[Olympus]

I owned a Citadel Compact (made by the same people who make RIA). It was easily the worst 1911 I've ever owned. The parkerizing was incredibly thin. First trip to the range and the extractor was out of tune and would throw the brass almost completely forward. Got home and noticed that the finish was so thin that the ejected cases had took a ton of little nicks out of the finish in the slide, they went all the way down to the bare metal.

Also found that the gun would not feed HP ammo of any kind. Read the manual and found that the manual says the gun was not meant to fire HP ammo and would need modification by a gunsmith to reliably feed HP ammo.

Then I started having issues with the front sight coming loose. It would loosen n the middle of a mag and I would completely lose accuracy. I tried blue Loktite and it still wouldn't help.

I ended up selling the gun after a few months. Told myself I'd never buy another Armscor 1911. YMMV

[canebrake]

If this is your first 1911, I wouldn't recommend a Officer's size.

The sub-compact 1911 is NOT a good "first-pick" to start your 1911 pattern pistol ownership path.

• It doesn't shoot like a 1911.
• It doesn't feel like a 1911.
• The sight radius is so short that it renders sight shooting useless.
• It is a great CCW.

If you are new to the 1911, if I may be so bold, I would steer you in the direction of a government size (5") in the old-school GI Spec configuration for your first.

Trust me on this one! If you get the Officer's size first, it may be your last 1911.

If you go with the Government size, you will become hooked and start your search for another.

[Belltactical]

What he said.

[coastguardgunnersmate]

Thanks for the advice, that is what ill do. I am not new to the gun scene as I am a weapon specialist for the military, however I can always use advice and a full size does make sense. Thanks

[rifleman1]

i have a standerd gi. ria i love it for the price it has yet to let me down.

[Tdizon0814]

I was thinking of getting the compact RIA 1911. Granted this will be my first 1911, any suggestions? What are the pros and cons with the compact vs 5'?

[gollygee]

Originally Posted by Tdizon0814

I was thinking of getting the compact RIA 1911. Granted this will be my first 1911, any suggestions? What are the pros and cons with the compact vs 5'?

While not the same as a sub-compact, still a different animal. I had beginner's luck & my first 1911 was a 4" Kimber & it was trouble free. But, I'd say of all the feeding issues I have read about on all the gun forums I have visited, more of the break-in problems would be with the shorter pistols.

[kytowboater]

I have the ria 1911 cs, no issues. Needs a set of grips IMO. Accurate as I can be, no feed issues ate everything from 230 fmj to 185 jhp. Not a fan of the finish but I carry it every day and it's holding up. Can't upload pics right now, it has a very snappy recoil. Muzzle flip is there so practice, practice, practice. Overall I'm in love with the gun. Best of luck to you in your choice!

[kytowboater]

12 rounds at 10 yards. Second picture is with a set of Houge grips.