Posted: 4/20/2008 6:49:16 AM EDT
Can any of you tell me if Rock Island makes a good 1911 style pistol? What would be the best 1911 style pistol for you buck? How does Springfield Armory compare to Kimber and other manufacturers? I just need a feel for what to stay away from and what to look at. Needless to say I know nothing about 1911s. You advice is much appreciated!
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RIA is a great range piece - I wouldn't get one for self defense, though. FYI, Rock Islands are manufactured by Armscor of the Philippines. Armscor also manufactures the Charles Daly and High Standard 1911s, as well as STI's Spartan model (though the Spartan features STI internals and a special production line and QC). I've been into RIAs that weren't properly fitted and successfully fucked themselves up pretty bad - and they shot and functioned well up to that point.  On the flip side they're reputed to have some of the best customer service in the business. It's not just the issue of them being cast, but the QC that goes into standard production Armscor pistols. Worth noting is that in the Philippines, where Armscors are readily available and very affordable, Norincos, Colts, and STIs are all substantially more popular. If you're looking for a good basic 1911 with solid base components and great customer service, look into the Springfield models. As for Kimber, they're not very well thought of since the II series came out and reports of spotty QC on the Warrior line came about. |
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Although I will note that I find it very hard to find a RIA owner that hates their pistol. Although I also note that you find many who don't have one that make vague references to how they've seen a bunch, or have a buddy, uncle, or random spirit, that has one and it has all kinds of issues. Anyway. There is nothing wrong with a Rock Island given what you are paying for it. Now admitedly I've change out a number of components on mine, sights, hammer, springs, trigger, bushing, sights to Trij NS's, barrel and link, etc... but that was a personal choice. What was there before ran well enough. However certain parts I don't consider to be long run quality in them. Namely, the hammer strut (didn't like the look of that), the hammer being mil spur had to go anyway, the grip safety wasn't very functional as it was, the springs are iffy, barrel was OK but nothing incredible about it... So if you want a decent shooter that you don't have to feel bad about playing with nothing bad to say about RIA. Doesn't make sense to me to by a 1k 1911 and then start changing parts out. For $350. Change away. Either way I love mine and shoot it often. |
