I have noticed some slight peening in the slide stop area of my RIA, I've heard that the slide is slighty shorter than other 1911's, is this true. SARCO has slides for around 80 bucks. I would like to switch it out for a forged slide if possible.

ETA, i am planning on getting a springer mil spec around the first of the year. So the RIA would be something to learn on, and i wouldn't worry to much if i goofed on it.

That peening on your slide is not really due to soft steel more than likely.  It's usually caused by weak mag springs that do not fully raise the mag follower and slide stop after the last round ejects.  More than likely the sarco slide will have the same problem.  Anyway, keep in mind that the sarco slide might not just drop on.