I Jazzed Up My R.I.A. With Some New Grips

[billt]

I got sick of looking at the stock wood grips that came on my Rock Island Armory G.I. Model 9 MM, so I picked these up from Dan Eagle Grips. I had a tough time getting the old ones off. The screws were really tight, but finally came off without backing out the bushings. After I got the screws out, the old grips wouldn't budge. So I field stripped it and found a clear piece of 3/8" Lucite rod I had laying around. Working from the inside through the magwell, first from the top, then the bottom, I kept gently prying until one side popped loose. Then it was easy to tap the other one out. 1911's are always an adventure to replace grips on. I always keep spare bushings and screws on hand, just in case. As well as a bushing removal tool and a tap.

The new grips needed some fitting where the slide stop plunger is inletted into the top of the left grip. (You can see in the photo how much taller the new grips sit on the frame). But I took my time with a riffler file, and now they fit perfectly. Anyway, the gun looks a lot better. These grips are also thicker and fit my hand better. They also come with new gold plated screws and O-Rings, which is a nice touch. The bottom photo is what the gun looked like with the factory grips.

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[Joe Link]

Those completely change the look of the gun, well done!

 

[dangerranger]

I'm just curious how you like the RIA? Once I leave CA I want to build a custom 1911 with interchangeable top ends that would let me shoot 9mm, 38 Super, 357 Sig, and 40 cal. all of those use the same magazine's and ejector. So all I would need to swap would be the slide up.
I'm envisioning something like the Dan Wesson Shooters Pak, in a case.

I wondering if the RIA would make a good starting point?
What do you think? DR

 

[billt]

I'm just curious how you like the RIA? DR

I think Rock Island Armory produces one of the best 1911's out there. Especially when you consider how reasonably priced they are. The quality level is very high, and their triggers are excellent. And mine is the lower end G.I. Model. Some of the higher grade models are even better. I would not hesitate to buy another one. Not for a second.

 

[Joe Link]

I think Rock Island Armory produces one of the best 1911's out there. Especially when you consider how reasonably priced they are. The quality level is very high, and their triggers are excellent. And mine is the lower end G.I. Model. Some of the higher grade models are even better. I would not hesitate to buy another one. Not for a second.

I remember when they first came out they were dirt cheap compared to all the other 1911's. Good to hear they're still one of the better ones.

 

[Wyallan]

Might get one,sounds great,wyallan

 

[CAMPMEAT]

RIA has been around since the 50's. I have a 10mm and a 22TCM in RIA. Love 'em. I'd take my 10mm with me wolf hunting in Idaho in a chest rig.

 

[Joe Link]

RIA has been around since the 50's. I have a 10mm and a 22TCM in RIA. Love 'em. I'd take my 10mm with me wolf hunting in Idaho in a chest rig.

Wow, I didn't realize they've been around so long.

 

[CAMPMEAT]

Made in the Philippines too. The American office is in Pahrump Nv.

 

[thorborg]

Those are sweet! About as good as a new paint job on your favorite ride.

 

[Joe Link]

Those are sweet! About as good as a new paint job on your favorite ride.

It's incredible how new grips completely change the look of a gun.

 

[billt]

These are the grips.

https://www.amazon.com/Rosewood-Dia...16898064&sr=8-4&keywords=dan+eagle+grips+1911

They also come in faux Ivory with Rosewood, instead of Mother Of Pearl in case you like a bit less bling.

https://www.amazon.com/Rosewood-Dia...16898064&sr=8-3&keywords=dan+eagle+grips+1911

 

[Joe Link]

They also come in faux Ivory with Rosewood, instead of Mother Of Pearl in case you like a bit less bling.

First link is dead. I definitely like my bling

 

[CAMPMEAT]

Brownells is having free shipping today on any order till midnight I think.

 

[madmike262]

Dont know much about Rock Island 1911 but would sure like to handle one.Anyone know of any stores in Tucson that carry them.

 

[CAMPMEAT]

Dont know much about Rock Island 1911 but would sure like to handle one.Anyone know of any stores in Tucson that carry them.

I'd say just about any big gun store. I'm going to try Murphys. I asked a Prison Guard I know and he said that is the best gun store in Tucson. Guess I'll find out.

 

[madmike262]

Let me know if you see any RIA at Murphys

 

[CAMPMEAT]

Let me know if you see any RIA at Murphys

I will do that for you. I'm going to several actually. I'm having a mans day in Tucson w/o my wife.........gun shopping, powder shopping, target shopping etc.

 

[madmike262]

Oh I dont remember when I did that .Although I am going shooting tomorrow.Yeah About 4months ago I was looking at a number of shops but havent found any RIA.Of course my friends would shun me saying its Phillipino.But I did shut them up after exstensive research I got a Canik Sf Elite.Its really a good gun and has beat out several Walthers.Ive got a couple of 1911 Govt mods.Need a Commander lenght.I was looking at a Ruger lightweight it was pretty sweet.

 

[CAMPMEAT]

I've been looking at the 10mm for hunting. I already have the RIA w/5 inch and a Glock 29sf in 10mm. I've been looking at the Ruger SR 1911 and the STI Marauder 10mm. I'm old and confused..