I just took my new RIA M1911A1 (the so-called "basic" model) to TargetWorld here in Cincinnati. It was accurate as all get-out and never failed to feed or eject --- even though they're not supposed to perform that well until you've fed three or four boxes of ammo through them. But right from the first round, it shot like a champ.
But I also feel the need to say a word or three about the supposedly junk-like extruded steel from which the RIA frame (and maybe the slide, too) is made. I discovered this about the RIA 1911 after I'd bought my first one a few years ago, so I sought the advice of an expert in the firearms field --- but an objective one, not one of these snob-gunners who spent a month's pay on his Colt or Kimber and is hell-bent on demonizing anyone who didn't.
My search brought me to the site of Rabbi R. Mermelstein of Gun Owners Alliance. On the matters of extrusion as a manufacturing process and RIA specifically, the Rabbi had this to say:
"There are traditionalists who disparage cast frames or slides. Casting is a relatively new technology. It saves time, which is money for a manufacturer, because it eliminates a lot of steps. It is, however, in no way inferior to a forging if the metallurgy is of the same quality. Rock Island makes a high quality 1911 pistol. Even given heavy, frequent use, it should last as long as a 1911 made from machined forgings. Even the most expensive 1911 pistol, like any firearm, has a limited service life. Colt pistols, to which you compare your own, wear out like any other. Keep it clean, with a good quality lubricant on the bearing surfaces between the frame and slide. Don’t overdo it. If lubricant is dripping from the pistol after reassembly, you’ve overdone it."
After absorbing his reply, any question as to whether I'd spent my $ 450 wisely rapidly went bye-bye. And today's stellar performance of the product just sealed the deal even more. Hopefully this will now be true for other readers, also.
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but I still love it!!! Rock Island makes great weapons for a very reasonable price. I just picked mine up last week. It is a mid size version with the captured guide rod. Ordered some new grip screws for it and am looking at the Hogue wrap around grip for added comfort on the front strap. (I like the finger grooves)
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