RIA tactical 1911 versus other RIA 1911's

[theaccountant]

I bought what I *think* is a "tactical" RIA 1911. After looking at pictures online, I'm wondering if I really do have a "tactical" (or a non-tactical.)

Does anyone know the differences between the tactical RIA 1911's and the non?

Mine does NOT have a rail, though the gun shop I bought it off of had it tagged as a tactical 1911.

[glocke12]

Just looking at the RIA website it looks obvious that the tactical is the railed gun.

Sounds like you either have the GI or the match?

Maybe post a picture?

Also, if you have not fired it yet, and wanted the tactical with the rail Id suggest taking it back to your dealer pronto.

[Exbiker]

Beavertail, 8 round mags, accessory rail, night sites, skeletonized trigger, different hammer. Post a picture of your RIA.

[snakeman21]

Beavertail, 8 round mags, accessory rail, night sites, skeletonized trigger, different hammer. Post a picture of your RIA.

Correct. Except for the rail, RIA makes a 1911 with a rail? In any case, mine is definitely the more expensive (but still affordable) "tactical" model, and does not have a rail. Below is my "Tactical" RIA, plus some Pachmayr grips... I believe the GI model is simply a milspec.



Features that make it the "Tactical model":

Extended slide release
Extended ambidextrous safety
Beavertail grip safety
Skeletal hammer
Skeletal trigger
Full length guide rod

I believe that is all, if I am forgetting anything, please correct me.

ETA: I looked at their website, and it seems that now, the tactical model does indeed come with an accessory rail... that was not the case when I bought mine 2 years ago. I'm glad I got mine when I did, I really don't like the look of it with the rail.

So, I would speculate that if yours has a rail, you have a newer tactical model. If there is no rail, but you still have all the other "upgrades" such as the full length rod, ambi safeties, and beavertail, then you have an older tactical. If you have what appears to be a milspec, I'd say you have the GI. Best option is to post a picture, as was previously stated.

[Exbiker]

[snakeman21]

Yes, this seems to be the "new" tactical model. So, a comparison:

The "old" tactical model:


The "new" tactical model:


The basic or GI model:


So, OP, I ask you: Which of these is closest to your RIA? I'm guessing the first one?

[theaccountant]

I hope the picture worked...

- I don't have a rail
- do have ambidextrious safeties
- don't have night sights
- do have the skeletonized trigger
- do have an 8 round clip
- do have the beavertail
- do have the skeletonized hammer

So, apparently, I've got the prior version of the tactical. I saw the rail on Rock Island's website (and I swear Buds' pictures of the government and the tactical look exactly the same) and figured I might not have a tactical.

Thank you for all of the replies it was very helpful!

[Exbiker]

I saw the rail on Rock Island's website (and I swear Buds' pictures of the government and the tactical look exactly the same) and figured I might not have a tactical.

Thank you for all of the replies it was very helpful!

The only thing I see different between your 1911 and snakeman is your grip isn't notched out for the thumb safety. Otherwise they look identical.

[snakeman21]

The only thing I see different between your 1911 and snakeman is your grip isn't notched out for the thumb safety. Otherwise they look identical.

Yup, his gun is the same as mine, except for the aftermarket grips and the magazine. Hey, BTW, accountant... watch out with that stock magazine... Mine literally fell apart one day at the range in the middle of shooting. Bang, bang, bangsproing! The bottom fell off, followed by the spring at high velocity, then the follower and the remaining rounds. I was like, WTF? Glad it happened at the range instead of a SD shooting. Never did find all the pieces, but I am very happy with my Chip McCormick magazine.

[keystoneman 85]

The RIA with the rail is called the RIA 2011. What you have IS the RIA Tactical.