Rock Island Armory Compact Tactical in 45 acp

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Pops1085

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I've got the opportunity to acquire one and I have a few questions. First, if you've had one or know somebody who does have them, what are your impressions of it?

Second, is this grip the same length as a government model? The website just says 7 rd capacity, not whether or not it is a 7+1 or a 6+1.

Third, piggybacking off the second question, can I still use normal 8 round magazines in it without issue, if it does stick out from the bottom? I just can't bring myself to carry a semi auto with a mag capacity of under 7.

I've never had a compact 1911 or an officers model, are they the same?

I think this particular model isn't listed on the website anymore, as it would seem they only have the GI CS model and the Tac Ultra Cs model.

Fill me in, thanks!
 
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Not "Officers Model," that was a Colt revolver. Colt's now-discontinued 3-1/2" 1911 was the Officers ACP. The Armscor/Rock Island Cpmpact is the same size pistol, but the RIA doesn't use a barrel bushing like the Colt.

The RIA Compact has the same grip frame size as the Colt Officers ACP, which means it's approximately 1/2-inch shorter than a Government model. That's why the magazine capacity is one round less. Government magazines will work, but they'll extend about a half inch beyond the mag well.

Whether the capacity is 6+1 or 7+1 is a function of the magazine, not the pistol. The Colt Officers ACP had a capacity of 6+1, when full-size 1911s were all 7+1. The same tricks that boosted capacity to 8+1 in the full-size pistols has been applied to "compact" magazines, so most today will hold seven rounds (plus the one in the chamber).
 
Thanks!

Is that lack of a barrel bushing something that would be a deal breaker for some?

I was looking for a pretty plain Jane entry level 1911 and a man contacted me with this, and I figure a compact 1911 takes care of two birds with one stone as I was going to just carry a full sized 1911 until I could find something small later on down the road.
 
The barrel bushing should not be a deal breaker. I think just about every 1911 maker who offers a pistol shorter than a Commander (4-1/4") has now gone to the bushingless barrel setup.
 
I recently handled a used one and it appeared to be an extremely well made pistol. The trigger needed no work and the gun was very tight. The person that had first choice on the buy took it, and she loves the gun.
 
I have a Colt New Agent 3" 45acp same as the Defender , Rock Island's compact is a nice pistol , haven't read anything bad about them . I like my NA fits my hand fine your pinky finger won't drop below the grip . RIA are priced Right for a very nice compact , after buying mine I looked a one , Would have went with RI . Steel ramp which is good will take a good polish. Can't polish the Colt compact. I like shooting my NA very much .
 
First post on this forum so may as well go head first. I have 2 RIA 1911s. I have a 5" Tact 2 that I am tinkering with turning into a target pistol and a Compact Tact 2 Ultra as my EDC.I really like both of them. I had trouble with the compact locking open / not locking open. I got a recommendation for Wilson Combat mags so I bought 2 of them a couple of years ago and problem vanished. I have a Crimson Trace green laser grip and love it. I have been adding some WC parts to the full size and am pleased with the progress. I am debating fitting a WC barrel. Over all very happy with both.

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The triggers on both are excellent. The best I have owned.
 
Its made in the Philippine's nothing else to say.
Click to expand...

Not exactly sure how to take this. Just because a pistol is made outside of the US doesn't mean that its of poor quality. For example: the CZ out of Czech Republic, Arcus from Bulgaria, XD line from Croatia, Arex pistols from Slovenia, Tristar from Turkey, etc. Personally, I've been highly impressed with the quality of the above mentioned brands that I've handled.

Last summer I came across a used Rock Island government tactical model for $325 OTD. To date, no malfunctions, good accuracy, and 100% reliable with every combination of ammo and magazine that I've tried. Not bad at all for a cheap 1911.
 
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