RIA 1911 Nightmare!

M

Model12Win

Moderator
It just keeps getting worse.

After replacing the faulty slide stop on my RIA Tac II Ultra with a Wilson Combat bulletproof slide stop, I found that cured my premature slide stop issues.

Now today at the range, I put 100 rounds of Magtech 230 grain ball through the gun. On the last (and only last) round of every single magazine (using Wilson Combat ETM mags), I had awful failures to eject. On every last shot, the spent case would wedge itself like this:

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So after firing all the rounds, I noticed that the feed lips on my magazines didn't look right:

20160509_192304_1.jpg


So now my awesome tactical Rock Island 1911 won't eject the last casing and jams up horribly, AND it ruined both of the feed lips on my expensive Wilson Combat magazines. The gun ran fine on every single round except the last round in each mag.

I'm about to drop this thing, sell it for a loss. What should I do?? Please help! :(
 
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Someone smart will soon post, sounds like an extractor issue to me. Do you know how to test the extractor for proper tension?
 
Put the RIA slide stop back in and call RIA about a warranty repair. They have an excellent reputation for customer service.
 
That's the thing, I tried to file down the original slide stop as I read that is what would fix the premature slide lock. I went a little too far, to were it would only lock open with the Wilson Combat mags. So, I voided my warranty. I could always hope they wouldn't notice the new slide stop! :o

Needless to say, I'm in a bit of a pickle. :(
 
X2 for putting the ria slide stop back in and sending it back for warranty. Include the wilson stop in the box and tell them you want the wilson installed they will do that and record it to that serial number so in the future you won't have to mess with switching it back for warranty. They got my TCM running perfect after I had an issue.
 
oh....nevermind then. You filed the slide stop. I always file the magazine followers to match the gun if there's an issue. Every mag is going to be different and changing the gun might make one mag work but will likely make another not. Those feed lips likely had something to do with the problem. Likely there was nothing at all wrong with the gun.....:(
 
When an empty casing is jammed back into the barrel shroud, it is almost always the extractor. The extractor must hold the case securely as it pulls it out of the chamber until it is kicked out of the gun by the ejector. Such forward facing jams shout, "extractor tension".
 
That magazine has wadcutter feed lips.
That type magazine may or may not function with your pistol but in any case
GI or hybrid feed lips are the most suitable for 1911 pistols and standard rounds.Check extractor tension and if you don't know how to do that and fix it
send it back.
 
RIA bought mine back. Horrible purchase but good customer service.
Click to expand...

Thanks Navistar, can you please elaborate on the process? I am afraid I botched my warranty since I filed the original slide stop... if there is a way I can get them to help me though, I think I'm going to go that route. I'm just so distraught right now, terribly depressed... :(
 
I just sent you a private message.

I have a spare RIA slide stop I can send you if you like. RIA CS will make short work of your issues.
 
1911s Aren't for Everyone

Someone already gave you a direct email.
Also, here's the webpage's company contact info:
http://armscor.com/contact-us/usa-contacts/

Just because you've worked on the original RIA slide release doesn't necessarily mean they won't fix a feeding issue, possibly dealing with mags and the extractor, but could be any number of other problems.

I'm disappointed you're back on TFL with this issue.
Back on 4/20/16, you were all set to buy a Colt Rail Gun.
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=575428

Now I see you didn't even buy a Colt and, instead, bought a Rock Island Armory. As I earlier said, every one of my 1911 guns has needed work beyond what I could do, and that's seven 1911s. The initial gun's price didn't matter. Even if you did buy a Colt, both of my Colt's needed work soon after buying them.

The 1911 is not for everybody, especially those short on time, patience, and money. Twenty-eight years later, I'm much more comfortable with the four 1911s I new have, but still end up learning things and spending a bit of money on them.

Before I forget, here's Wilson's webpage for returning mags for warranty, even though the gun likely ruined the mags and the mags were likely not defective:
http://wilsoncombat.com/new/pdf/wilsoncombatreturnform.pdf
 
Thanks L-2.

I figured I'd go with the RIA because I've heard nothing but good things about them, and if I ended up not wanting a 1911, I wouldn't be out near as much if I would have sprang for a Colt.

But the thing is, I really enjoy shooting them. I am just saddened that things conspired and the gun doesn't work as well as some said it would.
 
But the thing is, I really enjoy shooting them. I am just saddened that things conspired and the gun doesn't work as well as some said it would.
Click to expand...

Lol, I'm pretty sure a number of us told you that there are no guarantees on how well any one firearm functions out of box. Filing parts doesn't help either.
 
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The 1911 is the knob twister paradise of handguns. The Dremel tool will become a friend and familiar accessory. :D
 
From your description of the problems, all you need is a competent tune on a
good extractor.
I'd be happy to help at no charge for labor if you'll pick up the return shipping.
I'd only need the slide, so shipping would be inexpensive.
If interested shoot me an e-mail at rogersp@cableone.net.
 
Thanks so much Pistolwretch, but another gracious member is mailing me a RIA slide stop so I can put it on to make it all original again so I can ship it to Rock Island so they can (hopefully) fix the darned thing. It already ruined two expensive magazines... something I'll be sure to let them know and will include the pictures along with the pistol.
 
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