Rock Island 9mm 1911 (Pics)

[Linkinlog]

I purchased a Rock Island 38 super about 4 months ago for the sole purpose of converting it to 9mm. Here is the progress thus far...

Fresh out of the box RIA 38 super:

Back from Fusion (Bob Serva), now a 9mm. He fitted the barrel and installed one of his trigger groups.

Bye Bye frame...Hello beavertail safety:

Ahhh, much better:

Ugly at-home duracoating job and wierd hammer:

Heading for a new hammer and Novak sights:

Last night, after picking up the gun, I stopped by the range. I bought a bag of 125gr reloads since I didn't have any ammo with me. The gun shoots like a dream. The recoil is practically non-existant, especially after shooting my 1911 45.

At 10 yards the gun was shooting POA and I put a nice ragged hole through the X ring with a few fliers here and there due to my aiming error. The trigger is perfect with just the slightest take-up before breaking at 3.5lbs. Short reset and it's ready to eat some more! I wish I would have had time to shoot a couple 100 more rounds. I'll be going back to the range on Saturday and I can't wait. It is almost like shooting a 22.

I'm going to shoot it for a few weeks then send it out to be polished up and hot blued. The guy tells me he can get it a dark grey / charcoal color. I also need to have the fiber optic rod put in the front sight. I have a blank in there now because I had to test POA in case the sight needed adjustment. I hate to part with it for 3-4 more weeks but it should look unbelievable when I get it back. Better pics to come...


Sponsored by Colgate

Sorry for the bad pics. It was late and I wanted to get a few pics online...

 

[fletcher]

Thanks for the review. I was thinking of one of getting these (and leaving it .38 super) for an inexpensive fun-gun, but those ammo prices are a bit much for me.

How much did the conversion cost you?

 

[Linkinlog]

I have enough in it at the moment to have almost bought a Springfield EMP.

Of course, I have changed just about everything: sights, trigger group, beavertail safety, extended thumb safety, etc.

However, I'm extremely pleased with how it has turned out so far and it is my own "custom" gun. I could have spent less and only changed the barrel, but it turned into a project.

 

[Geno]

That is nice! Congrats and thanks for sharing it the pics.

 

[Linkinlog]

That is nice! Congrats and thanks for sharing it the pics.

Thanks! It should look really good when refinished wearing a set of carbon creation grips!

 

[Linkinlog]

Anyone use Big Al Az for bluing before?

Also, anyone know a good source for Metalform ramped 9mm mags?