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I went to the gun store and was looking at 1911's and saw the Rock Island tactical which looked pretty nice.

Does anyone have any experience with this type of 1911?

A friend of mine had a full size tactical and I have the Compact Tactical. My personal feelings are that the Rock Island Tactical series is just about the best 1911 you can get for the money.

I was wondering about this myself! I was just looking at RIA prices and was surprised, I didn't know they had the tacticals that cheap. I may pick one up later next year.

Thanks for all the replies.

I am glad to hear this. I am more than likely going to get it, but i was looking for something made hear in the good ole US of A.

I do have to say that the trigger was alot smoother than the Springfield I handled. Also I read on another forum that this pistol has to be cocked the first time, you just cant pull the trigger. Is this true, I forgot to try it from the resting position.

Tha_Veteran wrote:Thanks for all the replies.

I am glad to hear this. I am more than likely going to get it, but i was looking for something made hear in the good ole US of A.

I do have to say that the trigger was alot smoother than the Springfield I handled. Also I read on another forum that this pistol has to be cocked the first time, you just cant pull the trigger. Is this true, I forgot to try it from the resting position.

Yes, all 1911's are SA. The hammer is first cocked by racking the slide to chamber a round. After that, each subsequent shot re-cocks the hammer.
A 1911 is designed to be carried cocked and locked - Hammer back and a round in the chamber.
That's how I carry mine, and that's how the large majority of 1911 carriers on this forum carry theirs.

heard they are fun, but even better when you upgrade them a bit

Just to add my $0.02, I have a RIA compact (not the tactical) and really like it. It's a heavy gun, but with a Crossbreed Supertuck and a properly stiff belt it's very comfortable to carry IWB. I did swap out the original wood grips for a set of Hogue grips, and would like to change the sights to something like the tactical has. Other than that I like it just as it is. Don't think you'll regret it if you get one, great value for the $$.

I agree with using the the SuperTuck as a holster. Once you chamber a round all you have to do to carry the 1911 safely is engage the thumb safety and put the gun in your holster. You should never touch the hammer of a loaded 1911, not only is it bad juju but trying to decock a 1911 can cause a negligent discharge. Carrying a 1911 "cocked and locked" is just as safe, actually safer in my opinion, as carrying a glock or an XD with a round in the chamber.

Thanks for the replies.

I am used to the m9's double action, that's why I asked. I will have to check out that holster too.

dicion wrote:Yes, all 1911's are SA.

Not disagreeing with any of your statements, but this one needs a little clarification. A true 1911 is single action, but there are a couple of pistols that are made on the basic 1911 platform that are double actions. Para-ordnance makes their LDA (light double action) series of 1911's and Colt even made a double action version in the 80's and 90's (the Colt Double Eagle).

To many 1911 fans, these are not 1911's since they are not single action pistols, but some people also don't call the Para and Springfield double stack pistols 1911's. To me, they are the 1911 platform with some slight modifications so I count them in as 1911's. A novice will not understand the difference either way, so we need to be explicit sometimes in explaining many of the 1911 variations and what is a true 1911 or not.

srothstein wrote:

dicion wrote:Yes, all 1911's are SA.

Not disagreeing with any of your statements, but this one needs a little clarification. A true 1911 is single action, but there are a couple of pistols that are made on the basic 1911 platform that are double actions. Para-ordnance makes their LDA (light double action) series of 1911's and Colt even made a double action version in the 80's and 90's (the Colt Double Eagle).

To many 1911 fans, these are not 1911's since they are not single action pistols, but some people also don't call the Para and Springfield double stack pistols 1911's. To me, they are the 1911 platform with some slight modifications so I count them in as 1911's. A novice will not understand the difference either way, so we need to be explicit sometimes in explaining many of the 1911 variations and what is a true 1911 or not.

STI calls their double stacks 2011s. I like it and maybe it will become a standard name for all the double stacks.

Did'nt even know they made a tactical model. I've always heard RI was good for the money.

I am getting the RIA tactical compact, and wanted to know if anyone knew where I would be able to find accessories, either online or in North TX.