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I am thinking of getting a RIA in either 3.5" bull barrel of 4" bull barrel. I read nothing but good things about the RIA 1911 and the price is good. Would use for carry only. I have a full size 1911 but just a bit to big and heavy. Would sure like an opinion from someone who has a shorter barrel 1911 as far a reliability goes.

If you go shorter than 4.25" use 200gr, for 3" barrels use 185gr ammo. Need lighter bullet to get up to useable velocity in the shorter ones.

I have a RIA CS (3.5" barrel) .45 and it's reliability is dead on.

A few things to know:

1. The shorter barrel & slide requires a heavier recoil spring. I think it's a 22 lb spring. This makes it a bit more difficult to rack the slide, which could be a problem if hand strength is an issue. It's not a problem for me.

2. Without a barrel bushing, field stripping is a bit more fussy. You will need a bent paperclip or something similar to capture the spring on the guide rod. It can be done without one, but the heavier recoil spring means it takes more hand strength to deal with it.

3. There are 2 versions of the CS. The GI version has very small sights, similar to the original M1911. They didn't work well with my 60 year old eyes, so I purchased some Trijicon night sights and had a friend install them for me. The "Tactical" comes with much better sights, but they're not night sights.

4. Sort of in line with what gigag posted, mine is not very accurate with 230gr practice ammo. Fortunately, it is very accurate with my chosen carry load, Hornady Critical Defense (185gr).

5. It has a lifetime warranty. That's for the life of the pistol, including any subsequent owners... even a used pistol is covered. Not bad for a $400 1911!

I have theRIA FS 1911 as well as the Compact Tactical. Agree with Pawpaw's #1 and #2 coments. Both my FS and Comapct tactical are dead on inside 15yards, POA is POI with 200gr Berry's PFP with 7.0 gr Unique. With Speer GDHP POI is about 1" above POA with the Compact, close enough for me.

Thanks for the input guys. Probably get the 4".

Not to rain on your parade, but the 1911 pattern guns with barrels under 4.25" (Commander) have spotty reputations for reliability. Jim Higginbotham, who has probably forgotten more about John M. Browning's most notable design than many so-called experts will ever know, will only carry 5" or 4.25" guns. He says even with expert tuning, the short barreled guns are still too problematic for him.

I don't know if .25" less barrel makes the 4" gun fall into that category. I would think about it.

i have an American Classic "Amigo" 3.5" which is made by RIA -- basically just a fancier version -- havent had any issues out of it and it's very accurate also -- as for ammo its shot everything i have put in it from 230gr hollow points to 185gr swc hollow points -- actually been debating on selling it cause i dont carry it since got the glock 30 but really like the little gun -- i do think it could be hit or miss on smaller 1911's -- have seen some and had some that worked perfect no issues ever -- then seen others that are just nothing but problems