Rock River Armory 1911 question...

[Gunblade]

I am in the market for an auto loader, and after much soul searching. I settled on the Rock Island Armory 1911. (My other choices being the hi-point .45, and the Springfield XD 9mm or .45)

I chose the 1911 due to the wide variety of aftermarket parts(to customize it). I may still get the XD some time later.

I just have a few newbie questions about it:

1. Are 10 to 15 round mags available for it?

2. Can it be used in competition?

3. Is there a big difference between the standard and tactical models performance wise?

4. Can I use aftermarket "drop-in" parts?

5. The shop is selling it for about $550, but i found it at centerfiresystems.com for $400. Darnit...

6. Any other tidbits I should know.

Right now my only other handgun is a Ruger KGP-141. I LOVE IT!!!

Note: I did use the search feature to see past threads. While these contributed to my decision, They didn't answer these questions.

 

[kcshooter]

I settled on the Rock River Armory 1911. (My other choices being the hi-point .45, and the Springfield XD 9mm or .45)

You do know there's quite a price difference between these guns, right? I actually think HiPoints are a great gun for the money, but I can't imagine them being compared to a RRA 1191.

If you drop $2000 on a 1911, what else could you possibly do to customize it?

Or are you talking about RIA?

 

[Mot45acp]

Rock River Arms?
or
Rock Island Armory?

2 different ends of the spectrum there.
One is $300ish and the other is $1200ish and up.

 

[bp78]

1. Are 10 to 15 round mags available for it?

Chip McCormik 10rd mags are available and work well. Wilson also makes a decent 10rd. I've never seen a non-junk 15rd mag, avoid them.

2. Can it be used in competition?

Most definitely. IDPA CDP, USPSA Single Stack, NRA Action Pistols & Bullseye too.

3. Is there a big difference between the standard and tactical models performance wise?

I'm not that familiar with RRA models, but their quality reputation is stellar.

4. Can I use aftermarket "drop-in" parts?

Nobody 'drops-in' parts on a $1400 pistol. This question & the last imply you might mean the low-budget Rock Island brand

 

[chbrow10]

I have a Rock Island Armory Tactical that use in competition (USPSA). I would recommend it to someone looking for a low price point 1911. I believe that the price difference between the GI and Tactical is well worth it.

see www.m1911.org, they have a RIA/Armscor forum.

 

[WoofersInc]

I am also thinking that the OP means Rock Island and not Rock River.
The Rock Islands are good basic guns for the money. Mine have kept up with some of my more expensive 1911's. One question though for the OP. You asked about 10-15 round mags. What is the legalities for those in New Jersey. I thought you guys had a 10 round limit. That factor would also come into play as taking away the higher capacities of say the XD would tilt me more towards the 1911.

 

[possum]

i agree the op has to be talking about RIA 1911!

gunblade,
the rock river and rock island sound the same but totally different. If you like the 1911 the Rock island is a great 1911, they are at a great price, they are reliable, and accurate. i think they are a great value.

 

[Gunblade]

Sorry. I did mean Rock Island Armory. I don't know what possesed me to write RRA.

The six questions above are in fact for the RIA 1911, once again a apologize for the confusion.

By the way: in New Jersey, 15 rounds is the upper limmit.

 

[Gunblade]

one more question, are .22lr conversion kits available?

 

[kcshooter]

1. Are 10 to 15 round mags available for it?

10rds are but anything more is unreliable.

2. Can it be used in competition?

Yes, about every kind you can name.

3. Is there a big difference between the standard and tactical models performance wise?

Yes and no. The base models work just fine. The Tactical has a few modifications that many people end up doing anyway. The main two are the hammer and beavertail. Theres also extended safety and sight changes which are nice. I'd go for the tactical first, but would replace the guide rod with a GI setup if it came with a full-length one, that's just my preference.

4. Can I use aftermarket "drop-in" parts?

You will soon find out there are no "drop-in" parts for a 1911. Drop in stuff still needs fit.

5. The shop is selling it for about $550, but i found it at centerfiresystems.com for $400. Darnit...

So find a local FFL dealer and order it thru him. Great way to avoid sales tax, too.

6. Any other tidbits I should know.

Half of what you hear about 1911's is dead wrong. The other half is greatly exaggerated.

The RIA's are great entry level 1911's.

 

[Gunblade]

Thanks. I'll get the RIA tactical.

(Then start slapping things on it.)

Actually I do have a list of items i've seen online and wondered if they might work on this firearm. (most of which from wilson combat)

-Barrel Bushing: Multi-comp
-.22lr conversion unit
-hogue rubber overmold grips
-clip-on magazine well
-shok-buff
-18lb recoil spring
-two piece guide rod
-wide thumb safety
-spare 10rd mags
-uncle mike's size 5 sidekick

It will be a work in progress, and I probably will not use all of the parts. It will also take me months to aquire them all.

 

[railroader]

Good choice with the tactical. My stepson has an armscor tactical and it shoots good. Just the sights upgrade on the tactical models is a big plus. Mark

 

[Ske1etor]

Thanks. I'll get the RIA tactical.

(Then start slapping things on it.)

You might want to tap the brakes here buddy. Not trying to rain on your parade but get the gun first and foremost. Do not purchase any "Upgrades" for it. Bring it to the range and shoot it. ALOT... when I say alot I mean ALOT.

You may find that you do not want to change all of the things you have previously assumed.

The spring change is a bad idea. Stick with the stock spring weight. Stay away from the shock buffers. You don't need them. Barrel bushings won't give you better accuracy unless they are fitted to the barrel and slide. The two piece guide rod will not make your gun more accurate, nor will it reduce muzzle flip but it will make it more difficult to field strip (requires a tool). You may like the stock thumb safety.

Like I said, not trying to rain on your parade but take this from experience... with all the money I wasted out of the gate on "upgrades" for my gun... the only part changes I actually stuck with on my Kimber Custom II was the wilson mainspring housing, checkered bloodwood grips, tactical thumb safety and a new slide stop (original was out of spec and caused premature slide lock)

All of the other parts I purchased were either sold or traded for other stuff...

The only part that actually got changed within the first couple of months was the slide stop due to the problems it caused. The rest were gradually added as I saw a possible improvement with the new part.

 

[Jim Watson]

Thanks. I'll get the RIA tactical.

(Then start slapping things on it.)

[comments on slap ons]

Actually I do have a list of items i've seen online and wondered if they might work on this firearm. (most of which from wilson combat)

-Barrel Bushing: Multi-comp [Ineffective except as added weight. Save your money.]
-.22lr conversion unit [Very good, Jeff Cooper said "You can learn about 80% of what you need to know with a .22.]
-hogue rubber overmold grips [Personal preference, ok if you like them.]
-clip-on magazine well [Minor help but not expensive.]
-shok-buff [I use them, some don.'t]
-18lb recoil spring [Not needed except for steady diet of +P or to bandaid a feeding problem by ramming the rounds harder.]
-two piece guide rod [Undesirable, adds work to takedown and assembly.]
-wide thumb safety [I thought the Tackytickle came with one.]
-spare 10rd mags [These will protrude from the gun. OK for plinking or USPSA Limited 10, not allowed in IDPA]
-uncle mike's size 5 sidekick [Cheap and nasty. Get at least the U.M. Kydex or the Blade Tech Injection Molded.]

 

[Gunblade]

I see. Thanks.

just to annoy the people down at the range I thought about literally putting bells and whistles on it.

Anything else useful I should know?

 

[onebigelf]

Both prices seem a bit up there. I've been looking at the Charles Daly, particularly after the president of the company has showed up here on THR to make contact with customers and help work through any issues people might have with any of their firearms. I have a CD highpower which I like alot and I'm considering one of their stainless commander sized .45's. Looking around the price seems to run about $520, with memory beavertail safety and some minor bells and whistles standard.

John

 

[TEDDY]

1911

whats the big thing with all the crap add ons for these guns.mine have little add on .hoag rubber grip.target sites that came with the gun.and my guns shoot target loads with out changing springs.3.6 of 700X.and I used them in compitition.I am not a great shooter but do get trophys.

 

[rondog]

1911

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

whats the big thing with all the crap add ons for these guns.mine have little add on .hoag rubber grip.target sites that came with the gun.and my guns shoot target loads with out changing springs.3.6 of 700X.and I used them in compitition.I am not a great shooter but do get trophys.

To me the best upgrade is the beavertail. I have fat hands, and a stock GI bites me too much. The memory bump helps to disengage the safety easier/quicker.

Gotta change the hammer with a b/tail, and the skeleton Commander style just looks cool. Same with the trigger for me, just looks better.

The sights are self-explanatory, GI sights suck. The RIA Tactical omes with the Novak dovetails, that alone is worth twice the difference between the Tactical and the GI. I had my GI slide cut and fitted with Novak tritiums, I'd DEFINITELY buy a Tactical before I did that again! Machine work be 'spensive!

Ambi-extended thumb safety? Bleh.

FLGR? Bleh.

Grips are a personal preference thing. This is my RIA GI after I got done and had it blued, I bought those grips used for $40 and they're perfect for my tastes. (Yes, I've posted this photo too many times before, sue me.)

 

[kcshooter]

As others said, don't just start adding useless crap to add useless crap. Shot it as is then decide for yourself if you want to change something or maybe even nothing. Here's my take on your list.

-Barrel Bushing: Multi-comp

Waste of money. 45acp doesn't create enough pressure or recoil to benefit from a compensator, even ones that are actually properly fit.

-.22lr conversion unit

Cheap way to practice, not a bad idea at all.

-hogue rubber overmold grips

Some people don't like the ones with the finger cuts. I prefer a good looking wood grip myself. Hogues INHO are ugly. But they are softer and tackier so they actually serve a purpose. I'd recommend the panels over the finger-grooved one.

-clip-on magazine well

This can be somewhat useful, I don't find a real need for them and they are not something I'd recommend on a carry gun. But not a total waste.

-shok-buff

I've seen these cause issues on several guns before. Some swear by them, I think their sole purpose is to creat a part that wears out quickly and needs replaced, benefitting the mfgr much more than the consumer. No need for these and I'd never have one in anything but a range gun. If you use one in a carry or defensive gun, you MUST be vigilant in your inspection for wear, as a shreded shokbuff can create a non-functioning gun at a critical moment

.-18lb recoil spring

No need. The standard 16lb one is sufficient. If you go to an 18, fine, but don't go higher as it can cause undue stress to areas like the locking lugs.

-two piece guide rod

Useless. Adds a tool to fieldstripping. No gain whatsoever. I'll never carry anything but a GI setup.

-wide thumb safety

Be careful. Too wide can create issues. I prefer a slightly extended safety and often modify an extended one to suit my taste.

-spare 10rd mags

Stick to a good brand. Don't skimp on mags as they are the most common cause of failures in 1911's. A 8rd'r will be more reliable, a 7-rd'r even more reliable than that. I carry 8-rd checkmates or 8-rd wilsons with Wolff springs or CMC's with Wolff springs.

-uncle mike's size 5 sidekick

Nylon holsters suck. Look for a good one, especially for concealability. Plan to spend at least $65 to $125 for a good holster. I'ts better to buy a good one now than 5 crappy ones over time until you realize that you want the good one you should have bought in the first place. D.M Bullard is one of my favorite mfgrs, I like the dual-carry tuckable IWB or the bodyguard, but there are tons of options and he's a great guy to deal with.


Please take the advice of those who are more experienced and don't buy a thing until you have at least 500 rounds thru it. Every time you alter a reliable gun, you run the risk of making it unreliable. You'd be amazed how many times I have made a 1911 run again just by dumping the crap they put on it. Also, do NOT buy a dremel to polish your feedramp. Another thing I've seen ruin these is bubba-smithing.

 

[Gunblade]

OK. No Mods.

Just the stock gun, some reliable mags, and a lot of range time. Got it.

 

[rondog]

Also keep in mind that while the Hogue rubber grips might be great for target shooting, on a carry gun they're liable to grab your cover garment and expose your gun when you least expect it. I personally prefer non-grippy stocks for carry use. Same with long magazines, or even mags with bumpers. I carry an Officer's size 1911 with a flush-fitting mag. Less profile to poke my shirt out.

 

[onebigelf]

I've got a used Ciener kit that I bought to build an "Ace" I never got around to if somebody wants to tempt me with a cool trade for something I didn't know I wanted....

John