Rock Island Armory 1911

[ls3_kid]

So I went to CCA on Friday with a friend of mine that has never shot. While he was in the other room reading through the rules I walked over to the counter (just to look of course) well this RIA 1911 3.5" caught my eye. I was really wanting to get a Gen4 G19 but this felt just too good in my hand. So I made an offer on it he said a different price and we settled in the middle. I am very happy with the purchase. We went ahead into the range and I came out about 20 minutes later to see if my background check passed. It did and I took it back and put some down the pipe. Zero issues which was really nice (My Remington R1 had a few FTF). This gun is a real sweet shooter (I hate to say this...) probably better than my R1. Both are great guns no doubt. My only complaint are the sights and it is a little bit harder to strip down. The sights blow (easy fix). There are no white dots on them or white U on the back sight. Very easy to lose the sight picture. Looks like I will be getting Novaks or Trijicon night sights. Here is the important part, the pictures:

Also any input on which sights between the Novaks/Trijicons? I've shot with the Trijicon sights before, they seem pretty similar.

[Guest 1911Girl]

Novaks or Trijicons , that is a tuff choice. Well I am pretty sure Novaks use Trijicons lamps, and Trijicons are not as pricy as Novaks so I would go with Trijicon. Lesser price, but same quality.

I also think Novaks do not look as good on a 1911 than Trijicon, but it also depends how tight of a holster you use becuase you dont want to break the Trijicon sights, they seem stick out more.

[Mykltn]

Love Rock Island compacts. I had one for a few years and made the mistake of selling it to a friend. Bastard refuses to sell it back to me. Congrats on getting a great gun. They are rock solid 1911's.

[Guest dubaholic2]

I had a RIA commander and it was a great gun. Mine was also lost to a friend who won't let it go.

[Guest bkelm18]

It's hard to beat the value of a RIA.

[ls3_kid]

I was really surprised about the Slide to Frame fit on this. Very right. I also like that it comes with the spur hammer, skeleton trigger, oversized beavertail, guide rod, and black barrel. It has all of the bells and whistles that I wanted. I also am glad that it is a series 70 (I think?, I noticed it did not have the round firing pin block like my other 1911). Any suggestions on holsters for this? I think I would prefer the OWB.

[Guest bkelm18]

I was really surprised about the Slide to Frame fit on this. Very right. I also like that it comes with the spur hammer, skeleton trigger, oversized beavertail, guide rod, and black barrel. It has all of the bells and whistles that I wanted. I also am glad that it is a series 70 (I think?, I noticed it did not have the round firing pin block like my other 1911). Any suggestions on holsters for this? I think I would prefer the OWB.

Despite the naysayers and 1911 "purists", RIAs are excellent guns at a great price. The fit is usually pretty good. The finish is not great but could be worse. It's parkerized so putting on a new finish wouldn't be too hard if it struck your fancy. They are a "traditional" 1911 in that they do not have a firing pin block.

[Erik88]

When I buy my first 1911 it will most likely be a RIA. Congrats on your new purchase!

[strickj]

Also any input on which sights between the Novaks/Trijicons? I've shot with the Trijicon sights before, they seem pretty similar.

Is your front sight staked of dovetailed? Dawson and Fusion are the only ones that make fronts that will fit the staked versions.

And I would stay clear of the Trijicons. Damn things are weak and break easily.

[TNWNGR]

The Don Hume J.I.T. Belt Slide OWB holster is well worth considering for your 1911 Commander clone. It’s all leather and cost’s less than $30.00 which is a very fair price for a good quality holster. As to your pistol’s sight’s, use contrasting paint on the front and rear sights for now, then when time and money allow replace them with a set of fiber optic sights. Tritium night sight inserts are nice but pricey as well as over rated. I have them on several pistols but still have a so-so opinion on them.

[hipower]

Congratulations. Good looking little pistol. I have a weakness for the 3 and 4 in barrel 45. Just might be the cause of going looking for one.

[TMF]

If I didn't already have a 1911 this would be what I would buy. Very nice and doesn't break the bank.

[ls3_kid]

Is your front sight staked of dovetailed? Dawson and Fusion are the only ones that make fronts that will fit the staked versions.

And I would stay clear of the Trijicons. Damn things are weak and break easily.

It's dovetailed. Well I guess I need to start shopping around. I just want some nice ones where I can keep track of the sight picture.

[MarkInNashville]

Yeah, I thought long and hard about getting a full size 1911 but I opted for a Plastic Fantastic (M&P .45), instead. I haven't regretted my decision but I still wish I had a full size 1911 (I do have a Commander).

[ls3_kid]

Yeah, I thought long and hard about getting a full size 1911 but I opted for a Plastic Fantastic (M&P .45), instead. I haven't regretted my decision but I still wish I had a full size 1911 (I do have a Commander).

I also have a full size, great guns.