Just last week I received a Rock Island 1911 45 ACP pistol, however, it turns out that I didn't get the one that I had originally requested. I had originally wanted the 1911 GI model and it turns out that I received a 1911 Tactical, which is actually about $50-60 more expensive ($465 vs $415 or so). Both pistols of course are made in the Philippines, and are actually very high quality pistols. Getting back to the tactical model it turns out that it has many more features over their GI model, which are as follows:
1. Novak sights
2. skeletonized hammer
3. skeletonized trigger
4. extended beaver-tail safety
5. ambidextrous safety
6. full length guide rod
7. polished feed ramp
These features are the main reasons why this particular model is more expensive. I personally love the Novak sights, they are fantastic, and I am sure they will help me shoot much more accurately, although night sights would be the best of course. I am not sure as of yet what the full length guide rod does, I have not done a whole lot of research on that, but it does look pretty cool, I have to admit. The polished feed ramp is a must on any 1911 so that it will feed every single time. I personally don't care much for the beaver-tail safety, I never did have an issue with hammer-bite on 1911's, but I will see if it makes shooting more comfortable. So far, the main thing that I am considering replacing is the ambidextrous safety because I am right handed, I feel it makes the gun a bit clunkier, and might get in the way of new grips that I am planning on purchasing. Other than these small issues I think it is going to be a great gun, I need to get some more magazines, and this time I am going to buy the high quality ones, since the cheaper ones often times are not on par with the more expensive ones. As of 2012, I think it is best to get 8 round magazines since they are available and just as reliable as the 7 rounders as far as I know, and of course you get 8 rounds vs 7, so why wouldn't you choose it?
If you take a look at this picture you will notice that the insignia on the pistol itself has changed from the first Rock Island 1911's, although I kind of liked the old insignia, this one looks great. The Rock Island 1911 comes in 9mm, 45 ACP and 38 Super, the one I have is of course a 45 ACP, which I got because it is the original round for a 1911. Down the road I may want to get the 9mm and 38 Super, I think the 9mm would be great since it is such an inexpensive round, but many may not like the 9 round capacity in the single stack magazine, which I can understand. I have done a lot of research on the 9mm 1911, but I will leave that for another blog. If you are thinking of getting a Rock Island keep in mind that they come with the pistol, paperwork, one 8 round magazine, and a hard black plastic case with the insignia on the front, and the CEO of the company just announced that they will have a lifetime warranty, which is just awesome. So if you want a high-quality 1911 pistol, I highly recommend the Rock Island, they are truly awesome and are priced just right, so why not check them out?