Rock Island Armory

Gbannan · 12-01-2012, 21:17

Looking at picking up a RIA 1911 milspec. I'm on a tight budget and the $400 price tag sounds good. Can anyone who owns one speak on the quality, reliability and fit and finish of these pistols. Also is there no firing pin safety on these pistols? Any feedback would be appreciated.

3rdgen40 · 12-02-2012, 06:43

I've handled a few RIA's that were tight and well built.I would also look at ATI.Both are fine guns for $400.

Wetrudgeon · 12-02-2012, 06:51

IRA's are imported from the Phillipines. We own two: a 1911A1 Tactical and a 2011 full rail. Both of ours are are excellent shooters, accuracy comprable to our Kimber and Colt 1911A1 (at least in our hands). Not as nicely finished as some of the more "upscale" manufacturers. Cannot yet speak to long term reliability, as we have only about 3K rounds through the Tact; and the 2011 is newer. We like the RIA's a lot and think that for the $$$, you will be hard pressed to do better.

We trudge on.

Rio Vista Slim · 12-02-2012, 07:30

Rock Island Armory 1911 A1FS w/Hogue Rubber Grips

The only modifications to this pistol are the grips and new recoil spring. Despite the miniscule G.I. sights, the gun is surprisingly accurate, and has been 100% reliable with many different brands of FMJ and JHP factory ammunition.

This pistol has been detail-stripped several times, and I cannot detect any unusual wear to any of the internal parts.

bac1023 · 12-02-2012, 17:33

They are very solid 1911s. Click on the link in my signature to learn more.

Gbannan · 12-02-2012, 18:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by bac1023

They are very solid 1911s. Click on the link in my signature to learn more.

Thanks for the info. For the money it looks as if these pistols can't be beat. Now I just need to find someone who has them in stock...

jrs93accord · 12-02-2012, 20:01

Very solid pistols.

TxGlock9 · 12-02-2012, 23:29

I always hear good things about them, it being an entry level 1911. I wouldn't hesitate...

gunsmoke92 · 12-03-2012, 10:19

For the price you can't go wrong. Just picked this one up a couple days ago. Even better, they have a Lifetime warranty, even if you buy one used.

You are correct, there is no firing pin safety. These pistols are based on the Colt model 70.

dakota1911 · 12-03-2012, 14:40

I have a couple and for the price they are nice.

glock2740 · 12-03-2012, 16:27

Tried to pick up my fourth one today, but couldn't get anyone on the phone.

Great 1911 for the money.

cowboywannabe · 12-03-2012, 16:53

my basic 5" GI gun is a great gun.....best money ive ever spent for a gun....

$340.00 NIB 7 years ago, no malfunctions.

Gbannan · 12-03-2012, 17:43

Does anyone know of any place that has the GI model in stock?

Joshhtn · 12-03-2012, 17:49

Great gun!

fallenangelhim · 12-03-2012, 17:58

A great pistol that was not picky with ammo. It ran everything and anything. Did not care what magazines I use. It was a tool meant to be used.

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tc2129 · 12-03-2012, 19:19

I bought my dad one last year for Christmas. Great shooter. Accurate too

MTHall51 · 12-03-2012, 19:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by gunsmoke92

For the price you can't go wrong. Just picked this one up a couple days ago. Even better, they have a Lifetime warranty, even if you buy one used.

You are correct, there is no firing pin safety. These pistols are based on the Colt model 70.

Are those custom or aftermarket grips?

cowboywannabe · 12-03-2012, 20:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTHall51

Are those custom or aftermarket grips?

those look like the smooth cheap woods that come with it.

BEER · 12-04-2012, 10:51

yep those look pretty close to the same type of wood that i've seen on at least 6 factory rocks.

gunsmoke92 · 12-04-2012, 18:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTHall51

Are those custom or aftermarket grips?

Nope, that's what came on it.

PPinesRon · 12-07-2012, 16:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gbannan

Does anyone know of any place that has the GI model in stock?

Seems like J&G Sales are the only ones that have them in stock. I read somewhere that RIA is expanding their production area, so supplies have been tight, but should open up:

http://www.jgsales.com/rock-island-a...ew-p-2861.html

Here's a post from Armscor's CEO:

http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=390654

Paul7 · 12-10-2012, 16:16

I had one that was not reliable, even after going back to the factory. They finally gave up and sent me a new one, which I sold. My experience is probably the exception.

Fordtough25 · 12-11-2012, 10:10

I have a 5" government model RIA and it shoots grear, I got it used and the throat had been polished but it's stock besides that. Nice gun for the money and it feels good. I'm not a fan of the stock slick grips though, changing them asap.

Dubble-Tapper · 12-11-2012, 12:09

awesome budget 1911. works great, my friends shoot them, ive personally fired a couple hundred rounds through one, nice functioning gun. really basic looking. good price.

if i were to buy any Filipino gun, id buy a Metro Arms ACII.... much better looking, better fit and finish, functioned just as good. same friend owns that one.

RGbiker · 12-11-2012, 19:51

I have a GI spec RIA for 3 years. No problems to mention in over 1,000+ rounds. Best bang for the buck for daily carry IMO, when compared to my Colt and my R1. RIA is series 70 firing pin, while Colt and R1 have firing pin safety.

OP should also consider the ATI, which looks to have a better finish over the RIA.