[LongBaller71]

Just finished reassembling my modified and refinished RIA 45. Had to share a few poor cell phone pics. I'm pretty happy with the outcome of the whole thing.

I put on a new beavertail, new Warrior rear sight, adjusted the trigger pull slightly, and refinished with Duracoat Satinless shake n spray. I'll be putting together a detailed thread of the whole process this weekend; with better pics I hope.

[kytowboater]

That looks great. I've contemplated the duracoat in the same color. How's it look in person?

[SSGN_Doc]

Looks good. You'll probably want another front sight to match height with your new rear, and also because the stainless will be harder to see in the sunlight.

Good job though on the finish.

Looking forward to the deatails on your experience with using the Shake and spray Duracoat.

[canebrake]

Great job Dave.

[MrWray]

You did a great job there dave

[LongBaller71]

Thanks guys!

It really looks pretty good up close. I was pleasantly surprised. There is an almost minute "hammered" steel look to it. I'm fairly certain a coat of duracoat clear would really smooth that out. Honestly, I like it this way. Really shows nice. Another couple weeks before it gets fired, or even cycled more than a couple times, to allow for as much cure time as possible. Doubt it needs that long, but better safe than sorry.

The front sight will get a coat of black this weekend. I didn't want to unstake the original myself. The rear sight picture is only a tiny fraction higher than the old from what I can tell. That said, I have the matching small tenon front ready if needed. I'll have to have someone do that part for me. A little sceeered of staking yet.

[Rick1967]

Nice job Dave. Looks good.

[G23]

Hello,
I'm wondering if it is a 1911 or a 1911 A1? I have a 1911 Replica that I hand built it is a perfect replica EXCEPT the trigger and the grip panels (which I have on order) I guess I am a stickler for authentizum.to me a 1911 is a WW l and a WW ll. Dont get me wrong, I think yours is reall nice. (just not for me).
But it shouldn't matter what other people think YOU LIKE IT AND THAT IS WHAT MATTERS...
Best of luck my friend
Clayton

If you like to see some pics of it
please send me an e-mail to
clayton_smith@rocketmail.com
and I will be glad to send you some

[canebrake]

[QUOTE=G23;929224]Hello, I'm wondering if it is a 1911 or a 1911 A1? I have a 1911 Replica that I hand built it is a perfect replica EXCEPT the trigger and the grip panels (which I have on order) I guess I am a stickler for authentizum.to me a 1911 is a WW l and a WW ll. Dont get me wrong, I think yours is reall nice. (just not for me).
But it shouldn't matter what other people think YOU LIKE IT AND THAT IS WHAT MATTERS...
Best of luck my friend
Clayton



Are you referring to the difference between the M1911 and the M1911A1?



Dave's RIA is based off the M1911A1. Most commercial GI spec offerings today use the M1911A1 as a base.

[LongBaller71]

Exactly. Thanks, Cane.

Here's the base GI spec model that this began life as:


When I picked it up at a local gun show, it had a WC trigger and hammer already installed:


I decided to add a beavertail grip safety and then better sights. Both just for personal preference and a better shooting experience for me. After working on the frame for the GS, it needed to refinished. Rather than the same old parkerized finish, I went the opposite direction with stainless duracoat:




I like the WWI & WWII era 1911s as well. I also feel they should remain as original and stock as possible. That being said; this RIA is light years away from an antique Colt or RR, and mods/upgrades are just fine by me. Not to mention fun as hades to do on your own.