from a 6" barrel.

Plus around 200rds of 200gr Double Tap 200gr WFNGC bullets avg velocity 1258fps. And 40rds of Underwood 135gr HP at 1574 fps.
Then 100rds of my own 155gr XTP bullets at 1503fps

Buy Swift A-Frame for USD 64.99 | Federal Ammunition

Shopping for the Swift A-Frame - Learn more about the latest Swift A-Frame and other hunting or shooting gear at Federal Ammunition.

www.federalpremium.com

Thread 'Rock Island Ultra FS 10MM' https://www.indianagunowners.com/threads/rock-island-ultra-fs-10mm.501306/

Follow my progress here. I'll post the good and the bad.

 

[88E30M50]

My RIA Compact had some casting flaws that could be seen inside of the frame but they were only cosmetic and the thing ran well. The only issue I had was the compact frame ate recoil springs. Wolff has a 400 round change cycle recommended on their springs I was buying for it. I had replaced the standard wire recoil assy in my Kimber for a flat wire to extend spring life and would have done the same in the RIA had I kept it.

I kind of wish I had that one back as it really was a no-frills reliable gun that I did not mind dragging across concrete while working under a car.

 

[DadSmith]

My RIA Compact had some casting flaws that could be seen inside of the frame but they were only cosmetic and the thing ran well. The only issue I had was the compact frame ate recoil springs. Wolff has a 400 round change cycle recommended on their springs I was buying for it. I had replaced the standard wire recoil assy in my Kimber for a flat wire to extend spring life and would have done the same in the RIA had I kept it.

I kind of wish I had that one back as it really was a no-frills reliable gun that I did not mind dragging across concrete while working under a car.

Speaking of recoil spring changes. How often should I replace my Wilson Combat 24lb recoil spring on my 10mm? I'm right around 400-500 rds on the one I have now.

 

[Magnum314]

Wait until I get 1000rds in to give my 1k rd report. I cleaned and lubed it when I got it. Cleaned and lubed it at 400rds per Manuel. It's ran 400rds perfectly since the required clean and lube at 400rd. 200rds to go. Most of the loads are running around 550lb of energy at 15' From muzzle. 180gr FN at avg of 1174 fps. Which has 40 ft lbs of energy more than the Federal 357 magnum 180gr Swift A Frame from a 6" barrel.

Plus around 200rds of 200gr Double Tap 200gr WFNGC bullets avg velocity 1258fps. And 40rds of Underwood 135gr HP at 1574 fps.
Then 100rds of my own 155gr XTP bullets at 1503fps

Buy Swift A-Frame for USD 64.99 | Federal Ammunition

Shopping for the Swift A-Frame - Learn more about the latest Swift A-Frame and other hunting or shooting gear at Federal Ammunition.

www.federalpremium.com

View attachment 157450

View attachment 157451


Thread 'Rock Island Ultra FS 10MM' https://www.indianagunowners.com/threads/rock-island-ultra-fs-10mm.501306/

Follow my progress here. I'll post the good and the bad.

Thanks DS! Great info and as always very thorough! Appreicate it! I will keep checking on your progress with it...but so far, so VERY good it would seem!

 

[88E30M50]

Speaking of recoil spring changes. How often should I replace my Wilson Combat 24lb recoil spring on my 10mm? I'm right around 400-500 rds on the one I have now.

If it's a full sized gun, I'd think that the change interval would be about normal at 5k rounds. The additional energy in the 10mm round is accounted for by the heavier spring.

Maybe watch the ejection pattern and if brass begins to be consistently tossed further, it might indicate a weakening spring