Rock Island Armoury 1911?? Update with Pictures of Purchase Post 17

freddyfour

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Hey guys, wondering who has had one of these and how do you like them? Can you give me the good, the bad and the ugly? I am waiting on the CFO transfer for this model here, I had a list a features that I wanted in my next 1911 and this one hit most of them and was a half decent price.
 
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I have one in .40 S&W and I'm very happy with it. The tactical version came with F/O front sight, adjustable rear sight, mag well, bull barrel and VZ grips The only issue I had was the slide would often lock open with rounds still in the magazine. I swapped out the slide stop with a spare I had on hand and the problem disappeared.
 
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Mine are more or less copies of WW2-era pistols. They both function well, never had an issue with either. Fit and finish is good, both pretty smooth. They aren't "match grade" pistols but they do get attention at the range! I haven't put a lot of rounds through either of them, they are sort of novelties to me. But they aren't bad shooters. Can't compare them to another model (like in the op) because they are the only RIA pistols I've tried.

I like em. But I like most 1911s.

 
Rock Island Armory is made by Armscor in the Philippines. They have been making firearms for quite a while now. From rifles, shotguns, revolvers and semi-auto pistols since the 80s. In fact, they make 1911s that are rebranded like STI Spartan, Charles Daly in the 90s. They are also licensed by Tanfoglio to make some polymer framed pistols. For your concern on cast frames, unless you will shoot competitively, I will not worry about it. You get what you pay for. If you want a better built pistol, you have to spend a lot more. Basically, entry level RIA/Armscor pistols is a step up from Norcs. You can also look up for SAMs and Metro Arms. But these also uses cast steel frame. Forged steel frames are better and will last longer and will definitely cost a lot more. Enjoy!

Any concerns with the cast frames on them?
 
That is what I figured, I emailed back and forth with Armscor before I laid down my money. Interesting too is that they offer a lifetime warranty with their pistols! The only thing I did not like about this model I purchased is that it has full length guide rod. Not a big deal, easy enough to order a GI and a plug from Brownells.
 
Philippine made guns are generally very good quality for the money. Except for a run of SAM Thunderbolts where the QC supervisor must have been in the bathroom they tend to be accurate, tight fitting and quite well finished. I have three SAMs and all are excellent value for the money. Seraphim Arms guns are the same. RIA guns also seem to be extremely popular in the US and of course the Americans are fussy about their 1911s so they must have something going for them.

As for cast vs. forged frames, considering the state of today's metallurgy and CNC machining that argument is now pretty much a canard.
 
Mine are more or less copies of WW2-era pistols. They both function well, never had an issue with either. Fit and finish is good, both pretty smooth. They aren't "match grade" pistols but they do get attention at the range! I haven't put a lot of rounds through either of them, they are sort of novelties to me. But they aren't bad shooters. Can't compare them to another model (like in the op) because they are the only RIA pistols I've tried.

I like em. But I like most 1911s.


AARGGH....I'm blind!!!! b:
 
I picked it up from my LGS (Triggers and Bows), they are not the best priced in the country for anything but they are convenient for me. There is also a store about 30 min from that have some in stock as well, Eli's Guns. Triggers and Bows had a much better selection of them, not seen on their website though because it sucks a$$.
 
Had a 45 great gun. Sold it to my nephew He loves it. I still have my 9mm. Never will sell it. The 1911 Forum has great reviews on it. I know the price is high to a Norc or Sam RIA are great guns
 
Well I picker her up today, looks nice! There is a definite colour difference between the slide and frame but doesn't bother me. Also never had a firearm packed in so much oil before!





 
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