New Rock Island Armory MS 45 ACP

[smbob]

I recently picked up a Rock Island Armory MS 4" 45 ACP. I have always wanted a Colt Commander, but could never afford one. Although this
Philippine made 1911 is anything but a Colt in many people's minds it
is close enough for me. The quality of the pistol is real good. I'm
really impressed with it. I can't wait to try it out soon.

Robert

[gwbiker]

RIA is a good choice for an inexpensive but well made 1911. I have two RIA 1911 GI spec. Both shoot as well as my Colt series 80.

[papabear]

smbob,

Congratulations on getting a RIA IMO for the price they are a excellent buy. I have owned two RIA's, my first was the same as yours, the MS 4", it was a excellent pistol, the sights for me were to small so I replaced them with a set of Trijicon's and they did the trick for me. Its was a nice handling 45acp and accurate, but I sold it to get a Star PD 45acp with the Starvel finish, which was the first LW Commander before Colt. I was very happy with the RIA MS but I wanted the Star PD even more.

My other RIA and I still have it is the Tactical, and it is a keeper for sure. I have put over 1,000 rds down its tube and nary a flaw, and I have no problem using it along side those having Colts on the firing line, it holds its own with all of them, that being said I'd love to have a Colt Combat Elite w/the two tone finish, I may have to sell a gun or two to get it, but a man needs a goal to reach for.

RIA MS


Star PD


RIA Tactical

[czwolf]

goin to be getting a RIA 1911 myself here soon my wife has a colt that I got for her and honestly I like it but I like the RIA just as much lol. oh well.

[anjdrifter]

you can't go wrong with the RIA
My full size

[dfunk]

Great lookin' 45 you have there!

When I was looking for a primary carry, I looked hard at the RIA's in the Commander size. There's no shop around here that carries them, so I have zero hands-on experience, but everyone that owns one loves (as evident by your replies). Congrats!

[smbob]

Thanks fellas. I really like this MS. I'm going to put some better sights
on it soon. RIA makes some nice 1911's. You can't beat them for the $.

Robert

[normsutton]

I have the commander size made for Charles Daly by the same company that makes the RIA 's



then I have the RIA compact


the only thing I have change on ether of them is the MSH to an arched MSH ,grip screws and grips






NORM

[papabear]

Norm,

Love those grips, Gun Guys right, I have a couple of the same grips on some of my 1911's. BTW I still looking for a decent deal on a RIA compact, the one's I have seen lately are by Citidel.

[normsutton]

papabear

the Citidel. is suppose to be made by the same company

manufactured by Armscor Citadel, RIA


NORM

[papabear]

Yulp, just waiting and looking for a good deal.

[smbob]

Norm,

Love those grips, Gun Guys right, I have a couple of the same grips on some of my 1911's. BTW I still looking for a decent deal on a RIA compact, the one's I have seen lately are by Citidel.

Papa,
Centerfire Systems and Bellshire Hardware on Gunbroker have the lowest prices on RIA's that I have found on the internet. If you do the "buy it
now" from Phil at Bellshire you get free shipping. $390 for the compact
RIA with the GI sights.

Robert


http://www.centerfiresystems.com/1911.aspx

http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/Seller ... User=49763

[blackblade]

The Rock Island Armory .45 is standard 1911A1 manufactured in the Philippines. There is no firing pin or drop safety. The gun features the same low small GI sights seen on the original GI Colt 1911 handguns so this one is a good training gun for the "point shooting" method. The gun rattles slightly when shook but feels quite solid and surprisingly comfortable with the wraparound rubber grips. As long as the locking lugs and the barrel bushing are fitted properly, the gun will shoot well. The RIA gun is finished in a kind of phosphate finish. It does tend to discolor slightly when fired and the barrel heats up. That is normal and cleans up nicely with a good gun oil (I use Hoppes and Rem Oil). The gun felt very good in the hand and everything functioned well. When working the slide, the link felt right and the locking lugs seemed to roll into place. The magazine holds eight rounds. The price is a manageable $350 OTD and a screaming bargain in my opinion.

[normsutton]

smbob

I think I bought mine form Bellshire Hardware on Gunbroker a couple of years ago
blackblade
as far as I know no one builds a true 1911A1, the A1 has a arched MSH
this what 1911A1 looks like


NORM

[papabear]

smbob,

Thanks for the heads up on the two sites you posted about. I have been to both sites, and they do have the best prices I have found for NIB RIA's, however, I mentioned above I was looking for a good deal, I guess I should have mentioned both of mine were bought used, LNIB, the 4" model I picked up for $300 OTD and the 5" tactical for $350 OTD at my local dealers, and that is the kind of deal I'm looking for. I don't mind waiting and looking, being retired I look for deals, some have accused me of being a "bandit", but I don't use a mask......