Who Shoots A Rock Island Armory 1911 ??

[billt]

I just ordered one in 9 MM. A 5" Government Model. I couldn't pass it up for just $307.00 brand new in the box. I've already got a Springfield Loaded Stainless 9 MM Target Model, so I have plenty of extra magazines. I've heard nothing but good about RIA products, and I purchased 2 of their M-5 pump action shotguns this past year. Both run flawlessly. So I have high hopes for this one as well. It should be here in just a couple of days. And you can't beat the Lifetime Free Replacement Warranty from Davidson's! I'm stoked!

 

[HoJo]

I recently picked up one of these. Link Removed It's my first 1911. So far I've put 150 rounds through it without a single hiccup.

 

[gunnerbob]

In my limited experience with a few of the .45acp models, they worked very well.

 

[CharlieW]

I have a full size RIA Tactical model in 9mm, and it is a great pistol -- great trigger, very accurate, reliable. I hope that you have the same experience with your new acquisition.

 

[billt]

I have a full size RIA Tactical model in 9mm, and it is a great pistol -- great trigger, very accurate, reliable. I hope that you have the same experience with your new acquisition.

Thanks. That's always good to hear. It gives me buyers confidence. I should have it by Monday.

 

[billt]

Well, I just picked up my Rock Island 9 MM from my dealer a couple of hours ago. Overall I'm very impressed. The only "flaw" was the recoil spring plunger. The part on the front was only half checkered. It was totally functional, but looked crappy. It just so happened I had a brand new Ed Brown Stainless recoil spring plunger in my parts box, and installed it. Now it looks great. The contrasting Stainless / blue looks good from the front. The Ed Brown is also a closer fit. The checkering on the front of the plunger was well defined, sharp, and deep.

I immediately field stripped the weapon, and cleaned it. It was dripping with oil and grease. After I gave it a good wet cleaning, I greased the rails and lubricated everything. Now it's ready for the range.

The fit and finish on this gun is excellent for the money. The only plans I have, is to change out the grips for a nice set of Hogue Cocobolo double diamond grips just as soon as I can find a pair. I noticed the stock smooth wood grips are quite thick. I hope this doesn't create an issue when I change them out. The trigger has a nice pull to it with very little creep or "grittiness". Something I didn't expect on a $350.00, 1911. The safety engaged very smoothly, with little effort.

I won't get to the range until next week some time because of the holidays. But I'll be bringing plenty of 9 MM ammunition when I go. I have a feeling I'm really going to like this pistol!

 

[Axeanda45]

I have had one in 45, and now own one in 9mm... really, the only thing I can say as a negative about them is that the finish (both of mine had/have bluing) doesnt last worth a crap..... carried the 9mm for less than a week, and it already has multiple places that show excessive holster wear.... But I didnt expect a cheap (but not junk) gun to not have some flaws, and I dont care much about the finish anyway.

 

[billt]

Just a couple of quick pics. The magazine is not stock. It's from Dawson Precision. I like the new smaller logo instead of the billboard they used to cover the slide with.

 

[SpicyMcHaggis]

I have a Citadel (same company). Excellent, excellent value. In love with mine.

 

[billt]

I'm heading to the range tomorrow to crank it up. Can't wait!

 

[missoak]

Should I hijack your thread?

 

[billt]

Should I hijack your thread?

Go right ahead! I actually forgot about it.

 

[billt]

I just got back from a very successful range trip with my Rock Island 9 MM, 1911. I ran a total of 250 rounds through it. Federal American Eagle 124 Gr. FMJ Ball, and 115 Gr. FMJ Ball in both CCI Blazer Brass, and Federal Champion. Not a single FTF or FTE in all 5 boxes. I had the gun heavily lubricated. So much so the first magazine full spit a little oil on to the lenses of my shooting glasses. The trigger pull on this weapon is simply superb! Better than the target trigger on my Colt Gold Cup. The sights, while not target quality, were dead on at 25 yards. The only issue was on one of the magazines I had with me. The slide didn't lock back on the last round about one third of the time. Hardly the fault of the gun. The Metalform Magazine that came with the weapon ran flawlessly. All and all it was a very good trip. When I got home I field stripped the weapon, and gave it a good wet cleaning in clean Kerosene, followed by a blow dry with compressed air, then a relube. She's good to go again another day. My guess is it won't be long. I really love the way this gun shoots. While I'm not much of a fan of 1911's for concealed carry, this is one I could possibly consider in that role.

 

[SpicyMcHaggis]

I just got back from a very successful range trip with my Rock Island 9 MM, 1911. I ran a total of 250 rounds through it. Federal American Eagle 124 Gr. FMJ Ball, and 115 Gr. FMJ Ball in both CCI Blazer Brass, and Federal Champion. Not a single FTF or FTE in all 5 boxes. I had the gun heavily lubricated. So much so the first magazine full spit a little oil on to the lenses of my shooting glasses. The trigger pull on this weapon is simply superb! Better than the target trigger on my Colt Gold Cup. The sights, while not target quality, were dead on at 25 yards. The only issue was on one of the magazines I had with me. The slide didn't lock back on the last round about one third of the time. Hardly the fault of the gun. The Metalform Magazine that came with the weapon ran flawlessly. All and all it was a very good trip. When I got home I field stripped the weapon, and gave it a good wet cleaning in clean Kerosene, followed by a blow dry with compressed air, then a relube. She's good to go again another day. My guess is it won't be long. I really love the way this gun shoots. While I'm not much of a fan of 1911's for concealed carry, this is one I could possibly consider in that role.

Make sure you're not riding the slide catch with your grip. I was doing that, causing it not to hold the slide on the last shot. I stopped riding it and it's run perfect ever since.