Finding a Model 1911

Gil Martin · #1 03-14-2014, 05:56 PM

My favorite gun shop got in a batch of Rock Island Model 1911 pistols and I wanted one. They were on sale at a very decent price so I called the shop to spend my tax refund. My regular guys were busy so I got to talk a newbie clerk. I clearly told him that I wanted a stock 1911 at the sale price. He kept trying to upgrade me to a tricked out 1911 for several times more money. After being in this revolving door for several minutes, he said too bad we sold out of the Rock Island 1911s. So I asked for a Rock island 1911 from the next delivery at the sale price. No luck, he said the shop would not honor the sale price. I hate it when that happens.

The next day I called back and got my regular clerk who promised me a Rock Island 1911 from the next order due into the shop next week. He also gave me the sale price. I explained the conversation with the newbie clerk. He told me the new guy was not going to be on the payroll for very long.

It pays to be persistent. Anyone have a similar experience? All the best...
Gil

Adam Helmer · #2 03-16-2014, 01:32 PM

Gil,

WHAT was the Sale Price? Is this a G.I. M1911 or a current "clone?"

Adam

Gil Martin · #3 03-17-2014, 02:51 PM

The sale price was $399.00. It is a current production Model 1911. All the best...
Gil

Rapier · #4 03-17-2014, 04:23 PM

Gil,
The Rock Island guns are made in the PI. I understand that their QC has been like a roller coaster, it was decent to start, then fell off to pretty much a disaster, then they hired a US QC Chief to take control of manufacturing / output and the latest guns coming out of the PI are reported by a local shop to be good. I would be interested in your take on the new Rock Island, if you get one. Things like how standard parts fit would be real important to me. I can fix just about anything on a 1911, unless nothing made for a standard 1911 will fit, that I can not fix on a $399 gun.
Ed

Gil Martin · #5 03-18-2014, 06:51 AM

I have heard mixed reports on the Rock island as you mentioned. It seems that folks either love them or dislike them. I was going to look them over very carefully. I like the new Colt 1911, but the price causes me to have chest pains. All the best...
Gil

Rapier · #6 03-19-2014, 04:05 PM

I just got through building a Remington 1911 R1s stainless as a raffle gun for the That Others May Live Foundation. I built the Remington for the exact same reason, the colts just start to high to build on. This is the TOML 1911 with its group. But I was thinking of buying a Rock Island just to fiddle with. But it must shoot a bit to start with and the 1911 parts must fit.
Ed

Jack · #7 03-20-2014, 08:34 AM

That's a pretty gun!. Nice group, too.

Rapier · #8 03-20-2014, 02:09 PM

Thank you Jack, it turned out pretty well. But in guns, pretty is as pretty does and this former series 80 gun turned into a 70 series not only is pretty, it does real good also. It comes with seven clips, each fitted to the gun, with each feeding empty brass and all high areas removed. Everything is fitted as I would fit a gun for my own use, it has a Safari grip safety that you do not see any more on 1911s, I used them for three decades in IPSC competition. The safari is not pointed and will not hang on your web. The trigger breaks exactly at 48 ounces. The sights are milled in Novak style adjustable. The side of the slide is satin finished with the top and dust cover being bead blasted as is the entire frame. Then the front strap, mainspring housing and front of the trigger guard are heavy textured, like a shark skin texture, for a non slip finish. The Iron Wood grips are pictured but it also comes with a set of engraved Buffalo Bone grips, left grip TOML Logo, right show off grip winners choice, patch, flash, wings, etc.
Ed