New RIA compact owner here

[amzie]

I've been lurking on here for a couple weeks and finally bought a RIA compact(3 1/2 inch barrel) This is my first 1911 as well as my first pistol. I have always been more of a rifle shooter but shot a friends Glock a couple weeks ago at some steel targets and had a blast. I just got the pistol last night and haven't had a chance to shoot it yet. I field stripped it and cleaned and lubed the barrel and slide. I have some trouble reinstalling the slide stop. Is there an easy way to do this or does it just take practice? I have checked the forum here and can't find much about the compact model. Is there anything that people recommend doing to them? New recoil springs, extractors, etc... I think I read something about not shooting +P ammo in short barreled models. Is there any truth to this? How hard is it to install new sights? I'm already thinking about a full-size RIA 1911. Is this normal or do I have a problem :D

Thanks,

Amzie

[John]

What we recommend about a new RIA? Shoot the thing!

If it is a steel frame, you may use +P if that's your baby. Installing new sights? A gunsmiths work, unless you are extremely mechanically inclined and have access to a mill.

Of course and it is normal to think about a full size pistol now. As someone else wrote somewhere here however, be careful, when you put two 1911s in a safe, they tend to ... multiply!

Rgds

[P.A.]

Amzie, congratulations on the acquisition of your first pistol! I wish to extend a welcome to the pistol shooting sport, and if you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask. You are in good company here from what I've read.
While not new to pistols, I am new to the .45 myself, and am excited. I hope to have mine resting on my hip this weekend.
Enjoy,
P.A.

[amzie]

Thanks Guys,

I actually shot it yesterday. I only put one mag thru it. I just hiked out into the woods behind my house and didn't want to scare the neighbors too bad. I was suprised at how pleasant it was to shoot being a compact model. I should get to put some more rounds thru it this weekend :)

Amzie

[james@35]

I am emailing different people and businesses to see which heavy wolf spring would be interchangable with the RIA compact .45.
I'll post when I get an answwer.
James :p

[P.A.]

Wheee my wide-body came in!! I am beside myself waiting to try it out.

[PaleRyder]

If you don't mind my asking, how much did you pay for your RIA? I've called two places up here in Indy. The Outdoorsman, and Bradis. I was quoted $449 for a full size at Outdoorsman, and $339 for a used RIA Commander at Bradis.
That seems very steep for RIA prices.


I envy you. I don't have anywhere to hike up here in Indy. I have to go to a range, or down to Atterbury.

[amzie]

I paid $319 for my compact/officers and the full size models were also on sale for $319($339 regular) at MC Sports in Bloomington.

Don't envy me too much. There isn't very much hiking to do behind my house. I only shot one mag back there. I think I can put in a 50 yard range for my .22 though without bothering the neighbors too much. I normally go to a friends property out in the country to shoot.

[PaleRyder]

The officer's is exactly what I wouldn't mind getting, or a Commanders. I have two full size Springfield Armorys, I'd like to get a slightly smaller 1911 for carry.
Well, at least you did get to fire one mag outside your house. I don't think that would go over well with folks in my neighborhood. :)

I couldn't believe the prices the stores up here in Indy were asking.

[amzie]

I'm sure MC Sports had a few left. If you're interested their number is 812-332-2953. So far I've put 100 rounds through it without any FTFs. With Magtech ammo the slide wouldn't stay open a few times on the last shot. I was worried about the smaller gun but the recoil is very managable and it's pretty pleasant to shoot.

[PaleRyder]

Thanks.
I used to have a Kimber Ultra Carry II, but like an idiot I sold it. I'm not too concerned about the recoil.
I may have to check them out.

[PaleRyder]

I have an RIA Commander on the way from Alaska. I traded an EAA Witness 9mm for it.

[Ol'Duke]

I just picked up a RIA Commander yesterday at a local show and it was $350 with tax and NICS check... I had already purchased the 1911A1 full size a couple of months ago and wanted the compact to go with it. :o

[magstripe]

You asked:
I have some trouble reinstalling the slide stop. Is there an easy way to do this or does it just take practice?

My Reply:

Although you may be quite used to it by now, I've always put in the slide stop as far as I could then slid the rail over it to finish seating it.

Magstripe