Opinions on this Rock Island .45 Deal.

[Lurch37]

Stopped by my local Pawn Shop today and was handed a Rock Island Armory in .45. Obviously they know my love of the 1911 platform...

Anyways, I got to looking over this particular firearm and thought that the price was decent at $335. Then I noticed it had 2 Wilson mags, a Wilson hammer, and a Wilson trigger, a Wilson beavertail grip safety, and to top it off, a set of those Crimson Trace laser grips. I asked 3-4 times if the price included the grips and was told yes so I had them hold it until I could stop by tomorrow and write a check.

So, what do you guys/gals think of the Rock Island as a firearm? I have absolutely no experience with that Brand but it seems like a fairly well made piece.

 

[Tom2]

I think they are probably decent as I have not seen them slammed on the forums but someone clarify something for me-arent they made overseas, like in Asia or something? Springfields come from Brazil, but I thought RA came from some really out of the way place. Maybe they are assembled here like Spflds?

 

[Adrian]

From another recent thread, Rock Island Armory is from the Philippines. The similarly-named Rock River Arms is right here in the States. No idea on whether RIA does finishing here or there.

I did a quick search through the forum for Rock Island Armory, and the general consensus seems to be that they're quite inexpensive and you get a lot for your money.

 

[Hawg]

I've only heard one guy slam a RIA so they must be pretty decent.

 

[tony pasley]

I have a stock RIA and have never had any problem from it.

 

[michael t]

Their pretty trouble free pistols. Made by Armscore who also makes or did the Charles Daley and now the STI Sparten from their also. I belive.

 

[BillCA]

I'd day go ahead and get it.

The RIA is made in the Philippines by Armscor and it's a decently made gun. Frames are nicely done, strong, durable castings. In fact, at least one local PD authorizes them as a duty gun. I have a friend who says he's tricked out two of them and is happy with them.

With a Wilson hammer, trigger and beavertail safety, I'd suggest making sure the hammer doesn't push off and that both the grip and thumb safeties work. Anytime I see aftermarket parts I worry that the gun was sold because the previous owner screwed it up... so plan ahead.

 

[schmeky]

Look at it this way, you're basically buying a set of lazer grips and 2 wilson mags, the pistol is almost free.

The RIA's are very very good guns for the money, I have a .38 Super.

 

[Donovan655]

This is good info. I too am looking into getting a RIA 1911 as an entry level 1911.

 

[Perldog007]

I have no experience with the brand, but after reading posts here and there would have to jump all over a deal like that.

Some pay around 300 just for the Crimson Trace Grips........

Congrats on nice score

 

[Lurch37]

Thanks for all the thoughts and info. I too thought the pistol looked decently made and even though I'm a sucker for old Colts I have a hard time passing up any 1911 of good quality. I went back today an put it on layaway...and will hopefully be able to pick it up in a couple weeks, even at $335 I have to make payments! Being divorced will do that to a guy.

I made sure the Crimson Trace grips and the Wilson mags were still in the case before I paid.

 

[Perldog007]

I used crimson trace grips on my ancient model 10 when I worked in D.C. and we were restricted to 4" / 6 shot /.38 specials. Cant say enough good things about the little red dot.