Rock Island Armory GI Standard MS 4.25-Inch Commander-Size .45 ACP Blue/Black Pistol

A: Not trying to be funny, but nothing functionally. The normal model has just not been tested/certified for the CA Approved Roster just yet. It could be something as simple as drop test, loaded chamber indicator, micro stamping requirements or even a change to the pistol which would require it to be certified/re-certified. Cali makes it tough for ya'll man.

A: The 70 series 1911's (no firing pin block) need to pass the drop test and may have a heavier firing pin return spring and/or a titanium firing pin (lighter and less inertia than steel) to do so.

A: Christopher, this pistol will handle +P Ammunition just fine. The Critical Duty is an excellent choice in ammunition by the way.

A: Chris - This one will handle +P with no problems at all. The Hornady Critical Defense is a well reviewed self defense round, as are Federal Train & Protect and Federal Hydra Shok ammo. I carried Hydra Shok as my duty ammo for years. It performs well. Check both of them out. https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/711019864/federal+train+%2b+protect+45+acp+230+grain+vhp+50+per+box https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/68256/federal+pd45hs3h+hydra-shok+jacketed+hollow+point+20rd+165gr+45+auto Any of the three will serve you well.

A: Bennie, This firearm has a de cocker/safety combo lever. Much of the construction and parts are the same as original colt. RIA used original blueprints and specs. RIA made 1911s for the US military back in WWII -The US government gave a copy of the original Colt 1911 blueprints to the RIA company back then so they could make these pistols for the US troops in WWII. That same factory that was used in the Philippines to make those 1911s is the same factory that is being used today and RIA still uses those same old Colt blueprints to make their 1911s. So, although these pistols have the small RIA logo on the rear of the slide, these 1911s are exact copies of the original Colt 1911s. This is just like a full sized GI style 1911 but is .75 inches shorter than the full sized 5 inch version. The big difference here is the MS has a full length guide rod and a bull barrel and no barrel bushing or recoil spring plug. As a result, the take-down/ field strip process is a little different than your

A: Randy, many thanks for the correction Sir. This will help other Community Members a great deal. Cheers!

A: Bennie, Yes I have egg on my face. As I was reading details on a list of 1911s I shared de-cocker info from another one listed. Not your RIA model in question. Sorry for misinformation.

A: Christopher, I would check with Wilson Combat at 1-870-545-3618 -- https://shopwilsoncombat.com/Guide-Rods/products/14/

A: Christopher, it should not Sir. I would treat the small area with a rust inhibitor just in case though. Once white out dries is does become chalky and a small dab of clear sealant will smooth it out.