I have just recently became interested in the 1911 platform of guns as I primarily use a Glock 17 9mm. I shot some friends recently and really like the platform. I have decided I will be buying my own very soon. Rock Island Armory seems to make the best 1911 as far as price and quality goes.
As I mentioned I am a Glock guy. I was thinking I might buy something that shoots a more powerful round and was interested in the .45 Cal. I thought about the Glock version of the .45 Cal at first, but since it has a polymer frame the recoil can be hard to recover for some for follow up shots. I then was thinking of the Springfield XD .45 Cal since they usually have less recoil. I decided against that since I would still be dealing with a polymer frame. One of the guys at the gun range I belong too suggested the 1911 to me. I was also concerned because they typically only hold 7-8 rounds compared to the 17 I am used to with my Glock 17 and 10-15 that Springfield XD .45 Cal pistols will hold. I figured what the heck all I would have to do is buy a box of ammo. I did and instantly knew why so many people like the 1911 .45 Cal. This is one of the models I have been debating about purchasing.
The Rock Island 1911 Tactical .45 Cal is built like a tank. They are made in the Philippines and a very well made. It is made with a quality steel metal frame and slide and a satin black parkerized metal finish. The barrel is 5 inches for increased accuracy with front and rear Novak target sights. The grips are wood. The frame also has an extended beaver tail, which makes it much more comfortable to shoot .The Rock Island Tactical has a standard capacity of 8 rounds + 1 in the chamber, but you can use many extended magazines. It comes with a case one 8 round magazines. It will run you about $420 Online and $520 in stores. Unlike the previous Remington 1911 that I reviewed the Rock Island Armory has a lifetime warranty.
I was very pleasantly surprised at the Range with The Rock Island 1911 Tactical. I found it shoot just as good as much more expensive models of 1911’s like Springfield, Remington, Smith & Wesson and Colt. I found the recoil, chambering and trigger pull the same as the other models I have been shooting. It is very surprising that it shoots just as good and is over $150 less than even the cheapest comparable model of the above mentioned brands. When you figure in the lifetime warranty it really makes Rock Island affordable. Like most standard 1911’s, It is relatively slim and could be carried with an in the waist band for a concealed carry weapon or easily tucked under a jacket or vest.
The only drawback to Rock Island 1911 Tactical pistols is that they come very oily from the factory in the event that you buy one online. If you get one at a store they often will have wiped it off, so this becomes a non issue. The only other drawback is the cost of .45 Cal ammunition. Right now a cheap box at Wal-Mart might cost about $16-20 for 50 rounds. That is supposed to be going up at least 25% in the next few months with the cost of materials in bullets. I would advise anyone interested in a .45 to consider getting into reloading ammunition as you can save about half the price off buying a box of ammunition.
Thank you for reading.
God Bless you and God Bless America
“Only criminals, dictators, and liberal democrats fear armed citizens”
Sources and further reading.
http://www.1911r1.com/sitecore/content/1911R1/Products/Firearms/Model-1911r1.aspx
http://centerfiresystems.com/AC-RI1911TACA.aspx
