My First Auto - Rock Island Amory 1911 GI

[Bruce]

After almost two decades of carrying handguns, I finally broke down a few weeks ago and purchased my first auto-loader: a Rock Island Amory 1911 GI (45 ACP). I purchased it online through gunbroker; Chris at Advanced Arms in Pittston handled the FFL transfer for me (THANKS CHRIS!). The day I received it, I noticed it had 'hammer follow', so I sent it to Rock Island's (Armscor's) Nevada plant for a warranty fix a little over a week ago.

I've always wanted a 1911. There's just something about them that always seemed truly "American". And, hey, I'm sure the .45 ACP will make me feel *almost* as confident as my .357 Magnums do regarding self defense.

When I called Rock Island (Armscor) about the problem, one of Armscor's Master Gunsmiths, Arnel Bernardo, spoke with me and insisted I send it in under warranty. When I inquired about installing an extended slide release lever and a beavertail grip safety, he said there would be a small fee and no problem whatsoever installing them.

This morning, Arnel called to say he was about to work on my pistol and he wanted to ask me what I want the trigger pull to be. I told him I was used to revolvers and I felt that 4 pounds should be good for me. He said he had the parts I sent and he'd install them.

I have to comment that I felt Arnel was a really sweet fellow. I mean, I had this expectation that a world renowned Master Gunsmith would have this sort of gruff or condescending manner, but... he's just a really nice guy!

This afternoon, Arnel said he fixed my gun and installed the extended lever, the hammer and beavertail grip safety I sent him with the pistol. For good measure, he said he*also* "fixed" and polished the ejection port, popped in a new Wolf firing pin spring, and added a pair of his own custom diamond cut grips!

He said he test fired a full magazine and assured me: the pistol functions flawlessly, the cases landed in a neat pile and the grips and grip safety feel great! I think I will always be a "wheel gun" man, but - good grief! I can't wait to start shooting my first 1911!

I can't wait to write follow up posts about how the pistol shoots; about how it looks, functions and feels.
.

[NoName008]

Hey Bruce,
Sounds like you have a nice gun there.
Do you have any pictures of it?

I picked up a Rock Island 1911 about 2 weeks ago and love it.
I think I'm keeping it stock for now, but want to change from the smooth wooden grips.

Hope you're enjoying it now.

[Feddog82]

That sounds like some 1st class service! Congrats on your first semi-auto/1911!!!!

[JoeWilliams]

I think you'll be happy with your RIA. Cathy is very pleased with hers, and my best friend and step-father are both pleased with theirs.

[Dredly]

I feel like I reply to every RIA thread out there but I have to say from all the responses I've read on other forums, this is pretty much the standard care that everyone gets, my RIA has performed great and I'm very happy with it.

[Bruce]

Finally!!

I stopped by the FedEx Ground warehouse in Pittston and signed for my RIA today!

(I also bought a new camera today)
RIA_0003.jpgRIA_0005.jpgRIA_0008.jpgRIA_0009.jpg

As I posted previously, Arnel hooked me up with a pair of rocken' grips! You can clearly see how much better they look than the original.

Here's a shot of my current handgun collection (until I get my Model 13 back):
Smith_Ruger_RIA_0011.jpg

[DCChris]

Nice collection Bruce, good luck with the RIA.

[JoeWilliams]

Originally Posted by Bruce

Finally!!

I stopped by the FedEx Ground warehouse in Pittston and signed for my RIA today!

(I also bought a new camera today)
Attachment 5960Attachment 5961Attachment 5962Attachment 5963

As I posted previously, Arnel hooked me up with a pair of rocken' grips! You can clearly see how much better they look than the original.

Here's a shot of my current handgun collection (until I get my Model 13 back):
Attachment 5965

Those really are great looking grips.

[tdyoung58]

Nice looking RIA.... good luck with the shooting

[40 cal]

Nice looking gun. An good choice of a first Semi. I been thinking about getting on of those also( Stainless version). But, havent got around to it yet. Or seen any around my area, I probley will in the next few months if I see one.

Let us know how she shoots.