Comments on: Rock Island Armory 1911 Government Model Pistol Review

By: morgansjc

morgansjc — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 16:16:52 +0000

Keith- I picked bup the ‘built’ version for $419, which came with lots of goodies. I had the same problem with factory mag, and it’s out of the lineup. Mine is ramped and throated, and I have no problem feeding anything from hardball to semi-wadcutter. Just as information, medically semi-wadcuttes are one of the worst loads you can be shot with. Terrible wounds to treat. Since they are designed to print round, clear, visible holes in paper, they do the same the human body. They chop through rather than push things aside as round bullets do. If you like hollowpoint ammo, a good choice is Keith style HPs. They are hollowpint ammo in an SW configuration. When I was on duty, we had a choice of 9 mil or .45. the 9 mil was issue, the .45 was a personal purchase, including ammo for work and qualifying. I spent the money. I carried a custom Springfield armory that was built to my specs by a Marine Corps armorer. I wouldn’t hesitate to carry the RIA .45. Out of the box I tested the RIA using a hostage target. Head shots and shots against the targets weapon hand were simply perfection. Every shot went into the target’s head or weapon. Never once did I shoot the hostage. Lucky girl. :-) We had holster restrictions, so I had to carry in a holster didn’t like. Off duty, I used a skeleton holster, and carried ammo in a open screw retention mag holder. My backup weapon was an SP 101 loaded with semi-wadcutters. As all pistol shooters know, the key is practice. I was trained ‘point and shoot’, both eyes open, targeting center of mass. The only time we ‘aimed’ was critical shots. Even that was both eyes open, using the correct one of the two images you will see. Counter-intuitive at first, but second nature with practice. Congrats on your purchase!

By: Keith

Keith — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 18:50:54 +0000

To all with the RIA…excellent choice. I love mine. I have upgraded the trigger and sights from Fusion Firearms, and Hogue wrap around grips. Soon will be the drop in beavertail from Wilson Combat. The first time at the range, every other shot was failure to feed. I performed a “fluff & buff” with the same result. I quit using the factory mag, purchased both the Chip McCormick PowerMag & PowerMag+. Both work flawlessly EVERY shot. So, anyone with feeding issues, my suggestion is Chip McCormick!!! I have yet to attempt JHP ammo, but hardball works great. As far as carry, I too carry at 3 o’clock on strong side IWB. Works well. This pistol is great for add-ons as well, it’s near Mil-Spec and most parts for the Colt Gov’t will work with the RIA.

By: morgansjc

morgansjc — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 05:57:16 +0000

A Rock Armory Tac .45, which does have some bells and whistles such a skeleton trigger, hammer, upswept dovetail, and better sights (if you use sights) can be had here http://www.centerfiresystems.com/AC-RI1911TAC.aspx
for $419 and about $16 shipping if you need it. Reminds me much of my built Springfield. A very nice pistol at an old school price. It cost me this much to build my Springfield, which tells you how long I’ve had it. :-)

By: steve shaW

steve shaW — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 21:49:37 +0000

I used to own a Colt 45acp series 70 mk4 handgun and alas pawned it. bad move. My opinions of the conceal carry phenomenon are simple. Why worry about the weight? I think of a pistol as something that if needed will take out an opponent. 45acp, nuff said. As for how to carry it. I am a big guy, 330# and tall, I have an older, (30 yr old rig )Galco ‘Jackass shoulder holster, and under my leather coat you would never know I am packing. an extra clip or two and you are good to go. I dont understand the folks who carry the glock and other plastic guns. I have seen the Rock Island and I too agree it is very well made and for the money a steal. get a good set of pachmayr rubberized grips and some good ammo and dont worry about the weight factor, what is 10oz anyway, less than you might think. carry a real pistol not some piece of plastic…ok I will get off the soapbox. Old dudes do have opinions…thanks steve

By: andrew sizenbach

andrew sizenbach — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 20:05:56 +0000

i have had a ria 1911 for about a year now, i have spent alot of money upgrading it with the high ride beaver tail, 3 dot sights, and i have used scores of mags in from kimbers,colts,metalforms. but it still pushes the bullet in the caseing. i dont know whats up with it, i found it did it less once the full length guide rod was taken out.

By: vlad

vlad — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 05:51:34 +0000

I just picked up my 1911 RIA. Love at first sight. The beavers tail upgrade with a taktical rubber handle, makes the gun a lot more fun and more comftorable to shoot. I think tonight am sleeping with it under my pillow. Lol

By: wilfnpg06

wilfnpg06 — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 05:37:59 +0000

I pick up a RIA 1911 today, I was lucky a guy was in line asking for the same gun. Shot it at 25 yds great gun. It like love at first sight.

By: Spectre

Spectre — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 01:50:15 +0000

I was able to get my RIA GI government model *WOOHOO* and a set of Pachmayer Legend Series grips a couple weeks ago from Dominion for a steal. It’s used but I know I put more rounds through the gun on my first day of ownership then the previous owner did in his history of owning the pistol.

I love it to death and can connect the holes with it at 25 yards. Not bad at all for a bare bones government model 1911.

By: dlg

dlg — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 01:39:06 +0000

I gotta 45 officers model (colt) several years ago when they were still basically affordable. It makes a great concealed carry weapon. It shoots like a charm, and I have only had it jam once and that was due to bad ammo.

By: drfaulken

drfaulken — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 01:23:18 +0000

Hi Dan and Bill, thanks for the comments. Bill, funny you mention both the 1911 “CS” compact model and Bellshire from gunbroker.com. I’ve been looking at their sales for a few days. I am arguing with myself over being financially responsible and getting the smaller-framed 1911.

Maybe next paycheck ;)