When I look at the areas of interest on my blog the Rock Island Armory 1911’s are first in interest by a wide margin. I have my original post on the Rock Island as well as an update I posted 9/14/07. I also refinished my Tactical using DuraCoat in matte black. I especially hope you find some useful information on refinishing a 1911.
Rock Island Armory pistols are available in the Tactical, my favorite, as well as the standard GI model in 45 acp, the 38 super in standard GI configuration and finally a compact CCW model in 45 acp. From information I’ve recieved we may have another model in the next year which would be the Tactical model in a 4 inch barrel! One other model is available by special order and that is the Match version. The match version appears to be a Tactical model with some very important additions. The frame and slide are hand fitted at ARMSCORS custom shop and sports a Millet type adjustable rear sight with an orange fiber optic front sight. Test results may be seen at MForum1911.com eZine.
These links will take you directly to everything “Rock”! At the bottom of the page on the first link below is a link you can click to get a large view of the front sight schematic of the Rock Tactical. Just print this out if you wish and you will have all the information you need to replace the front sight with any sight of your choice. Note that the front and rear sight cuts are Novak. More to come:-)
October 30, 2007 at 10:03 pm
Hey Gunner. I just recently found your site. I enjoy your articles & have picked-up on some very useful information. I have a fe different styles of handguns, but have fallen in love with the 1911’s. Of the Springfields & the Taurus 1911 I have or have had, they have for the most part been good firearms. Then the RIA GI came along early this summer. I used it to learn a little about the 1911. I installed a beavertail, magwell, hammer, triger worked on the trigger pull untill I got it right ect…..I am hooked! I bought a RIA 38 Super a month or so ago & will pick up the RIA Tactical I ordered in a few days. These are great guns! Althogh I liked the PT just fine, I sold it to a friend last week. It went to a good home. I learn most things by reading & hands on experience. Anyway Thanks for sharing your thoughts & knowledge with us. Sam.
October 30, 2007 at 11:04 pm
Hello Sam,
Thanks very much for your comments. I am very happy your finding the posted information helpful. My love affair with the 1911 started about 1972 and hasn’t stopped since! I just love this old gun and I’m especially impressed with the current popularity of it. It’s a design that doesn’t seem to be bound by time.
It sounds like you have one heck of a 38 Super with the mods you’ve done! I plan on that being my next RIA. I know you’ll love the Tactical it just doesn’t get any better:-)
I’ve been wanting to try the Taurus but I haven’t figured out a way to fit it in when trying to budget for another “Rock”.
Anytime you think I can be of help just send me an email. I’m always happy to try and help out a fellow shooter.
All the best,
Phil
November 17, 2007 at 10:29 pm
Sam,
Cool, I’m glad you’re enjoying the Rock!It sounds like your adding some practical goodies on it. That trigger pull will smooth out with a couple of hundred rounds through it. Mine was ok from the start but it smoothed out to after awhile.
Take Care,
Phil
January 15, 2008 at 10:41 pm
Hey is that your Tactical up at shawns for sale right now. If it is how good did it shoot JHP’s in it.
steve
January 16, 2008 at 4:09 pm
It may be one of mine. If it’s black duracoated and has an EGEW bushing and an extra bushing wrench from EGW I’d say it’s probably my first one.
I’ll email you.
Phil
February 14, 2008 at 1:09 pm
The NYSP stainless pictured Jan 17..originally was issued to plainclothes personnel….it came with black rubber grips and had a cocking hammer…..it was clumsy to carry under a suit jacket and spent more time vehicle trunks and briefcases than it did on anyones belt, it was replaced by a Glock 9mm – most were sold via a contractor to go somewhere in south america, some were purchased by NYSP members when the glock came in….O
February 14, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Owen,
Thanks very much for the information on the S&W. It’s always great to get reliable info directly from the source. I appreciate your comment. I’ll pass this along to my buddy who owns it now.
Take Care,
Phil
February 22, 2008 at 8:40 pm
Can you give me some info on the accuracy of th RIA Tactical 45ACP? I am really getting interested in this 1911. I own a Kimber and a Taurus and both are accurate out to 25 yds. Does the RIA compare? Thanks, Jerry
February 22, 2008 at 10:03 pm
Jerry,
From my experience with all three guns they are pretty equal in most respects. The Kimber may be a slight bit more accurate than the Taurus but they are so close the difference is negligible.In my opinion the RIA Tactical and Kimber, if both are in 45 caliber, are pretty much equal out to 25 yards.
I know the Kimber is advertised as having a match barrel and bushing as is the Taurus the RIA Tactical also goes through some hand fitting.In reality they all three shoot better than we can. In a Ransom rest the Kimber would most likely take the prize but not by much.
Bottom line is the RIA Tactical is one heck of a 1911 for any price. However at the current price of $379 from Centerfire Systems it can’t be beat! Centerfire is also carrying the RIA Match model which is hand fitted and carries a price of $699 through the same company.
I hope this helps and by all means feel free to contact me anytime.
All the best,
Phil
May 17, 2008 at 8:05 am
This is a great site. I’ve given much thought to getting an RIA .38 Super, as this is the only affordable option in a .38 1911. Let alone the classy Nickel/(simulated)Pearl model, that was the extent of customization aside from engraving or other cosmetics, in the day when the Super .38 Automatic was the ultimate combat handgun.
1929-35 sounds like a short span but this period held a large number of major gun battles on the homefront, maybe laid the foundation for modern tactical thought in civilian/LE context.
Penetration was the main draw in those days of steel vests and heavy bodywork. Most master gunfighters (and many were, it was closer to the old west than today’s SWAT procedures) on both sides of the law favored the Super.
And still today makes for a hell of a SD weapon, giving the endless positives of the 1911, the power of a .357 Sig with the right loads, with mild recoil and flip. Shoots fast, accurate, and hits hard.
One of these in blue or nickel is definately on my list. Thanks again for reviews on pistols that normally would not get them, at least to be found thru a web search (aside from forum threads rarely giving a thorough picture of the gun). Found both I researched here on one site
May 17, 2008 at 8:56 am
Matt,
Thanks very much. Like I have said the reason I started the blog was I perceived a lack of information on many guns that are perfect for defense. That and so many post I read had inaccurate information so I wanted to be as thorough as possible and provide fellow shooters with the best info I could.
Your comment is 100% right and I really can’t add to it. You covered it very well!The 38 Super is a fine defense round. Cor Bon is making some great rounds for defense in that caliber. What you said about the 1930’s is right on the money. It would have been an interesting time to be a LEO!!!
Happy Shooting,
Phil
PS I saw a Rock Island the other day in nickel GI configuration. Very nice pistol.
July 21, 2008 at 4:41 am
As an owner of a Rock Island 1911A1 G.I. I have been extremely happy with all aspects of the pistol, even the quality of the supp;ied magazines is 100%. I bought a spare mag for mine and found what looked like an exact copy of the one that came with the gun, got it home and lo and behold… it was identical with one difference… my original mag had “NOVAK’S” stampted on it and the new one had Smith & Wesson’s S&W logo. Both mags are top quality in fit, finish, and function.
Oh, one minor complaint about this blog… the type color and the background color are too close in shading to read in the Comments/Reply section. Otherwise great Blog, just wish it was easier to read!
July 21, 2008 at 10:11 am
Richard,
Thanks for your comment! Yep all the mags are made in Italy and are the same ones labeled as Novak, S&W as well as Wolff. Very good magazines for certain.
I’ll check into the color of the type. When they give you a template to use the color just comes with it. I’ll see if I can change it.
Phil
October 12, 2008 at 7:44 pm
Dear Sir,
Can you please tell me if there is a grip configuration for the RIA .45 1911 like the one that is on the .38 super.
It is like a wrap around wood grip with finger and a thumb groove.
I saw a picture on another site and would love to get my hands on one for my .45
If you know where i can get one could you please advise. It would be a big help.
Thanks so much, Jason Johnson.
October 12, 2008 at 8:05 pm
Jason,
Email sent. Altamont is one company that makes that type of grip.
Phil
November 3, 2008 at 11:02 am
I have a question, other than the barrel and magazine from the RIA 1911 chamberd in .38 super, can the rest of the parts be interchangable with any other 1911 chamberd in.45 auto?
November 3, 2008 at 11:35 am
Federico,
Most all the parts do interchange. The other part that can’t be is the slide. The dimensions of the 45 are so much larger than the 38 super that it won’t work. When the bullet is chambered and the gun is in battery the base of the bullet has to have a snug fit on the firing pin and fit the extractor.
The frame parts are all the same but the slide just can’t be modified to fit. A 10mm can be used with a 40 cal but that’s about the only one. To modify your 45 to work with a 38 super or vise versa you would need a new slide, barrel etc and have it fitted to the frame you have.
Best,
Phil
November 20, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Just found your site and I have to say, I like it already. Just wish to comment on the RIA 1911’s. I purchased two of them last spring. One for me and one for my son, who had recently gotten out of the US Army’s 82d Airborne. I chucked mine in the safe and forgot about it for about 6 months. Evidently my son did the same thing.
We finally got out to shoot them along with a few M4 kits I had put together on EA lower recievers. We stopped at the pistol range first to fire a couple mags and see just how the guns would run. Well, to make a long story short we spent about 2 hours shooting the RIA’s. Over 600 rds went through those guns that day. Only one stove pipe was had on my sons gun and that was because of loose wristed offhand shot he took. I was amazed. I have Wilson’s, Bauer’s, Kimbers, Colts and quite a few other brands in the safe. None ever shot as reliably as these out of the box. I was stunned.
They shot with everything my Dillon had spit out. Custom bullets out of my H&G molds, 230 FMJ’s, 200 Semi wadcutters, and a variety of other rounds that were in the ammo box. Amazing. And accuracy was just as impressive. from 7 yds to 25 yds we chewed the x rings out of B-7 targets and inserts one after the other. I gave my son the standard blued version and kept a factory Duracoat model for myself. I have been carrying .45’s since my first and second tours in RVN in 1967. They have saved my life a number of times. I would have proudly carried this gun anyday.
November 20, 2008 at 11:15 pm
Frank,
That is fantastic and very much what I would expect. I know they use old Colt machinery to make them but how they make such a wonderful pistol for that price is truly amazing as you said.
The accuracy is what floored me when I first shot mine and it sounds like you had the same experience.Best kept secret in the 1911 world for certain!
Thanks for your comment and I’ll send a longer email tomorrow.
Best,
Phil
December 5, 2008 at 9:30 am
just bought a new ria govt model – noticed that none of my colt type mags seem to fit or lock up properly in this piece – the one novak supplied with it works , but none of the others i have does (they all work fine in my colt and my norinco) whats the deal ? -fred
December 5, 2008 at 10:31 am
Fred,
Wow, I’ve never even heard of that before. The RIA 1911’s are made on old Colt machinery. All I’ve owned will work with any mag I have put in it. Nobody on any of the forums have mentioned that problem either. What I would suggest is to call Ivan Walcott the CEO in north america and see if you can get an idea from him or the resident gunsmith. 775-537-1444–you can also email Ivan at ivan@armscor.net.
What really puzzles me is the Novak mags fit but Colt mags don’t. They should be identical. One question. Is it a problem with them locking in place or just not fitting in the mag well?
Thanks,
Phil
December 5, 2008 at 10:45 am
Fred,
I tried to email you but the email bounced. Can you check the posted email and try again?
Thanks,
Phil
December 5, 2008 at 10:51 am
BOTH – THEY ARE EITHER TOO TIGHT TO INSERT (AT ABOUT THE 1/2 WAY POINT) OR IF THEY GO ALL THE WAY IN, THEY WON’T LATCH UP. -FRED
December 5, 2008 at 11:34 am
sorry – try fred.holster@hbsupply.com
December 9, 2008 at 9:47 pm
I recently purchased a RIA 1911 compact45 seems to be a great gun so far.I have a few mods planned.I am searching for a owners manual as well as any advice on where to find accesories for this particular gun {sights..night sights}
any advice and info on a manual I would be thankful.I just found your site tonite…from what I have seen and read so far Im sure Ill be a regular stop e-mail responsee is fine if you have the time thank you gunner davis
December 9, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Hello sir–email sent
December 11, 2008 at 7:18 pm
thank you about to take a look now
January 14, 2009 at 5:14 pm
Hello there,
I haven’t owned a handgun for some time and with a family of seven (including my wife) It can be difficult to spend money on weapons. About three weeks ago I was in Scenic Sports and imagine my surprise when I saw a NEW handgun for $119. It was a 380 Hi-Point. I ended up buying the 45 Hi-Point with a spare mag for $200. To date I haven’t fired it because for a couple hundred more I could get a RIA 1911. My father was in WWII and he had a 1911. My sister ended up with it. I have researched the RIA and have read good things. Most people seem (I say seem) to favor the more expensive brands. I am not knocking any of them. But $400-$450 is all I would dare spend right now. Any input would be awesome. Can someone tell me the difference between the ARMSCOR 1911A1 and the RIA 1911?
Thank you for your time,
Michael
January 14, 2009 at 5:23 pm
Michael,
They are the same. Armscor is the parent company of RIA and is located in the Philippines. RIA is the US branch. They certainly are fine guns and a good choice regardless of some folks thinking they aren’t very good because they don’t cost a ton. You might like to check http://www.m1911.org. There is a thread there of RIA lovers and owners.
Take care,
Phil
March 1, 2009 at 5:59 pm
just recently bought a RIA nickel 45(we do love the shiney things) and found it to be in fit and finish to be an exceptional piece for the price.the gun shoots very well and is more accurate than my kimber!! I may just buy another before they ban them too!!
March 1, 2009 at 7:16 pm
Well I sure hope they don’t ban them! They are neat looking pistols with that bright nickel finish! You just can’t beat the value of a Rock Island for what you get. Accuracy is one of the best features of this 1911!
Thanks for writing!
Phil
March 2, 2009 at 12:47 pm
Yes they are very good pistols, in case people don’t know SARCO in NEW JERSEY sells these and the standard GI model is $320,TACTICAL $385,HI-CAP $395,38 SUPER $340! see it in shotgun news.
Let us not sleep as do others;
but let us watch and be sober.
1 THESS. 5:6
March 2, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Ira,
That’s the best price I’ve heard of and Sarco has a good rep. Those are great prices for a fine pistol!
Phil
March 4, 2009 at 9:27 pm
You have an excellent site here,and as I sit here gazing at my Sarah Palin calender and wonder what might have been, I think what the hell I’ll just buy another 45 and some ammo!!!
WE SHALL ENDEAVOUR TO PERSEVERE
March 23, 2009 at 6:39 am
Phil, I just spent my morning reading the blogs on your site. All I can say is Thank You!! There is a wealth of information here and it is a great site for new shooters, (as well as us weather worn old guys) to pick up tips and tricks to help them enjoy shooting!! I am particularly thrilled with the Rock Island blog. I had a G.I. model a couple of years ago, and let it go to a friend of mine so i could get a Springfield XD in .45. I wanted to cry every time we went to the range as the “rock” just kept blasting away without so much as a hiccup, while i constantly tried to find a handload that my XD would like. never did find the perfect load. My wife caught me reading (More like drooling) over websites about the Rock Island Tactical. One morning she finally said go ahead and get it, you won’t be happy until you do. Well I am happy to report, I have my new “rock” and it shooots as well and even better than some of my friends “Name brand” 1911’s. Mine set me back $385 plus shipping while one friend who is as mad as can be paid three times that for a Kimber, which my “rock” consistantly shoots egually as good as. I get consistant 2 inch groups at 25 yards with a 195gr semi wadcutter handload. Thanks again for a great site, and giving shooters a place to gain and give information to help other shooters!!
March 23, 2009 at 10:33 am
Bob,
Thanks! That’s why I started the blog in the first place. I kept reading short articles that really didn’t provide much information so I figured I’d start the blog and try to help fellow shooters out.
That Rock is awful hard to beat and really you can’t beat it for the price and performance you get. Where else can you get a well made accurate and very durable 1911 for that price! When you think about the skyrocketing prices it gets even better.
That’s really great to know that the blog is helping out and believe me it’s a great satisfaction for me!
Have fun with the Rock!!!
Phil
September 13, 2009 at 6:13 am
Where is the Rock Island 1911’s available wolesale? Looks like a terriffic firearm…
September 13, 2009 at 11:18 am
Mark,
It really is a great 1911 and for the price unbeatable. As far as wholesale they sell to various companies but that list isn’t generally available. Most of the time I just contact my local dealer who calls around until he finds a dealer who has them. They do sell fast so it is a hunt to locate them at times.
You might have some luck by picking up a copy of shotgun news and locate a wholesaler that way.
Good luck!
Phil
October 23, 2009 at 9:47 am
Phil,
Just want to say that I work for the largest firearms retailer in the country and when we began selling the RIA compact .45 under the High Standard banner I was totally smitten with it. What quality and features at such a price. Anyway, I bought one and it shoots right along with my Kimber Ultra Carry. So much so that I sold my Kimber to my brother with almost enough left over to buy another one. The added weight of the steel frame with the RIA tames recoil much better than the Kimber with alloy frame. My job where I work is behind the gun counter and every customer that is interested in a 1911 I show them the RIA first and we carry all the others from Taurus to Kimber to Ed Brown to Wilson. Just wanted you to know.
Terry Thomas