ROCK ISLAND ARMORY M1911 A2 FS-MATCH TACT
Posted May 14, 2023
Rock Island Armory (RIA) is an arms manufacturing company based in Geneseo, Illinois, USA. The company’s relationship with the firearms industry extends deep and far, and the company has a long and rich history, having been established in 1905 by Charles F. Adams and T. R. Root. Rock Island Armory is known for producing high-quality and affordable firearms for their diverse shooters, offering best-in-class production standards and unmatched innovation. The company offers a wide range of firearms from pistols and revolvers, to rifles and shotguns, yet the flagship offering from Rock Island Armory is the M1911 A2 FS-MATCH TACT pistol.
First introduced in 1985, the Rock Island Armory M1911 A2 FS-MATCH TACT is the standard in competition and target pistols. Its ergonomic design and modern features provide shooters with an optimum shooting experience, while its robust and reliable construction promises a lifetime of dependable accuracy and dependability. The A2 design is based on the popular M1911 platform, though is built with a more advanced design in mind. This includes a match-grade 5” bull barrel and expanded beavertail grip safety, providing a natural and comfortable shooting experience. The A2 also includes an extended ambidextrous thumb safety, which allows the user to safely carry the weapon in various conditions, and an adjustable aluminum trigger that is designed for consistent accuracy. Other features worth noting include a skeletonized, lightweight trigger for faster target acquisition and a “Drop-in Match” accessory package, which further enhances the performance of the A2.
The A2 FS-MATCH TACT packs a lot of features in one package. It is constructed from high-grade 7075 aluminum (the same material used to build AR platform rifles) and features a robust, full-length guide rod and dual recoil springs. This provides both protection and improved reliability when cycling the action, which is further bolstered by the use of a precision-machined, one-piece full-profile barrel and a round-butt, fully supported breechface. These features also provide added strength and rigidity to the barrel, guarding against wear and tear from constant use. The Rock Island Armory M1911 A2 FS-MATCH TACT comes with a standard 8-round magazine, though extended 10-round magazines are also available.
When it comes to shooting, the Rock Island Armory M1911 A2 FS-MATCH TACT does not disappoint. Despite its slim and lightweight construction, the pistol offers excellent accuracy across the range, quick cycling between shots, and minimal felt recoil. The match-grade barrel and adjustable trigger also provide crisp and consistent shots that are sure to please even experienced shooters. The extended beavertail grip safety also adds an extra level of safety, providing a larger area on which to grip when holding the gun in both natural and unconventional shooting positions.
For those who desire even higher performance, the Rock Island Armory M1911 A2 FS-MATCH TACT is also available with an upgraded accessory package. This includes several competition-grade parts, such as a low-profile, adjustable sights with tritium inserts, a Skeletonized hammer and trigger, a full-length guide rod, and an extended grip safety. These upgrades are designed to further enhance the performance of the already formidable A2 and make it even more suitable for competitive shooting.
All in all, the Rock Island Armory M1911 A2 FS-MATCH TACT is more than capable of providing shooters of all skill levels with a reliable and accurate handgun that is sure to provide a lifetime of performance. With its robust construction, adjustable trigger, and extended safety features, the A2 provides just the right combination of comfort, accuracy and reliability for a wide range of shooting situations. Add in the optional competition package and the shooting experience is further enhanced, making the A2 FS-MATCH TACT one of the best all-around pistols on the market today.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- The Rock Island Armory M1911 A2 FS-Match Tac is a reliable and accurate pistol.
- It's built with quality components including an adjustable rear sight, beveled magwell, extended slide stop and ambidextrous safety.
- The FS-Match Tac has an extended magazine well and extended beavertail safety making it comfortable to shoot.
- This pistol is great for competition shooting with its adjustable trigger, crisp and smooth trigger pull, and the low bore axis.
Cons:
- The trigger pull weight can be quite heavy making it not ideal for beginners.
- The slide stop is non-permanent meaning it may not fit other 1911's.
- The extended beavertail safety can be awkward to handle when carrying the pistol.
- The ammo capacity is limited with only 8 rounds in the magazine.
Who Should Buy
This pistol is ideal for those who are looking for an accurate and reliable full-sized 1911 for competition shooting. It is a good fit for experienced shooters who want to take their game to the next level.
As this pistol is a higher-end model, novice shooters may want to try less expensive versions of the M1911 as they get more experienced. The higher-end features and accuracy of the ROCK ISLAND ARMORY M1911 A2 FS-MATCH TACT make it an unsuitable choice for those who just want a basic target gun.
Comparisons
| Product | MSRP | Caliber | Action | Barrel Length | Sights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rock Island Armory M1911 A2 FS-Match | $1125.00 | .45ACP | SA | 5" | Adjustable |
| Springfield Armory - Range Officer Elite 10mm | $979.00 | 10mm | SA | 5" | Adjustable |
| Remington 1911 R1 Enhanced 10mm | $979.00 | 10mm | SA | 5" | 3-Dot |
| CZ USA-Dan Wesson Valor 1911 10mm | $1551.00 | 10mm | SA | 5" | Adjustable |
| Colt Combat Elite Series 80 1911 | $899.99 | .45ACP | SA | 5" | Fixed |
Features / Specs
• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Multiple slide lightening cuts
• Tactical adjustable 2-dot black rear sight
• Ambidextrous single action thumb safety
• Skeletonized trigger and hammer
• Match-grade stainless steel barrel
• Special ported slide
• Tactically serrated front and ribbed back razor grip handles
• Full size frame
• Front and rear slide serrations
• Overall length of 8.5 inches
• Weight of 42.2 Oz.
Popular Accessories
ICAL 45ACP 5″ ?
The most popular accessories for the ROCK ISLAND ARMORY M1911 A2 FS-MATCH TACTICAL 45ACP 5" include magazines, holsters, grips, sight and trigger upgrades, magazine carriers, and grips.
Accuracy
The ROCK ISLAND ARMORY M1911 A2 FS-MATCH TACT is a high quality, competition-grade semi-automatic pistol that is designed for accuracy and dependability. It features a unique barrel/slide combination that is precision machined for accuracy, increasing accuracy by reducing felt recoil. Its low profile sights provide an accurate sight picture for precision shooting, and the extended beavertail grip safety and long trigger make it comfortable and easy to control. Overall, it is considered to be very accurate and reliable, making it an ideal choice for competition or as a self defense sidearm.
