Considering RIA Mil-Spec 1911-A2

[HandyAndy]

I'm considering purchasing a Rock Island Armory Mil-Spec 1911-A2 in .45 acp. Any thoughts or reasons I should/should not? This will be my first 1911.

Thanks in advance
Andy

 

[halfmileharry]

IF a $500 budget is the only reason buy the RIA. IF you can afford more then definitely buy more gun. Springfields are more gun for a little less $. I'm impressed with the Sigs in quality for the $ too.
Being your first 1911 I'd recommend a better gun than the RIA. Don't get me wrong as they're a decent gun with good customer support. I've owned 3 now and still have one of them. I had to spend a lot more $ on it to bring it up to an acceptable level. I'm picky though. You will get what you pay for. Look around first AND THEN make up your mind

 

[walt o]

That's a good place to start. I have 3 RIA guns and have not had any problems . You are buying a entry level firearm and if you like the 1911 platform then you MAY want to move up to a more sophisticated 1911 later .Although more money does not = a better gun .Don't expect to get a big payback if you do loads of custom work to your RIA shoot it and enjoy.

 

[HandyAndy]

The Main reason I looked at this particular firearm is the combination of value and the mag capacity. The A2 carries a 14 rd mag, something that I have not seen a lot of in a 1911 style and something that I am quite fond of from the XDM45 that I play with on occasion.

 

[IncendiaryGunner]

RIA's MIL-SPEC 1911-A2 is the double stack variety, correct? That makes a big difference if you ever intend to carry it over a single stack, but it really just comes down to preference.

 

[88E30M50]

My second 1911 was an RIA and I still have that gun. I have no complaints at all with the RIA. It has been as much fun to shoot, as reliable and as accurate as my Kimbers, Springfield and SIG 1911s. Mine is a compact though, not a full size double stack 1911. I've been very happy with it and have no regrets over buying the RIA.

 

[SubicWarrior1988]

I'm considering purchasing a Rock Island Armory Mil-Spec 1911-A2 in .45 acp. Any thoughts or reasons I should/should not? This will be my first 1911.

Thanks in advance
Andy

Rock Island makes a fantastic pistol. Here are a few terms for you to google

Hammer bite, Idiot Mark, series 70 accidental discharge.

Conditions of readiness, that should get you started.


The 1911 is an amazing platform, enjoy.

 

[teddy12b]

One of the hardest pistols I've ever had to put back on the shelf was a RIA tactical with teh rail & night sights. In SW Ft Wayne I held it at Rangers Supply and it just fit me to a "T". Unfortunately the timing and $$ never came together before I got into other things, but from all the reading I did on those pistols they'll shoot with just about any other factory 1911 out there.

My very first pistol was a colt 1911 45acp and I don't think there's anything wrong with a 1911 as a first pistol. I've also had a para ord P-14 and as much as I really really really like have a lot of ammo in a gun it's just not the same to me. A 1911 is meant to be a single stack, and if you want a double stack 45acp there's a lot out there to pick from. I think you'll find as I found with my P-14 is that the aftermarket options are slim to none in the double stack 1911 world. I was lucky to get a pair of hogue grips for my P-14.

 

[WebSnyper]

If you want a 1911, I'd have no issue with an RIA.

However, if you want a double stack .45, I personally would look at something instead of a 1911 variant personally.

Make your decision of 1911 OR double stack first, then pick the particular brand.

 

[1911ly]

I have a LSI and a RIA. They are a nice low price pistol. I use the LSI for daily carry. I have 7k plus rounds threw it. I bought the RIA a few months ago to give my LSI a break lol. I like the sights more on the LSI.

 

[FERLACH]

I have an RIA mil spec 1911 A2 that I bought used but in nice condition. Shot over 300 rounds thru it with out one single malfunction. I am more than satisfied with it.