Doesn't Tanfoglio just make Airsoft guns? I'm in the market for my first 1911 and have been looking very closely at the IRA Tactical as well. My spending limit is $600, while the Norinco is about $400 (including tax/ship), the upgrades I would most likely want will cost over $200. With the IRA Tactical I will already have better sights, beavertail safety grip, skeleton hammer/trigger, and a much nicer finish (IMO). It comes with a full length guide rod, but that is easily replaced with a standard guide rod and plug (If you wanted to). Personally I like the Idea of not messing with a Norinco and spending more money, but getting what I want right out of the box (Just how I feel, once I get into 1911's more, I may want to buy a Norinco and add my own little touches). I did my research, and found out most people who own one have nothing but great things to say about the gun and apparently IRA's customer service is great (I believe all there guns carry a lifetime warranty). Anyway, to make a long story short, I contacted the guys at Arms-East and I'm in the process of getting one of the Tactical models. When it arrives I'll have pics posted and my opinions on fit/finish as well as a range report once I've shot it enough......now to get more people on the bandwagon so I'm not alone! lol
Look up "Rock Island Tactical 1911" on youtube.com, there is a fellow who has about 10 videos all dedicated to the gun...