Rock Island 1911

[RyanG]

This topic may have been covered already, but what do you guys think of the Rock Island Armory 1911s? I am thinking of purchasing a new Tactical model in two-tone. I have never owned a 1911 so I wanted to buy a relatively inexpensive one to start out with. I don't really have a budget, but I don't want to spend $1300 on a Kimber.

 

[wally]

I think the RIA "Tactical" is one of the best bang/buck gun buys out there.

Well over 13000 rounds through my oldest RIA.

I like it so much I pretty much only shoot the Colts and Kimbers to let other folks interested in getting their first 1911 see how little all that extra cash will really get them.

Get the RIA and use the "savings" to buy ammo!

--wally.

 

[NMGonzo]

my ria gi works great

 

[FoMoGo]

I have a duo tone RIA Tactical in my carry rotation.
I trust my life... and my families life to it.
I have no higher praise for a weapon.


Jim

 

[ljnowell]

I have a CS model (3.5" 1911). It has been absolutely flawless. I have read horror stories of expensive compact 1911s with tons of problems. I can shoot awesome groups with it also. On a good day I have shot 1.5" groups at 15 and 20 yards, with my handloads. Thats purty good for me.

 

[SaxonPig]

Topic is so popular it came in at #70 on my list of 100 FAQs.


Rock Island Armory 1911?

70. These are made in the Philippines and the base model approximates a military finish 1911 circa World War II. Most owners feel the guns are acceptable in quality and offer good value for the money. Maybe one owner in ten complains that he is unhappy with his gun. For the low cost of this gun it seems worth the risk to take a chance on one if you want a basic 1911 pistol.

 

[rondog]

Buy one, you won't regret it!

 

[frankiestoys]

Great gun for the money i paid $401 otd for this one very accurate and fun to shoot. This target was at 10 yrds.

 

[Phydeaux642]

I was looking at the RIA 9mm 1911 at a local shop the other day for $429. I would really like to have a 9mm 1911, so, I may pick one of these up. Haven't heard anything about the 9mm version yet, but the .45s seem to be well loved.

 

[wally]

the low cost of this gun it seems worth the risk to take a chance on one if you want a basic 1911 pistol

The RIA Tactical is way more than a basic 1911 pistol -- its got all the Springfield "Loaded" features at a slightly lower than "GI" model price.

The RIA standard is the basic pistol, but the Tactical is the one to get unless you specifically want the "GI look". Pretty much as soon as you change anything on the GI, you've exceeded the price premium to get the Tactical.

The only thing I've changed on my RIA "Tactical" is to add a Novak's fiber optic front sight. Not necessary, but for steel plate shooting I really like the fiber optic front sights.

On the Tactical the rear is a "Novak cut, the front appears to be a Kimber dovetail cut as the Kimber front I ordered was easy to fit -- i.e no harder that the one I put on my Kimber Ultra Carry.

 

[mharveyww1]

Great Gun!

I have .45 1911's from Springfield, Colt's and Kimber - plus .45 autos from S&W and Sig. Each has had at least some issues.

The RIA Tactical Compact I bought on a friend's recommendation (for half the cost of the aforementioned) has proven to be TOTALLY reliable thus far...over 1,000 trouble-free rounds of all types and brands of ammunition!

This pistol is also very accurate and soft-shooting. With Crimson Trace laser grips, it makes a great CCW.

The only problem I have with it is that my wife has 'appropriated' it as "hers".
I may have to buy another one!!!

Mike

 

[oasis618]

Just for the record, my LGS has Kimber Custom II's for $679.00 so you don't need to spend $1300.00 for one. I don't own a Kimber but soon I just may at that price.

 

[possum]

i have shot a few of thier offerings, and i have been happy enough. they have been reliable, and pretty darn accurate, as well thier CS is very good to boot.

i like the 1911, but not enough to spend over $1000 (anymore anyway, at one time i did) i to have been looking at a tactical model and that is definetly a possibility in the near future.

 

[FLAvalanche]

I have a RIA Tactical and I love it. I bought it to prove a point and that being that 1911s are garbage and unreliable out of the box. This thing is the most reliable and accurate pistol I own.

I put at least 100 rounds through it each time I go to the range. It has about 5000 rounds through it now with not a single stoppage of any kind.

The attached picture is a 50 round, rapid fire group out of my RIA at 20 yards.

 

[Greg528iT]

I just saw a RI Compact at the local dealer. Just like the above picture. Sub $500. Looks great, feels great. If you do not think you'll ever want to upgrade the stes, I'd say JUMP ON IT NOW.

 

[nearmiss]

I have an RIA 1911 tactical .45 and love it. I'd recommend it to my best friend.

 

[WoofersInc]

I have several Kimbers and I now also own 2 Rock Island 1911's. Both have been excellent shooters. I have a GI in 38 Super and a 6 inch longslide. The longslide has on e of the better triggers I have seen in a factory gun.

One thing also is from everything I have read and heard about the Armscor distrubuter who handles Rock Island has some of the best customer service. The rep is a frequent poster on one of the 1911 specific forums..