Rock Island Arms?

Question

I am looking for a basic model 1911A1 with a parkerized finish. The Springfield GI model 1911A1 is out of my price range. The Rock Island Armory, which I heard about from another of my questions, has some similar 1911's for 300-350usd.
I have a few problems with the pistols I have seen so far, I want one with checkered grips and the "US" stamp on it, all of their grips are smooth. I don't mind spending a little extra to replace these grips but while considering this another issue came up. Rock Island 1911's are 6+1 instead of the original 7+1, I want the original 7 rounds and this means the 7+1 grips might not fit, right?
Also, I have called 4 gun stores they all carry Springfield 1911's (some are in stainless, which I don't want and some are on backorder) but I have not found a single Rock Island. I have searched the web endlessly and have not found a website for them either, where are they and why no website? Can I get a 7+1 RIA 1911 and replace the grips?

Answer 1

The magazines are 6 round, they will accept standard 7 round mags. You can buy ANY kind of grips you want for the Rock island 1911, including the ones that say US on them.It's all standard 1911 parts and components.

Answer 2

My Rock Island Armory 1911 clone is great. 2,500 plus rounds and only 1 jam/failure. That was on round #2 straight out of the box after a light cleaning. The smooth stocks are due to being manufactured in the Phillipines and using local hardwood. The manufacturer claims to be using original Colt blueprints left over from when Colt made the 1911-A1 in the Phillipines during WWII. I put a small drop of paint on the front and rear sights as my 40 something eyes are getting used to staring at a computer screen for 8 hours a day. Having fired Colt, Kimber, Springfield Armory, and a few other clones, I wouldn't trade my RIA for one of them. It came with a 7 round magazine, and I bought a Mec-Gar 8 round magazine for it. I think that if he were still alive and could try it, Colonel Cooper would like it. If you come to Texas, look me up and I will take you to a gun range to try it out.

Answer 3

I am no master at guns but I know that where I live (NC) RIA are pretty common in some of the gun shops.

As far as the 6 or 7 round issue, a standard (Full size and commander) 1911 mag holds 7 rounds, there are other options out there but usually it is 7 and up.

I have a Kimber Eclipse and it comes standard with 7 round mags, but 8 rounders are avaialbe from McCormick, Kimber and various other manufacturers. As far as the quality of the RIA's I cannot personally attest, they seem rather nice for their prices, but I have only held a couple at gun shows/shops occasionally. I have considered buying one to "fix up" but then I think about how much i love my Kimber, the quality and the fact that is made in the USA, makes me think twice about the RAI. I think they are from the Phlillipines, imported under the RAI name. I am not sure but something in my memory seems to recall that they are an imported weapon-not that all imported weapons aren't good!

If you really want a nice mil spec 1911, stick with S.A. , Kimber, or even S&W. They are making some NICE 1911's!

Even a basic Kimber will cost you about 5-6 hundred if you can find a dealer who isn't trying to earn a living on every gun he sells. For the extra couple of hundred bucks, at least you know that you are getting a quality product that will accept mil-spec parts that you may add in the future.

I have no beef with Springfields but the few that I have shot just didn't compare to the ol' Kimber. If I buy another pistol, it will say "Kimber" on the side.

I also own a Taurus PT101 and it is a nice gun as well. Taurus does offer a lifetime warranty (S&W also) on their guns, not to just the intial purchaser, but to whoever owns it. It works as I have used it a few times for various Taurus guns that I have owned in the past. I have not seen (other than a picture) their version of the 1911, but I would definitley like to check one out!

the 1911 is like the Chevorlets of guns. There are so many options, calibers, and add-ons out there for them, it all just depends on how big you want to open your wallet!

Good Luck with your search!

Answer 4

Like Boker said, you can swap magazines. Grips are an easy fix. Check with the Ajax pistol grip company.

I can't attest to the quality of the Rock Island pistols as I've only actually seen one. It looked extremely utilitarian. Nearly like an early 1911A1 in .38 Super. For less than $500 new I nearly walked out of the gun shop with it, except I decided to wait around for the right Colt. I guess I'm just a traditionalist at heart. Who knows, if its still around in a few months I might go for it. I think that with that early 1911 look, parkerized finish and aged ivory grips from Ajax it might just look great.

Best.

H

Answer 5

I had an RIA (piece of junk, IMHO) and it had a custom 8 shot magazine. Standard Mags for the full-size GM 1911 are 7 rounds (my favorite number). You just have something wrong with your mag if only six rounds fit. RIA guns were touted when they came out for accuracy and parts quality but then a very crappy lot of them was imported and tyhey have been very spotty on quality. I had a real stinker. Springfield GI models (serial#wwxxxxxx) are not much better with all the poor MIM* parts and bad machining. Sad to say, but getting a well-built standard GI model is getting hard. Most well-built 1911 guns (like Kimber, Taurus, Springfileds (serial #nmxxxxxx) that are somewhat affordable and most are using more modern styles (and better quality MIM parts). RIA guns are made using ISO 9002 standards (metric!). Look out on parts swaps.
Even the grip screws might give you trouble.

*MIM: Hightech-casting process for small parts previously machined.

Update: Full-size and Commander frames are identical, so both should be using 7or 8 round mags.

Answer 6

From my response to your previous question you know my preference. But, Rock Island seems to be an adequate firearm that should be safe, functional and reasonably accurate. I know a gunsmith who uses the Rock Island as a base to build target 1911s that are tack drivers. I know people who shoot the basic models and love them. Like the Charles Daly's that Armscor also produces they are an outstanding value. Still, if it were me I'd save up and get the Springfield. But I'm sure you will be pleased with the Rock Island--most everyone is.

Answer 7

Rock Island, I know a guy who can get it to you. He's got one on the shelf right now.

Go to

http://www.donnellsshootingsupply.com/

You could also go to Gallery Of Guns to find a dealer or GunBroker.com

Answer 8

Look at Taurus; I have more than a few of them; and their quality is at the top of the scale.