Weapons and Gear => Handguns => Topic started by: Roper1911 on November 27, 2015, 12:23:03 am
Title: Throwdown challenge: Rock Island GI 1911
Post by: Roper1911 on November 27, 2015, 12:23:03 am
I got the rock Island from my dad right as I turned 20, mostly because he knew I loved 1911's. and I had told him I wanted a GI. but as a gift I really got it because I was given it. I modded this gun a lot. I'm an obsessive tinkerer and strange apparently. I far prefer an arched mainspring housing over a flat one. I replaced the 16 lbs recoil spring with a 18 lbs one, the trigger long aluminum deal with a GI stamped short one. the smooth wood grip scales with fully checkered plastic GI grips, and polished the feed ramp because I could. the recoil is a very manageable shove and it's easy to get back on target after the first shot.
The Good: no reliability issues with American made, 230 grain brass case ammo. even with the bulk stuff.
the bad: the sights. GI style blade sights are okay (to me) in good light, but as you lose light, they become worthless.
Accuracy: 8/10. she's a looser gun, this lends its self to more open groups. I can shoot an okay group at 10 yards (my benchmark range) but its an open group. not the one ragged hole that would score this a 9.
reliability: 8/10. she's good with 230 grains between 800-1000fps. but lighter loads can sometimes fail. that's okay because I only shoot
Title: Re: Throwdown challenge: Rock Island GI 1911
Post by: Kaso on November 27, 2015, 10:16:07 pm
There is something to be said for a 1911 in the bone stock A1 configuration. They are not quite as functional as those with beavertails and combat sights, but for nostalgia's sake, A1 with a parked finish is the way to go.
Kaso
Title: Re: Throwdown challenge: Rock Island GI 1911
Post by: ZeroTA on November 28, 2015, 09:41:35 am
If you only shoot ball ammo, going back to the 16# spring will likely fix your problems. Although it may be too light if you shoot stiffer JHP loads.
As much as I'm a 1911 snob, I gotta give props to RIA. Everyone who has one loves it. They seem to punch outside their weight class.
Title: Re: Throwdown challenge: Rock Island GI 1911
Post by: Roper1911 on November 28, 2015, 10:47:25 am
If you only shoot ball ammo, going back to the 16# spring will likely fix your problems. Although it may be too light if you shoot stiffer JHP loads.
As much as I'm a 1911 snob, I gotta give props to RIA. Everyone who has one loves it. They seem to punch outside their weight class.
never had an issue with ball, but I've had some lighter JHP's that it didn't like. and she really doesn't go for aluminum cased ammo.
Rock Islands are finished on old colt machinery from what I've heard. they do have a lot of MIM and cast parts. but she seems to be wearing well, I've got just over 1000 rounds through mine.