Rock Island / Armscor 1911: Opinions?

[hdfinder47]

I am a believer in "you get what you pay for", BUT….I've heard that these 45's are reasonably accurate and reliable so I ordered one from the "Hot Deals" link here. I know that they are made in the Philippines but their manufacturing credentials look ok.
Anyone have personal experience with this pistol?

 

[S&W4ME]

I just purchased the 9mm tactical Rock Island from Ferrara Firearms. Great gun.

 

[MyTFAL]

I have one of the older Tactical .45's I LOVE it! It's not a Colt or a ahem.......a 4516-2 buuuut it's nice.

 

[kcinnick]

When I felt the Tactical models I ordered as many as I could afford, slides are slick and tight, there is no play in the slide. If I didn't already have a stable of 1911's I would keep one for myself. I am sending one off to get Hydrodipped, if it doesn't sell, I will keep it.

 

[KvichakKing]

I looked at one yesterday at FF and I can attest to the above claim, it was much better than my Colt Defender.

 

[TecheTitan]

Ed, I personally do not own one, but I did give a RIA to my father-in-law several years back. Several rounds through it later, he is very happy with it. In fact, just tonight, my daughters boyfriend was asking me about what kind of 1911 he should buy because he fell in love with my Kimber.

Yes. I know there are plenty of Kimber haters out there, but mine has been flawless.

Anyway, back on subject. I noticed a descent RIA 1911 for sale on CDNN today for less than $400, and suggested that he should buy it if he really wants one as he does not have the funds available for a high dollar model.

So, take it for what it is worth.

I would not buy it for personal protection or competion, but I think it would be a fine gun for play or casual shooting.

 

[CUJOHUNTER]

A very nice 1911 for it's price point and many can attest to that. Oh yeah...... also made in my home country!

 

[DBMJR1]

I have a first gen RIA GI .45acp. It's duracoated. Newer ones are park'd. Mine doesn't have the obnoxious billboard on the slide.

It's function is flawless. It has shot side by side with Colt Gold Cups and Kimbers. It shoots very well.

It will feed semi wad cutters, hollow points, ball munition and very small rocks without a hitch.

Only drawback is that I don't trust the cast frame with a .460 Rowland conversion. I'll have to find a milled frame for that.

If you're looking for a pistol that looks fancy and has lots of bling, buy a Kimber. If you are looking to get the most pistol for your buck, buy a RIA.

 

[JBP55]

A very nice 1911 for it's price point and many can attest to that. Oh yeah...... also made in my home country!

Do you eat Balut?

 

[maadi47]

I have a Citadel 1911 made by Armscor. Same gun as the Rock Island tactical. It shoots anything I give it.

 

[bravo3]

Had a tactical, sold it for a springfield loaded. Would I spend the extra 350 again? No.

 

[CUJOHUNTER]

Do you eat Balut?

HELL NO!!
I like my eggs minus the embryo.

 

[LACamper]

That tactical looks great for the price!

 

[CUJOHUNTER]

Ed, you're not going to have any problems with the Rock Island 1911...... they are shooters. I hate paying for bling myself and I like Guns that work for less. Just like Glocks..... there not blingy but they work. RI 1911s won't fail you. They do what they're built to do.

 

[hdfinder47]

Cool - I should be able to shoot again by May so I'll just fondle it till then, lol. Should be here early next week.
Thanks for all the input - usually I ask for opinions BEFORE I buy but I couldn't pass up $319 shipped price.

 

[dixiejarhead]

Great gun out the box!

 

[JBP55]

This is what a big time 1911 man had to say about the RIA in 1911.


Rock Island Armory Government

We’ll start off with Rock Island Armory. Their Government model is outstanding for the money. It’s got a decent trigger and solid reliability. It can still also be had for $400 or even less, making it one of the least expensive 1911s on the market. However, those seeking a true replica need to look elsewhere. The Rock Island lacks an arched mainspring housing or lanyard loop. It also has a lowered and flared ejection port, which helps feeding of defense ammo, and a beveled magwell. The Rock Island is actually close to a Springfield Mil Spec in configuration, but with GI sights and vertical slide serrations. If that’s important to you, the RIA is a nice choice. Personally, I like a more true-to-spec replica better, but that certainly doesn’t make the Rock Island a bad gun. On the contrary, these enhancements can likely make it a better range pistol. The grips are smooth wood examples that look nice, though are a bit slippery at times. The finish is an authentic looking parkerizing and the slide to frame fit is surprisingly tight with little side-to-side movement. Slide markings consist of *Rock Island Armory* and the logo on the left. The right side is clean. RIA 1911s are built in the Philippines by Armscor.

This 1911 uses no firing pin safety.

Unloaded weight: 39.8oz

Slide: Extruded carbon steel

Frame: Cast carbon steel

Country of origin: Philippines

Approximate 2011 street price: $400

http://www.armscor.com.ph/pistols_gi.htm

 

[general mills]

My dad has a citadel officer model he bought to put a beating on at the range, and it never had a hitch. he carries a kimber because of the weight, but he would have no qualms carrying the citadel.



on a side note, this thread has generated nothing but positive feedback so far. what would a thread titled Kimber 1911: Opinions? look like?

 

[kcinnick]

My dad has a citadel officer model he bought to put a beating on at the range, and it never had a hitch. he carries a kimber because of the weight, but he would have no qualms carrying the citadel.



on a side note, this thread has generated nothing but positive feedback so far. what would a thread titled Kimber 1911: Opinions? look like?

I don't know, but 90% of my Kimbers sell before they make it to the shelf.

 

[hdfinder47]

My dad has a citadel officer model he bought to put a beating on at the range, and it never had a hitch. he carries a kimber because of the weight, but he would have no qualms carrying the citadel.



on a side note, this thread has generated nothing but positive feedback so far. what would a thread titled Kimber 1911: Opinions? look like?

Interesting question. I like Kimbers also (and Colts, DWAs, NightHawks, and GIs, etc) and have several that function perfectly. But at 1/4 the money I could add better sights and a fancier finish to the RIA and still come out ahead!