Rock Islands, has anyone else seen them in gunshops

Status
Not open for further replies.
M

MagnumDweeb

Member
Joined
Feb 28, 2008
Messages
1,344
Location
Central Florida
I've never seen one, not even used in a gunshop. Oh I've seen the occassional one at a gun show but still...

As I understand it, for the money, their quality as 1911s are on par with that of Springfield for far less in price, essentially an affordable and reliable 1911. The .38 Super 1911 has made some news as I understand it because of its surprising quality for it's low price.

Are gun shops just not selling them because they've yet to become 'brand-name' amongst noobs or is it that gunshop owners can't get quite the profit margin they want when Kimbers, Springfields, and Colts are still moving.

Oh if you own a Rock Island, I'd love to hear your opinion.
 
yes, multiple. Although the I guy behind the counter at one told me all the reasons they were junk. Some place that told me not to waste my money on a saiga lol.
 
Worth every penny. There are about a dozen or so listed on gunbroker right now. Most for less than $450.
 
I've got 2. Both Tacticals 5" Bi-tones, Also a Springfield Mil-Spec. Looking at them, there is no distingushing differences (Mil-Spec Features). now all the additional adds on the RIA's are classy. Both shoots great groups at 25 yards. Same as my Springfield. Whom-ever says thier junk, probably never held one or shot one. They are a hidden secret right now. Affordable and accurate. I put mine up every week against Kimbers and Colts, 25 yards to me "No Difference". And no failures. Love em. I carry one as my CCW. Here ya Go!:fire:

PS> Got mine online, Bellshire Hardware.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0138.jpg
    IMG_0138.jpg
    537.3 KB · Views: 47
Last edited:
I've only seen one at a gun shop. I put it on layaway that day and should be paying it off in another week or so.
 
The only real differences between a Springer GI and an RIA GI are that the Springer comes with the ILS gun lock, while the RIA comes with a recoil spring guide rod that is a little more heavy (less than an ounce) and a Novak 8rd mag that is VERY reliable.

As an aside, the RIA is made by Filipinos, who are a (small, but) significant part of the reason why the 1911 exists in the first place.
 
As I understand it, for the money, their quality as 1911s are on par with that of Springfield for far less in price
Click to expand...

As an owner of both, I would say that cosmetically, the SAs are much better finished than RIA. SAs are also closer to original specs so aftermarket parts are easier to fit without needing to remove metal.

Performance-wise the RIAs are great entry-level guns.
 
Gazpacho, Your right on the Phillipinos, There is a 1911 in every household. That's their "Pride and Joys", there are more 1911's customized than you think. Been there, and was highly surprised on "friends" living there about their 1911's. just amazing!
 
Last edited:
the small gunshop near my house must really like them because they have 4 or so models in different calibers on their wall amongst the new guns.

I thought about getting one when i wanted a single action .45 but i went with an EAA Elite Match instead (they were both about $500)
 
There's a pretty big difference between Springfield 1911 models and the Rock Island Arsenal guns in that Springfield guns are forged steel frame and slides while RIA are cast ones all the way.
 
With modern casting techniques and practices, a well done, cast 1911 frame is really not any worse than a forged frame. The machining and surface treatment that follows a frame being roughed out, is far more important than whether the frame was initially cast or forged.
 
There's a pretty big difference between Springfield 1911 models and the Rock Island Arsenal guns in that Springfield guns are forged steel frame and slides while RIA are cast ones all the way.
Click to expand...

Wrong. RIA slides are machined from bar stock. And show me a cast RIA frame that's failed. I get so tired of hearing this BS.
 
Citadel Guns here in Vegas has tons of them in their cases. Also American Shooter now has a few of them. Doesn't hurt that the importer for them is located not to far from Vegas.
 
Locally my gun shop has them in stock but it's the fixed sight, std. model. It's been on sale for $389.00 for months and it's still there. You use to be able to get these for as low as $319.00 on line but now the regular price here is $399.00.
 
Wrong. RIA slides are machined from bar stock. And show me a cast RIA frame that's failed. I get so tired of hearing this BS.
Click to expand...

Take it easy Ron. I just thought that someone ought to bring in the M1911.com chant/dogma/criteria.
:)
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

M
  • Locked
Could Rock Islands Get Priced Out
2
Replies
28
Views
2K
OcelotZ3
O
D
  • Locked
Rock Island Armory M1911 - Any Good?
Replies
14
Views
1K
Nightcrawler
N
A
  • Locked
Rock Island Armory 1911
2
Replies
49
Views
4K
NMGonzo
N
J
  • Locked
Springfield 1911 milspec/loaded or Rock Island Match?
Replies
9
Views
1K
Edmond
E
American_Fusilier
  • Locked
Rock Island 1911s...
2 3 4
Replies
91
Views
7K
stchman
stchman
Back
Top