WidowsSon683 Posted August 19, 2015 Share Posted August 19, 2015 So I want to get into open division, but I cant really afford a name brand open gun right now. Has anybody ever turned a Rock Island Armory 9mm hicap into an open gun, or a Para p18.9? I can get either for under $1000. I was thinking of fitting a trubor barrel to whichever one I choose, putting a mount, optic and *thumb rest [generic]* and get a good trigger job done. Mags aren't a problem. Does anybody have any insights or direction for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve RA Posted August 19, 2015 Share Posted August 19, 2015 Watch for a used one on here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Racinready300ex Posted August 19, 2015 Share Posted August 19, 2015 I'd like to know how this turns out. I had the same idea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mahlsan Posted August 19, 2015 Share Posted August 19, 2015 I orginally planned to do the same thing. I am currently shooting a rock 2011 in limited. For the money it is hard to beat. As for open, weight might be the only draw back, they are heavy guns. But fur the price savings you can buy a lot of ammo to practice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WidowsSon683 Posted August 19, 2015 Author Share Posted August 19, 2015 Watch for a used one on here. Steve, I have not seen a used one on here for less than $2500 ish. I am trying to keep the cost to a minimum if at all possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChuckS Posted August 19, 2015 Share Posted August 19, 2015 I don't know about RIA but I do know that the thin dust cover on the Para will probably crack at the screw hole(s) for the sight mount... Later, Chuck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blacklab Posted August 21, 2015 Share Posted August 21, 2015 Don't know if this helps or not, but I turned a RIA 1911 into a open steel gun. It has about 3000 rounds through it, so far so good. No cracks at the sight mount screws. I put a comp. on it and had a friend lighten the slide, it runs fairly good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc10mm Posted August 21, 2015 Share Posted August 21, 2015 Watch for a used one on here.Steve, I have not seen a used one on here for less than $2500 ish. I am trying to keep the cost to a minimum if at all possible. Take Steve's advice. I bought a used open gun in awesome condition for $1350 and then 6 months later a like new grandmaster for $2300. You just have keep a vigilant eye on the classifieds and gunbroker. I sold my paras and couldn't be happier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BSComp Posted August 21, 2015 Share Posted August 21, 2015 I went the Para/RIA route too and am trying to sell them now to fund an open 9 major purchase. There is a reason not to many people shot RIA/Para for what we do Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mahlsan Posted August 21, 2015 Share Posted August 21, 2015 (edited) I went the Para/RIA route too and am trying to sell them now to fund an open 9 major purchase. There is a reason not to many people shot RIA/Para for what we do I would venture a lot of that has to do with aftermarket product support. It is heavy, but it stays flat. I think the biggest drawback is the avaibility of parts and mags, not the actual gun themselves. Most open guns are frankenguns anyway. Edited August 21, 2015 by Mahlsan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BSComp Posted August 21, 2015 Share Posted August 21, 2015 I agree Mahlsan .... that's what I encountered with my Para was aftermarket parts and mags issues. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PalmBeach1 Posted August 21, 2015 Share Posted August 21, 2015 (edited) Yes, very little aftermarket support for the RIA and with Para out of business, who would want to jump in and support them. Edited August 21, 2015 by PalmBeach1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrguns Posted September 14, 2015 Share Posted September 14, 2015 http://www.brianenos.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=218904&page=2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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