The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: DanPostit on April 20, 2008, 07:29:11 PM
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Hello!
I am new to the forum. I have been checking into Rock Island Armory 1911s and would like to know if any one has had good or bad luck with them. I am interested in the tactical model, and also the 3 1/2" compact model.
Thanks.
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Hello!
I am new to the forum. I have been checking into Rock Island Armory 1911s and would like to know if any one has had good or bad luck with them. I am interested in the tactical model, and also the 3 1/2" compact model.
Thanks.
MB likes them a lot, good pistol for the price point, made in the Philippines. Not a Wilson or Kimber by any means, but good. Check out his older blogs, maybe January this year for his take on one. I wanted to get one, haven't been able to hook up with the dealer, and since I moved, he's 4 hours away.
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Hello!
I am new to the forum. I have been checking into Rock Island Armory 1911s and would like to know if any one has had good or bad luck with them. I am interested in the tactical model, and also the 3 1/2" compact model.
Thanks.
I've been carring my RIA Goverment model for about a year now 1600 + rounds with no problems at all. Front sight is hard to pick up so I put a dot of Yellow Nail polish on it, I don't like smooth grips so I put Hogue rubber grips on it, those are the only work that I've done to it besides cleaning.
It's the first 1911 I've ever been willing to stake my life on.
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I have one and a gunsmith I know says they are closer to original specs than most on the market. I really like mine. You can read alot more at 1911.com they have a section just for the RIAs.
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Thanks for the link 2HOW, I'll check it out. I did find RIAs listed on the Sarco webpage. I looked up Armscor, and my aniti-virus blocked/deleted something from that webpage....may have just been a tracking cookie.
From the other replies, sounds like RIA would make a good base price 1911 platform.
I know Springfield gets its frames/slides from Brazil, and I learned Kimber gets theirs from Korea?....so it is getting almost impossible to buy american if you have a small budget. ???
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I have had my RIA Government model just over a year now, great gun, no problems. Sights are GI (small) type, but they work. Gun shoot where I aim it and goes bang when I pull the trigger, what more could I ask for.
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I have one in 38 super. I like it . i have had no problems what ever with it.
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I've heard a equal number of good and bad...
I'm not talking about the " oh this is a POS, but I've never even seen it" and " glock kool aid" you know just like the ford/chevy guys.
I've handled a few, but have never shot them so won't comment on them.
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I believe they are making a hi cap version now similar to the Para.
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WELL, THE TRIGGER PULL, IS O.K.! BUT, AFTER YOU HAVE FIRED 500+ ROUNDS....THE EJECTOR STARTING TO SOFTEN UP!
CAUSED THE ROUND TO JAM OR EJECTOR WILL NOT CAUSE THE ROUND TO POP UP! PLUS THE HAMMER WILL NOT LINE UP!
TO THE FIRING PIN, SOMETIME.
BILLYE1952
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WELL, THE TRIGGER PULL, IS O.K.! BUT, AFTER YOU HAVE FIRED 500+ ROUNDS....THE EJECTOR STARTING TO SOFTEN UP!
CAUSED THE ROUND TO JAM OR EJECTOR WILL NOT CAUSE THE ROUND TO POP UP! PLUS THE HAMMER WILL NOT LINE UP!
TO THE FIRING PIN, SOMETIME.
BILLYE1952
1500 rounds with NO problems, I've had Colt, Norinco, Auto Ord, and Llama, this is the only one I trust for carry.
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Well, I have owned a RIA 1911 A1 with a dovetailed rear site and standard Colt post type front. It was parkarised with a "rosewood" type finish on the grips. I carried it for quite a while transporting inmates. I can tell you that mine was of excellent quality for the $350 I paid for it new. I can also tell you i had a little trouble with certain ammunition. Hornady TAP 185 gr. ammo worked flawlessly and i kept it full with that for a couple of years. The stock magazines worked fine but I chose to carry 6 Chip Mcormic shooting star magazines. I sold it after I transfered to a friend. Unfortunately the front site fell out and was replaced with an unjknown aftermarket piece. I believe this was do to the CONSTANT reholstering at every correctional facility I visited. I too am currently thinking of the micro version for concealed carry purposes. I currently carry a star 9mm for that purpose. I found the prices for all RIA models quite fair at www.sarcoinc.com
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I have a RIA Government model on my hip right now. It's been an excellent gun. Go For it!
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I have a RIA Government model on my hip right now. It's been an excellent gun. Go For it!
Good man ;D I saw on the Armscor website that they are making a "Hi - Cap" 1911 similar to the Original Para
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Good man ;D I saw on the Armscor website that they are making a "Hi - Cap" 1911 similar to the Original Para
Sarco has them. They accept Para magazines. http://www.sarcoinc.com/rockislands-new.html (http://www.sarcoinc.com/rockislands-new.html)
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i pistol im holding in my profile pic is a high standard 1911 made by armscorp in the phllipines.only paid 439 dollars for it but it is an excellent weapon,no issues whatsoever.its a gov model,pretty basic but very tight tolerances and very reliable
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Good man ;D I saw on the Armscor website that they are making a "Hi - Cap" 1911 similar to the Original Para
Yeah. I've been wanting one of those too. About my RIA, I don't really carry it other than open around the house and yard. That's because I don't have a good concealment holster for it except a Vertical shoulder holster (Vertical shoulder holsters suck. a bitch to draw from, and you need a semi-heavy jacket to conceal the full sized 1911 in the one I have.). Well, My Fanny pack would Probably work. But I don't wear that out and about very often. I need to get a good IWB holster for it.
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Yeah. I've been wanting one of those too. About my RIA, I don't really carry it other than open around the house and yard. That's because I don't have a good concealment holster for it except a Vertical shoulder holster (Vertical shoulder holsters suck. a bitch to draw from, and you need a semi-heavy jacket to conceal the full sized 1911 in the one I have.). Well, My Fanny pack would Probably work. But I don't wear that out and about very often. I need to get a good IWB holster for it.
Look into a Crossbreed
http://www.crossbreedholsters.com/index.html
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Yeah. I've been wanting one of those too. About my RIA, I don't really carry it other than open around the house and yard. That's because I don't have a good concealment holster for it except a Vertical shoulder holster (Vertical shoulder holsters suck. a bitch to draw from, and you need a semi-heavy jacket to conceal the full sized 1911 in the one I have.). Well, My Fanny pack would Probably work. But I don't wear that out and about very often. I need to get a good IWB holster for it.
I just use an Uncle Mikes Side kick, never had a problem yet.
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I have several of these and you cant beat them for price and quality. http://www.gunnersalley.com/product/H715
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I just use an Uncle Mikes Side kick, never had a problem yet.
I have them, and It just doesn't seem to work for me with my Rock Island.
I have several of these and you cant beat them for price and quality. http://www.gunnersalley.com/product/H715
I have one on my hip now with my GLOCK 30 in it, but it's not what I'm looking for for the 1911. I want a holster that has a guard between my side and the hammer Spur and grip safety so it doesn't dig into me constantly. That Crossbreed looks like a good choice, though. I'm considering something from High Noon, too.
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Walter45Auto check out the Fist Holster web site (just type in Fist Holsters). They have quite a selection and will modify it to suit your needs.
Richard
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RIA is probably one of the best bangs for the buck for 1911-style guns, as are the Armscor guns, if you can still find them. Armscor is no longer distributed in the U.S., to my knowledge, but the RIA guns are made by the same folks.
From what I've seen, their customer service is beyond outstanding.
-JT
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Just in case y'all didn't see in my other thread, I got a holster for mine Saturday at the gun show. I went with the Don Hume PCCH. Before getting the holster, I picked up a Kimber BP Ten II. I was gonna get a 715 to give it a chance, but the mouth of the 715 came too high and wouldn't allow the BP Ten with it's fat double stack grip to seat in the holster. The PCCH Fit the kimber Like a Glove. It seems to fit a little looser around my Rock Island, but still a good fit. I think I picked the right holster. Seems to work well with either gun.
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Cool! A twofer. ;D
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Yup! ;D
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ive heard they ARE a GOOD gun for the buck i cant wait to get one this winter it will be the last pistol i buy for quite a while since me and my g/f are moving in together so this is summin ive wanted for a long time govt model 1911 at a nice price is all i ask for no bells and whistles jus down to buisness shootin.
redstone_on_warpath
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Good choice, You will not be sorry.
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Good choice, You will not be sorry.
I'm sorry......sorry that I ever let my RIA 1911 go..... :(
Sold it to my step-son with a buy-back option that he 'forgot about' until after he sold it to someone else.
I did keep the grips, though (I like the smooth wood).
Oh, well......sometimes you're the windshield...sometimes you're the bug.
8)
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RIA is probably one of the best bangs for the buck for 1911-style guns, as are the Armscor guns, if you can still find them. Armscor is no longer distributed in the U.S., to my knowledge, but the RIA guns are made by the same folks.
From what I've seen, their customer service is beyond outstanding.
-JT
I just noticed this post, The way I understand it, the reason Armscor guns are no longer sold here but their ammo is, is because the changed the trade name that they use for selling guns to, You guessed it, Rock Island Armory ;D
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Any one ever hear of 'American Classic" 1911? They have them in the SOG magazine I get. 349. It is not the RIA because thay had tose listed as well last month.
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I saw an ad for them while web surfing, but I don't remember which site, that's all I know about them.
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Any one ever hear of 'American Classic" 1911? They have them in the SOG magazine I get. 349. It is not the RIA because thay had tose listed as well last month.
Try here:
http://www.1911pistols.com/category/499-American_Classic_1911_Pistols.aspx
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Try here:
http://www.1911pistols.com/category/499-American_Classic_1911_Pistols.aspx
Thanks, Pegleg
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Some guys I work with wanted 45's they went with a High Point, I went with a Rock Island. Replaced the sights and changed out the wood panels for some slime grips. They have moved onto other pistols Springfield Armory and the likes, I still have my RIA
and love it. It sits waiting......I pray I never have to use it, but If I do I know it will be there for me.
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:) Just like everything else in the world. Sometimes you get a good one sometimes you don't............................
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I notice the Rock Island guns have pretty much dried up...issues with delivery, as I understand it. That's a shame, because — what else can I say? — they're cheap and they work. Worked better, in fact, than some "name" 1911s for a lot of bucks more. They would be a heck of a platform to build up a trick 1911.
I have one sitting in my safe that I paid the lordly sum of $389 American money for. I shot it against my "real" 1911s and it did just fine. I suppose I could find some ammo it would choke on, but I would guess that's true of 90% of all 1911s...maybe 100% of un-dinked guns.
Good deals are few and far between...I'd like to see them come back into widespread distribution.
Michael B
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www.jgsales.com still has both .45 and .38 Super listed on their website
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I know this is a 3 year old thread, but I did a search on "Rock Island Armory" because I'm giving thought to one of these guns. It appears the guns are again being sold in high numbers, at still very good prices. Tom B., do you still have yours? If so how is it holding up? How about the rest of you guys? Bill T.
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Yes, I've still got it and still no problems.
I still trust it enough to carry and it's the first 1911 I've ever said that about.
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About, if you had to guess, how many rounds have you put down the pipe? Is it a standard GI model? I'm thinking about the Tactical Model with the Novak Sights. Bill T.
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Standard model, with over 2K rounds through it.
I put about 1500 through the first year but work has been spotty to non existent so range time has been as well.
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That's good news. 2,000 rounds is nothing to sneeze at. Damn good dependability for a $400.00 gun! Bill T.
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If I get to buy another gun in the foreseeable future it will be the double stack version, I last saw them at J&G for $420, and they use Para mags.
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If I get to buy another gun in the foreseeable future it will be the double stack version, I last saw them at J&G for $420, and they use Para mags.
http://www.jgsales.com/product_info.php/p/rock-island-armory-1911a2-hi-cap-45acp-new/products_id/4514
I saw that this morning surfing with my coffee. The price is up to $520.00. Still not bad. Bill T.
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(http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u261/PicSnic/Guns%20and%20Knives/1911withHolster.jpg)
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I have one buddy using a RIA shooting IDPA for the last two seasons. The only issue has been one broken recoil spring after 2500+ rounds. A new Wilson spring and it was back up an running.
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It's a better gun than the Kimber Solo.
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3000 rds. on mine now in 2yrs. Never even as much as a hiccup with anything I feed it! I have the MS model and LOVE it. Everyday carry and the ONLY one in the safe I completely trust 100%.
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SARCO has quite a variety of them at reasonable prices.
http://www.sarcoinc.com/book%20of%201911-8.pdf
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I'm glad so many of you have had good luck with the RIAs. I took a "Tactical" fullsize in trade a couple years ago. Based on my examination and experience with the gun, I'm surprised that anyone would make the comment: "It's the only 1911 I'd trust my life to". I'm guessing this must be a first 1911 for most, and no reference for comparison. I'd say it's worth what you pay for it. Mine is for sale. If anyone in my state wants to meet for a face to face sale, post here and we'll see if we can get together. The pistol has maybe 400 rds through it. My state of residence is AR.
s45
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I'm glad so many of you have had good luck with the RIAs. I took a "Tactical" fullsize in trade a couple years ago. Based on my examination and experience with the gun, I'm surprised that anyone would make the comment: "It's the only 1911 I'd trust my life to". I'm guessing this must be a first 1911 for most, and no reference for comparison. I'd say it's worth what you pay for it. Mine is for sale. If anyone in my state wants to meet for a face to face sale, post here and we'll see if we can get together. The pistol has maybe 400 rds through it. My state of residence is AR.
s45
I first used Colt 1911's in the Marines, later I was a unit armorer in the National Guard, I've also owned probably a 1/2 dozen various 1911's over the years.
I will stand by my opinion that Rock Island is the best of the bunch.
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I first used Colt 1911's in the Marines, later I was a unit armorer in the National Guard, I've also owned probably a 1/2 dozen various 1911's over the years.
I will stand by my opinion that Rock Island is the best of the bunch.
While I respect you opinion, I don't share it. I've been shooting the 1911 platform for almost 60 yrs. Starting with the issue A1s brought home from WWll. I continued through my military years into civilian life. I've built half a dozen using a variety of frames/slides for the base pistol. I have spent the last 20 yrs competing in various action pistol events. Frequently using a 1911. I have shot with hundreds of others using the 1911/2011 platform, and that's a conservative number. I don't have anything against an inexpensive pistol. Among my 1911s I have an IAI, a Charles Daly, and a Taurus. All bought for less than $500. They are all ok for the money, but in no way compare to my others, especially the Kimbers and STIs. Just my opinion, and it appears to be the opinion of the serious shooters I've met. Again, I'm glad you're happy with your pistol, as many others seem to be. I trust it serves you well for as long as you need it. I'll keep the IAI, we have some history together. May use the CD and Taurus for trade material some day, but the RIA is gone as soon as I can find a buyer.
s45
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the RIA is gone as soon as I can find a buyer.
Why? Does the gun not run properly?
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Why? Does the gun not run properly?
It's running ok now, feeds LSWC and ball. Haven't tried hollow points.
Slide fails to lock back on empty mags. Haven't had the time or interest to address that.
s45
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s45, that is usually the mags and not the pistol. I say usually because nothing is 100%.
Richard
PS: I have and have shot my share of stock and highly moded 1911's for ONLY 40 years or so.
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s45, that is usually the mags and not the pistol. I say usually because nothing is 100%.
Richard
Thanks, Richard.
Wilson, Metalform, McCormic, NightHawk, and the Novac mags that came with it, all fail to lock back the slide. It's likely the slide lock. I'm sure I have a few in my parts box, but as I said, I lack time or interest in the gun. At my age, if something annoys me, I don't do it.
PS: I have and have shot my share of stock and highly moded 1911's for ONLY 40 years or so.
Novice------------- ::)
s45
s45
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Ok ... I have read this tread and this morning I am headed to my local shop to try and make a deal on a RIA match 1911 , I have been holding out to try and get a Ruger SR 1911 but this thing felt so sweet in my hand that I can not resist it. The red fiber optic in the front and black adjustible rear sight actully looked so clear to my 49 year old eyes that I just have to give this a try. And how could I go wrong If Tom says they are great quaility for what I'll be spending? ;D
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So should I hit them up for a commission ? ;D
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So should I hit them up for a commission ? ;D
Just remember to get it in US dollars.
The Philippine peso is worth less the 3 cents!
:D
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Just remember to get it in US dollars.
The Philippine peso is worth less the 3 cents!
:D
And thats better than than the US dollar how? :P
Honest question. How Does the RIA stack up against the Tarus? Both have a rep for being a good pistol for short money, but head to head how do they compare?
FQ13
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I haven't shot the Taurus but it's $250+ more than the RIA.
My advice would be if you want a solid GI 1911, get the RIA, if you want bells and whistles like Full length guide rod get the Taurus.
The difference between the 2 may be less than the cost of switching the parts yourself.
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I bought a Taurus PT1911 when they first came on the market. Cost was $460 out the door. I cleaned/ lubed it and put it away for almost a year before getting a chance to try it out. I put 300rds through it in one session without cleaning or re-lubing. The were no failures of any kind using my 200gr LSWC and 230 LRN reloads. A slight adjustment of the rear sight was required to get the sights on, after which it shoots to POA. To date I have about 2k rds through this pistol with two failures to return to battery. In all fairness, these occurred late in a shooting session when the gun was extremely dirty. I haven't shot the gun extensively as I prefer some of my other 1911s over this one, and I'm shooting ESP almost exclusively these days. In summary, it's a good pistol for the money. If I were buying another 1911 in this price range, this is what I'd buy.
s45
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My son bought a PT1911 as his first gun, spent the money he earned on a ranch up in North Central Montana (that big empty place under Canadia). We took it out shooting when I went up for his graduation and it took me back to training with US Army issue 1911s back at Camp Roberts CA in '92 before the USAR finally got the M9. Nice gun and like Smokey said worth the money. I am thinking about a C&S trigger group for Christmas is in order. ;D
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I would choose Rock Island Armory over anything Taurus. Taurus seems to have a reputation for spotty quality at best, and their customer service is as hit or miss as Hussein's jobs program. I haven't heard many complaints from Rock Island Armory owners. Mostly praise to the point of buying another one. Armscor is one of the largest firearm manufacturers in the world.
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Ok here is my RIA
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Hope to post a range report in a few days. ;D
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I've got the same grip on mine ;D