Each firearm is built using 4140 Ordnance steel and engineered using the latest CNC machines. When I ask people about RIA…words like “affordable” and “best-bang-for-the-buck” always come up. After I had participated in the Bare Bones Gunfighting course, which was taught by the more-than-capable CR Williams, I began to develop some of my own drills. With proper attire, a good gun belt, and a good IWB or OWB holster, I can conceal this pistol as well as I can a Springfield XDs. The Wilson Combat magazines work well as do those from Meg-Gar. One of the most prominent examples of a budget 1911 is the Rock Island Armory (RIA) 1911. Stainless steel, Hex-head grip panel screws (an upgrade on my part) hold the grip panels securely in place. In short, the RIA GI 1911 is an adequate performer on the range, though you should not expect competition grade accuracy out of it either. The Rock Island Armory (Armscor) 1911 FS Tactical is a full size, full weight, piece of hand-held fighting pistol and is chambered in.45ACP as John Moses Browning intended a 1911 to be. Rock Island Armory actually started out as photo print shop in Manila in 1905. I will also grant you that it takes a bit to conceal this bad boy, being a full size fighting pistol and all. Rock Island Armory M1911-A1 ROCK Standard - 45 ACP. When de-cocking the hammer, the thumb and forefinger of one hand holds the hammer and controls the hammer fall while the trigger is pulled. And not everyone who wants a 1911 has that kind of money laying around. It is pushing the safety off safe that is the challenge. One, in particular, involves transitioning the pistol from the right hand (my strong side) to my weak hand (and vice-versa). The barrel locking lugs, internal to the slide and external to the barrel are also Lubriplate NO. It is more finicky with defense hollow point ammunition, so you’ll want to test different loads with yours until you find one it likes. Remove the barrel from the slide through the front opening. Original M1911A1 pistols used by the military had the parkerized finish as well. In order to place the hammer in the full rest position if the hammer is resting in the “half-cock notch”, the hammer must be first moved rearward before the “half-cock notch” is engaged and supported while the trigger is pulled and held fully to the rear. The slide rails are inspected to detect possible wear points. Here is a final summary of the pros and cons of the Rock Island Armory G.I. The pistol; however, runs well with virtually any 1911 single-stack magazine. The originally-installed spring was just too light.) If nothing else, it add about one-ounce of weight at the barrel end anything that can help with recoil management I am all for. Email to friend. This prevents the slide from moving rearward as you apply pressure to the guide rod bushing. Gun News Daily is the longest running gun news website in the US. And boy was it fun…especially with their 6″ competition 1911. $49.25 Rock Island Armory Tactical 45 ACP 1911 Model 51431 - $479.99 (Free 2-Day Shipping over $50) $479.99. AK TACTICAL COATINGS, LLC. Thankfully, there are many online instructions and YouTube videos on how to do it, and you can always refer to the RIA 1911 manual too of course. Join 70,000 Readers For Our Weekly Discounts. I’ve handled them in stores since it seemed all the local gun shops around me had them. Add To Cart. As I said above this isn’t a combat pistol. One of the most prominent examples of a budget 1911 is the Rock Island Armory (RIA) 1911. Move the slide rearward until the take-down notch aligns with the take-down pin/slide-lock lever. With the chambering issue fixed, the next step was to check accuracy. While some complain about one-piece guide rods, disassembling the Rock Island Armory (Armscor) 1911 FS Tactical can be done without tools (unless you really want to use a bushing wrench, but that is up to you). The pistol itself is wrapped in a plastic bag for further protection. While holding the pistol vertical, press downward on the guide rod bushing just enough to clear the barrel bushing. Fortunately, I keep several recoil springs for various lengths of 1911s in the “.45 Possible Bag.” I installed a #18 Wilson Combat recoil spring for a full-size 1911. Your email address will not be published. The Rock Island Armory (Armscor) 1911 FS Tactical comes equipped with an extended ambidextrous safety. The pistol has improved considerably since. RIA 1911 FS Tactical In a SHTF Gear (Modified) IWB Holster, RIA 1911 FS Tactical In a Leather Creek OWB Holster, RIA 1911 FS Tactical In a “Cumberland” IWB Holster by Simply Rugged Holsters. I have talked about the pretty exterior stuff so let’s move to the interior stuff that, while not pretty, is essential to the pistol’s operation. The newer pistols do not include the large roll-marking and color fill on the slide. Over-travel is virtually non-existent and trigger rest is very short. Remove the recoil guide rod from the rear of the slide. Now, releasing the magazine release is not a problem when using the trigger finger of the left (weak side) hand nor is releasing the slide lock with the same finger. 130-A is also used on the guide rod and the outside of the barrel itself. RIA only ships one magazine with the gun, which admittedly is a bit of a disappointment since most gun manufactures send at least two magazines or sometimes as many as three. The internal extractor blends perfectly with the rear of the slide and there are no “look see” or other indicators that the chamber is loaded. Having said that, just avoid the steel cased ammo altogether and stick with brass or aluminum. From the front of the slide, twist the barrel bushing counter-clockwise and remove the barrel bushing from the slide. Once the recoil spring bushing just clears the barrel bushing, I use my left hand to move the barrel bushing over just enough to catch the edge of the guide rod bushing. Until retirement, Taurian had over forty-seven years of experience as a Technical Writer and Training Program Developer. Stick an 8-round magazine in this thing and you have a truly, lean, mean, fighting machine to work with. The Rock Standard full-size is built in traditional classic 70 series design and delivered with Rock Island Armory's top quality production and engineering standards. Products are high-quality at a low budget price. Let’s talk about the fit, finish, and overall build quality of the RIA 1911 in greater detail. I have owned the Rock Island Armory (Armscor) 1911 FS Tactical for quite some time now and I had never carried it as my EDC until recently. While I will grant you that the Rock Island Armory (Armscor) 1911 FS Tactical is no lightweight at 2.87 pounds loaded, and just that may turn some away from even considering it, remember that the forerunner of this pistol had seen the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli and everything in between. The Rock Island Armory (Armscor) 1911 FS Tactical comes with an 8-round flush fit magazine of unknown origin, although I believe it to be an ACT or Meg-Gar. However, I have no problem with the existing sight and find it useful enough for defensive use. Find the greatest deals on firearms and accessories at BudsGunShop.com. If you find yourself in this situation, where you really want a 1911 but are short on cash, you basically have two options: 1. This is not your Grand Daddy’s 1911. The drill also includes a reload (weak and strong hand). I welcome the beaver-tail grip safety, the NOVAK style sights, and especially now, the ambidextrous thumb safety. Accuracy, operability, and reliability is on par with any COTS 1911-based pistol in its class. Originally from Tacoma, Washington. The next trip to the range told the tale. Once I am assured that nothing is going to fly upward and take out the ceiling and the hardwood floor above my office, I grab my trusty bushing wrench and finish installing the guide rod bushing. The trigger has also received Parkerizing. The M1911 has been through two World Wars and countless smaller wars. 1911: In conclusion, is the RIA G.I. Rock Island Armory 1911 Cerakoted using Graphite Black, Burnt Bronze and Gold. In short, the pistol became a billboard and “ROCK ISLAND ARMORY” was readily identifiable. The frame and slide is Parkerized, which is no different from many carbon-steeled pistols on the market today. Spend your money now on a budget model. Black clamshell Rock Island Armory Pistol Case. The bottom line is that if you are looking for a quality 1911, in one or all of the three different flavors (small, medium, and family-economy size), I have no qualms in steering you to what is perhaps one of the most under-rated brand of 1911s available, the Rock Island Armory (Armscor) pistols. Aiming just a “shy high” of the bull was resulting in a series of holes appearing within the bulls-eye. Rock Island Armory 1911-A1 Tactical 45 ACP 5" Barrel Parkerized Finish 8 Rd Mag. It’s an affordable entry 1911 for historical collectors, or those looking to start with a basic 1911 and build it up into a custom gun. The range day pretty much ended after this. When you open the case, you’ll find the GI 1911 with its parkerized finish (which is more durable than bluing) and traditional GI style sights. The front sight has a front slope to it and I guestimated how much I needed to take off the top of the front sight in order to bring the POI up. Built using 4140 ordnance steel on the industry’s best CNC machines while being hand-fitted and tested to strict tolerance guidelines for unmatched quality and value. The manufacturer states; “All Rock Island 1911’s, each is built using 4140 ordinance steel on the industries best CNC machines while being hand fitted and tested to strict tolerance guidelines for unmatched quality and value.” From what I see, I believe it. Armscor Rock Island Armory 1911 BBR 3.10 .45 ACP 3.10" 10 Rds 51577 GI#: 101492238 This firearm is factory new in box, direct from the manufacturer or a distributor. The Rock Standard has a 5" button rifled barrel supported by a full length guide rod. But if a 1911 is priced that low, it can’t be any good right? I initially chose the Rock Island Armory (Armscor) 1911 FS Tactical pistol because of my experience with the RIA 1911 FS “Government” model and wanted another 1911-based pistol with a few more bells and whistles without breaking the bank. The Davidson’s/RIA 1911 features an ambidextrous thumb safety that operates with proper tension. Quick view Compare. If the hammer should slip while pulling the trigger fully rearward, the hammer would strike the firing pin and, if a round is chambered, it would be fired. Since I use the first joint when shooting, the squared edge of the trigger tells me when the trigger is in the “sweet spot” on my finger. The inside of the RIA clamshell case. To add somewhat of an accent to the pistol, I opted for a set of stainless steel, short, hex-head grip screws. In another article, we talked about the Colt 1911 and the many different variants of the 1911 that Colt offers for sale. TAC Ultra: Rock Island Armory’s 10mm 1911 Pistol Rock Island Armory’s heavy-hitting TAC Ultra is a tricked-out 10mm 1911 that costs a fraction of a similarly equipped custom gun. Everything looked great! One of the biggest cost savings in the RIA 1911 comes in the form of the parkerized finish. This is readily apparent looking into the very large hole at the end of the muzzle. As recoil is more muffled on 1911’s in general anyway due to the extra weight, this can help aid in accuracy and particularly with follow up shots. A set of Uncle Mike’s rubber checkered grip panels were installed after some minor “fitting” to clear the safety levers on both sides. They actually feel good in the hand (at least they do in my hand). Feb 11, 2015 - Produces the most 1911s of any manufacturer in the world. Operating the safety lever; however, requires a different (and alien) set of pistol-handling skills. Essentially; however, there is little no other differences between generations of each category of 1911-based pistols; FS (Full Size or “Government” model), MS (Medium Size) or “Commander” model, and CS (Compact Size or “Officer” model). Rock Island Armory currently produces a handful of different 1911 models, including a G.I. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. When I asked why, the response that I received is that running a slide dry will allow to metal-to-metal contact to “bed” them in – whatever that means. Barrel, .45 ACP, 3-1/2", Matte Black (w/ Link & Pin; Compact & Compact Tactical) Manufacturer: ROCK ISLAND ARMORY (MADE BY ARMSCOR) Model: 1911 COMPACT, 1911 COMPACT TACTICAL. As the left trigger finger presses the magazine release button, the right hand loads the fresh magazine. I talked to one of the folks at the LGS, who is left-handed, and he told me that he shoots his 1911 left-handed with his left thumb on top of the thumb safety – on the left side. As a final note, I could not find any trace of tool marks on the external surfaces of the slide or frame. I’ll be writing a review on this one in the near future. While the above seems like overkill, I know people that run a new 1911-based pistol dry. I consider the newer pistols with the RIA logo on the rear of the slide just above the thumb safety lever as 3rd Generation. One of the biggest pros of the 1911 is the light and crisp single action trigger pull. $594.00 $587.59. GND is community supported. Obviously, this impacts the grip on the pistol. The parent company, Armscor, has a long history with firearms, including the famed Squires Bingham shop. His right hand (weak side support) provides most of the support. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. I used to scoff at ambidextrous thumb safeties on a 1911-based pistol, but that has changed, and of course, I am going to tell you why. The Armscor Rock Island Armory line has expanded greatly since they first introduced an affordable GI-type 1911 a few decades ago. However, I have no problems with the sights and, if need be, I can paint the front sight to make it more visible. The barrel, as was mentioned earlier, is a standard barrel and incorporates the John Moses Browning designed swinging link. The Tac Ultra FS HC from Rock Island Armory adds a full tactical rail to the 1911 platform and is built with a double-stack magwell for a 17-round capacity. Cactus Tactical is owned by long time members of the tactical community. The Rock Island Armory 1911s are value priced too. Rock Island Armory 1911-A1 Tactical .45 Auto Full-size Pistol 51431 JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. provides better protection against rust and moisture, Disclaimer Policy And FTC Affiliate Disclosure |, Disclaimer Policy And FTC Affiliate Disclosure, May or may not be reliable with JHP ammo (test out different kinds). The Rock Island Armory PRO Match Ultra is a super-sized version of Browning’s eternal classic, the 1911. The plunger spring housing, like most 1911-based pistols, is staked to the frame and the internal spring is healthy enough to hold the slide lock and thumb safety lever but not stiff enough or interfere with proper operation. In 1985, Armscor Precision International opened its first United States office in Pahrump, Nevada. $1,039.99. The 1st Generation of 1911-based pistols had a roll-mark on the left side of the frame that contained the Rock Island logo and ROCK ISLAND ARMORY. Once the barrel bushing clears the guide rod bushing, slowly release the guide rod bushing from the slide (the left hand can help prevent the guide rod bushing from flying skyward by holding the guide rod spring as the guide rod bushing is removed. $628.69. The guide rod bushing is under extreme spring pressure and is a potentially dangerous amount of energy stored in the compressed guide rod spring. The pistol’s slide, although the same as on previous models, does have the “Rock Island Armory” billboard on the left side of the slide. In most cases, I can push the safety lever on with the trigger finger of the shooting (left) hand. They are designed and manufactured by Armscor in Marikina, Philippines, and distributed in the United States by Armscor USA, located in Pahrump, Nevada. First of all, the pistol is chambered for the .45ACP cartridge. ... Two Toned Rock Island Armory 1911 Handgun. Armscor-Rock Island Armory is a best-fit manufacturer for the pistols, rifles, shotguns and ammunition you need for your concealed-carry, home-defense, self-defense and competition shooting lifestyle. Like all Rock Island 1911s, this series is built with 4140 Ordnance steel and refined by a carefully managed hand fitting process. This reference is somewhat of a misnomer, as this is my designation and not that of Armscor (Rock Island Armory) to distinguish between variations. Required fields are marked *. I may add better sights to the pistol and Armscor publishes much needed sight dimensions on their website. Competition-oriented, the PRO Match has a 5” Bull Barrel and a rail-free dust cover pushing weight forward for stability. 1911 you’ll be given a hard plastic case. The grips will be constructed out of wood to enhance its traditional look. Your email address will not be published. Since 2001, we have provided the latest in gun rights news, tech reviews and product information. The RIA shoots as well as the Springfield Loaded, the Ruger SR1911, and the Para Ordinance Expert – all at a less cost than the others. However, the Rock Island Armory (Armscor) 1911 FS Tactical does have a few features that makes it “Tactical” that seems to be the order of the day these days. The barrel is further cleaned with Hoppes, nylon bore brush, and bore jags with appropriately-sized patches. The right side of the frame incorporates the feature that has my interest – a thumb safety lever. At that point, the Rock Island Armory (Armscor) 1911 FS Tactical pistol was deemed glorious and relegated to the safe, as I was carrying another pistol at the time (Bersa .45 ACP Thunder Pro). Hardly, but for a budget priced 1911 in the $400 to $500 range, it’s about as nice of a 1911 that you can ask for. Skeletonized Trigger with Over-Travel Adjustment. The slide contact points are coated with a light coating of Lubriplate NO. Alex now resides in California. While this finish is admittedly rather dull and crude looking, it actually provides better protection against rust and moisture than standard bluing does. I’ve been asking around and would really like to get an honest answer as to the interchangeble nature of the Armscor/RIA parts, with comparably-sized 1911’s: will they or won’t they?! The Best Budget 1911: Rock Island Armory G.I. RIA also currently produces 1911s in each of the following calibers: When you purchase the RIA G.I. If the trigger is pulled and then released, the hammer can be lowered to the “half-cock notch” that keeps the hammer from contacting the firing pin. The slide incorporates an internal extractor and the frame-mounted ejector is substantial. NOVAK-style Rear Sight is Drift-Adjustable for Windage. The Rock Island Armory 1911 is something of an upstart in the firearms world, although it has been around for decades.. The Rock Island Armory 1911 series is a product line of single-action recoil operated semi-automatic pistols. While not enhancing the accuracy of the pistol, they do accent the silver, roll-marked billboard on the slide. A brand new Colt 1911 fresh out of the factory will run you close to if not over a thousand dollars. The magazine well is slightly beveled, which aids in locating the well and inserting a magazine. Here are the specifications for the Rock Island Armory (Armscor) 1911 FS Tactical: Note that with the exception of the grip type, the specifications are essentially the same as my pistol (the specs are for the 3rd Generation). Sorry, I was waxing philosophical. The left side of the pistol sports the usual 1911 fare; take-down/slide lock lever, magazine release button (not extended), and an extended thumb safety lever. These pistols are commonly available in the $400 to $500 range, or around half the price of a Colt. To me that philosophy is akin to buying a car and then running the engine without oil so that the rings will “bed” with the cylinders. Grip panels are smooth wood of some origin unknown to me. While the front sight contains no dot, it is more than adequate for defensive use and that is what this pistol is intended for. But there is also one major negative to Colt pistols: they’re extremely pricey. The trigger guard is nicely rounded and large enough to accommodate a gloved finger. By Bob Campbell Published on May 24, 2019 in Reviews. Out of Stock. The breech face showed signs of firing (a test round) and that was cleaned with an appropriate brush to remove any leftover debris from the test firing. However, the Rock Island Armory (Armscor) 1911 FS Tactical does have a few features that makes it “Tactical” that seems to be the order of the day these days. For the purposes of this article, we’ll focus on the standard G.I. We’ll talk about some basic facts of the RIA 1911, what you will get out of the box, the overall fit and finish quality, its shooting and reliability performance, and a final list of its pros and cons. model (which most closely resembles the M1911A1 that saw service from World War II to Vietnam), a Commander model, a Compact model, a Match model, and a Tactical model. The one-piece, full-length guide rod garners much discussion, but the way I feel about it, if it works – let it be. Everything else (except the grip panels) gets a wipe-down with appropriate cleaning chemicals, soft brushes, and then wiped down with a light coat of Ballistol. Many 1911s require a break-in period in order to start functioning reliably, and the RIA G.I 1911 is not an exception here. The pistol had a few minor issues that I had to straighten out before I considered it as a viable firearm to carry. One place where an RIA GI 1911 will commonly have machining marks is on the curve at the top of the slide.

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