Got a "all metal gun" that I'll keep

[tercel89]

I got a Rock Island Armory 1911 GI full size. I am extremely happy . The way its made and all is great. I wanted a good functioning 1911 that I could throw into my vehicle when I'm checking on the huntig land  and hunting and this and that where I would not mind it getting scratched or dinged real bad. One that was inexspensive but functioned great. Well I got it. It is built just as good as my Springfield Armory Mil-Spec 1911. I ran some rounds through it and its smooth as butter . I am reloading 9mm now so I may get a 45 die and start on it . I got this used and at a good deal. I dont think these RIA's are cheap , just good "in-expensive" 1911's . They are far from cheap . very good quality . I wanted a good GI type with no bells and whistles and this fits the deal just great . The only bad thing , but not really "bad" is the wood is a little fat or thick. I am trying to find some thinner old style plastic checkered style black grips for it . Plus it's a series 70 style so no crappy safety things to get in the way :up:  Here she is . 

[url=http://s768.photobucket.com/user/tercel89/media/ria_zps690097ca.jpg.html][/URL]

Edited March 6, 2015 by tercel89

[dcloudy777]

Nice pickup.  The RIA guns are pretty darn nice for the money.  The grips, however, are indeed terrible.  I'm pretty sure that's what ever tree just happens to grow in the RIA factory parking lot. 

[Grand Torino]

Nice pick up. I'm gonna get one of those things eventually. Congratulations. :up:

[tercel89]

Nice pickup.  The RIA guns are pretty darn nice for the money.  The grips, however, are indeed terrible.  I'm pretty sure that's what ever tree just happens to grow in the RIA factory parking lot. 

 HA HA , you're right about whatever tree is in the lot ! Like a wild growing beech tree or maple ,  LOL  :meh:  . But they are built way nicer than I thought ! 

[tercel89]

I like wood but not so thick . I'm even looking at some solid aluminum ones for $28 . 

[hipower]

I like wood but not so thick . I'm even looking at some solid aluminum ones for $28 .

[hipower]

That's about the best case there. I've got some extra grips, but a quick look at them didn't show anything thinner that the stock ones.

I thought maybe the Ruger "winged" grips Joe gave me would work, but they are pretty thick as well.

[Lumber_Jack]

I like wood but not so thick . I'm even looking at some solid aluminum ones for $28 .

Great gun man.

Look into some VZ grips. They aren't wood but they are really a great addition to any 1911.

[DWARREN123]

Nice deal. I like the rubber grips on my RIA 1911 9mm.

[TNWNGR]

For a set of knock around grips for a 1911 the plastic GI surplus ones are unbeatable...http://www.charleyssurplus.com/1911_a1_plastic_45_auto_grips they're also thinner than most wood grips as well.

[gregintenn]

If you're going to treat it rough, you might consider a set of Pachmayr grips for it.

[monkeylizard]

I like wood but not so thick .

 

That's what she said.

 

 

 

 

 

Nice pickup on the RIA. Something like that is on my list.

[et45]

You can sand the back of the grips to reduce the thickness

[quedz]

You can sand the back of the grips to reduce the thickness

That will change the outside dimensions...

[herr.baer]

Needs a set of Punisher grips. :rock:

[tercel89]

For a set of knock around grips for a 1911 the plastic GI surplus ones are unbeatable...http://www.charleyssurplus.com/1911_a1_plastic_45_auto_grips they're also thinner than most wood grips as well.

 

 Hey thanks for that link. Thats the exact old style plastic ones I am looking for .

[Joe357]

Just an fyi, if you change grips to slim grips you may have to change grip screws and bushings. Also the only thing that RIA customer service recommends replacing, is the recoil spring with a better quality spring. They recommended to me wolf springs. When I asked why they didn't use them to start with, he stated to save money. I must say I never had a problem with any of their 1911's that I have owned in both 9mm and 45acp. They were all single stack, series 70 GI.

[tercel89]

Just an fyi, if you change grips to slim grips you may have to change grip screws and bushings. Also the only thing that RIA customer service recommends replacing, is the recoil spring with a better quality spring. They recommended to me wolf springs. When I asked why they didn't use them to start with, he stated to save money. I must say I never had a problem with any of their 1911's that I have owned in both 9mm and 45acp. They were all single stack, series 70 GI.

Did they recommend you using a better spring just right when you buy it or after the factory ones needs replacing ? 

[Joe357]

I was asking why they were showing the new style grips on their website and the gun I received from the dealer had the grips that are shown in the photo above. I then asked are there any other parts I should check, that is when he recommended to just replace the recoil spring. I ordered new springs and just replaced them and through the old spring(s) away.

[et45]

That will change the outside dimensions...

correct,the grip circumference will be smaller.The OP stated the grips were too fat