[MH12194]

I'm looking to take my level III and level IV security traning soon. I was wondering if the RIA 1911A1 is a reliable pistol for duty?

I already have a shotgun for my level III. But sadly had to sell of my pistol awhile back to make a bill. It was an FEG PJK-9HP browning hi-power clone. It ran very well and would like to own another some day. But for a duty pistol I need something with a bit more beef. And I feel .45 has the heft. Need less to say I love browning design pistols.

RIA 1911's go for dirt cheap (round $400) which is way cheaper than any other used or new 1911 I have found.

 

[Grumpy]

Get one, run a few boxes of ammo through it, and see where it needs a minor tweek.
Mine got the feed ramp polished before the first shot (I do all my 1911's this way).

The Rock is a mighty fine pistol in my book.

Here it is with my Llama

 

[drobs]

I have a RIA GI full size 1911. It was reliable right out of the box.
I would recommend you get a Tactical. The dovetailed sights allow for night sights to be added. The beavertail grip safety is nice and ambi-safety is a huge plus.

I don't know what these level security tests are but you 1st should check with who is hiring you since they most likely have requirements for firearms.

Used Glocks, Sigs, Berettas , etc. are out there for RIA prices.

 

[Filthy_McNasty]

Get some 8rd stainless Chip McCormick Power Mags or Wilson Combat ETM mags for positive feeding & functioning.


1911s typically need about 500 break-in rounds through them before they're fully reliable. Don't show up at your security training class with a fresh-outta-the-box, unfired gun.

 

[Richh56]

I think Rock Island makes an ok firearms, but for a duty pistol is ok good enough for you?

I don't own a R.I. But I own a lot of 1911's and since I carry a weapon daily in my line of work I feel ok is not what I want. I need "I know it is dependable"

With any brand I would suggest that you dont put your life in harms way until you have fired hundreds of rounds up to thousand and are pleased with the results. I carry a sig in the line of duty and a Kimber ultra carry as a back up. I trust these weapons with my life. I have to, so I know they have been put through their stages and what I should expect.

Any brand of firearm can be ammo picky. You can have one that just will not feed a certain brand or hates JHP for say. This is the stuff you need to know. You dont want to find out that your handgun hates the two 2 mags of American Eagle that you brought to the gun fight at the gun fight.

Other 1911 can be found for less then 1000

I have a Tuarus PT1911 that is a Rock Star of a firearm. I have won multible IDPA and PPC matches with it and that is right out of the box. I do use Wilson Combate SS mags.

You also can pick up a Kimber Custom 2 in a 5 inch or the Ultra carry 2 in a 3.5 inch for just over 650.00 at least in my neck of the woods. I feel the Kimber is worth the extra 250.00. Resale: Kimbers hold there value. R.I. worth less then half of what you paid new.

Kimber to Rock Island is like BMW to Yugo. Tuarus fits in as the middle.

I do agree with you on the 45. A 9MM might expand, but a 45 will never shrink. What ever you do pick run it through hell before you pack it and good luck.

 

[MH12194]

You are sure as s#@% I will run many rounds thru it before I take my test. I found a video on youtube of some guy running 600 rounds thru a R.I. without cleaning or lube. Seems like that's a bit harsh. But didn't fail to fire etc.

I will most likely run 500 rounds of diffrent type ammo to see what feeds the best. Then another 500 before my test.

Btw: Level III is for comissioned officer. Level IV is for executive protection officer (i.e. Body guard):thumb:

As for security, it isn't like the PD where you have to have a set type of pistol. As the reasoning for this is they have an armorer who will work on your duty gun. Most security companies do not have them. Only caliber restrictions. For example no 25 autos, 22lr, 32 long, etc.

 

[arcade]

I would go with a Smith & Wesson M&P (Military and Police) .40 S&W. It comes with 2 magazines which hold 15 rounds. More rounds mean a lot, and they also make a .45. I like 9mm, but for duty, the .40 S&W will knock down anyone. It's also only $500, and has a lifetime warranty. I can attest to the reliability. Awesome pistol.

 

[ksblazer]

I have a RIA 1911A1 as well as a compact tactical model. Both have been great shooters and are very reliable. Wouldn't have any worries with either of them if I had to use them for defensive purposes either.

As mentioned I would opt for the tactical model if you can scrape togather the extra $$.

Bigger sights, ramped barrell (some of the A1's not all, have been finicky about HP ammo) and the ambi safety and the extended beaver tail are nice additions.

 

[dogmaw]

I'm looking to take my level III and level IV security traning soon. I was wondering if the RIA 1911A1 is a reliable pistol for duty?

I already have a shotgun for my level III. But sadly had to sell of my pistol awhile back to make a bill. It was an FEG PJK-9HP browning hi-power clone. It ran very well and would like to own another some day. But for a duty pistol I need something with a bit more beef. And I feel .45 has the heft. Need less to say I love browning design pistols.

RIA 1911's go for dirt cheap (round $400) which is way cheaper than any other used or new 1911 I have found.

Are you allowed to run aftermarket parts in your duty gun or must it stay stock as manufactured? The frame/slide fit on the RIA Widebody I looked at today were good, trigger pull was smooth and broke cleanly, sights were tiny and will test your point shooting. They tend to see more repair work for minor things but that's where aftermarket parts come in. Buying the best mags helps alot, too. So all told that would cost you as much as a better entry level 1911.

If you can go ~ $150 more check out the Para Ordnance GI Expert or Springfield Armory Mil-Spec. All the above good points but with usable sights.

 

[MH12194]

For me it's about simple. I don't need fancy $1000 pistols to feel safe. or even JHP ammunition. A FMJ will do just fine. I'm not working for nato here.

I don't like 40 S&W either (i.e. 10mm). Just not a fan.

Plus I'm not going into combat or am itching to get into a gun battle. As far as magazine capacity goes. I feel a few well placed shots will out weigh 20 missplaced shots any day. Most people that are criminals are poor shots and tend to over shoot anything. Basically spray and pray.

It only takes one bullet to bury a man.

 

[MH12194]

Are you allowed to run aftermarket parts in your duty gun or must it stay stock as manufactured? The frame/slide fit on the RIA Widebody I looked at today were good, trigger pull was smooth and broke cleanly, sights were tiny and will test your point shooting. They tend to see more repair work for minor things but that's where aftermarket parts come in. Buying the best mags helps alot, too. So all told that would cost you as much as a better entry level 1911.

If you can go ~ $150 more check out the Para Ordnance GI Expert or Springfield Armory Mil-Spec. All the above good points but with usable sights.

That's a good question. I may need to look into that. All I know is that the serial number must match. Other than that don't think mods are out of the question.

 

[spcinc]

They can have issues. Saw these recently on another site. Said the ammo was factory winchester.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6064/6107945728_2ac1a88a4f.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6193/6107944240_1dd5f98d7d.jpg

Sometimes you get what you pay for.

 

[A-Team]

I own a RIA Tactical... its performed flawlessly. I think the GI would be just as reliable.

I have heard the 500 round break in thing. I never had a hiccup breaking it in... so I can't comment on that being a necessity.

I've used both the original magazine, Wilson, and McCormic... all flawless.

 

[drobs]

You are sure as s#@% I will run many rounds thru it before I take my test. I found a video on youtube of some guy running 600 rounds thru a R.I. without cleaning or lube. Seems like that's a bit harsh. But didn't fail to fire etc.

I will most likely run 500 rounds of diffrent type ammo to see what feeds the best. Then another 500 before my test.

Btw: Level III is for comissioned officer. Level IV is for executive protection officer (i.e. Body guard):thumb:

As for security, it isn't like the PD where you have to have a set type of pistol. As the reasoning for this is they have an armorer who will work on your duty gun. Most security companies do not have them. Only caliber restrictions. For example no 25 autos, 22lr, 32 long, etc.

Figured I'd try to save you some $$. Friend of mine is also in security, his company sent him to a couple Blackwater(Xe) courses. Everyone in his company carries Glocks. He carries his 1911.

I've lost track on how many thousands of trouble free rounds I have put through my RIA GI. I wouldn't hesitate to carry it.

 

[MH12194]

They can have issues. Saw these recently on another site. Said the ammo was factory winchester.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6064/6107945728_2ac1a88a4f.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6193/6107944240_1dd5f98d7d.jpg

Sometimes you get what you pay for.

All replaceable parts. A new barrel isn't much.

edit:http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=693897 ($49.99)

 

[Pangea]

I went through the Tennessee Pistol Carry class two weeks ago with my RIA and it had a few hiccups. Failed to eject the spent round three times. Dropped the magazine and cleared it pretty quick. Winchester white box ammo.

I added some coco bolo double diamond grips to mine because those slick slabs that it came with might get slippery in hot conditions.

 

[MH12194]

It may just be me but I've found that winchester white box ammunition is a lil hot. In any gun I've run it in. I don't use it or suggest anyone use it unless you gun is rated for +p or is a serious beast.

 

[spcinc]

All replaceable parts. A new barrel isn't much.

edit:http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=693897 ($49.99)

A new barrel isn't going to fix it in this case unless it's properly fitted to the pistol. If it's hitting the lower lugs you'll end up shearing it off again in a short amount time.

 

[milspec1]

I went through the Tennessee Pistol Carry class two weeks ago with my RIA and it had a few hiccups. Failed to eject the spent round three times. Dropped the magazine and cleared it pretty quick. Winchester white box ammo.

I added some coco bolo double diamond grips to mine because those slick slabs that it came with might get slippery in hot conditions.

RIA guns are made in the Phillipines. Not exactly top quality. Good luck with it.

 

[Grumpy]

It may just be me but I've found that winchester white box ammunition is a lil hot. In any gun I've run it in. I don't use it or suggest anyone use it unless you gun is rated for +p or is a serious beast.

There is no "+p" ammo for a .45acp.

As to the links to the pics of the broken barrel.... ANYTHING will break in time, if abused, improperly maintained, man-made, etc, ad-nauseum.

OK, I'll give you one broken gun picture, if you tell me how many thousands are out there running reliably, I know I have one.