Rock Island Armory [Archive]

Dave Waits

04-13-2011, 08:19 PM

Sorry Clyde. It started out as a 1911A1-GI and I just couldn't leave well-enough alone.
MGW White-dot front-.195
Novak Competition White-Dot Rear
Wilson Combat Value-Line Hammer(Just to get the MIM-Haters going)
Wilson Combat 429 Beavertail Grip-Safety(Couldn't fit correctly, my RIA suffers from Short-Tang disease)
Cylinder&Slide 'High-Grip' Ambi Thumb-Safety
Cylinder&Slide 'Videki' long Trigger
Wolff Springs
Colt Sear Spring
EGW fitted oversized Firing-Pin Stop with small-radius mod.
Countersunk Slide-Stop Pin(I'm left-handed)
Tuned and modded Extractor/Extended Ejector
Rosewood Dbl-Diamond checkered Grips by a friend of mine
S&A SS hex Grip-screws
Polished Breechface and 'Arnel Special' HP-Tune on ramp,chamber and barrel lip

oak1971

04-13-2011, 09:24 PM

Would like to see one of the full rail models.:cool:

Dave Waits

04-13-2011, 09:34 PM

Like this Oak? This was taken at the Shot Show.
http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii180/retmsgt123/DSC00265.jpg

Hoss in IL

04-13-2011, 09:37 PM

Dave, did you flush that slide stop yourself? It looks like the one I did to my Springfield GI. I did it with a file and re-colored it with a Sharpie :D

Terry

AutoMag

04-13-2011, 09:41 PM

Like this Oak? This was taken at the Shot Show.
http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii180/retmsgt123/DSC00265.jpg

If you look closely you will notice that this is a Longslide!!!

This is a one off for the SHOT Show and will most likely never be produced!!

Now the 5" rail gun will be available soon!!!

Mike45

04-13-2011, 09:53 PM

Not soon enough Auto Mag. As soon as I see one of those full rail guns it is going on my credit card. :D

AutoMag

04-13-2011, 10:12 PM

Mike, from what Ivan told me Centerfire Systems is taking preorders for all the new RIA 1911's!

Not sure when they will have them though.

oak1971

04-14-2011, 04:41 AM

The full rail 5" is what I crave. I'm assuming a cast frame or is it forged?

Mike45

04-14-2011, 08:39 AM

I hate to tell ya Auto Mag but the guys at Centerfire do not know that this new gun is coming. :confused:

I have spoken to two different guys Sven and Todd I think and both had no idea that the gun even existed. I asked if I could be put on a waiting list and they did not even have an idea that there was one. They did put a note in my file.

Mike45

04-14-2011, 01:48 PM

Here is a listing of my Rock's

My Charles Daly which is probably the last CD ever made.

I asked Arnel the Armscor gunsmith to make me a custom Rock tactical at the time he did not have any Rock parts but he did have a CD frame and slide. He proceeded to put the parts together and ship it to me. I have made a few minor changes which include C&S trigger, Colt MSH, 10-8 rear sight, and special Dawson FO for Rock front sight cut.

http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss90/1976_07_26/CD/CDNewSights4.jpg

http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss90/1976_07_26/CD/CDNewSights1.jpg

He is my Rock Mid Size gun that was highly modified by Arnel where every part was replaced, WC beavertail added, and a EB bobtail added. Arnel did the majority of the work and I had a local smith mill the slide for a Trijicon front sight and 10-8 rear sight.

http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss90/1976_07_26/Mid%20Size/NewGrips4.jpg

http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss90/1976_07_26/Mid%20Size/NewGrips3.jpg

More to come:

Mike45

04-14-2011, 01:49 PM

Here is a pic of my first Rock pistol it was a compact model but I was having trouble with the gun feeding and three point jams. I had lost total confidence in the gun and sent it in to Armscor for replacement of the slide/barrel. After many months of waiting for a new compact slide I asked Arnel if he simply put a 4" slide on the frame making it a CCO. He said no problem and made the change. I sent the gun off the the local gunsmith to have a gold front bead sight and 10-8 rear sight put on the gun in addition to a S&A MSH/magwell. Unfortunately the gunsmith slipped with the mill and milled the frame where the MSH spring seats in the frame. I now awaiting for the gun smith to make it right, we will see if he does. This pic was taken before the new sights but after the work by Arnel. It looks slimy as I had just parked it and did a nitrite type finish.

http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss90/1976_07_26/RIA%20CS%204in/2ndPark6.jpg

http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss90/1976_07_26/RIA%20CS%204in/2ndPark2.jpg

Here is my Hi Cap Rock that I modified with a beavertail and Rock tactical slide. I have spoken with Arnel and he will be fitting a new slide to this gun, it will be a match slide. This work will be done in May of this year. I will also have him change the internals and checker the front strap.

http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss90/1976_07_26/RIA%20Hi%20Cap/BigMomma1.jpg

http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss90/1976_07_26/RIA%20Hi%20Cap/BigMommaRS.jpg

Still more to come:

Mike45

04-14-2011, 01:50 PM

Here is a pic of my Rock Hi Cap Longslide. It is a Arnel handmade Rockisland that does not exsit as a standard model. Only two other guys, who both are COTEP members, have this model. It is not finished at this point as I have just sent off the slide to Arnel to have a new firing pin stop replaced as the extractor was rotating in the slide. The front sight also was a bit crooked and Arnel will be replacing it also.

http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss90/1976_07_26/RIA%20Longslide/RIALSRIGHT.jpg

http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss90/1976_07_26/RIA%20Longslide/RIALSLEFT.jpg

My Plan is to have the 5 inch Hi Cap to look just like my longslide and both will have the same finished.

I am now having Arnel making me a new single stack longslide match pistol. I have purchased the majority of the parts and he will begin working on it in his spare time. I plan on buying a 5 inch match and having these two guns finished the same just like my Hi Cap's.

I hope you all enjoy the story behind my Rocks.

Mike

AutoMag

04-14-2011, 05:51 PM

Mike, I just spoke to Ivan and Centerfire is definitely getting all of the new models!!

Shane, the owner put in a big order with Ivan at the SHOT Show for the rail model, the TCM 22 and the new 22LR 1911. They definitely will be getting some though!!

Ivan said that some of the sales guys at Centerfire might not be aware of the order.

dumbell2

04-14-2011, 06:04 PM

Not soon enough Auto Mag. As soon as I see one of those full rail guns it is going on my credit card. :D

You and me both! :)
I have a 5" Tactical in 9mm and an Officers size on the way.
This will be my first foray into RIA guns and I have no idea what to expect.

SemperFi1977m

04-14-2011, 06:31 PM

Really neat collection Mike! Thanks for sharing about them all :-). Sorry to hear about the mill-slip though....that's some rotten luck :-(. Some real neat builds you had Arnel do.

@Dumbell: I hope you will find yourself as pleased as the rest of us :-). A year ago, I hadnt even heard of RIA, but I love the GI I picked up. I'm sure a few more Rocks will end up in my stable before all is said and done.

SemperFi1977m

04-14-2011, 06:32 PM

what kind of finish are you going with Mike?

dumbell2

04-14-2011, 06:56 PM

@Dumbell: I hope you will find yourself as pleased as the rest of us :-). A year ago, I hadnt even heard of RIA, but I love the GI I picked up. I'm sure a few more Rocks will end up in my stable before all is said and done.

Thanks SFi. I am looking forward to them. I figure if they are good enough for Cotep boys, then they cant be half bad!

Mike45

04-14-2011, 06:57 PM

what kind of finish are you going with Mike?

I am torn between blue and hard chrome. There is a local guy here in Houston West of me that can blue the guns and if I go hard chrome I will send it to Metaloy (http://www.originalmetaloy.com/index.html).

Mike

dumbell2

04-14-2011, 07:03 PM

I am torn between blue and hard chrome. There is a local guy here in Houston West of me that can blue the guns and if I go hard chrome I will send it to Metaloy (http://www.originalmetaloy.com/index.html).

Mike

I am having a CBOB chromed by Fords, will let you know what I think when it comes back.

Can you Rocksperts :) tell me:
1) how deep the lettering on the slide is (I am thinking of having it ground down); and
2) will the tactical 2011 be available in 9mm as well as 45 (if so I will need 2).

Thank you.

Regards,

Alan

Mike45

04-14-2011, 08:20 PM

I am having a CBOB chromed by Fords, will let you know what I think when it comes back.

Can you Rocksperts :) tell me:
1) how deep the lettering on the slide is (I am thinking of having it ground down); and
2) will the tactical 2011 be available in 9mm as well as 45 (if so I will need 2).

Thank you.

Regards,

Alan

Please do let us know how for Ford's guns turnout.

The Rock stamping is not all that deep and can easily taken down.

Take a look closely at my MS bobtail and you will see that the Rock Island stamp is mostly gone and all that really remains is the "Rock Island"

I think that the new rail gun will come only in 45.

Mike

oak1971

04-14-2011, 08:25 PM

Please do let us know how for Ford's guns turnout.

The Rock stamping is not all that deep and can easily taken down.

Take a look closely at my MS bobtail and you will see that the Rock Island stamp is mostly gone and all that really remains is the "Rock Island"

I think that the new rail gun will come only in 45.

Mike

Fine with me. I'm torn between saving money on the RIA rail gun and ordering a full rail TRP. Either way I want the full rail.

dumbell2

04-14-2011, 08:26 PM

Thanks Mike.
I can't wait to pick my first Rock up tomorrow!

dumbell2

04-14-2011, 08:27 PM

Fine with me. I'm torn between saving money on the RIA rail gun and ordering a full rail TRP. Either way I want the full rail.

I am with you, but I do not want fcs!

oak1971

04-14-2011, 08:29 PM

I am with you, but I do not want fcs!

FCS are evil. Too bad I'm stuck with them on my Baer.

dumbell2

04-14-2011, 08:43 PM

FCS are evil. Too bad I'm stuck with them on my Baer.

None of my Baers have fcs!:)

oak1971

04-14-2011, 09:07 PM

None of my Baers have fcs!:)

Back when I ordered mine I was not aware they could be had without. By the time I knew better it was already too late.:(

dumbell2

04-14-2011, 09:29 PM

We live and learn!
Nobody was born knowing everything! :)

Dave Waits

04-14-2011, 10:59 PM

Mike, if you go hard Chrome let me know how it comes out. I'm saving to get my frame Hard-Chromed.
Dave

SemperFi1977m

04-15-2011, 01:35 AM

as he said...the rollmark isnt deep at all. It will be alot easier to remove than that dang "1991-A1" I took off my build slide haha. That thing was dug half way to China on just one dang number.

I thinking about hard-chroming my barrel at Metaloy just to break up the look of my build. It has a silver, aluminum trigger and a stainless hammer....all the rest will have the black Atranite treatment. My Colt barrel was still good, so I couldnt see springing for a new barrel just to have it stainless lol.

I have to think on it....all black with just a silver hammer and trigger might look sharp too. Man...decisions! lol

SemperFi1977m

04-15-2011, 02:14 AM

this is kind of like beating a dead horse...but here's the pics AGAIN of my Rock lol.
before:
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/215914_1810649198129_1596977715_1748749_881139_n.j pg

After:
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/168565_1647860528514_1596977715_1498134_8260179_n. jpg

SemperFi1977m

04-15-2011, 02:23 AM

I changed the thumb safety, mainspring housing, and threw on some old GI grips.

I also smoothed the VERY-SHARP outer edge of the slide stop so it would quit cutting into holsters and gave it the logman mod while I was at it.

I did drop in a Springer grip safety that had a nicer, more rounded-shaped tail on it (thanks Cap!)....but its not in the pic

The parts are just rattle-canned until after I do some other things to it...then she will get reparked.

What's in the works: I have a Colt widespur hammer I am going to install, and I may put some slightly larger Colt sights to improve visibility but maintain a GI appearance. I will also smooth out a few burrs and such before I park it. Otherwise, this one feeds everything Ive tried in it...so internals will be left alone. May change the barrel bushing, but idk yet. Still on the fence about removing the rollmark also...its growing on me lol.

Mike45

04-15-2011, 08:21 AM

Mike45

04-15-2011, 08:26 AM

Mike, if you go hard Chrome let me know how it comes out. I'm saving to get my frame Hard-Chromed.
Dave

Will do Dave.

Hopefully Arnel will be done with my slide next week and I have the hi cap LS back together. If so then I think that I am home in a couple of weeks then I will made the decision on what type of finish and then send it out. I hope. :eek:

SemperFi1977m

04-15-2011, 12:30 PM

I really like that classic look Marine. :cool:

Thanks Mike...Im a huge sucker for classic 1911's (but live on a RIA budget lol). Just like my current CCO build...if I cant afford it, I'll just build it myself lol.

You wouldnt believe how hard it is right now to find that dang thumb safety. The one on there is an unused Auto Ordnance part from before their latest quality upgrade....so it took alot of TLC to get it looking nice and to spec. (Colt is using that same style on a ton of their models currently, but have the part backordered for the last 6 months):eek:

alot of TLC...had to work over every single surface of it lol:
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/164860_1643386016654_1596977715_1483965_6291164_n. jpg

Dave Waits

04-15-2011, 12:49 PM

I believe I have a servicable Auto-ord takeoff in the parts bin Gyrene. Post a pic of the one you're talking about.
Dave

Dave Waits

04-15-2011, 01:22 PM

Is this what you want? Untouched by a file.
http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii180/retmsgt123/IMG_0174.jpg
http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii180/retmsgt123/IMG_0173.jpg

dumbell2

04-15-2011, 06:33 PM

Very excited, just picked up my Rock-can I start a new thread?

BadOscar

04-15-2011, 06:34 PM

Very excited, just picked up my Rock-can I start a new thread?

yes, lets see it

dumbell2

04-15-2011, 06:47 PM

Here is a teaser pic-posted a bunch in the new thread. :)

http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/ad89/dumbell2/RIA9mm004.jpg

Dave Waits

04-15-2011, 07:18 PM

Way to go DB, the Tactical is a good choice.

dumbell2

04-15-2011, 08:03 PM

Way to go DB, the Tactical is a good choice.

Thank you, and as an added bonus it is my first 9mm 1911! :)

SemperFi1977m

04-15-2011, 09:32 PM

congrats! With the rising cost of ammo...a 9mm gets more feasable every day. I'll be along to check out the new thread in just a moment :-)

Thanks for the offer Dave, very nice of you. I was actually looking for the WWII style thumb safety and scored a Colt take-off one from the other forum last week....just showed up today :-). Dont ask me why...but I have a fondness for those lil'nubbin safeties lol

Dave Waits

04-15-2011, 09:36 PM

Roger that SF, if you need it say the word and it's on the way. Got alot of extra parts.

DScott

05-15-2011, 08:16 PM

This is the gun that's responsible for my 1911 habbit, easily worth twice what I paid for it and still one of my favorites to shoot. I got rid of the ambi safety and cut a little off the tail, might do a full bobtail yet.

http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g432/1roadster/IMG_0430.jpg
http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g432/1roadster/IMG_0429.jpg

Mike45

05-16-2011, 08:47 AM

Nice pistol you have the DScott. :rock:

SemperFi1977m

05-17-2011, 12:36 PM

nice job on the msh DScott!

dsparkie

05-17-2011, 10:02 PM

You know, I,ve never owned a RIA, but I've heard so many good things about them. I,m gonna have to get one, just to see:D

Dave Waits

05-17-2011, 10:36 PM

You owe it to yourself to have a really great yet inexpensive 1911 Sparks!

AutoMag

11-02-2011, 11:21 AM

My newest acquisition!!!:)

RIA Mid Size. This makes 2 of them!!!:D

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p250/AutoMag180/20111102_1.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p250/AutoMag180/20111102_2.jpg

Mike45

11-02-2011, 11:28 AM

Good looking pistol Auto Mag :rock:

dboy225

03-21-2012, 08:27 PM

my .45 RIA 1911 Tactical Hi-Cap with Para P15 mags (15+1) ..this will become a "project" and I've got a lot planned. Tritium adj. night sights from Trij.. a Clark Custom dehorning job..Clark accuracy/reliability package (guaranteed bang every time)..possibly a magwell if I decide it's not going to be a carry piece. As yall know the sky's the limit and I'm not stoppin till you can see my Rock on the moon!

http://img.tapatalk.com/a6f9c5d6-7298-aa60.jpg

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AutoMag

03-22-2012, 08:27 AM

Very nice dboy225!!:)

On the mags I think you mean Para P-14!!:)

dboy225

03-22-2012, 04:55 PM

Very nice dboy225!!:)

On the mags I think you mean Para P-14!!:)

Nope..almost bought those when someone put me onto the P15s.. they are pretty hard to find however. But I somehow manage to fit 16 rounds in all 4 of mine! With no feed problems. So you could actually call it a P16. Google it.. and I'll see if I can drag up my old purchase order! :) it's a nice thing when you're side by side to a Glock17 at the range and match it shot for shot without a magazine change!! I've gotten several double takes

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Dave Waits

03-22-2012, 10:38 PM

Well, changed some stuff out, upgraded some things. changed enough that a new pic is in order.

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii180/retmsgt123/IMG_0579.jpg
http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii180/retmsgt123/IMG_0578.jpg
http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii180/retmsgt123/IMG_0588.jpg

AutoMag

03-23-2012, 08:10 AM

OK, I see now dboy225, I thought that the P-15 was in 40S&W only!!

By the way, Centerfire Systems has the P-15 mags in 45ACP listed for sale.

dboy225

03-23-2012, 11:49 AM

I got mine from CTD because at the time I believe Centerfire was backordered for months.. but as far as I remember they're much easier to find in .45 now.. highly recommend em

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SemperFi1977m

03-23-2012, 02:57 PM

She's really looking sweet Dave! great work as always.

Well, changed some stuff out, upgraded some things. changed enough that a new pic is in order.

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii180/retmsgt123/IMG_0579.jpg
http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii180/retmsgt123/IMG_0578.jpg
http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii180/retmsgt123/IMG_0588.jpg

Lane

03-23-2012, 06:52 PM

I must have one of these... there's an Officer size Rock at my local shooting range that's been calling to me... I may go put it on layaway just to silence the voices...

Lane

NAMVET72

03-23-2012, 07:09 PM

I must have one of these... there's an Officer size Rock at my local shooting range that's been calling to me... I may go put it on layaway just to silence the voices...

Lane

Lane, Rocks are just like Lays Potato Chips you can't just Have One........

Clyde

Lane

03-23-2012, 07:11 PM

Lane, Rocks are just like Lays Potato Chips you can't just Have One........

Clyde

Well, for what they are asking for the new ECO, I could get 4 of them...

NAMVET72

03-23-2012, 07:16 PM

Well, for what they are asking for the new ECO, I could get 4 of them...

I totally agrree.........So get yourself a Long Slide.............

Waiting for my 38 Super to hit my LGS................

Clyde

dboy225

04-03-2012, 05:38 PM

AutoMag

04-03-2012, 05:40 PM

Dan, they are in such high demand that I cannot even get any of the new ones yet!!!

dboy225

04-03-2012, 11:24 PM

I bet they are..and you're in the know about such things aren't you Mag? Prolly for the best as I'm t-minus 2 weeks to being the father of a lil man! :D ..Diapers.. 1911 ..diapers.. 1911 :confused:

At any rate by the time I won't feel bad for 1911 shopping I'm sure they'll have an even better version.. if that's possible.

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AutoMag

04-04-2012, 08:40 AM

Dan, congrats on becoming a new dad!!!:)

Sure it can and will change your life style but it is all worth it my friend!!! There will always be 1911's out there but only one little one right now to spend your time with!!:)

dboy225

04-04-2012, 04:18 PM

Thanks! I'm beyond excited..this isn't my first rodeo, but soon I'll finally have my lil hunting buddy! All girls under my roof till now lol...and you're right about the 1911. 100+ years and going strong!! Let's just hope for a good bonus sometime this year ;) and I won't feel as bad "if" said 2012 Tactical happens to just "show up" at my local FFL. ;) shhh

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SemperFi1977m

04-09-2012, 12:36 AM

Dan, they are in such high demand that I cannot even get any of the new ones yet!!!

These people have that new VZ-Grip Tactical, and a Duracoated GI model with fancier wood grips in stock. RIA is starting to offer alot of different stuff
http://www.classicarms.us/shotguns%20and%20handguns.htm

Certainly not my cup of tea, but they have them if you're looking John...
http://www.classicarms.us/images/RIA-Black-Tactical.jpg
http://www.classicarms.us/images/RIA-45-GI.jpg

AutoMag

09-17-2012, 02:44 PM

Here is my new RIA 2011 Tactical Model with VZ grips and night sights!!
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p250/AutoMag180/20120917_3.jpg (http://s130.photobucket.com/user/AutoMag180/media/20120917_3.jpg.html)
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p250/AutoMag180/20120917_4.jpg (http://s130.photobucket.com/user/AutoMag180/media/20120917_4.jpg.html)

jmlutz

09-17-2012, 02:56 PM

Very nice John!:)

skosh69

09-17-2012, 04:07 PM

Congrats John, love the look of the full rail!

AutoMag

09-17-2012, 04:08 PM

Thanks guys!!! I am really not much into railed 1911's but I had to have it!!!:D:D

AutoMag

09-18-2012, 10:28 AM

I had to post this one for Clyde...........he will understand!!!!!:D

Dave Waits

09-22-2012, 11:37 PM

Yes John, it's very nice. what does that make now, two of everything RIA makes???:D:D:D

KeystoneWeaponBK

02-26-2014, 10:28 AM

Honestly.. I'm getting very "itchy" every time I see this..
http://img.tapatalk.com/a6f9c17c-6d65-1e20.jpg
..and I think it's reasonable to predict that it'll be my second Rock! Anyone got the 2012 widebody .45 yet?

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I know this is a really old post but I do have one of those wide body full rail 45's it weighs like 10lbs, ha… but it does manage recoil like a champ!