Okay, when to the range to shoot my RIA 1911. 100 rnds no failures (so far). So turns out the one of the guys shooting beside me had a RIA as well. He gave me the run down of he did:

18.5 lb spring
WC Spring kit
Hardened Firing Pin (Ed Brown)
and some other stuff (didn't catch it all, busy enjoying my new toy and my G19)

And told me about a page evaluating the RIA 1911 and what can be done to it (polishing certain parts, etc) (none of which I'm skilled to perform, I'm mechanically inclined just not sure I do it). I've looked at the springs, Brownells has them but they have 70 or 80 series and most parts are like that (keep in mind this is my first 1911, so I'm somewhat clueless on them), so can someone help me out here and tell what's they mean by 70 or 80 series?

Here's something else, well the other guy beside me let me shoot his Les Baer Custom 1911 (sweet) and I noticed a few things and he gave me a few pointers:

the backstrap safety was different, extended further out and the beavertail was angled upwards (less painful in my hand)
Get a newer hammer and cut some off and round it out.

The les Baer had less recoil that my RIA, so I'm trying to do a little research on what was done to it, but there's not info on that. So if anyone other has some insight, let me know..



Other than that, I expected a lot more recoil out of the .45. Pretty accurate. No hiccups with either the Novaks mag that came with it or the GI Issue mag that the one the guys at the range gave me.. Overall great day, 100rnds of 45 and 120 rnds of 9mm..

that sounds like a pretty fun day.

sorry i don't know much at all about 1911's, so i am no help to your tech questions.

Wow. You covered a whole bunch of ground there. Let's see if I can help out a little bit.

Series 70 or 80 refers to Colt, and their Series 80 firing pin safety system. IIRC, your RIA is the more traditional, Series 70 style. I personally prefer these, as factory triggers seem to be much "cleaner" than a Series 80 gun.

The beavertail grip safety that you mentioned, came about because of a condition known as "hammer bite", where the web of your thumb can get pinched between the spur on a standard hammer and the top of the grip safety. Going to a "commander" style hammer, or one of many high quality aftermarket hammers, and an extended beavertail grip safety can eliminate hammer bite.

As far as springs go, hang onto yours, at least through the breakin period. Recoil springs should be replaced every 2500 rounds or so, more frequently if you're shooting really hot loads. Don't mess around too much with the spring weights, unless you're having function problems. Get a stock replacement, from Wolff or other supplier.

As far as my personal preference, the GI style guns don't do it for me. They look great, but with my large hands, they're uncomfortable to shoot. I prefer a beavertail grip safety, commander hammer, extended ambidextrous safety, flat mainspring housing, long trigger, and some upgraded sights. However, your RIA should be a reliable, accurate pistol just as it is, it's up to you how you want to customize it, if at all.

The only thing I really want to change is the wood grips for some Hogue wrap around (I got a big hand too).. then the next will probably be hammer and beavertail (haven't been pinched yet, but it's probably the one reason why I didn't buy an XD)..

And the most important thing, get more magazines..

The only thing I have done to my TRP is switch out the guide rod and replace it with a GI type spring plug. I don't remember if I put a Wilson Combat or Brownell's in it though.

Jay

Pepper pretty much covered it, I've never had a problem with hammer bite using a spur hammer and non beavertail grip safety. You can bob the spur hammer to cut down on hammer bite if it is a problem.

Commander hammers look good but aren't as easy to cock in my opinion as a spur or at least that is the case between my Kimber and my Springfield.

The only pistol that ever pinches me is my dad's old Ballaster-Molina which doesn't get fired much anyway.

Do you cock the pistol with your thumb very often? If so, why are you riding the hammer forward on a live round instead of using the thumb safety?

No flame intended. I'm just curious and/or confused.

Jay

No I understand what you are saying, I have in the past carried them that way until I realized it would probably slow me down considerably if I had to draw it. I at one time had a irrational fear of the safety failing/disengaging, I'm suprised at the number of people I come across who feel the same way which is why I mentioned it. I got over it after carrying single actions a lot and realizing the safety would probably never disengage while riding in an IWB due to movement. Might have been just newbie fear though it has been a while ago.

Yes I do realize the danger of dropping the hammer while a round is chambered.....

Gotcha

Jay

I have an RIA as well. It isn't so much that the hammer bits me but that the sharp narrow point on the spur digs into my hand with hotter loads. The beavertail is much smoother and puts the force over a larger area and makes it nicer to shoot. I've been considering upgrading to a beavertail, long trigger, and commander hammer for a while now. Just don't geta drop-in beavertail. Most of them, IMO, look like crap.

One of the cool things about a 1911 is all the parts, and accesories. The fact that your not limited to one caliber in the same pistol is nice too. .22 kits are available, and you can convert a .45acp to other calibers as well. I've got four 1911s, the only mods I've done is polished the feed ramps on them.

Check out cdnninvestments.com for 1911 parts. They have some good deals on mags and grips, but have recently bought a ton of 1911 parts, and I think they are great to deal with. Sign up for their e-newsletters, and about 2x a month they will e-mail you with weekend specials which are mostly ceap freebies and free shipping.