RIA Tactical Compact .45

[mhm2a]

So I was on Gunbroker.com the other evening when I got the urge to look for a budget 1911 variant. This fit the bill and low and behold the seller was in Nashville. That was obviously a sign so I had to buy it, right.

If you have the urge just contact Phil at Bellshire Hardware and he can make it happen. He has several of these beauties in stock and ready to rock.

I did not really know there were so many differences between the tactical model and the prior version. A few of the major improvements are a dovetail front sight, enhanced trigger, different grips, etc...It is my first 1911 and should be a great beginner platform. I will keep you updated on how she shoots.

[Guest TurboniumOxide]

I want one of these so bad. Maybe bad enough to drive to nashville. How much was it if you don't mind my asking?

[TGO David]

Unsolicited word of advice: Take it and shoot the hell out of it before you trust it enough to start carrying it. Short (sub 4") 1911s are notoriously bad about jamming. Several of the big-name 1911 smiths are very vocal about not going shorter than 4" on them.

[mhm2a]

Turboniumoxide,

It was $439 plus tax and background check. I think that Phil @ Bellshire Hardware can arrange shipping to you from Nashville. Obviously, it will cost you little more but it would only be a two hour drive for you from Chattanooga.

TGO David,

I have heard the same thing about many name brand 1911's. It is kind of a crap shoot when you get into a compact, but at least I will not have much invested and I wont feel so bad about taking out the jewelers files and making this one work the way I want it to. Thanks for the advice.

[Magiccarpetrides]

nice gun...dont forget the range report!

[mhm2a]

Just need to locate some ammo and I will begin the range report!

[Oh Shoot]

Isn't "tactical compact" an oxymoron?

- OS

[mhm2a]

Update:

Range Report - I put the 1st 100 rounds downrange without a hiccup. I shot Atlanta Arms Reloads and Blazer Brass 230 grain FMJ. It is a very accurate gun and the sites are on the money from the factory. The factory seven round mag works fine and next time around I will try some JHP rounds to check for any feeding issues. Came home field stripped the gun, inspected, lubed, and everything looks as it should be. I will keep this post updated with any problems that I experience along the way.

My only complaint is that this pistol has some rough/sharp edges in a couple of places that will need to be massaged out. Hopefully, I will get the opportunity to put another 100 rounds through it this weekend.

[Guest TurboniumOxide]

That's great to hear that it behaved at the range. This piece is on top of my list. Nice set of features and a good price too at the mid 4 bill range. Might just have to go and visit my good buddy in Nashville and take a detour by Bellshire... Thanks for the range report.

[Guest 2HOW]

Unsolicited word of advice: Take it and shoot the hell out of it before you trust it enough to start carrying it. Short (sub 4") 1911s are notoriously bad about jamming. Several of the big-name 1911 smiths are very vocal about not going shorter than 4" on them.

Yes, the pistol was designed to shoot out of a 5" barrel , FTF is the doom of all steep ramp 1911 designs.

[Guest abailey362]

that was the death of my kimber ultra carry. it would feed any type of ball amo i put in it. anything else would nose dive. a lot of 1911's dont like JHP, but especially the small ones. maybe you can get the ramp angle right and have it run flawless. like you said, it's a good cheapie to get the method down right on

[mhm2a]

I am waiting on some new mags so I can put some rounds through it within the next couple of weeks. I plan on putting another 250 rounds of FMJ and 100 JHP's before I make a decision on carry worthiness. I will keep you posted.

[mhm2a]

Update: Another 100 flawless rounds of mixed ball ammo with no malfunctions. I also tried a few new mags including kimber, wilson tactical, and factory. All officer size 7 rounders. The slide did not lock back on two occasions with the kimber mags? No problems otherwise.

[nolo]

I just picked one of these up for a build too, but not the tactical. I have about 100 through it and only 1 ftf, which was my fault. I have shot wwb, buffalo bore +P, and Hornady TAP +P. I'm a pretty big fan.

[Guest Tusculum]

Got mine from SOG. 5". Bought 200 rds of OMC from Wally World and had 3 jams from the first box. 2nd box ran without a flaw. After the brass polished the ramp you can run anything through it. Great gun for the money. Every part will interchange with Colt. I have read articles where people have put 10K rds through the RI without anything wearing. Thanks, Jack

[mhm2a]

The plan is 500 rounds of mixed FMJ, then some JHP's after that. I will try to keep this thread alive with updates.

[Guest Xd9]

I have the RIA compact and have had no issues it ran great just gotta find more ammo