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  #1  
Old 02-09-2015, 10:47 PM
Viss Viss is offline
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Default RIA 1911

Hello gents, the local farm supply store haves RIA mil spec 1911 for $399.00.

I have for a while considered buying two of these from an online source with no shipping, but I would have my transfer fees. My intention is to gift one to my son and one to my son in law to help them get started.

I am familiar with RIA 45’s and think they make a decent entry level pistol.

My question is this, later down the road can the milspect rear sight be driven out and replaced with a Novack style sight .

What are the pit falls in this thinking process. Thanks in advance for your thoughts. Dave
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Old 02-09-2015, 10:54 PM
shawn mccarver shawn mccarver is offline
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The Novak sight will require milling the slide for the rear sight and also for the matching dovetail front sight.
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Old 02-09-2015, 11:08 PM
gregintenn gregintenn is offline
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I got replacement sights for my Rock Island from a place called fusion firearms. They are three dot, and work great.

The rear sight is dovetailed, but a different size from the Novak cut.

The front sight on mine at least is staked.
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Old 02-09-2015, 11:15 PM
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The RIA aren't bad choices as a basis for a custom build, but not outstanding. The old Chinese Norincos are as good or better.

The mil spec you are looking at will require significant work and expense to install a Novak.

The RIAs I've handled and shot all worked fine.

RIAs are a bit rough and RIA seems enamored of full length guide rods.
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Old 02-09-2015, 11:28 PM
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Not interested in a custom build , good to know the boys can change sight in the future if they want to. Thanks for the replies. Dave
..
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Old 02-10-2015, 07:12 AM
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Armscor, who makes RIA, also makes the Citadel M-1911 that comes with Novak sights. You should be able to locate them on Bud's in the $450 range. They are made in the same plant with the same parts as RIAThe Citadel is basically a RIA with gun bling like upgraded trigger, hammer, thumb safety, slide release, guide rod, etc. They are great guns that shoot well.

Here's a picture of my Citadel.
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File Type: jpg citadel with grips.jpg (80.7 KB, 25 views)
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Old 02-10-2015, 08:49 AM
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I like the idea of the citadel. I looked at them on Buds in the past.

It adds another $150.00 for 2 of them.

Probably the way to go, I am going to ask the guys at the gun counter if they can get the citadel. If its the same price as buds it’s a no brainer.

Thanks all, Dave
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Old 02-11-2015, 12:35 PM
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Some of the newer RIA's come with Novak sights. 9mm Compact Tactical I bought last year.
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Old 02-11-2015, 01:00 PM
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If the Novak sight is too big(tight)to fit in the RIA milled slot, you can just remove material from the bottom of the Novak until it fits.
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Old 02-11-2015, 01:21 PM
robertrwalsh robertrwalsh is offline
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I have a RIA government model in .38 super. I did change the sights out as my old eyes get along much better with HiViz sights these days. Other than that the pistol has run very well for me. I took it through the four day class at Front Sight a while back with only one problem, the front sight tube broke and it was easily replaced. Mechanically the gun has been excellent.
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Old 02-11-2015, 02:00 PM
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My 1911's have the standard sights. I can shoot them accurately.
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Old 02-11-2015, 03:05 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by stringpicker View Post
Armscor, who makes RIA, also makes the Citadel M-1911 that comes with Novak sights. You should be able to locate them on Bud's in the $450 range. They are made in the same plant with the same parts as RIAThe Citadel is basically a RIA with gun bling like upgraded trigger, hammer, thumb safety, slide release, guide rod, etc. They are great guns that shoot well.

Here's a picture of my Citadel.
IMHO, FOR AN EXTRA $50. OR SO, THIS WOULD BE THE WAY TO GO…..
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