First Thoughts on the Armscor Rock Island Armory 1911 A2 17Rd 9mm – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
The 1911 platform is an iconic piece of firearms history, and the Armscor Rock Island Armory (RIA) has made a name for itself by offering affordable, reliable versions of this classic. I was intrigued by the Armscor Rock Island Armory 1911 A2 17Rd 9mm – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin because of its combination of the classic 1911 design with a modern, high-capacity magazine well in 9mm. It seemed to offer the best of both worlds: the familiar feel of a 1911 with increased firepower and the more manageable recoil of the 9mm cartridge.
My primary reason for exploring this product was to find a 1911-style pistol that I could use for practical shooting competitions. The limited capacity of a traditional 1911 magazine can be a hindrance in those scenarios. Upon unboxing, the Armscor Rock Island Armory 1911 A2 17Rd 9mm – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin felt solid, perhaps even a bit heavy, which is expected of an all-steel 1911.
Compared to other high-capacity 9mm 1911s like those from STI or Staccato, the RIA is significantly more budget-friendly, although the trade-off is in the fit and finish. I initially chose this model because I was curious to see how Armscor balanced cost-effectiveness with functionality. My first impression was cautiously optimistic; while the finish wasn’t as refined as some higher-end models, the pistol felt sturdy and well-assembled, suggesting that it would be a reliable performer.
Real-World Testing: Putting Armscor Rock Island Armory 1911 A2 17Rd 9mm – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Armscor Rock Island Armory 1911 A2 17Rd 9mm – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was pleasant, with clear skies and mild temperatures. The pistol performed admirably, though there were a couple of initial hiccups that I’ll detail later.
The increased magazine capacity was immediately noticeable and appreciated, allowing me to spend more time shooting and less time reloading. I did experience a couple of failures to feed within the first 50 rounds, which I attributed to the magazines needing to be broken in.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a few hundred rounds, the Armscor Rock Island Armory 1911 A2 17Rd 9mm – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin became much more reliable. I’ve put approximately 1000 rounds through it since, and the malfunctions have become rare. The finish on the pistol has held up well, with only minor wear marks appearing on the slide rails and around the magazine well.
Maintenance is straightforward: I clean and lubricate the pistol after each range session, and it has remained in good working order. Compared to my experience with other budget 1911s, the Armscor has proven to be remarkably durable and reliable for its price point, certainly outperforming my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Armscor Rock Island Armory 1911 A2 17Rd 9mm – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
Specifications
The Armscor Rock Island Armory 1911 A2 17Rd 9mm – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin boasts several key specifications. It is chambered in 9mm, a popular and readily available cartridge known for its manageable recoil. The pistol features a 17-round magazine, a significant upgrade over the standard 1911’s capacity.
The magazines are listed as “Aftermarket Origin” suggesting they are not manufactured by Armscor directly. This model maintains the classic 1911’s single-action trigger and all-steel construction. The all-steel construction contributes to the pistol’s weight, which aids in recoil absorption.
Performance & Functionality
The Armscor Rock Island Armory 1911 A2 17Rd 9mm – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin generally performs its job well, especially after the initial break-in period. Accuracy is acceptable for a pistol in this price range, and it is certainly capable of hitting center mass at typical self-defense distances. The 17-round capacity is a major advantage for both competition and self-defense.
One potential weakness is the trigger, which can be a bit heavy and gritty compared to higher-end 1911s. The magazine release is positive and easy to actuate, but the magazines themselves can be a bit difficult to seat fully when loaded to capacity. Overall, the Armscor Rock Island Armory 1911 A2 17Rd 9mm – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin meets expectations for a budget-friendly, high-capacity 1911.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is solid for its price point. The steel frame and slide give the pistol a substantial feel in hand, and the grips are functional, though not particularly stylish. The Armscor Rock Island Armory 1911 A2 17Rd 9mm – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin retains the classic 1911 ergonomics, which many shooters find comfortable and familiar.
There is a slight learning curve for those unfamiliar with the 1911 platform, particularly concerning the manual safety and grip safety. However, these features are easily mastered with practice.
Durability & Maintenance
The Armscor Rock Island Armory 1911 A2 17Rd 9mm – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin appears to be built to last. The all-steel construction should withstand years of use with proper maintenance. Cleaning and lubricating the pistol is relatively simple, as it disassembles in the same manner as a traditional 1911.
Accessories and Customization Options
Being a 1911, the Armscor Rock Island Armory 1911 A2 17Rd 9mm – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin enjoys a wealth of aftermarket support. While the product details do not mention any included accessories, the aftermarket magazines are a key component of this model. Many 1911 accessories, such as grips, triggers, and sights, are compatible with this pistol, allowing for extensive customization. The ability to customize the Armscor allows users to tailor it to their specific needs and preferences.
Pros and Cons of Armscor Rock Island Armory 1911 A2 17Rd 9mm – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
Pros
- High capacity 17-round magazine offers a significant advantage.
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to a wide range of shooters.
- Durable all-steel construction ensures longevity.
- Classic 1911 ergonomics provide a comfortable and familiar feel.
- Extensive aftermarket support allows for customization.
Cons
- The “Aftermarket Origin” magazines may have questionable reliability or lifespan compared to factory or higher-end mags.
- Trigger can be gritty and heavy.
- Fit and finish are not as refined as higher-priced 1911s.
Who Should Buy Armscor Rock Island Armory 1911 A2 17Rd 9mm – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin?
The Armscor Rock Island Armory 1911 A2 17Rd 9mm – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin is perfect for budget-conscious shooters who want a 1911 with increased capacity for practical shooting, home defense, or open carry. It’s also a good option for those who enjoy customizing their firearms. Those prioritizing a refined trigger, high-end fit and finish, or guaranteed magazine reliability may want to consider a more expensive 1911.
Must-have accessories include extra magazines and potentially a trigger upgrade for improved shooting experience.
Conclusion on Armscor Rock Island Armory 1911 A2 17Rd 9mm – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
The Armscor Rock Island Armory 1911 A2 17Rd 9mm – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin offers a compelling value proposition for those seeking a high-capacity 1911 on a budget. While it may not have the same level of refinement as more expensive models, its reliability, durability, and 17-round magazine make it a worthwhile option. For a price of $25.49 for the aftermarket mags, keep the price point in mind when considering the pros/cons of this model.
I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable and functional 1911 with a modern twist. If you’re looking for an entry point into the 1911 world with higher capacity and you are willing to swap out parts to improve functionality, give the Armscor Rock Island Armory 1911 A2 17Rd 9mm – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin a try.