As a content creator for rockscapes.net and a firearms enthusiast, I’ve had my fair share of range time with various pistols. Among my collection, my Rock Island Armory (RIA) 1911 GI model holds a special place. It’s more than just a firearm; it’s been a reliable companion and a gateway into the world of reloading. This review is based on my personal experience with this budget-friendly 1911.
Initially drawn to the Rock Island 1911 for its affordability, I can attest that it lives up to its reputation as a fantastic value. Out of the box, my GI model has proven to be a solid performer, primarily serving as my go-to range gun. It was instrumental in sparking my interest in reloading, largely due to the rising costs of .45 ACP ammunition.
However, like any firearm, it’s had its minor quirks. Firstly, an aftermarket ambidextrous safety I installed (being left-handed) occasionally caused a slight issue. The two sides would sometimes separate just enough to prevent the right side from fully disengaging when the left side was deactivated. It’s important to emphasize that this was due to an aftermarket part and not a fault of Rock Island Armory’s manufacturing.
Secondly, after approximately 2,000 to 3,000 rounds, the recoil spring wore out – a relatively inexpensive and common maintenance point for 1911s. A quick $10 replacement had it shooting smoothly again.
The most significant issue I encountered was with the factory-provided Novak magazines. Both magazines that came with the pistol developed cracks in the feed lips in under 1,000 rounds. This resulted in live rounds getting stuck, essentially locking the loaded magazine in the gun. This was a considerable reliability concern. Switching to $10 McCormick magazines completely resolved this issue, and I haven’t experienced any magazine-related problems since. Interestingly, shortly after purchasing my RIA 1911, I discovered a brand new Novak magazine in a store, still in its shrink wrap, exhibiting the same cracked feed lips. This further solidified my decision to avoid Novak magazines moving forward, despite hoping they have since improved their quality.
Despite these minor issues, particularly the magazine problem, the Rock Island 1911 has consistently drawn compliments at the range. The most frequent concern I hear from other 1911 owners about various brands is recoil spring wear, which I also experienced. However, when considering the initial investment – a Rock Island 1911 often costs around $400, significantly less than many other 1911 brands in the $700-$1000+ range – it leaves a substantial budget for purchasing replacement parts or upgrades as desired. This makes the Rock Island 1911 GI model an excellent entry point into the world of 1911 ownership, offering a reliable and enjoyable shooting experience without breaking the bank.
In conclusion, my Rock Island Armory 1911 GI model has proven to be a dependable and enjoyable pistol, especially for range use. While it had a couple of minor issues, none were deal-breakers, especially considering its price point. The money saved upfront allows for personalized upgrades and maintenance, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious shooters and those looking to get into the 1911 platform.
