RIA Compact...advice?

**Lawdog SC** · 25th July 2007, 13:50

Men,

I am considering getting the Rock Island Armory Compact for concealed carry. It is significantly less expensive than a Kimber or Para compact and I don't really have an affinity for revolvers so I thought it might be a good substitute.

Could you owners lend me some feedback about how you like it? Being a compact is it relatively easy to modify, i.e. sights, beavertail, new hammer job? I've never owned a compact 1911 and could use any and all suggestions.

Thanks,
Law Dog

**git_r_done** · 25th July 2007, 18:38

I use mine for concealed carry most of the time!

It is a great gun for that porpose!

**Waldo Pepper** · 25th July 2007, 19:53

I use mine as CCW and current in car gun untill I get a 10mm compact. But there is nothing really needed to be replaced on the compact Tactical to make it an excellent CCW weapon. The GI compact is the one that would need the upgrades for CCW IMHO.

**Lawdog SC** · 25th July 2007, 20:21

Thank you both for the input.

Waldo P, I didn't realize they made a tactical compact. I've only seen the GI. Do you have any idea where I could look for a tac compact? The only place I've seen them is Sarco, Inc. out of New Jersey. Yours is exactly what I'm thinking about getting into. Great looking pistol!

Thanks again.

**Waldo Pepper** · 26th July 2007, 06:11

Originally Posted by Lawdog SC

Thank you both for the input.

Waldo P, I didn't realize they made a tactical compact. I've only seen the GI. Do you have any idea where I could look for a tac compact? The only place I've seen them is Sarco, Inc. out of New Jersey. Yours is exactly what I'm thinking about getting into. Great looking pistol!

Thanks again.

I got mine from Becky Harris at http://www.sportingarms.com/ and their website shows they have them and $428 is the listed price I payed for mine. I not sure how often they update their website. When I got mine from them they had to look to find the pistol, not sure if that was from a wholesale source or their stock, I got the impression at the time it was from a wholesale source.

The only option I done with mine is Pachmyr grips and not sure if I would have done that if I CCW on regular basis. Those grips are so sticky as to grab my shirts almost. The reason I went with the rubber grip was because of where the grips rest when the gun is in the car, I was trying to prevent damage to door panel cubby on the car. I will say for none CCW use they are the best thing since popcorn for under $15 investment.

**CherokeeTad** · 27th July 2007, 16:57

There must be different models/variations of the compact/Officer Model RIA. I just got one and it has the beavertail and hammer like Waldo P gun but not the same sights (just the basic GI sights). It says CS model on the box. Are there 3 different models for sale?

**vikz** · 27th July 2007, 17:17

I think you are right becs the one i put on layaway already have a beavertail but the rest is basic GI features..I know they have tactical compact, GI compact maybe the one we have is the commander style not sure though..

Originally Posted by CherokeeTad

There must be different models/variations of the compact/Officer Model RIA. I just got one and it has the beavertail and hammer like Waldo P gun but not the same sights (just the basic GI sights). It says CS model on the box. Are there 3 different models for sale?

**Waldo Pepper** · 27th July 2007, 19:31

They did import a Commander model sometime back, but it had a standard size grip and 4.25" barrel length and I think those had the extended beaver tail, same hammer, but GI sights. Ray or someone with more knowledge then I needs to comment to clear the matter up.