So, I've got a Rock Island Arms .45 Tactical in my sights...

[davasmith]

My question is: Does Rock Island Arms make a good long lasting firearm? I have been researching them for about 3 weeks now and have found several favorable blogs and a few unfavorables. I want to make sure I can get some good accessories for it as well such as night sites. The sight blades on the tactical I'm looking at suck. I'm used to having a pitch bar and dot of some sort to look at in hand guns. I was told I can get some novak night sites for it and I am looking into some trigger work as well. What are your thoughts? I know some of the bloggers here have one and thought I'd ask for some guidance. Thank you in advance for the replies. Ps. I am buying this gun tomorrow if there is no reason not to.

[grumpyMSG]

I have heard both ways on their pistols, it seems either you get a good one or one that needs some work to make it run right, nothing in between. Have you taken a look at the Remington? I have handled one a couple of times and if I didn't already own a Colt I would probably go with the Remington.

[meak99]

I picked mine up at a gun show - I should have thoroughly checked it out before leaving, but the thumb safety was defective. I contacted Ivan at Advance Tactical (importers of RIA/Armscor) and they sent FedEx to my house the next day to pick it up. Great customer service, great gunsmith at the site in NV where they fix things - he replaced the safety & sear and "tuned" it up, whatever that means. They're no Springer, S&W, Para or even better makes like Kimber or Wilson, but they are a great value for a sub $500 1911. I'd like to pick up one of their 6" long slide match models, and one of their 3.5" compact models. As far as reliability, mine has been 100% with 230 gr. Georgia Arms reloads and JHP out of Wilson Combat mags, but sub-par with the JHP in the factory ACT-MAG and a MEC-GAR mag. Overall, I recommend getting one.

[dorminWS]

You might want to check out a REGENT. Built in Turkey. A faithful copy of the world-war-II 191A1. Reputed to be a solid 1911, and used by a lot of folks as a reasonably-priced pistol to customize. I liked the way one looked and felt, and as soon as the one I ordered comes in, I'll let you know how it shoots. Kahr/Auto Ordinance is also a possibility.

[DavidG]

Joshua,
You should check out the American Classics. The one I got after we made our transaction is doing great, no problems so far. They are made by Metro Arms and they get extremely good reviews. I'm very pleased with mine and it came with Novak sights. Also check out the new Ruger 1911.
David

[gunderwood]

I have heard both ways on their pistols, it seems either you get a good one or one that needs some work to make it run right, nothing in between.

+1

That's a true statement about most of the cheap manufacturers. QC/QA costs money. IMHO, RIA makes an ok range toy if you want a cheap 1911 to play with, but I would not carry one without having a good smith work it over.

[davasmith]

Thank you for the replies. I am still considering a 1911. Ruger makes a nice one, but I've seen a Thompson Auto that caught my eye. As for the gunsmith working the RIA over before carrying, I've come to that conclusion myself as well. If I can't trust my life and my families life to a carry weapon, it's not worth having at any cost. Thanks for the info on the other makes, it's alot to mull over!