rock island tactical as a first 1911

[oklahoma caveman]

ok iv been looking for a 1911 for a long time. being in college tho has got funds kind of tied up. i had looked at the sig p6 and various other pistols that could be had for under 400 but i found the rock island armory last nite. before i run out and place an order id like some feedback on it. im looking at the rock island tactical 45. anybody have experience with it?

 

[PakWaan]

Do some keyword searches of the past posts here - I was going through the same thing recently. Most of the comments from people who own RIA guns have been very positive.

There is also a forum dedicated to Rock Island pistols on m1911.org here:

http://forum.m1911.org/forumdisplay.php?f=17


.

 

[skinewmexico]

I think I'd pay the extra, and get the tactical. Belshire guns always has great prices on them.

 

[Furncliff]

My wife gave me the RIA Tactical for Christmas, "Thank You Dear".

For the $ this seems to be a good bet, the other 1911 I was looking at was the Taurus. And though I came very close to buying one last summer, I couldn't get past the paint job.

The RIA is simple and unadorned, plain grips, matte park finnish. RIA roll mark on the left side doesn't stand out.

The Pro's:

Ambi safety is crisp and has a positive feel.

The sights are better than the G.I. sights but adjustable only for windage and my gun is grouping 2 1/2 to 3 inches low at 50' off a rest, with 100 rounds gone. I can probably file down the front sight or install a shorter one. But I'll put more rounds thru it first.

The novak magazine (1 supplied) is just "o.k".. I have had two failures to go to battery in 100 rounds. I'll probably order some Chip McCormick's soon.

The action is tight with no rattles.

The trigger. For right out of the box and for the $ the trigger is excellent.

The Cons: Aside from low groups, none.


I was willing to spend a grand on a really nice older blued gun. But this one is just fine for learning 1911's.

Tom

 

[schmeky]

I feel the RIA would make a great first 1911. Priced right and built better than a gun in this price range would suggest. I bought a NIB RIA 5" in .38 Super. I used it as a base for a 9mm conversion.

Besides, the Taurus is not a 1911 clone per se. The hammer and trigger groups, as I understand it, differ from a true 1911. The RIA can use series 70Colt parts, a big plus.

 

[Calhoun]

I have an RIA Tactical that is my first 1911. After a little of a break in (maybe 250 or 300) rounds it has been great. Highly recomended.

 

[oklahoma caveman]

thx for the info guys. much appreciated.

There is also a forum dedicated to Rock Island pistols on m1911.org here:

http://forum.m1911.org/forumdisplay.php?f=17

thanks pakwaan there really is alot of info there.

keep bringing the opinions plz. im pretty much set on the ria tactical. looks like a decent buy for the money. now im just looking for a ffl dealer who wont try to screw me.

 

[Mandirigma]

Know you have your heart set on the RIA tactical. but take a look at the Spartan its factory assembled (fit slide/barrel/frame) by Armscor, the company that does RIA, High Standard and a few others. Then STI does some of the internals, trigger, beaver tail. etc etc etc. All around I've been happy with mine. Don't let the price fool you, I know that there are some out there that come out to be a little cheaper. If you got the time you can wait on Correia's next group buy.


Another option is to get the RIA, but I'd seriously consider getting a .22lr conversion. Kimber, Marvel or something similar. That way you can put more trigger time on your gun.

 

[bakert]

No fancy finish but my Tactical shoots just fine. I'm happy with it