Rock Island 1911-A1 opinions

[kermit315]

Hey guys, I am thinking of saving for this next http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=79385238 .

anybody have any info on them, or are they a solid entry into the 1911 world. I love the classic GI look, but want something that is going to perform also.

Thanks guys,

Jamie

 

[GRB]

I cannot speak for reliability the Rock Island .45; but I do believe they are manufactured by Armscor. I have an Armscor rifle in .22LR. It was made well, and always goes bang, and was made from all steel except for the wood stock. I have been thinking of getting one of these .45s myself, but that means saving from scratch. As per the info at Classic Arms, all critical parts exchange with those of Colt and Springfield, see http://www.classicarms.us/, a little more than 3/4 down the page. It might be a good bargain.

All the best,
Glenn B

 

[wally]

My oldest RIA has over 11,000 rounds thru it. Goes with me to the range just about every time. I generally only clean it after I have an issue and then its fine for another couple of thousand rounds. Have replaced recoil springs three times to keep the empty brass close by.

--wally.

 

[viking499]

Worth ever bit of the very few pennies you will have to give for it.

Check these out -

http://www.centerfiresystems.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1083

http://www.sarcoinc.com/rockislands-new.html

Just got a compact from sarco. Have not got to shoot it yet.

 

[Quoheleth]

Hope this isn't a no-no

Over on the M1911 forum (http://forum.m1911.org/forumdisplay.php?f=17) there's a whole section dedicated to the Rock Islands. I have one. Great gun at a great price. They're built on old Colt series 70 equipment, basically.

People laugh at them because they're inexpensive, not the prettiest gun in the stable, aren't "top drawer" names, etc. Clean it, lube it, take it to the range and break it in a bit, and shoot it. Some guys are saying it's as good as their 2-3x the money top-end guns. Heck...even if it's close, that's good enough for me!

A 1911 for under $400 (some, even close to $350) - go for it!!!

Q

 

[cdrt]

One of the guys at the local range had one, that the front sight came off the first time he fired it. I told him he should send it back to have them repair it, but he was going to have better sights installed, so he let it slide. That's the only one I've seen do that.

 

[mrcpu]

I have 2, a GI, and a tactical. Love 'em both, I can't imagine getting rid of them for any reason.

In fact, looking for a compact and perhaps a 38 super to convert to 9mm.

The GI will probably get a mechtech carbine kit, or a kimber 22lr conversion one of these days...

The only caveat I would offer is to save the money and get the Tactical over the GI model.
All the niceties, not much more money, and saves you monkeying with it down the road.