Current base model Rock Island 1911 compare to service 1911s?

[three0three]

Hello guys,

I never posted in this section before. I have had the 1911 bug for a while but never could afford the models I wanted (WWI/WWII models). However, I have been seeing these base model Rock Island 1911s floating around for under $375 in new condition. How do these hang compared to actual service models and are they serviceable using USGI 1911 parts and accessories?

I do not have the cash on hand to buy one but I do have an XD-40 tactical that is worth about $175 more than the RI 1911, I don't feel "tactical" anymore anyways LOL

Any Information and/or opinions will be appreciated

Thanks,
Milsurp

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[deserttrans]

It is comparable to some extent..... I'ld opt for the Springfild Armory GI. Much nicer fit and finish. More money, about $550. Good luck.

[rondog]

They're good pistols, I have three of them, carry a RIA Compact 1911 every day for CCW. As far as I know, their GI model is pretty faithful to the pre-Series 70 Colts. They're not absolutely perfect, but you can't expect that for the price, now can you? If you change out the grips and put a flat-bottom magazine in it, they look pretty good.

Here's one of mine with my Colt WWII Repro. This one has WWII Colt grips from Simpson's ($15), an arched mainspring housing with lanyard loop from Smith and Alexander, and a WWII Colt trigger. I've since added a WWII Colt thumb safety, which dropped in, and I have a Colt hammer and grip safety too, but they need to be fitted.

This Rock Island cost me $379.99 new at a local farm and ranch store.



This is another RIA GI model, actually my first one. But I did some extensive customizing to it and had it blued.

[three0three]

oh wow, they are pretty close. thanks guys

[Pattern14]

I also have a Rock Island Armory 1911 Gov't model and I love it. Never had a failure to fire or a stovepiped round in 1000 firings. My brother is a gunsmith and he was amazed at the fit and finish of the $350 pistol. I highly recommend them and I understand their service policy is excellent.

I didn't like the smooth wood grips that came with the gun so I added a set of WWII Colt grips that fit perfectly.

[jmoore]

Let us know how its doing at about 30,000- 40,000 rounds fired. No- really! Of course, its more expensive to do now...
My Systema 1927 Argentine AF pistol's at about that point and still going, but the slide to frame fit seems a little looser- It had a bad barrel when purchased back in the '90's so it got a Kart barrel and a trigger stop. Looks stock except for the minimalist ambi safety. Haven't shot any matches for a few years now, so it doesn't get exercised so much.
Finish is a bit more worn too, imagine that!

[Pattern14]

Jmoore,
I doubt if I have enough life left to shoot 40,000 rounds! I have always regretted that I didn't purchase a Systema back when they were available but then I wasn't that interested in pistols. I've always been a rifle guy and only use a pistol for concealed carry in some of the low life areas of my city. I do like the feel and accuracy of a .45 but it tends to get heavy on the hip and I usually end up carrying a .38 snub nose with HP XTP ammunition.

[mustang]

I use my RIA as a dedicated .22 shooter. On the top end is a '50 era CMP Colt conversion kit. I replaced all the internals with spare match parts. This 1911 is 100% reliable & fun when all the mags are preloaded.

out

[jdmcomp]

Some time back I wanted to build a replica WWII 1911a1 and tried using the Rock Island but had to give up quickly because of the enlarged ejection port. I believe they all still have that feature.

If you want to start as close as you can get for the money the Springfield Armory model is the best bet. Even at that, I have replaced the mainspring housing to add the lanyard loop, hammer, safety and slide release to get the proper checkering and grips of course to get rid of the horrible SA engraved grips. Still, a collector can spot it at some distance as a modern made pistol. The park finish is just not quite right. Time and lanolin will make the finish better.

[TDH]

Two other excellent 1911's for reasonable prices are the Taurus PT1911 (mine is blued and under $600) and the Para G.I. Expert (On sale $499 but I had to replace the rear sight $50) and I replaces the grips on both with Houge wrap arounds