Rock Island Armory?

[LazyGunner]

Hey all,

I recently picked up a 1911 by Rock Island Armory my dad was selling. I love everything about it, but I was wondering what you all know about this manufacturer, and if you have any tips to make it better. I've already taken a 15 micron belt to the barrel and feed ramp, then used a stropping belt and honing compound to give a mirror shine, and that's only after my brother in-law had a failure to feed. Any thoughts?

 

[TruthTellers]

RIA isn't going to make a handgun with the greatest triggers or the smoothest actions, but they do make decent handguns for the money, imo better than Cobra or Phoenix Arms, and the cheapest entry level 1911's on the market.

Shoot the 1911 more, let it break in, test different magazines and ammo, etc. Feed issues should go away after that.

 

[maxxhavoc]

They also have a reputation for having just about the best factory warranty support in the business. If you are having issues, they will fix them.

 

[imashooter]

Excellent firearm for the money, life time warranty to the firearm no matter how many owners and more times than not, super customer service.

 

[JTQ]

Made in the Philippines. They have a good reputation for value and customer service.

 

[Valkman]

They also have a plant right here in Pahrump, but I don't know if they make guns here or what they do.

 

[rondog]

Made by Armscor in the Phillipines, who also make several other brands. Not high end guns, but very good quality. I have four of them, and wouldn't hesitate to buy more. They offer many varieties of 1911's in several calibers, including 6" long slide target models, Officer's size Compacts, .45Acp, 9mm's, 10mm, .22TCM, and maybe .40S&W, but not sure about the .40. Also .38 revolvers, shotguns, and I think a few rifles too.

 

[rondog]

Valkman - you should go by and check 'em out! I sure would if I were local! I think I may have relatives in Pahrump, now that I think about it.....

 

[maxxhavoc]

I know that their warranty service is done in Pahrump.

 

[Gun Master]

How does RIA compare to Tisas sold by Bud's Gun Shop ?

 

[LazyGunner]

Wow, thanks for all the replies! Are there any modifications I can do other than skeletonized trigger and hammer and grip?

 

[viking499]

You can do pretty much anything you want as far as changes or modifications go. It's all typical 1911 parts on the inside.

 

[imashooter]

Pretty much the same. I have both makes and blindfolded wouldn't know the difference. Both makes are very good for functionality, reliability, and accuracy. The undetermined finish of the Tisas is nicer imo. If you get a Tisas from Bud's, spend the extra 20.00 and get their lifetime warranty. Bud's is very good on repair or replacement and turn around time. If you get a firearm from Gallery of Guns (Davidson's) they lifetime warrant what the sell for free.

 

[Valkman]

Valkman - you should go by and check 'em out! I sure would if I were local! I think I may have relatives in Pahrump, now that I think about it.....

I've thought about it with all the good reviews I've seen on the forums. As for relatives here, you need to visit! We have brothels!

 

[rondog]

We have brothels!

 

[bannockburn]

RIA 1911s are a good buy for the money. Worked on one a friend of mine had (he wanted a different hammer and grip safety), and found the overall fit and finish inside and out to be excellent for a gun at that price point.

 

[PJSprog]

I've had my RIA Tactical .45 for several years now. It's been a really good gun. I suspect you will be happy with yours, too.

 

[CraigC]

RIA isn't going to make a handgun with the greatest triggers or the smoothest actions...

Mine is pretty damned smooth!

 

[Deanimator]

I've got one of the related products, a Citadel.

I consider the Armscor guns at least the equal of my first handgun, a Series 70 Colt purchased in '79.

 

[Furncliff]

I have two RIA 1911's, this one has an excellent trigger and is accurate .



Shot from a rest at 10 yards with Winchester White Box. It was a gift from my wife about 8 years ago. The only time it fails is when I try to feed it ammo I've hand loaded poorly.
The other RIA 1911 is a 45/.22 combo. It's just as good. The only changes have been new grips, I thought the factory ones were too slippery.

On a couple of occasions I've been tempted by some $1000+ Colt 1911's but for target toys the RIA's work well for me.

 

[PJSprog]

The only changes have been new grips, I thought the factory ones were too slippery.

Agreed. I bought mine lightly used from an individual, and he'd already installed those Pachmayr Legend grips. I put the original grips back on it, shot it once, and put the Pachmayrs back on it. Very comfortable for a range toy.

 

[LazyGunner]

I have pretty much the exact same gun, same grip as well. Only my trigger is skeletonized just a tad more than the one pictured. 2 vertical cuts and one circular hole in the middle of the two vertical. The grip makes this gun an absolute dream to hold. At 15 yards I was getting a solid group and realized the rear sight was sliding around every shot. It wants to hit bullseye so bad! I love this gun.