Mystery .38 Super?

1369 Views 22 Replies 17 Participants Last post by loggy, 1 mo ago

Q.C.

Discussion Starter · 3 mo ago

I purchased my RIA .38 super pistol at a local sporting goods store, back during the pandemic & the Biden election panic buying when guns where scarce as hens teeth. When I got it home I noticed an idiot scratch. Needless to say I was confused as this store only sells new guns & does not work on guns in any way. I did return to the store to ask them about it. They were just as confused as I was and offered to send it back to RIA but I was hesitant to do that figuring I would not get it back any time soon. So I kept it and took it home. I as usual with new gun stripped it down to the bones and started noticing that someone had definitely fired it (not a huge amount) but also had polished some of the internals. It runs great and has a great 3.5lb trigger. I'm keeping it as is for now. If I do send to RIA how is their customer service & turn around time? Its difficult to see the scratch as it is faint but definitely there (why I didn't notice it when they handed it to me).

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Paulskj

· #2 · 3 mo ago

I would be 😊 if someone broken it in and smoothed out the gun for me to use. The gun runs great, don't send it back.

Reactions: 2

Q.C.

Discussion Starter · #3 · 3 mo ago

Paulskj said:
I would be 😊 if someone broken it in and smoothed out the gun for me to use. The gun runs great, don't send it back.

I'm going to keep it, the scratch will just bug me. You have to get the light just right to photo it. I didn't look for a scratch when I glanced over when I bought it (who looks for a idiot scratch on a new gun?).

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grouchy

· #4 · 3 mo ago (Edited)

There is a store in Centerville TX that does some polishing of RIA 38 Super Government models. I noticed them on Gunbroker. they also add the beavertail grip safety.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/970364257

Perhaps a note to the seller would determine whether your 1911 is one of his products.

Rwehavinfunyet

· #5 · 3 mo ago

Most pistol manufacturers test fire their new production guns before it leaves their factory with up to 3 or more rounds to check that the gun functions properly. It is still considered a new gun until the gun is sold at retail, and the serial numbers are transferred to a first time owner. Over the years, I have purchased several Rock Island pistols, and have had very good success with their products at an affordable price.

broadus123

· #6 · 3 mo ago

I would keep it also. Some oil might help.

Reactions: 1

Old Fart

· #7 · 3 mo ago

Which series (model) RIA is that? The sights look like the GI series, but the slide release isn't standard for that series. The skeletonized hammer is standard for the GI compact (Commander size), but not for the full size, and the trigger and grip safety is also different for both versions of the GI. All other versions of RIA 1911's have better sights than the GI. This is assuming they haven't changed in the past year or so. I wouldn't worry about any of that, though it looks better than the stock GI, and if it shoots as well as mine does, it's definitely a keeper.

Here's what my full-size RIA GI .38 Super looked like when I bought it new.

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Jim Watson

· #8 · 3 mo ago

Now that you mention it, somebody has been way deep into the OP's gun.
Drop-in beavertail, burr hammer, slotted trigger, extended slide stop, checkered grips, and evidence of inside work.

I don't know what the warranty clerk would do about all that stuff when you complained about a mark in the finish.

I would be glad it is generally satisfactory and be looking for sights I could see.

Paulskj

· #9 · 3 mo ago

broadus123 said:
I would keep it also. Some oil might help.

I say he did great. Nice pistol that works with parts upgrade, gratis. I did that with like new used Glock. I had no problem taking extra mag, tungsten alloy recoil assembly, new night sights, magwell installed for total of $425. The alternative was new Glock with plastic sights for about $550.🤣
No problems amigo, 👏🎉.

Q.C.

Discussion Starter · #10 · 3 mo ago

Old Fart said:
Which series (model) RIA is that? The sights look like the GI series, but the slide release isn't standard for that series. The skeletonized hammer is standard for the GI compact (Commander size), but not for the full size, and the trigger and grip safety is also different for both versions of the GI. All other versions of RIA 1911's have better sights than the GI. This is assuming they haven't changed in the past year or so. I wouldn't worry about any of that, though it looks better than the stock GI, and if it shoots as well as mine does, it's definitely a keeper.

Here's what my full-size RIA GI .38 Super looked like when I bought it new.
View attachment 674291

I put those on my self, just kind of my thing. I need a beaver tail due to severe hammer bite (or wear gloves) and I hate short triggers and I like extended slide stops.

Reactions: 2

Michael W Cuber

· #11 · 3 mo ago

Grips definitely don’t look standard. Nice looking Super though. I’d just hit the idiot scratch with a Q-tip with some touch up blue—think it would pretty much go away!

MartyJK

· #12 · 3 mo ago

Keep it. You're bound to put more scratches on it

Reactions: 3

Che

· #13 · 3 mo ago

MartyJK said:
Keep it. You're bound to put more scratches on it

+1

OP, you'll eventually put an "idiot scratch" on it too. I have been shooting 1911s for 60 years and I still do.

Reactions: 4

Che

· #14 · 3 mo ago

Old Fart said:
Which series (model) RIA is that? The sights look like the GI series, but the slide release isn't standard for that series. The skeletonized hammer is standard for the GI compact (Commander size), but not for the full size, and the trigger and grip safety is also different for both versions of the GI. All other versions of RIA 1911's have better sights than the GI. This is assuming they haven't changed in the past year or so. I wouldn't worry about any of that, though it looks better than the stock GI, and if it shoots as well as mine does, it's definitely a keeper.

Here's what my full-size RIA GI .38 Super looked like when I bought it new.

I prefer what you have.

Reactions: 2

Che

· #15 · 3 mo ago

Q.C. said:
I put those on my self, just kind of my thing. I need a beaver tail due to severe hammer bite (or wear gloves) and I hate short triggers and I like extended slide stops.

You should replace the USGI sights too. On my Rock USGI I lost my front sight after 2,824 rounds, YMMV.

Q.C.

Discussion Starter · #16 · 3 mo ago

I'm keeping it because I've got too many $ and time in it now and I know I'll scratch it my self. Not to mention the sweet trigger. It's all good I can't stay mad at the situation as It'll just run up my already high blood pressure as my wife is always reminding me. Thanks QC

Reactions: 2

rincar

· #17 · 3 mo ago

I am a fan of the 38 super. I have several all of which run great. I have a Springfield Armory Full size that I used to carry as my duty weapon. When I was still on the job before I retired.

1saxman

· #18 · 3 mo ago

Don't put any cold blue on it - it looks to be Parkerized and cold blue will turn it black, which would be a lot worse than it is now. I agree to keep it and forget about the scratch.

robertrwalsh

· #19 · 3 mo ago

Don't sweat the small stuff. If you shoot it, it will develop small owies. IF it is intended to be a safe queen, that is another matter, though I never heard of the RIA safe queen.

SourwoodTom

· #20 · 3 mo ago

Most of the 1911s I've purchased used have an idiot mark. I don't worry about it; mentioning it is usually worth a $30 or $40 price reduction.

If you like the gun, the scratch shouldn't make a difference. You probably won't be buying a display case and hanging an RIA on the living room wall anyway.

Reactions: 1

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