ROCK ISLAND ARMORY M1911 A1
Posted May 19, 2023
When it comes to handguns, there is no other firearm more iconic and classic than the Rock Island Armory M1911 A1. It is a handgun that has endured the test of time, and is the perfect choice for anyone who wants a reliable and powerful sidearm. The Rock Island Armory M1911 A1 is a faithful replica of the original 1911 design and is chambered in .45 ACP. It is a single action semi-automatic handgun with a 7-round magazine capacity and a 5” barrel.
First and foremost, the Rock Island Armory M1911 A1 is a very well made gun. It is very well constructed and it feels solid in the hand. The barrel and slide are machined from chrome moly steel for strength and accuracy. The frame is made from a special alloy that is designed to resist wear and tear. The overall finish is matte black, which looks great and also helps protect the gun from corrosion. The firearm features a standard tuned trigger, which makes it easy to shoot with precision. The M1911 A1 also features an extended, beavertail grip safety, which ensures the user’s safety and makes it more comfortable to hold.
Moving on to the accuracy and performance of the Rock Island Armory M1911 A1, this pistol delivers on both fronts. It is a very accurate handgun, with a tight grouping at up to 50 yards. This is great for self defense and for target shooting at the range. The trigger is short and crisp, which makes it easy to shoot quickly and accurately. The standard recoil spring provides good muzzle rise control, allowing the user to quickly acquire and maintain a target. In addition, the M1911 A1 is very reliable and is more resistant to corrosion than many other handguns.
The M1911 A1 is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a reliable card for self defense or target shooting. The gun is powerful and accurate, and it is very easy to shoot. The beavertail grip safety adds an extra layer of security, and the matte black finish looks great and provides protection from corrosion. The only downside to the M1911 A1 is that it can be a bit finicky with ammunition. This is easily taken care of with a few hundred rounds of practice to ensure that you are using the right ammunition to get the most out of your gun.
Overall, the Rock Island Armory M1911 A1 is a great choice for anyone looking for a powerful and reliable handgun. It is a faithful replica of the original 1911 design, and it is constructed to provide years of reliable service. The standard trigger allows for accurate shots, and the beavertail grip safety provides added protection. This gun is a great choice for anyone who wants a classic sidearm.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Reliability: Most Rock Island Armory 1911s are known for their high levels of reliability, perfect for use in a self-defense situation when you need it most.
- Durability: The Rock Island Armory M1911 A1 also boasts a slide made from 4140 steel, and a frame made from black parkerized steel that makes it show more resistance to rust, corrosion, and wear over time.
- Affordable: Compared to other 1911s, the RIA M1911 A1 is an affordable and reliable handgun.
Cons:
- Lack of Accuracy: While some Rock Island Armory 1911s can be reasonably accurate, the M1911 A1 is not known to be one of the most accurate pistols in its class.
- Trigger Pull: The trigger pull weight is higher than most other 1911s and is not adjustable, making it difficult to get used to for those who are not used to a pure single action trigger.
- Quality Control: While Rock Island Armory does have good quality control, it is not as good as some of the higher priced 1911s on the market.
Who Should Buy
Anyone who would like to purchase a reliable and well-made 1911 should consider the Rock Island Armory M1911 A1. This is a great choice for collectors, target shooters, law enforcement, and home defense.
On the other hand, people who are looking for a custom 1911 may not find the Rock Island Armory M1911 A1 suitable. While the gun can be modified to some extent, it is not designed to be heavily customized. Additionally, someone who needs a smaller gun, like a .22 or 9mm, may also find that the Rock Island Armory M1911 A1 does not meet their needs.
Comparisons
| Rock Island Armory M1919 A1 | Similar Product 1 | Similar Product 2 | Similar Product 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .45 ACP | .45 ACP | .45 ACP | .45 ACP |
| Barrel Length | 5" | 5" | 5" | 4.5" |
| Overall Length | 8.5" | 8.5" | 8.5" | 8.1" |
| Capacity | 8 round | 9 round | 8 round | 8 round |
| Finish | Parkerized | Blued | Stainless Steel | Satin Finish |
| Sights | Fixed | Fixed | Adjustable | Adjustable |
| Weight | 41.2 oz | 37 oz | 38 oz | 34.8 oz |
| Grip Panel | G10 | Wood | Polymer | Synthetic |
Features / Specs
• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Action: Semi-Automatic
• Capacity: 8 + 1 Rounds
• Barrel Length: 5” Hammer Forged
• Frame: Parkerized Steel
• Grips: G10 Checkered
• Overall Length: 8.5”
• Overall Height: 5.5”
• Overall Width: 1.2”
• Weight: 2.5 lbs
Popular Accessories
CS 9MM?
- Magazine Holders
- Muzzle Brakes
- Match Grade Barrels
- Extended Thumb Safeties
- Flat or Arched Main Springs
- Speedloaders
- Grips
- Ambidextrous Safety Levers
- Recoil Buffers
- Magazine Disconnects
Accuracy
The Rock Island Armory M1911 A1 is widely regarded for its accuracy and reliability. It has a 5-inch barrel and a dovetail 3-dot sight system which allows for precise aiming. Rock Island Armory also offers what is called the "Tactical 2011" series which is even more accurate due to its bull barrel and target sights. Many experienced shooters claim that the M1911 A1 is extremely accurate even out of its standard factory configuration and can easily hit targets at 25 yards. When used with quality ammunition, it is even more accurate. Overall, the Rock Island Armory M1911 A1 is a reliable and accurate handgun that can be used for a variety of activities including target shooting and even concealed carry.
