Anyone have a Rock Island Armory 1911?

[dobrzemetal]

I have always wanted a 1911 but never wanted to spend the money on the real deal and with the 400$ pricetag Im taking it into serious consideration. I have heard good things and watched reviews, does anyone have experience with these guns?

 

[Snowdog]

Quite happy with mine! It was one of the better deals I've run across (though I paid $289 back when they first hit the market).

 

[highorder]

I modified mine, but the base value was very worth it.

 

[nathan]

THey are known to be tackdrivers. WOuld be nice to have as a car or truck gun.

 

[stormcaller111]

I have 3 full size, one park'd tactical model and two of the brushed nickel tacticals (his and hers). Great guns for the money. As already said, a great base for upgrades but pretty good as is. I wouldnt hesitate buying another in 38 super.

 

[Dr.Mall Ninja]

I had one and i loved it, getting ready to buy the tactical version in about 2 weeks.

 

[Quoheleth]

Have the compact (officer) model and really am enjoying it for a carry gun. I had the full-size Tactical a couple years ago. I sold it when someone offered me more than I paid for it. Wish I would have kept it, in hind sight...

Q

 

[kanook]

traded a case of beer for one.

 

[MADDOG]

I have a High Gloss Nickle Plated GI. It is "scary accurate" even with the original sights.

 

[possum]

i don't own one, but i have ran several different through models thier paces (2000 plus rds) they have been accurate, fun to shoot, and all reliable with 230gr fmj ammo.

 

[Ed4032]

I have two and both are terrific guns. Plus their customer service is the best in the industry. I have dealt with other gun customer service people, but they go out of their way to make sure you are happy, not just satisfied, but happy.

 

[wally]

Paid $290 for my first one, put a J-Point red dot sight on it (cost more than the pistol for the sight and mount) and 15000 rounds later I'm still thrilled with it and the way it shoots.

Look for the RIA "Tactical" model, the Novak's sights alone are more than worth the modest price premium over the standard model, unless you specifically want the "GI" look.

--wally.

 

[WC145]

I've got a .38 Super GI model and it's a great gun. All I've done to it is change the grips and add a set of 3-dot sights. It is accurate and reliable, can't ask for more than that!

 

[Jbabbler]

I bought a RIA CS model and the feed ramp had voids in the metal. Wouldn't feed worth crap. I took it back and looked at others. 2 of the 5 in the store had similar issues in the feed ramp. If they would clean the casting process up a little I think I would gladly get another one.

 

[SCBradley]

They're reliable, decently accurate, and seem to have better than average customer service.

That being said, handle and shoot one if you can. Then do the same with a base model Springer, Colt, or Kimber. There will be a noticeable difference in quality of the materials used, in the machining, and in the finish.

If the differences don't bother you, you should be happy with the RIA.

If you notice the differences and the RIA feels wrong, save a little longer and pick up a Springer GI or milspec.

 

[Creature]

Did I read somewhere (another thread) that RIA use cast frames??

 

[jahwarrior]

i have shot the Officer's Model sized one. my dad has an actual Colt Officer's, which gave him a hard time oerforming on command, til a 'smith did about $200 of work. i put about 200 rounds through the RIA, without one failure. everyone i know who has one loves them.

 

[HisSoldier]

Did I read somewhere (another thread) that RIA use cast frames??

Cast 4140 steel. Lots of MIM, but unlike an American gun with cast frames and MIM parts these don't cost way more than they are worth. I like mine, and it's the only MIM'ed gun that I own that I'd buy again.

 

[f4t9r]

Best bang for the buck

 

[Borch]

I just bought twin sequentially numbered RIA's for the wife and I for Xmas. I got them used from a guy locally. They have stainless frames instead of blued and have had some work done to improve performance but nothing major. They came with matching redwood Esmerelda grips in a velvet lined hardwood case with matching leather holsters and 3 mags each for $1k.

They haven't been shot yet, hell the wife doesn't even know I have them, but the previous couldn't say enough about their reliability and accuracy. So I am am really looking forward to that first trip to the range with the wife.

 

[hiram2005]

I've got the officers sized RIA. Paid 385 and I love it. I think my next will be the 38 Super in nickel, if I can find one.

 

[rtn]

Cheap 1911. It'll break before something better, but ***...why not if you can get a good price.

 

[inherentical]

Cheap 1911. It'll break before something better, but ***...why not if you can get a good price.

Odd, of my 4 1911 pistols my RIA Tactical is the only one that hasn't broken or needed additional work. Number 5 is at the FFL, though, and I'm expecting that one to be a little higher quality than the RIA, Springfield, or S&W's I already own.

I'd certainly buy one again.

 

[dobrzemetal]

well I feel pretty good about buying one of these guns. As long as its reliable and accurate i'm satisfied, I would love to have an authentic springfield but for a guy who is still in college, I just cannot swing that kind of price tag, especially because I have other passions...Reef tank keeping ..Which I Have allready spent a kings randsom on over the years. Furthermore, I cannot see me shooting the gun as much as my 9mm because of the sheer cost of the ammo. To be honest I just want one because they are THE handgun to have, not to mention the .45 is an awesome round to use for self defense as well as a novelty pistol for my freinds to shoot (Not that they would know the diffrence between a springfield or a RIA) but I digress, Thank you for the reviews, if anyone else has more imput, I will be happy to hear from you.

 

[Demitrios]

The RIA GI was my first 1911. Great gun, got it for $380 out the door (from Sarco Inc.).The funny thing is my father has a Springfield Mil-Spec and his reloads drop into his barrel just fine, mmy RIA's barrel on the other hand is too tight and won't take them but factory ammo will drop in just fine. Also look into Citadel, that's Armscor's (RIA's parent company) other budget 1911. Since they're fairly unknown you should be able to pick one of those up relatively easily for a good price. Good luck and happy hunting.