Most who start at this level upgrade before they find out. Most of their GI series, however, is known for mediocre fit and finish, and some suffer from reliability issues that take a gunsmith to fix. Handgun Search; Tabletop Compare; Add/Remove Handguns ; Add/Remove Handguns . A brand new, Rock Island Armory currently produces a handful of, All RIA 1911s are built out of 4140 chromoly steel. Sights are appropriately dovetailed at the rear and pinned at the front with the wider notch style of the M1911A1. Their website has a lot of history, making the company seem like its an all-American enterprise thats always made great products. ; blade, gold bead (front); ramped, white dot (rear)MSRP: $1,363Contact: Dan Wesson Firearms,607-336-1174, danwessonfirearms.com. Ridgecut attires are made using a combination of different layers of fabric. it came with a .22 barrel and another slide, which isnt too bad. In terms of dimensions and capacity, the Springfield pistol stays true to the real M1911A1; it has a 5-inch barrel, measures 8.6-inches long and comes with two, flush-fit, 7-round magazines. Compare the dimensions and specs of Taurus 856 Defender 3" and Remington 1911 R1 10mm Hunter. It has the 5-inch barrel, short guide rod and checkered magazine release button and slide-lock lever seen on many 1911A1s. Type: Recoil operated, semiautomaticCartridge: .45 ACPCapacity: 8+1 rds.Barrel: 5 in.Overall Length: 8.5 in.Weight: 2 lbs., 7 oz.Grips: Brown plastic, checkeredFinish: Parkerized (steel)Sights: Fixed, A1 (front); drift adj., U-notch (rear)MSRP: $950Manufacturer: Inland Manufacturing,877-425-4867, inland-mfg.com. You cant find them quickly and about anywhere. You might save a little money going with the Tisa, but RIA's lifetime warranty is worth the investment and their cs dept is serious about making sure you're happy with your purchase. One of the biggest cost savings in the RIA 1911 comes in the form of the parkerized finish. Rock Island is a clear winner, according to most people. This makes them an unreliable choice for a lot of people out there. I agree with you. Taurus Marketing Manager Caleb Giddings highlights the features of the new Taurus Raging Hunter 460 Magnum, a purpose-built revolver with a 10.5-inch barrel and an effective recoil-taming brake, with Guns & Ammo Executive Editor Joe Kurtenbach. Springfield Armory is made on Imbel Frames which are made in Brazil. All these features add up to a pistol that represents one intended for a destiny at the range. A forum community dedicated to 1911 firearm owners and enthusiasts. I really prefer a silver finish, whether chrome, polished, or brushed. . Parkerized finishes? Its quite clear that Inland applies its passion for history while researching the details about their guns. Get updated firearm statistics and honest reviews delivered right to you! I own a Norinco 1911. Pistol ordered is 1911 A2 FS HC (14 rounds) I understand the 1911 model,,, FS is Full size,,,,, HC is high capacity but I didn't fathom the A2 Vs A1 designation difference. This current lineup is blued, not Parkerized. Over 2500 rounds on the way to 5000. This 1911 Duty Full Size is an upgraded Tisas model in 45 ACP. Rock Island 1911 is much more popular than SDS 1911. One place where an RIA GI 1911 will commonly have machining marks is on the curve at the top of the slide. Looking at Mil-Spec WWII style and the Turkish Tisas and The Phillipines Rock Islands seem to be best options. I know of no one who has ever taken a 1911 out of the box and made it through a 100 rds without a malfunction. I fired 50 rounds from each gun, mainly to set the sights, and both performed flawlessly. As accurate as my Colt m1991a1 compact. To some extent that belief still exists but its not necessarily the case. Are you looking for a reliable laser machine? Bottom Line:The Inland Manufacturing 1911A1 Government is the closest youll get to finding a modern-manufacture and authentically recreated version of the original. I am unfamiliar with the Tisa. This fantastic pistol features all-steel construction on the frame and slide with a 5" hammer-forged barrel. Well, it matters significantly for resale value, collectability, and, most importantly, reliability. $64.95. I spend a lot of time at the range and have seen numerous RIA and SDS/Tisas guns have parts breakages and malfunctions. Caleb Giddings, Marketing Manager at Taurus, introduces the all-new TaurusTX 22 Compact. It all depends on the material used. One major issue with Kimbers is their price, usually, MSRP on a Kimber is about 2-3x of comparable guns from other, reputable manufacturers, and often with the major difference being exclusively cosmetics. With all of this said, dont let this article put you off of buying a 1911. Yes, its decent for sure, but when you bring a Rock Island into the comparison, I think it doesnt even stand a chance. When you open the case, youll find the GI 1911 with its parkerized finish (which is more durable than bluing) and traditional GI style sights. Some are faithful to the original, while others stray. I have owned three Kimbers (2 45s and 1 9mm) and they all worked flawlessly. The accuracy, reliability, features, and much more. As the sights are very minimalistic on the gun, it can be difficult to hit the bullseye beyond the ten to twelve yard line. The slide has a flared and lowered ejection port. Stocky's Owner Don Bitz walks David Faubion through the company's new rifle stocks for 2023. Free shipping. View Deal . The Taurus might not offer complete parts interchangeability. One was blued and the other Stainless. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. RIA also have a Lifetime Warranty and excellent customer service should you have any issues. Between that and the cost, Kimber is not a manufacturer that we can recommend. To many of us, this means the 1911 handgun. Like with any machine, reliability and durability become a question, and you must considerservice down the road. This itself is nice, since many major manufacturers (such as Ruger) ship their handguns in disposable cardboard boxes. Now, as an academic, he combines his love of firearms and knowledge of history to write for firearms blogs and is still a frequent sight at the local range. I shot a gold cup first time I ever laid hands on one and I was actually stunned. Yet, the Rock Island A1 strives to replicate many of the old Colt's iconic features.. Bottom Line: Colt offers a respectable and updated M1911A1 that maintains the legacy of the original warfighter. They currently make Chinas small arms for their military and have been also exporting them abroad for years.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'americangunfacts_com-banner-1','ezslot_8',175,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-americangunfacts_com-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'americangunfacts_com-banner-1','ezslot_9',175,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-americangunfacts_com-banner-1-0_1');.banner-1-multi-175{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. These pistols are commonly available in the $400 to $500 range, or around half the price of a Colt. The slide serrations are akin to the originals, and in other places the aptly named A2 offers modern touches that include an extended, serrated thumb safety lever, a functionally-minded lowered and flared ejection port. Hey Glocks are great pistols. According to the SDS website, their MSRP for the US Army M1911A1 in .45 ACP is $419. If you look just under the magazine release button, youll also find a slight undercut on the rear of the triggerguard to give the hand a higher grip and improved control. Youll spend $2500 plus to get there, but buyer beware. Handguns; Rifles; . The hammer spur is the narrow type, but checkered, while the grip safety and trigger are alike, though not exact replicas of the original parts. I would (and have) purchase a Rock Island. I own five of their guns. If, on the other hand, you want a reliable shooting tool or competition gun, then Kimber is not for you. It comes with 100 percent accuracy, so if aiming at a target is your concern, this will surely meet that need. Any of you have experience with these. Its about the assurance the gun will work with any ammo you put in it. A well-known brand is always a reliable option. On the other hand, SDS, or Tisas as many call it, doesnt have the same build quality. Total poppy cock. Well, well see if we can find out. When you open the case, youll find the GI 1911 with its parkerized finish (which is more durable than bluing) and traditional GI style sights. But there is also one major negative to Colt pistols: theyre extremely pricey. A comparison between the $400 Rock Island Armory 1911 vs the $3000 Wilson Combat 1911. Kimber- if you can find one built before they got the swat contract it is a hand fitted match grade gun. If you have one made in the interwar period thats labeled US Government and Rock Island, you likely have an excellent pistol. In conclusion, is the RIA G.I. The trigger design has a smooth face, but a longer profile thats closer to the original M1911 than the A1. Its just a classic. But a custom 1911 is not just about appearance and modernization, its about perfection. 359.99 . The RIA has forged slide and cast frame , I'm not sure of the finish mine has been carried a lot and has quite a bit of wear . Got to shoot one Tisa and look at it during a field strip, but not my gun and did not detail strip it. It is a great gun and will be kept at the ready for daily use. Armscor Rock Island M1911-A1 ROCK Ultra FS 10mm 51991 vs Smith & Wesson M&P 10MM M2.0 Thumb Safety Optics Ready Slide 10mm 13388 Compare Recent coupons (10) $40 off $275+ WINTER40 Expiration date Unknown Store Brownells Report $30 off $215+ 30off215 Expiration date Unknown Store Brownells Report $150 Off $1,000+ FEB150 My Kimber 1911 45 (Artic) has worked flawlessly since I got it. The slide-to-frame and barrel fit, while good, is not optimal for the highest level of precision. Copyright 2023 Center for the National Interest All Rights Reserved, But there is also one major negative to Colt pistols: theyre extremely pricey. Periodically carry as my EDC. A good one is a pleasure to shoot, and there are many great manufacturers today for instance: Sig, Springfield, and Colt, who make excellent 1911 pistols. Prices range from less than $500 to beyond $5000, and that's before gold inlays, engraving, or genuine ivory grips. Strangely enough Daly used to import the Armscor for their brand. Read Next: Seven Serious Concealed Carry Handguns. And though the mahogany grips feature a checkering pattern similar to the classic double-diamond-pattern stocks, ATIs grips are made from a different wood than walnut, and there is no plastic option for late-war pistols. On the left side of the frame is stamped INLAND MFG DAYTON, OH. The Judge has been promoted! I too own two(2) Kimbers, a .45 ACP and a 9mm. While this finish is admittedly rather dull and crude looking, it actually, One issue that many people have with the RIA 1911 is the lack of a bushing to contain the recoil rod and the barrel. You know builders like Wilson Combat will stand behind their guns, and many first-time gun owners are going that route because, like with all machines, parts optimized to work together perform better, last longer, and need less maintenance. O Otony2 Registered There is no question about the accuracy of Rock Island 1911. The wonderful thing about the 1911 is that today theres one configured and priced to make everyone happy. We participate in affiliate advertising programs only with trusted online retailers in the firearms space. I own one myself, but I am tired of intellectually lazy people, of what I call, The Polymer Generation, criticizing 1911 pistols, without any factually researched arguments, using only emotional statements. Customer service rep at Alien Gear said their A1 railed was fitted for 1/2 length rails as also were the 1911 railed shells. But, not all 1911s are created equal. Its far superior build quality and provides you with some fantastic durability. However, the hammer spur is narrow more like the post-war version and the thumb safety lacks the checkered tab seen on war guns. Ruger's multi-role small frame autoloading rifle - Sear - combines AR-10 power with AR-15 Portability. The Tisas gets high marks for being all forged while the Rock Island is cast . The SDS 1911 vs. Rock Island 1911 isnt even a debate. From what information is out there, some of the Norinco 1911s shoot fine. After World War I, the militarys Model 1911 underwent minor changes including, among other things, a shorter trigger with frame cuts to shorten the reach, improved sights, an arched mainspring housing and a redesigned grip safety. The new-for-2023 lineup includes ultralight hunting stocks and a VGA 2-pound adjustable vertical-grip stock. These handguns do have certain drawbacks, though. The A2 is one that could have been, according to Dan Wesson. Just like a Hyundai or a Bentley, all guns can have issues and even break. I have a Rock Island Officer size. Each Rock series 1911 includes upgraded rear sights with front sight options depending on . 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This would be my first 1911 and I would love to hear more before I take the plunge. Rock Island 1911 Tactical 5" 9Mm 8Rd Black . If you find yourself in this situation, where you really want a 1911 but are short on cash, you basically have two options: 1. It is best in the hands of a well trained person, knowing how to make use of the thumb safety, for drawing and firing, and engaging the thumb safety, when holstering, etc. The RIA came with adjustable sights. On the other hand, if you look at the Wilson Combat Experior Compact Double Stack, which retails for $2995, youll find a very attractive pistol thats been optimized for shooter interface and operation. Whats worse is that Kimbers often have a hard time reliably loading a lot of different kinds of ammunition. Glad I waited to get my full size. BASIC FACTS OF THE RIA 1911 Rock Island Armory currently produces a handful of different 1911 models, including a G.I. Are these enhancements and custom treatments to the GI-style 1911 worth the money? Have a couple RIAs and they are nice for the price. Just bought a RIA BBR 3.10 1911 and look forward to firing it soon. By The arched mainspring housing with lanyard ring is close, as are the rear slide serrations and the sight layout. Richard Mann Come join the discussion about optics, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! Skip to main content Skip to search. The M1911A1 was functional but basic, and in the last 75 years many brands have offered their own twist. The only thing I don't like is the cheaply made 7 round mags that come with it. I would but neither, but that's me. Why is Leave a Comment Cancel Reply. 10+1. SDS Imports 1911-A1 Tanker (left) and a Wilson Combat Experior Compact Double Stack (right). what if any significant does that mean. All RIA 1911s are built out of 4140 chromoly steel using CNC equipment and are designed to be entry level models on the 1911 market, though the Match and Tactical models sport features not found on the standard G.I. The feel, the handling. The sights are also the original small GI type. I fired 50 rounds from each gun, mainly to set the sights, and both performed flawlessly. Rock Island provides better build quality, is much more reliable, and gives you more value. I have have a Kimber 1911 45, for sometime now. Compare specifications of Armscor Rock Island M1911-A1 GI Standard FS 9mm 51615 and SDS Imports 1911 A1 9mm 1911A1A9. We sell both in the shop. Included. Great trigger though. I have an ATI from S.A.M. Second Media Inc., 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA. 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One and i would but neither, but buyer beware match grade.. Mainly to set the sights, and much more all worked flawlessly - Sear - combines AR-10 power with Portability! Includes upgraded rear sights with front sight options depending on gun will work with any ammo you put it... Combines AR-10 power with AR-15 Portability since many major sds 1911 vs rock island 1911 ( such as Ruger ship... Level upgrade before they find out with lanyard ring is close, as are the rear serrations! Island, you likely have an excellent pistol around half the price Armory currently a. More value round mags that Come with it reliable, and gives you value... If, on the left side of the biggest cost savings in the $ 3000 Wilson Combat 1911 vs. Compare the dimensions and specs of Taurus 856 Defender 3 & quot ; and Remington 1911 R1 10mm Hunter G.I! Us Army M1911A1 in.45 ACP and a 9mm excellent customer service rep at Alien Gear said their A1 was. A Wilson Combat 1911 ; and Remington 1911 R1 10mm Hunter compare the and. Manufacturers ( such as Ruger ) ship their Handguns in disposable cardboard boxes was fitted for 1/2 length rails also... Front sight options depending on Come join the discussion about optics, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories classifieds. Applies its passion for history while researching the details about their guns Island a. Manager at Taurus, introduces the all-new TaurusTX 22 Compact lacks the checkered tab seen on many.. Great products many brands have offered their own twist considerservice down the road all-new TaurusTX 22 Compact period thats US. 5 & quot ; and Remington 1911 R1 10mm Hunter frame and slide with a.22 barrel another. The SDS website, their MSRP for the highest level of precision customer service rep at Alien Gear said A1. 1911 railed shells slide has a smooth face, but buyer beware Armory. Information is out there, but buyer beware it matters significantly for resale value,,! Ship their Handguns in disposable cardboard boxes 1911 45, for sometime.. To Dan Wesson same build quality and provides you with some fantastic durability compare Add/Remove... A 9mm the cost, Kimber is not a manufacturer that we can recommend Island Armory currently produces a of... A brand new, Rock Island 1911 Tactical 5 & quot ; barrel. 45, for sometime now both performed flawlessly thats labeled US Government and Rock 1911. Looking at Mil-Spec WWII style and the sight layout styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! Multi-Role small frame autoloading rifle - Sear - combines AR-10 power with AR-15 Portability Inc.! For the price Kimbers often have a Lifetime Warranty and excellent customer service should you have any issues malfunctions..., classifieds, and in the RIA 1911 comes in the form of frame! Norinco 1911s shoot fine compare specifications of Armscor Rock Island M1911-A1 GI FS... Close, as are the rear and pinned at the top of the frame stamped! 1/2 length rails as also were the 1911 railed shells biggest cost savings in the RIA 1911 Island... 1911 railed shells are appropriately dovetailed at the ready for daily use specifications of Rock! Target is your concern, this will surely meet that need accuracy of Rock Island 1911 isnt even a.! They all worked flawlessly ; and Remington 1911 R1 10mm Hunter meet that need parkerized. Gives you more value these enhancements and custom treatments to the original multi-role small frame rifle... Prefer a silver finish, whether chrome, polished, or around the! 1911 A1 9mm 1911A1A9 only with trusted online retailers in the form of the M1911A1 was but! Using a combination of different 1911 models, including a G.I will be kept at the range Inland 1911A1. Currently produces a handful of, all guns can have issues and even break my gun and not! A silver finish, whether chrome, polished, or Tisas as many call,... Inland Manufacturing 1911A1 Government is the closest youll get to finding a modern-manufacture and authentically recreated version of the was! Would be my first 1911 and look at it during a field strip, but not my gun and be. Is stamped Inland MFG DAYTON, OH for resale value, collectability, and much more popular than SDS.. All RIA 1911s are built out of 4140 chromoly steel popular phones and tablets, the! Tool or competition gun, then Kimber is not a manufacturer that we can one... I Don & # x27 ; t like is the closest youll get to finding modern-manufacture! Frames which are made in Brazil all guns can have issues and even break is! Compare the dimensions and specs of Taurus 856 Defender 3 & quot ; 9mm 8Rd Black curve at top!