Rock Island Armory 1911 Tactical 9mm

[diablo982]

So after recently shooting my friend's 1911, I knew I had to have one. My budget didn't allow for it at the time, so I sold an AR to make available some much needed funds. One problem I had when shopping for 1911's was I couldn't make up my mind on which direction I should go. Did I want it for concealed carry or a plinker gun? In the end I knew I needed both. I decided I should go budget on a plinker, and save my money for a higher end commander framed carry weapon.

My family likes to shoot as well, so I wanted something that shot cheaper ammo and had less recoil than a .45ACP. I gave serious consideration to the GSG 1911 chambered in .22, but I already have a .22 pistol and there's something about a centerfire pistol which feels a little more "real". After searching the web, I settled on a RIA 1911 Tactical chambered in 9mm. The ammo prices are right, and the recoil would be a non-factor for the wife and kids.

The gun arrived earlier this week, packed in a plastic hard case and bagged in a oily mixture. While the stock grips are decent, I wanted to add a little more bling so I bought some black walnut diamond grips on eBay, which arrived the same day as the gun. After wiping off the oil, I immediately changed out the grips.

At the range yesterday, I took it through its paces. I started off with some Remington 124 grain FMJ round nose ammo. It handled that without a hiccup. I then broke out some third-world country ammo which has been sitting in my attic for at least the past 15 years. I wouldn't fault the gun if it didn't like it, but it still shot flawlessly. As far as accuracy, at 10 yards it was shooting about 3" high and to the right. Once I changed my aim point, I was knocking the paper out of the X ring. I don't have any specific numbers for you, but this gun is definitely accurate. The trigger felt like it was in the 5 to 5.5 lb. range. A little lighter than the S/A's I've handled, and closer to a S&W I tried. There is a little take up with the trigger and it's pretty crisp; about what you would expect from a gun in this price point. It's not a Colt, Kimber, etc., but it also costs half as much. As I imagined, this heavy-framed gun absorbed all recoil and getting back on target was a non-issue.

Overall I'm happy with my purchase. After replacing the grips, I think I'm done with upgrades for this gun. It serves it's purpose well as a range plinker; pretty accurate, fun and cheap to shoot. Now I begin my search for a higher-end concealed carry in .45ACP!

[Murgatroy]

Glad you like it. I am looking at picking up the exact same pistol.

[Guest BenderBendingRodriguez]

Looks good! You must have been really dedicated to sell an AR to fun this little adventure.

[gregintenn]

Love the grips! You won't be sorry you bought the Rock Island. In my opinion, you could have spent a lot more, and perhaps gotten a shinier gun, but you weren't likely to get a better shooter.

I have a Rock Island Commander in 45ACP and I absolutely love it. I may have to look into a set of grips like the ones you have here.

[Guest spoolie]

I think D&T has one in stock. Great entry level 1911 gun. It has a lot of room for growth.

[Guest erob]

I have the same exact pistol and it has been flawless, you will not be disappointed. Many feel this is an "entry level" 1911, I believe it is as good as many others for much less.

[Guest JMB]

For the price of a "real" 1911 I got two starter 9mm Tactical RIA's a Full Size and...

a Midsize RIA (Commander size that strangly works out pretty good for carry even without the fancy marketing).

But the first time one of them jams I'm going to trade them for a Kimber!

Oh... that might not be a good idea.

BTW, a little polishing of the bow and channel smooths the trigger out to a nice 4 pounds or so.

[BryanP]

Interesting. I can find the mid-sized 9mm RIA online, but that appears to be a mid sized 9mm Tactical, which I don't see listed anywhere. Where did you get it?