Armscor Rock Island 1911

[Blaze Kinkaid 253]

Pards, was wondering, as  I don't have any experience with a Rock Island 1911  my question being

is it serviceable  for WB shooting out of the box, or does it need an action job? Even with an action

job is it a dependable pistol? I realize also that dependably includes the mag and/or loads?

regards

[Flash]

Great gun for the money!

[Garrison Joe]

My experience with an early one with a Rock Island Armory mark was that it was barely usable due to poor machining.  I believe they have fixed most of the errors they made in early production, but that is not from personal experience, as I will not ever have another to put through a serious test.

 

They certainly use a lot of MIM parts (MIM is metal injection molding).  This results in sintered parts with noticeable seams from the molds (unless they are carefully removed).  But even close attention to removing mold marks does not make a MIM part equal to a machined-from-bar-stock part.  I consider the use of MIM parts on fire control parts a major error for any firearm used for serious purposes.  Armscor still makes most of their sears, disconnectors, thumb safeties, magazine releases and several other parts with MIM technology.  The examples I have seen and discussed with other owners have needed a major action job before they were fit for serious match shooting.

 

Here's a video of a knowledgeable shooter testing and tweaking an Armscor 1911 in .45 auto.

 

The Springfield, Remington and Ruger 1911s are not much more money, and are considerably better in their machining and metal selection.  IMHO.  As you can tell, it all depends upon how good you expect your pistol to be.  I expect a level of smoothness, crispness and reliability that requires me to do a lot of action work on even my Colt models.

 

Good luck, GJ

 

 

[Blaze Kinkaid 253]

Thanks for the reply Joe, I knew it would be enlightening and very complete.  I will pass on the RIA and maybe invest in some TRIPP mags instead.

Have a great Thanksgiving, and Merry Christmas

Regards

[Last Chance]

My most dependable firearm I've ever competed with would have to be my STI Spartan made at Armscor. . . . . granted its made with STI specs and has had top notch work done to it. Still says "Armscor" on the side of the frame! So I guess that kind of, somewhat counts and the Spartan models were great for the money. 650$ or so.

[Abilene]

A little late to this party.  I've only ever had 2 1911's.  A Kimber Compact Aluminum since 2000 that needed a lot of break-in.  And my Armscor (Cimarron) 1911 I got for WB.  It has been superb so far with nothing done to it.  That's a small sample, but another point of data.

[Baltimoreed11754]

Picked up a nickled Cimarron 1911 this year. I replaced the slide stop, safety and skinny hammer with gi checkered parts, like the wide spur a lot better. Feeds my 200 gr rnfp cowboy bullets just fine. I’ve not shot it in a WB match just my sass/wasa club’s monthly matches. Very nice pistol.

[Boomstick Bruce]

I've had 3 Kimbers, one Colt and now my RIA. Best 1911 I've ever owned! I'm 3000-4000 rounds into it and it's by far the most reliable 1911 I've ever shot. I bought the cheapest, lowest level they sell and it works perfect! Get the RIA, you won't be disappointed!

[Griff]

I have two Taylor Tactical's and a RIA, all made by Armscor.  The two Taylor's have had action jobs, and are ramped... done before either had a round downrange.  But... my #1 WB gun is one of the Taylor's, the only stoppages have been magazine related.  Threw away all but two of my old (VN era & issue) military mags, problems solved.  I'm using Chip McCormick "Shooting Stars" magazines and have no issues.

 

Several gunmakers are using Armscor parts in their builds, and while they may have different specs than RI, apparently something has to have translated over into their general production, if my samples are indeed, representative.

 

I put my 2 Taylor's up against Colt products, of which I own 3.  IMO, they measure up admirably.