RA makes a decent DS1911. I got a 10MM Big Rock a few years ago and it's been a very good piece of hardware. A little heavy but not to bad. That EGW kit sound like a good addition.
I shot a guys who knows some gunsmithing and it was exceptional. I was amazed at the overall feel and the trigger. Definitely a good project Gun. He’d done a fair amount of work and I couldn’t believe it started as a sub $1000 gun
@@SkipsGunz a few more details…..I drove to Cincinnati to buy a Bul Armory SAS2 Air from someone who wanted the cash to buy a bullesteros open gun. He was training under a master gunsmith and loved 2011’s. After I ran a couple mags through the Bul and was satisfied I’d buy it, he let me shoot his RIA that he was carrying to “see what can be done with a little love and some new parts”. I was impressed, especially given the price point. A sad post script is I heard through the grapevine that he died in a motorcycle crash this spring. Only 30 ish. RIP.
I bought one of those RIA a couple years ago and it’s been nothing but reliable. I’ve been considering having it cut for an optic. Damn good guns for the price
IMO Rock Island are the best bang for money. I have 4 a 9mm DS, 10mm DS 45 skinny and 22 TCM top end. The quality of the gun you get for the price is far more than most. Down side is the weight, my 10mm is a Beast, it's heavy, the 9mm isn't as bad but still has some weight being a steel frame gun. The 22 TCM have a lighter recoil spring, given that he may have just left it in the 9mm barrel. Hayes has been doing the Rock Island for a while and does really good work.
Great!! I've got a 10mm I would like to send you for the egw internals, a tool less guide rod, ported, and ceracoated. can you give me a breakdown of the cost? I might have to send it to you a couple times to get it done. Thanks.
I love it! I own a Remington R1 Tactical Double Stack 45 that i have replaced everything except for the slide, barrel, frame and a few small things, the grips, grip screws, and sights that came with it because they are decent. Replaced everything with Wilson Combat Bulletproof internals and hammer, grip safety, springs, mainspring housing, simi extended slide stop, thick barrel bushing, EGW pinned safety, and a Guncrafter flat face trigger. Its basically a Para Ordnance Black Opps 14.45 and the rock islans are Para copies. Next i wanna de-horn the whole thing, do the bull barrel/reverse plug/DPM guide rod and springs, then send it off somewhere to have the whole thing including the internal parts DLC'ed and TiN the barrel. The next one i want to work on is a Rock Island 10mm and a Tisas DS 1911 in 9mm an pimp both of those out the same way
@@SkipsGunzLots of caffeine, cigarettes, and Slayer! I've never built or fit anything before. My local "gunsmith" couldn't do what I wanted so I watched some UA-cam videos. I work construction and 98% of construction is measure, cut, and nail that fucker down! And it better be done right the first time. After this and fitting these parts and getting to know the 1911 system more in depth I have a whole new respect and love for it and decided that this is what I want to do with my life. I don't know how but it's what I want to do
@@SkipsGunzI did NOT use any sort of polishing compound on any part. I polished up all of the sear and disconector surfaces to a mirror like finish without changing the geometry of the parts by using fret erasers, they are for polishing guitar frets and the grit goes up to 8,000. I used the 1200, 2000, 4000, and 8000. And of course I used a jig to shape the sear, a Harrison Design True Radius jig made for a perfectly shaped sear and a beautiful trigger! I wish that I had another project to work on right now. I really want to be a gunsmith, had no idea that that's what I wanted to be
The photo of the Rock Island you put up is NOT the same gun you are holding. You have the RI Tac Ultra FS HC model. It used to come with the 22TCM barrel , a different recoil spring for the 22TCM barrel and 2 magazines. The magazines hold both the 9mm and 22TCM they are NOT different magazines. Cost cutting seems to have eliminated the inclusion of the 22 TCM barrel and spring. Very nice shooting gun after some parts clean up. Change out the Extractor with a Wilson combat bulletproof and you are good for 5,000 rnds at least.
Absolutely awesome!! I am running a Caspian and love 2011's. I remember years ago many whom I shoot with purchased those dumb Para O's and worked on them. I always found them to be really trashing frames.. But someone people liked them. I know nothing about RRA at all. But if you do not mind them then they may be alright. You are still dumping a bunch into a firearm that most likely will not retain its value? Or will it? Cool idea to help create a more fund friendly version to hopefully get more people interested in sport shooting. Or edc ..
Well crap, was going to suggest a Schueman bull or hybrid, didn't know they weren't producing at the moment.🤷♂️ Also, Advanced Tactical for a 17 rounder.🇺🇸👍🇺🇸
Is there a solution to grip panel screw hole stripped threads? I haven't stripped any yet but I feel like its just a matter of time. Drill and tap for bushings maybe? Probably just gonna blue lock tight next time I got it apart 🤷♂️
@@SkipsGunz I'm definitely interested in the single side safety that you described but also just file the remaining side flat so that its operational but just no ledge to get in the way of left hand shooting 🤷♂️ ill try to order a replacement safty and probably send it to you with all the parts when I'm ready 👌👍👊
@@SkipsGunz nope... I looked for 2min and can't find a factory replacement. I'll probably get bored and try to do it myself and if I f it up ill add it to the list of stuff for you to do lmao
The only problem I see with the RIA is availability. I just got interested in this as it is the only reasonably priced 2011 type gun out there (even the all out customized one from Hayes is still a cheaper option), but, it's not sold in any big box type store and is scarce to say the least even online. Looking foreword to what you do to it so when I can find one I have an idea of what to do with it, subbed.
They are readily available online… I don’t know where you be looking. Most gun shops don’t know how good the RIA are and most customers don’t either. So most stores don’t bother even carrying them unless it’s a big box store and still it’s limited.
@@SkipsGunz i see that they are out there now, thanks for the tips. I've only ordered 1 firearm online and it was factory direct so some of these broker sites make me a little nervous.
First, i want to say that is a nice build for that handgun… If youre not at a pre-owned Prodigy pricepoint after buying the RIA pre-owned, putting in the EGW kit, and all the rest of the parts…youre pretty damn close. If you send to hays, youre at a solid STI price and right at a staccato P … for a few hundred more and some patience, you could have a STI HEXTAC. Why put in that kind of coin for a heavy @$$ RIA ? Not saying its not a good gun, because it very much is… but a used Tac Ultra and Hayes upgrades puts you in the $2k ballpark (STI or Staccato). Used Tac Ultra and your build puts you roughly in the $1500 range (Prodigy)
Right but when done it’s 1500 (not actually the price) and u got a complete updated gun that completely fits u for the price of a prodigy that your only starting to modify for $1500. See where I’m goin here?
Hey brother i have this same gun i was wondering is it possible to make the slide of this RI into something like the staccato xc with the sight block on it if this it possible please let me kno i would love to send my tac ultra to you to do the work
Yeah, I replaced the Mec-Gar springs with the Wolf +10% and Taylor Freelance sells +2 base plates....I think it's +4 for the 9mm ones. I like heavier aluminum base plates homeboy (Taylor Freelance) sells on there a lot, I haven't tried the mag followers he sells on there so I didn't know about them, he sells Wolf springs on there for Para Ordnance/Rock Island/Remington too
@@Rubeless just something I heard on you tube saying though that it messes with the bullet are the ports between the grooves I wonder if there drilled right through rifling?
Www.SkipsGuns.com
One of my favorite guns. Can’t wait to see all the upgrades.
I’m definitely interested to see how it turns out
keep up the great content. I keep saying it, you're one of the greatest & most underrated guntubers!
Tell Mr UA-cam that lol 😂
RA makes a decent DS1911. I got a 10MM Big Rock a few years ago and it's been a very good piece of hardware. A little heavy but not to bad. That EGW kit sound like a good addition.
I shot a guys who knows some gunsmithing and it was exceptional. I was amazed at the overall feel and the trigger. Definitely a good project Gun. He’d done a fair amount of work and I couldn’t believe it started as a sub $1000 gun
Yeah I mean minor work to mine already feels great
@@SkipsGunz a few more details…..I drove to Cincinnati to buy a Bul Armory SAS2 Air from someone who wanted the cash to buy a bullesteros open gun. He was training under a master gunsmith and loved 2011’s. After I ran a couple mags through the Bul and was satisfied I’d buy it, he let me shoot his RIA that he was carrying to “see what can be done with a little love and some new parts”. I was impressed, especially given the price point. A sad post script is I heard through the grapevine that he died in a motorcycle crash this spring. Only 30 ish. RIP.
Ya know I’ve been considering getting rid of my MR920 for one of the RIA double stack guns.
Man I love your shit I can sit here and watch them all day it’s fun to watch all the cool ideas that come out of your head lol
He’s crazy folks! Going with a wacky color…keep your eyes peeled 😮
Pink
Sweet! I've always had good experiences w/RIA single stacks, so it'll be nice to see how this project works out. 👍👍
I am ready to see it pvd coated
You have some great ideas. Very innovative. That trigger job looks like wizard level work. Good video.
Thank you very much!
I bought one of those RIA a couple years ago and it’s been nothing but reliable. I’ve been considering having it cut for an optic. Damn good guns for the price
IMO Rock Island are the best bang for money. I have 4 a 9mm DS, 10mm DS 45 skinny and 22 TCM top end. The quality of the gun you get for the price is far more than most. Down side is the weight, my 10mm is a Beast, it's heavy, the 9mm isn't as bad but still has some weight being a steel frame gun. The 22 TCM have a lighter recoil spring, given that he may have just left it in the 9mm barrel. Hayes has been doing the Rock Island for a while and does really good work.
There’s some hit or miss in the castings but for the money yes good gun for sure
I recently picked put the Tac Ultra FS HC in 9mm as well. I was able to get two additional mags from Greg Cote LLC for a great price.
I'm just going to say I'd go with a prodigy any and every day over the rock island armory money better spent!!
That’s like saying McDonald’s is healthier than Burger King.
Great video
My dude
Do you have a budget for this gun? Including cost of purchase, with all the upgrades are you looking at Prodigy money or Staccato money?
Since I got the gun so cheap and I do my own labor I guess slightly modified prodigy budget 😅
@@SkipsGunz Fair enough!
Damn. That'll be cool. I want a Hayes custom or at least semi-custom so bad.
Great!! I've got a 10mm I would like to send you for the egw internals, a tool less guide rod, ported, and ceracoated. can you give me a breakdown of the cost? I might have to send it to you a couple times to get it done. Thanks.
Www.SkipsGuns.com
I love it! I own a Remington R1 Tactical Double Stack 45 that i have replaced everything except for the slide, barrel, frame and a few small things, the grips, grip screws, and sights that came with it because they are decent. Replaced everything with Wilson Combat Bulletproof internals and hammer, grip safety, springs, mainspring housing, simi extended slide stop, thick barrel bushing, EGW pinned safety, and a Guncrafter flat face trigger. Its basically a Para Ordnance Black Opps 14.45 and the rock islans are Para copies. Next i wanna de-horn the whole thing, do the bull barrel/reverse plug/DPM guide rod and springs, then send it off somewhere to have the whole thing including the internal parts DLC'ed and TiN the barrel. The next one i want to work on is a Rock Island 10mm and a Tisas DS 1911 in 9mm an pimp both of those out the same way
Hell yeah your my kinda dude lol
@@SkipsGunzLots of caffeine, cigarettes, and Slayer! I've never built or fit anything before. My local "gunsmith" couldn't do what I wanted so I watched some UA-cam videos. I work construction and 98% of construction is measure, cut, and nail that fucker down! And it better be done right the first time. After this and fitting these parts and getting to know the 1911 system more in depth I have a whole new respect and love for it and decided that this is what I want to do with my life. I don't know how but it's what I want to do
@@SkipsGunzI did NOT use any sort of polishing compound on any part. I polished up all of the sear and disconector surfaces to a mirror like finish without changing the geometry of the parts by using fret erasers, they are for polishing guitar frets and the grit goes up to 8,000. I used the 1200, 2000, 4000, and 8000. And of course I used a jig to shape the sear, a Harrison Design True Radius jig made for a perfectly shaped sear and a beautiful trigger! I wish that I had another project to work on right now. I really want to be a gunsmith, had no idea that that's what I wanted to be
4 and a quarter looking way better than over 5 inch I like the way a shorter 1911 2011 looks .
You say its a cheaper option, but by the time you replace all the parts, ecxpecially if you cant do the work yourself is it really cheaper
Yes
No, because when you make a mistake you are screwed, not to mention your warranty is void.
Hey man would love to see a follow up video on this gun, I own one haven’t done nothing to yet
That’s the plan
As always Great video.
Here in the Philippines if you are a law enforcer you can buy it for as low as 350-440 usd
Ive been waiting for this video.
The photo of the Rock Island you put up is NOT the same gun you are holding. You have the RI Tac Ultra FS HC model. It used to come with the 22TCM barrel , a different recoil spring for the 22TCM barrel and 2 magazines. The magazines hold both the 9mm and 22TCM they are NOT different magazines. Cost cutting seems to have eliminated the inclusion of the 22 TCM barrel and spring. Very nice shooting gun after some parts clean up. Change out the Extractor with a Wilson combat bulletproof and you are good for 5,000 rnds at least.
@SkipsGunz can you remove a thumb safety and I just use my grip safety. i want a thumb rest also
Great info
lol skip fina have a rock island running like a atlas and then @TheLifeofRon is gone buy it 😂💪🏾
Lmao
Sent mine to Hayes Customs to let them work their magic. It’s a slick shooter now.
Love to see it
Absolutely awesome!! I am running a Caspian and love 2011's. I remember years ago many whom I shoot with purchased those dumb Para O's and worked on them. I always found them to be really trashing frames.. But someone people liked them. I know nothing about RRA at all. But if you do not mind them then they may be alright. You are still dumping a bunch into a firearm that most likely will not retain its value? Or will it?
Cool idea to help create a more fund friendly version to hopefully get more people interested in sport shooting. Or edc ..
Any gun that’s rebuilt right will hold its value if the buyer knows guns.
It's not an RRA (Rock River Arms) (honest mistake) its a Rock Island. easy 'nough to confuse. The model Skip has is the Tac Ultra FC HC
Stealth arms is also a great platform for a not as cheap but a very well built 2011 compared to staccato for half the price
In 9mm, outrageous.
The Pro match ultra FS HC already has the bull barrel. I’d be interested in seeing what kind of upgrades you could do those.
Same stuff
Check out Hayes customs that’s where I’m gunna send mine
Can you provide the links to parts you used? Especially the trigger.
UA-cam doesn’t allow that
Www.SkipsGuns.com
I just got the same gun! Where did you get the slide stop at?
We sell them
Www.skipsGuns.com
Where is the best place to get PVD or TiN coatings?
Www.SkipsGuns.com
Well crap, was going to suggest a Schueman bull or hybrid, didn't know they weren't producing at the moment.🤷♂️
Also, Advanced Tactical for a 17 rounder.🇺🇸👍🇺🇸
Gotta check the advanced
Is there a solution to grip panel screw hole stripped threads? I haven't stripped any yet but I feel like its just a matter of time. Drill and tap for bushings maybe? Probably just gonna blue lock tight next time I got it apart 🤷♂️
Blue loctite regardless most of the time just replace the bushings
Hell yeah dude!
Is a no thumb safety set up possible???
If u don’t want a saftey and visual ugly gun lol
@@SkipsGunz I'm definitely interested in the single side safety that you described but also just file the remaining side flat so that its operational but just no ledge to get in the way of left hand shooting 🤷♂️ ill try to order a replacement safty and probably send it to you with all the parts when I'm ready 👌👍👊
@@SkipsGunz nope... I looked for 2min and can't find a factory replacement. I'll probably get bored and try to do it myself and if I f it up ill add it to the list of stuff for you to do lmao
The only problem I see with the RIA is availability. I just got interested in this as it is the only reasonably priced 2011 type gun out there (even the all out customized one from Hayes is still a cheaper option), but, it's not sold in any big box type store and is scarce to say the least even online. Looking foreword to what you do to it so when I can find one I have an idea of what to do with it, subbed.
They are readily available online… I don’t know where you be looking.
Most gun shops don’t know how good the RIA are and most customers don’t either. So most stores don’t bother even carrying them unless it’s a big box store and still it’s limited.
Try Grabagun
Gunbroker
@@SkipsGunz i see that they are out there now, thanks for the tips. I've only ordered 1 firearm online and it was factory direct so some of these broker sites make me a little nervous.
do you think PSA is gonna do a 2011 collab with RIA?
Possible
Nice build brother! Made my toenail hard!🤤 will be checking out your products.
Awesome! Thank you!
First, i want to say that is a nice build for that handgun… If youre not at a pre-owned Prodigy pricepoint after buying the RIA pre-owned, putting in the EGW kit, and all the rest of the parts…youre pretty damn close. If you send to hays, youre at a solid STI price and right at a staccato P … for a few hundred more and some patience, you could have a STI HEXTAC. Why put in that kind of coin for a heavy @$$ RIA ? Not saying its not a good gun, because it very much is… but a used Tac Ultra and Hayes upgrades puts you in the $2k ballpark (STI or Staccato). Used Tac Ultra and your build puts you roughly in the $1500 range (Prodigy)
Right but when done it’s 1500 (not actually the price) and u got a complete updated gun that completely fits u for the price of a prodigy that your only starting to modify for $1500. See where I’m goin here?
Idk for the amount putting into it i would rather get a dan wesson or something.
Is that thumb rest/slide stop a part sold by SGZ or available elsewhere?
www.SkipsGuns.com
The question I have...can it run Staccato mags?
No
Don’t hold me to it but I think they are more the para style mags
I have this is a 45acp. Would love that trigger and hammer on mine. Where can i get that slide stop and does EGW have a kit for the 45 version?
Www.SkipsGuns.com
Is their any 2011 that comes out factory at any price point that has little to no upgrades needed out of the box without forking out 2 to 5k $
A Vudoo gunworks priest
Atlas Gunworks
Infinity
Hayes
Any of the top tier companies
Hey bro where you at with the SGZ competitor and contender? You taking orders yet?
It’s on the back burner running into to much part stuff problems at the moment but it’ll happen
@@SkipsGunz thank you sir I’m trying to set aside funds
Hey brother i have this same gun i was wondering is it possible to make the slide of this RI into something like the staccato xc with the sight block on it if this it possible please let me kno i would love to send my tac ultra to you to do the work
U can but it’s pricey better off buying a better gun
Would you happen to know ballpark how much something like that would be ? Would it only be an upper slide job or no.
Finding Mags has been a problem...where are you getting Mags?
Mec-gar bud
Yeah, I replaced the Mec-Gar springs with the Wolf +10% and Taylor Freelance sells +2 base plates....I think it's +4 for the 9mm ones. I like heavier aluminum base plates homeboy (Taylor Freelance) sells on there a lot, I haven't tried the mag followers he sells on there so I didn't know about them, he sells Wolf springs on there for Para Ordnance/Rock Island/Remington too
mine came new w/1 mag
I need a 3xl or 4xl shirt so when you get bigger sizes please let me know
We got 2xl unfortunately the bigger sizes are really pricey but hopefully I can try
Question does a ported barrel mess accuracy?
No, how would it.
@@Rubeless just something I heard on you tube saying though that it messes with the bullet are the ports between the grooves I wonder if there drilled right through rifling?
@@Rubeless anyways really dope builds .
If not back reamed or done wrong
I need that slide stop/gas pedal 🙏🏽where can I order it.
Www.SkipsGuns.com
Just messaged you, can these parts be ordered and mailed?
They have it on ebay
What’s your company name where are you based?
Www.SkipsGuns.com
What gun is that?
A ria 1911 double stack
@@SkipsGunz I have the single stack that looks Just like tis one.
Look at that wall man God dam .wish iceris would build a glock lower.
I hate ambi thumb safetys.
Maybe you haven’t found the right ones
@@SkipsGunz I am right handed. Never had a situation that called for an ambi safety. Been shooting IDPA for over 20 years.
As a lefty I appreciate ambi safety’s
9mm or .22. What’s missing? .45acp. In my world, if it’s not .45, it’s not a 1911. Thank you and goodbye.
U ok?
Which would be why the title says “2011” bud lol
Fud period
@crazypetez I mean you're right it's not a 1911 it's better
@@JohnSmith-iq7gd There is NOTHING better than a 1911.