Rock Island 1911 G.I. Full-Size 9MM Pistol
pecifications:
Caliber: 9 MM
Sights: Fixed
Frame Finish: Parkerized
Slide Finish: Parkerized
Barrel: 6-Groove, 5″
Length: 8.56 inch / 217.2 mm
Height: 5.5 inch / 139.7 mm
Weight: 2.47 lbs / 1.16 kg
Trigger Pull”: 4 – 6 lbs / 1.81 to 2.72 kg
A Solid Performer. If you’re a fan of the 1911, then here is a handgun rarely touted in the press, but has a solid reputation for being one of the most affordable, reliable and well made entry level 1911’s on the market. But don’t let the price fool you into thinking it’s cheaply made.
Affectionately referred to as The Rock among owners, the Rock Island Armory G.I. Standard FS is a full size 1911 made from 4140 ordnance grade steel with a Government length 5″ hammer forged barrel. In addition, each pistol is backed by a lifetime warranty.
Rock Island Armory handguns are designed and manufactured in the Philippines by parent company Armscor, but actually may be even more loyal to the original 1911 template than most anything currently made here in the USA. The Filipinos have long been close allies of the U.S., and have a respectable handgun heritage. Many a WWII Japanese soldiers last sight on this earth was a Filipino Guerrilla aiming a 1911 at him.
Armscor can trace its roots back to the year 1911 with Squires Bingham & Co. During the Japanese invasion and occupation of the Philippines during WWII, the company was forced to shut down– reopening again in 1952 under the Armscor banner. In addition to the manufacture and distribution of Rock Island handguns here in the U.S., they also hold the contracts to produce guns like the STI Spartan, Cimmaron and Auto Ordnance 1911 pistols. Armscor is a ISO 9001 certified compliant company that utilizes advanced CNC machine equipment.
The Rock Island Armory G.I. Standard FS is built around the original 1911A1 format, which is often referred to as a Series ’70 firing system. Many 1911 purists will be pleased to know that the pistol does contain either a firing pin or hammer drop safety typically adapted from the Colt Series ’80 firing system.
With a Mil-Spec style thumb safety, disengagement is positive and easy. The grip safety is slightly extended over the early G.I. 1911 design to give the operator the ability to get closer to the bore axis, thus minimizing felt recoil– while also greatly reducing the risk of getting slide bite.
In addition, the hammer is a period correct full-spur Government design, where the trigger has been left in its original solid Mil-Spec configuration. This tandem should please anyone that seeks the nostalgic look and feel of the the original 1911.