New RI

[G26man]

OK so its not a Kimber or Springy but I'm pleased with it. I wanted a classic looking entry level 1911 and I debated between this one and the Springfield. This one won out for me not only because of price but also the fact that it has a lowered ejection port compared to the standard GI. I reload .45 and I don't want dinged up brass. I've also heard good things about the RI compared to the Springfield as they come out of the box.

I brought it home, disassembled it (except for the frame/mainspring housing) completely degreased everything, removed the grips, coated everything in militec-1 and baked at 200 degrees for 30 minutes, allowed to cool, wiped everything down and then lubed with corrosionx and reassembled. I know it sounds a little anal, but I've done this to every firearm I've purchased in the last year and have had great results with it in terms of slick actions and ease of cleaning. It might all be in my head but what the heck it only takes a hour or two.

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r125/OpFlash_2007/P1010011s.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r125/OpFlash_2007/P1010016s.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r125/OpFlash_2007/P1010017s.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r125/OpFlash_2007/P1010014s.jpg

[cjlandry]

Sharp looking Rock you got there!

Please tell me more about this militec-1 you mentioned.

I'm also a huge Corrosion-X user.

[G26man]

Militec-1 is a lubricant/metal conditioner. The manufacturer claims that properly applied (using heat) it alters the metal surface somehow to provide lubrication even when dry (i.e. wiped off). It supposedly has a following in Iraq and Afganistan where the troops will apply it and set the guns out in the sun, then wipe them off and run them dry so as to not attract sand. If true, this makes it an ideal lubricant for desert terrain. Its not a very good protectorant though, and used in liquid form it doesn't last nearly as long as corrosionx for protection or lubrication. Militec-1 would have sucked in 'nam, but may be just the ticket for the heat, sand and low moisture of the middle east.

Corrosion-X rocks! :thumbsup:

If anyone's interested:

http://www.corrosionx.com/gun_use.html

[WolfiePacker]

I think I still have a tube of that in my cleaning kit...never used it.

[thisone]

Great weapon, now just go to amazon.com and get yourself a set of Pachmyr Rosewood/Rubber grips, I think they call them the Legend grips, anyway, go to amazon.com and search for 1911 grips, great price of $21.97. Got a set for my Rock and I like the way the feel, very comfortable.

:thumbsup:

[G26man]

Originally posted by thisone
Great weapon, now just go to amazon.com and get yourself a set of Pachmyr Rosewood/Rubber grips, I think they call them the Legend grips, anyway, go to amazon.com and search for 1911 grips, great price of $21.97. Got a set for my Rock and I like the way the feel, very comfortable.

:thumbsup:
Wow those do look nice. Consider them ordered. :) One of the things I liked about this RI is the grain of the wood grips, they look better than what comes on most RIs. Unfortunately I've found that I have a hard time maintaining a consistant grip with the smooth wood. It just moves around too much under recoil unless I squeeze so hard I shake. Those grips look like just the ticket!

Edit: Have your medallions fallen out?

[G26man]

Mini range report:

I've only shot one 50rd box of CCI Blazer Brass and a mag worth of Hornady TAP so far. During the first two mags I had three instances of the slide locking back prematurely, but after that it ran fine. I'm chalking that up to break in. I was shooting about 2" high at 7yds on some shots because of not being able to hold the gun firmly with the smooth grips. I'll fix that problem shortly.

I kind of like the GI sights, they are very precise. However I plan on shooting some IDPA with this gun so I may have to go to something a lot more visible. I'll wait and see how it goes.

[thisone]

Originally posted by G26man

Edit: Have your medallions fallen out?


Yep, one did, and I was able to use super glue to put it back in place.

[G26man]

BTW I did get the grips, I like them. Now I think I'll go try and pry out the medallions so I can glue them in properly!

[Wiley]

Y'all may want to check out Ahrends Tactical grips. I bought a used Colt that has them. I like 'em. They are divided diagonaly. Front, lower checkerd. Back, upper smooth.

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p300/Wiley1911/IMG_0012.jpg

[Wetrudgeon]

G26man:
That is an awfully nice looking RIA 1911A1 pistol. We think that every law abiding citizen of this US of A should own at least one 1911A1 pistol and know how to use it.

Please keep us apprised of any problems that arise, as we too are considering RIA.

We trudge on.

[BEER]

at the last gunshow i ran across a set of hogue slabs for 10$ and picked em up. i'll never go back to the finger grooved grips again. they look good and feel even better without the grooves.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v491/SCOWL1313/100_0303.jpg

[cjlandry]

I now have about 400 rounds through my Rock, and I really like the gun!

I have to smooth the sharp edges of the grip safety, because they cut into the webbing of my hand after a couple-hundred rounds. But that's nothing.

I also like the GI sights. As noted, they're more precise so you can "aim small". I have no plans to change them, as this is mainly my range gun now.

[Hephaestus]

I sold my RIA and have regretted it ever since, best bang for the buck in the 1911 world IMHO.

[cjlandry]

Originally posted by Hephaestus
I sold my RIA and have regretted it ever since, best bang for the buck in the 1911 world IMHO.

I'd say that you got it right!

I'm up to 900 rounds through my RIA and about 700 through my Springfield Loaded.

Both guns function perfectly with FMJ ball and lead SWC's. The Springer runs TAP hollowpoints perfectly. I haven't tried the high-dollar carry ammo in the Rock yet.

I have to brag on my Rock a bit. Here's today's best 21' 5-shot group:

http://www.landry-family.com/handgun/Rita/riagrp21807.jpg

I can't quite get the Springer that tight (yet). I think a little trigger work will have me shooting the $720 loaded as well as I shoot the $400 Rock.

[G26man]

Nice group. I like the big holes. :thumbsup: .45s rock!

Although I haven't punched much paper with mine yet (I usually shoot it at the outdoor pistol range at metal silhouettes) the one time I did I noticed that it made fairly well defined round holes, even with ball ammo. The 3.25" barreled PT145PRO I had made horribly ragged tears (hard to call them holes) almost like it was keyholing. I think the extra 2" of barrel really helps in the velocity department.

[cjlandry]

It cuts very clean holes in regular targets with the thick, stiff paper. Not so good with the inkjet printer paper, but still not bad.

I'm just amazed that I can do this. I tried for two years and many thousands of rounds to make one ragged hole with my Glocks, but could never quite get there.

The thing that really amazes me, though, is that the basic Rock Island Armory GI, out of the box with no modifications, shoots as well as my Springfield Loaded. I even like the Rock's trigger better than the Springer.

I'm now a 1911 fanatic. It didn't take long at all to convert me.

[RonC]

I had some birthing pains with my RIA. Fortunately there was an Army armorer present and he talked me through the disassembly of the slide and the ultimate fix.

He remarked about how good the trigger feel was, especially for a gun of this price range.

[Flinter]

Milteck-1 is a great dry type lube, but it will not inhibit rust. I use the Milteck on my Glock and CLP on my Colt.

[BIG MIKE II]

Originally posted by thisone
Great weapon, now just go to amazon.com and get yourself a set of Pachmyr Rosewood/Rubber grips, I think they call them the Legend grips, anyway, go to amazon.com and search for 1911 grips, great price of $21.97. Got a set for my Rock and I like the way the feel, very comfortable.

:thumbsup:


Got my Pachmyr Legend Grips from CheaperThanDirt.com[COLOR=red] You'll like them , they set the gun off just rigth

[BIG MIKE II]

Originally posted by BIG MIKE II
Got my Pachmyr Legend Grips from CheaperThanDirt.com You'll like them , they set the gun off just right