RIA question about compatibility

[Scibaer]

found this statement online, on wikipedia, about RIA's ..
The general specifications for Rock Island Armory 1911 pistols are: 100% part compatibility with US G.I.
is that true ? any US GI 1911 parts wound fit, drop in or work on a RIA ?

[Savage]

Ended up with a RIA "Tactical" in a trade.  In the process of making the pistol semi reliable, I had to replace the mag catch. I had three on hand from different manufacturers, none would fit without modification. First time I've seen that problem on a 1911 pattern pistol, other than Llama, that is.
Savage

[Scibaer]

well, why i ask is , that i have a few handguns that im trading in and getting a 1911.
my local gun shop has several diff makes and i just am doing some basic research before i start looking hard.
i started out wanting the new remmy r1 , but they have a few RIA's that look real nice too.
i never got the whole 1911 thing but after read a thread about how great they are i decided wanted one for myself ..
so , here i go into another firearm adventure , but i want some foundation

[Savage]

Seems most who buy the RIAs speak well of them.
Savage

[Scibaer]

yeah i read that guys with RIA's seem to speak of them like they are great guns.
so , maybe thats enough, i dunno.
or should i spend the extra money and get the new remmy . its  a tough one

[Savage]

Seems that a large percentage who purchase these are first time 1911 buyers. Based on what they have read about 1911s, when they get one that runs for $400 they think anyone would be nuts to pay $1000 for another brand. Most of these pistols will likely never see 1k rds in 10ys. In this instance the owner is well served. Based on the one example I have, I would recommend spending  little more for a Springfield, Taurus, Colt, or an entry level Kimber. I have not handled or shot the Remington, so can't venture an opinion on those. The 1911 is a great platform. It's easy to love. I know you'll enjoy yours, whatever you end up with.
Savage

[Scibaer]

ok savage, thanks for your input. i get what your saying.
i do plan on shooting whatever one i pick and it will be a sidearm when hog , bear and deer hunting.
so i will aim a bit higher than the RIA when i get to the shop, so to speak.

[Keith L]

My first was a Llama that almost soured me forever to 1911s.  It was like many things where I bought the cheapest thing I could find first, later getting what I should have started with.  My current 1911 is a Kimber and it is a keeper.  I now wait until I can afford something other than the cheapest example.  I find often you get what you pay for.

[Richard P]

While a RIA and certainly a Llama are never going to be Kimbers, the RIA is advertised to be compatible with GI 1911s.  That's what they say.  I'd say do some reading in the RIA section of 1911forum.com. 
For the $ involved they make a great entry level 1911. If you need a 45 or 38Super on the 1911 frame that is a good general use semi-auto they are fine.  rp

[Scibaer]

thanks for the heads up on the 1911 forum.
looks like that can be some very useful reading right  there..

but, like Keith L said, i'm thinking i'll put a bit more money in the coffer and get a little better running 1911.

[jcn59]

I have 2 RIA in .38 Super with around 300 rounds through each and a Taurus in .38 Super & another in .45 acp.  No probs yet with any of them.  Also a 15+ y.o. Thompson with many rounds down the pipe & no problems yet.  The Tauri shoot about like my Les Baer, with the limiting factor being my (lack of) vision.