yes, that longer pin is necessary for the RIA style ambi safety. there is a small notch or groove in the pin and the edge of the ambi safety rides in that groove. this keeps the safety from working its way out of the frame.

the more popular ambi safety design uses an extended tab on the right side safety. this requires a small pocket to be cut in the underside of the right side grip and the tab just sits in that pocket.

the advantage of the RIA design is it doesn't require the special pocket cut on the grip. the advantage to the other design is that, due to its popularity, it's easy to swap out ambi safeties if you want a different design. the pocket cut on the grips isn't hard to find nowadays, so it's better imo. the RIA is easily converted to the other style.

2/17/2015 6:42:57 PM

mine is more like this one, sorry for the added detail, but i feel like the pin is so close to the grip panel it either digs in a little OR the ria grip panel actually has a tiny notch to accommodate the pin.

wont know for sure until i take the grip panel off, or maybe you know, but seems like this would limit aftermarket grip selection somewhat (unless i just trimmed them of course).

2/17/2015 6:47:02 PM

here's the thread where i was looking into this:

http://www.thehighroad.org/archive/index.php/t-736311.html

i had to deal with the usual gun forum douchebag responses

i changed the slick wood grips on my RIA tactical over to some cheap plastic checkered grips just to get me by until i changed the ambi safety over to the other style and changed grips. i had to do some dremeling on them, but i don't think it was in that pin area.

[Edited on February 17, 2015 at 6:50 PM. Reason : da]

2/17/2015 6:47:59 PM

separate question:

the novak sight on the back of this thing, if i want to adjust it how far do i have to screw the set screw out? before i do anything is it loctited?

once thats loosened how much pressure will actually move the sight itself?

or possibly replace with this:

http://www.amazon.com/Kensight-Defense-Adjustable-Sight-Recessed/dp/B003PKOKN0/

[Edited on February 17, 2015 at 6:59 PM. Reason : -]

2/17/2015 6:55:51 PM

yes, it is loctited. i did not have much trouble getting the set screw loosened, but when it came time to drift out the rear sight, i banged on it a lot. they put loctite or some other adhesive in the dovetail itself. i ended up buying a sight pusher just to get it out (good tool to have around anyway. you'll be so popular at the range. )

http://www.sightpusher.com/

2/17/2015 7:00:51 PM

what did you end up installing?

what do you think of ^ kensight?

2/17/2015 7:05:44 PM

be advised that the RIA dovetails are slightly different than true novak style dovetails. there are some slight dimension changes, but a good smith can change them over to true novak dimensions.

or, you can buy sights with RIA dovetail dimensions from http://www.dawsonprecision.com

they sell good stuff

helpful link: http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=318692

i've been through all of this before on my RIA 1911. i got the fiber optic sight set from dawson. it's nice and comes with an aluminum drift punch for installation. a little filing may be necessary. buy some decent needle files if you can, or just pay a smith. dawson has videos on youtube showing how to fit dovetail sights.

[Edited on February 17, 2015 at 7:07 PM. Reason : no experience with kensight. looks decent. i didn't really want/need adjustable.]

2/17/2015 7:06:16 PM

sheesh, i didnt know there were so many RIA specific things. i should probably just leave it alone.

id really like an adjustable rear; how much different are the dimensions? why did they do that?

what else is "off?" im really happy with the gun otherwise.

2/17/2015 7:10:09 PM

the safety swap is easily DIY. if you can live without adjustable sights, then Dawson offers an excellent option for upgrading sights. or you can mail your slide to them and have it cut for novaks.

i don't really see the need for adjustable sights on this sort of 1911. you can adjust windage with a sight pusher and you can adjust elevation with a taller front sight and/or a file. just set the gun up to be on at say 15 or 20 yds with a standard 230 gr ball and it shouldn't matter. if it does matter, then you probably wouldn't have been going with an RIA anyway.

those are the only weird things about the RIA, i think. they're good guns for the money, but they do have their quirks.

2/17/2015 7:16:55 PM

after some research, i, too, thought i should just leave the thing alone or sell it and get something more standard. glad i didn't. got a buddy to duracoat it in trade for some surplus AR parts, got the fiber optics from dawson, and a set of VZ grips. it hangs with my buddy's Springfield.

2/17/2015 7:19:57 PM

what was involved with changing the front sight? used the same sight pusher? was it a pita too?

2/17/2015 7:21:39 PM

front sight came out with the drift punch, but it would've been nice to have the pusher

2/17/2015 7:29:26 PM

looks like the ria rear cut is more shallow but the same angles as novak. gunsmith would need to take material off the bottom and keep it square.

more than likely i just need to practice with it more in its current configuration.

thanks for the insight; lucky that youve gone through all this with the same model.

2/17/2015 7:34:10 PM

so whats the point of the set screw in the rear sight? did it just hold it still while the loctite dried around the dovetail? did they use red?

once the loctite is broken if i was to get a sight pusher is it still pretty stiff or would i need to loctite it again once zeroed?

2/17/2015 8:00:48 PM

idk what the purpose of the set screw is. whatever adhesive they used wasn't red. if you simply wanted to adjust the factory sight with the pusher, no, i don't think you'd need more adhesive. i think it would hold just fine.

2/17/2015 8:07:29 PM

I just finished another build:

I bought this upper last year for my SBR. I wanted an alternative to the suppressed 11.5", so I bought a 7.5".
I picked up a stripped lower and lpk in a group buy a couple weeks ago ($100)

The intent was to make another carbine, but decided just to go the 'pistol' route to utilize the spare upper I had sitting in the safe.

Paid $500 for the upper, $80 for the PA micro, and have $170 in the lower.
The extra cost in the lower is the Seekins FDE mag release, FDE KNS pins, YHM easy pull td pins.
Grand total: $750

Upper has 9" Troy Alpha rail and KAK flashcan.



[Edited on February 20, 2015 at 8:15 PM. Reason : .]

2/20/2015 8:12:14 PM

can we discuss how BATFE has officially gone full-retard with the sig arm brace decision? fire it as a pistol and you're legal, but as soon as it touches your shoulder, you are in violation of federal law. rofl.

2/20/2015 9:19:06 PM

is that the latest? Not only is that fucking retarded, it seems to me that they made their bed with their first decision, and they should now have to stand by it rather than changing the rules in the middle of the game.

2/20/2015 9:35:19 PM

they issued a decision that essentially said "uh, all those letters we sent before saying this was ok are revoked"

[Edited on February 20, 2015 at 9:38 PM. Reason : like i said, full retard]

[Edited on February 20, 2015 at 9:38 PM. Reason : this decision certainly keeps us safer]

2/20/2015 9:37:44 PM

Full retard.

They also said that they only changed their opinion because of all the letters they received, and the ridiculous propositions people were submitting.

2/20/2015 9:45:38 PM

So has the sig arm brace prices been jacked up with all the people rushing to buy them before a potential ban on them?

2/20/2015 11:07:18 PM

Their illegal to use in the way people want, so prices are dropping more than rising.
The consensus seems to be: I'll do what I want, screw you. Even with that, the prices have dropped about $20 on average so far.

2/20/2015 11:19:07 PM

I like the look of the can inside the handguard, but it won't work with my current quick detach can. I'm contemplating whether my next can will be a screw-on 308 can or if I want to go with something bigger that could handle all the way up to 50cal. I seriously doubt I'd ever own a 50, but I could see a 300 winmag or 338 Lapua at some point in the future.

2/21/2015 12:08:42 AM

There are .30 cal cans that will handle .338. I would get one of those before I stepped up to a can for a .50.

2/21/2015 7:33:24 AM

.50 cans are pretty rediculous. They are the size of your arm and probably weigh just as much.

You must have more space to shoot your big calibers than I do.

2/21/2015 11:14:27 AM

I'd like to be able to shoot 45-70 out of it at some point in the future, or possibly even 458 SOCOM if I ever change my thoughts on that round and decide I want one. It's not really about wanting to shoot long range; I currently only have enough space to shoot about 500 yards safely. My stubby 20" 700SPS in 308 can handle those kind of distance no problem for anything I would want to hunt in NC or MD. Maybe I'd get the chance to take it out west or to Alaska one day where I could use it, but I doubt that will ever happen.

Like most of my firearms, a 338Lapua would be more of a range toy than a purposeful firearm. I could whittle my firearm collection down to just a shotgun and a 308 rifle if this was about having firearms that met my needs, but what's the fun in that?

You're right though, 50cal cans are a good 6" longer and $1,000 more than a 338LM rated can. For that amount of cost, I may just buy a 338LM can and Form 1 a homemade can for 45-70.

2/21/2015 11:51:27 AM

shoot 45-70 out of what?

2/21/2015 11:53:49 AM

I'd kind of like to one day build a De Lisle style gun on a converted Lee Enfield for 45-70, but I think it's more likely I'll end up using a Marlin lever action when the time comes to actually do it.

The main thing I'd like to accomplish is building a hard hitting subsonic gun that is humane to hunt deer with. Since I can't modify the speed of sound, the only way to increase the energy is to increase the weight of the bullet. 45-70 does that very nicely - a subsonic 500gr bullet should still be delivering over 1000 ft-lbs of energy at 100-150yds.

2/21/2015 12:53:42 PM

Joined both the CZ and expensive knife club today at the CLT gun show:

CZ 75 P-07 Duty .40
The gun slide is slightly wider, and gun is slightly heavier than a G23. I'm actually surprised at the trigger. 8lb double action, 4lb single action. Reset is a little longer than ideal, but not bad. The recoil is intense though; way more than I was expecting, though I was using 165grn JHP Gold Dots.

Got it for $70 under dealer cost, brand new.



Zero Tolerance 0770CF
This is a spring assist opener. 3oz total weight with the carbon fiber grips. Super sharp. Didn't get a screaming deal, but slightly less than what I can find online.


[Edited on February 21, 2015 at 3:19 PM. Reason : .]

2/21/2015 3:16:23 PM

CZ pistols have always felt like they had more recoil than they should to me. Not sure if it's the ergonomics of the grip or if the buffer spring is undersized. A buddy of mine had a CZ72 that felt like it was going to beat itself apart with the recoil.

2/21/2015 4:26:15 PM

How about my SBR with a 5" barrel and 7.5" spikes tactical rail

2/21/2015 10:08:34 PM

I'd probably change the rail out, and upgrade the stock, but looks like a fun package.
I'm still being lazy and haven't gotten around to the stamp for my 9mm AR.

2/21/2015 10:56:30 PM

Quote :

"Anyone know a good place to get a Vortex Viper PST 4-16x50 for under $699? That's the best price I have found so far but would like to save some coin where I can."

Did you ever find anywhere cheaper? I'm looking for the FFP version (MRAD), and it seems Vortex has increased their Minimum Advertised Price over the last couple years.

Back in 2013, I could get this same optic for $743

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=641467

Now the cheapest I can find anywhere is $899

2/22/2015 1:53:00 AM

^^What's wrong with my stock?

Not sure why I should change out the rail. Works fine for my Eotech and he Spike's tactical is hardly being utilized.

2/22/2015 8:03:07 AM

I'm just not a fan of a standard stock, especially when a magpul can be had for <$40.
Same preference with quad rails. No need for all the extra rail space and increased weight.

2/22/2015 8:58:31 AM

^^^ I ended up getting the SFP version for $499 at Euro Optics. They might still have it at that price if you are willing to go with SFP. I wanted it over FFP so it worked for me. I know there are some shops that can get them to you cheaper but you have to call and ask. I was told that Liberty Optics will do that, was told to call 406-827-6543 and talk to Scott but I found it for $499 so I didn't bother. Apparently they can't advertise the lower prices they sell them for.

Now I need rings and a base, thinking of going with Seekings.

2/22/2015 9:51:51 AM

^^ man I hate quad rails. Increased weight and shitty to hold on to.

[Edited on February 22, 2015 at 9:56 AM. Reason : Promotive.com has killed deals if you have any means to register.]

2/22/2015 9:55:14 AM

Spikes tactical rails are the shit. Look them up - very light weight for quad rails. I don't wrap my hands around them, as I have the grip below it. I'll likely at a light on the side, not sure of what else I may add, but that is why I paid a little extra for the Spike's Tactical rail ($220 I think).

I'm used to the standard stock from my AR-15, so I kept it simple. I could have had a different one, but I'm already comfortable with that one. If you saw and/or shot this, I think you'd understand that this is very light weight and extremely bad ass. Also put on an upgraded gas busting charging handle.

2/22/2015 10:15:35 AM

Selling my Ruger LCP (.380) if anyone is interested. Only has about 100 rounds through it and has performed flawlessly thus far. $300 for everything pictured, which includes about $100 worth of extras: box of 25 Hornady Critical Defense hollowpoints (90 gr), box of range ammo (75% full), a good quality leather ITB holster, a DeSantis pocket holster, a Hogue grip sleeve, and Pearce grip extension. PM me if interested. $300 is firm btw. Cheers.

2/22/2015 2:07:20 PM

^^could be the lightest and most well built quad rail on the planet and I would still go with another option.
The new KMR rails from noveske and guiselle(sp?), or even BCM for that matter are super light,s trong, and you can just add rail or attachments where you want them.

2/22/2015 3:23:34 PM

anyone messed with a FNX-45 Tactical?

2/23/2015 12:03:47 AM

I've got one. I dont have any other sa/da pistols to compare it with, but it is very accurate and easy to clean.

2/23/2015 12:33:20 AM

What would you guys recommend for an entry level 4"ish 9mm? I've been looking for something around $400 range. The s&w sd9ve looks like a good value but the no safety thing bothers me. Also in that range is the ruger 9e. You guys have any other recommendations?

2/23/2015 1:58:09 PM

If the hand feel is important to you, you can get those quad rail covers that go over the parts of rail that are not utilized. The increased weight be would be pretty small. But yeah, typically without a fore grip, they kinda suck to hold onto.

2/23/2015 2:05:56 PM

^^ Safeties are overrated. Go a little over your $400 cap and get a Glock 17/19 or a S&W M&P 9/9c. The Springfield Armory XDs and the Ruger SR9 aren't bad options wither and they should meet your $400 mark.

[Edited on February 23, 2015 at 4:15 PM. Reason : typing accuracy FTL]

2/23/2015 3:47:36 PM

Quote :

"^^ Safeties are overrated. Go a little over your $400 cap and get a Glock 17/19 or a S&M MP 9/9c. The Springfield Armory XDs and the Ruger SR9 aren't bad options wither and they should meet your $400 mark."

This. I consider external safeties to be a negative on a pistol, the only one I have that has a safety on it is a .22 I have just for plinking.

2/23/2015 3:57:49 PM

Agreed

2/23/2015 4:27:12 PM

I don't mind safeties. Especially for pocket carry. That being said, only 1 of my pistols has a safety (other than the XDs, which really are a different category).

Also, I really like my Springfield XDs.

[Edited on February 23, 2015 at 4:39 PM. Reason : .]

2/23/2015 4:38:59 PM

I wish the XDs was lighter.

2/23/2015 4:47:21 PM

I will only carry it rarely. I want something to keep at home and have fun with at the range, but is small enough to carry or out in my truck if I felt so inclined.

2/23/2015 4:53:36 PM