Rock Island Armory .45 vs. 1927 Sistema

D

DougB

New member
I've been thinking of getting a 1911-style .45 ACP. I have no real "need" for one, and prefer double-action pistols, but I should probably have a 1911 in my little collection (actually, I already have a Colt with a .22 conversion unit installed - but no centerfire 1911). Anyway, I don't want one near badly enough to spend the money for a Kimber or other high-end pistol. But the ads in Shotgun News for the Rock Island Armory pistol for $285 (dealer) are pretty tempting. They are supposed to be new manufacture and 100% interchangeable with standard 1911 parts. I've also see the Argentine 1927 Colt Sistema pistols advertised for just a little more. These are refinished pistols. I've done some searching, but haven't found much solid info on the Rock Island pistols. Some say they are made in the Phillipines, others say in the U.S. from Brazilian and U.S. parts. I don't think I've read any comments from anyone who's actually bought or used one. Are these decent, reliable pistols - say comparable to military issue in reliablity and accuracy? Thanks for any info.

Doug
 
If a basic 1911 from Colt or Springfield costs $500, how can a new, decent-quality piece be sold for $285? I'd steer clear of the Rock Island Armory or Arsenal, or whatever.
 
RickB,

You may very well be correct about the Rock Island not being good quality - that's why I'd like to hear from someone who owns, or has at least handled one. But I don't think the fact that Colt and Springfield sell their's for over $500 means similar pistols couldn't be made or sold for less. The actual cost of manufacturing often has little influence on the selling price (of course, it must sell for more than its variable cost to be profitable). I think Colt and Springfield price their guns to maximize their profit (which is what I would do). They also need to support/justify the prices of their higher-end guns - which might be difficult if they sold basic guns for, say, $350 or so.

Doug
 
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The Rock Island guns are made in the Phillipines, by the same company that makes Charles Daly 1911s. I haven't heard from anyone with a RI yet, but the CD people really like theirs for the most part. Like KP said, check out www.1911forum.com and go to the Charles Daly section.

On the other hand, maybe the company that makes them both sell the better ones under CD and the lesser quality under RI? Dunno.

Springfield, Colt, and Kimber sell for more because they're made here with our higher labor costs.
 
I pulled this post from the 1911 forum under "Other 1911s"

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vega
1911 Addict
Posts: 144
From:Philippines
Registered: Mar 2000
posted 08-06-2001 06:42 PM
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Sorry, I have to correct my reply. RIA is not made by Armscor. It is assembled by Twin Pines Corp., a local gun shop here in my place. Parts came from Brazil and USA. According to the company, parts that came from US is John Masen. Don't have info on Brazil parts.
I've been correcting my replies to other boards and forums, seems I overlooked this one. I hope this is the last one.

I apologize for the inconvenience.

vega
 
According to the Great Almighty State of Kalifornia (who never makes mistakes) Rock Island IS made by Armscor. It states it on the infamous "List". Who would dare lie to the People's Republic of Kalifornia? :eek:
 
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