[Trip83]

Im looking at buying a Rock Island Armory 1911A1 GI .45 cal. I was wondering if anybody owns one and what they think about it. I was also wondering if anybody new any history on the company. Thanks for any advise and information!!

[Hawg]

I just got the tactical model. Got a thread here with pics somewhere. It feeds anything you put in it. Empties go 3-4 feet to the right, not back at you. Decently accurate, not a match winner but that can be worked on. The mag feels thin and cheap but it works just fine. I will be getting some new ones tho as well as new grips. The grips are ok, better than the ones on older RIA's, I just don't like smooth wood on a 1911. I dunno bout the milspec model.

Here's a link to the thread. http://www.firearmstalk.com/forums/f57/rock-island-54732/

[danf_fl]

Earlier models seem to be either "hit or miss".
The later models seem to have worked the "bugs" out.

And I hate the smooth grips.

[tiberius10721]

Spend the extra money and get the tactical . I own the GI version and wish I had bought the tactical.

[HOSSFLY]

Originally Posted by tiberius10721

Spend the extra money and get the tactical . I own the GI version and wish I had bought the tactical.

Agree- My RIA Tactical is on the left-

[Olympus]

My experience on sub-$500 1911s is that you run a good risk of getting what you pay for. I've had two Filipino 1911s and both of them had issues in which I was less than impressed. It took me two times before I learned to save my pennies a little longer until I could afford a higher quality 1911. But there are plenty of people that are happy with the ones they own.

[FaTmAn]

You know i have hear alot of good about rock island, and some bad. So if you do get one and if it does have problems find some body to work on it till you get it right. Because i have honestly heard more bad things said about kimbers then almost any other 1911 style gun.. If this doesnt help any go buy a hi-point at least you will have a brick to throw at somebody when your done shooting

[JD1969]

Mine has over 800 rounds through it as of this post and not a single malfunction (after the first 50 rounds). I have shot everything through it, Wolf, Tula and better stuff, it shoots everything.

[Trip83]

Thanks everybody for the information!

[MrWray]

I have a High Standard which is also made by Armscor, with all of the high end 1911s out there,the High Standard and the RIA are diamonds in the rough. Im getting top notch fit & finish,accuracy and reliability identical to a Colt or Springfield,out of a 1911 that i paid $500 for new. It really cant get any better than that