Welcome to the club DB2
(we need a rock icon!).
I think that Rock are a great value and a very good entrance gun for new 1911 owners.
What I have found is that the gun is not perfect but it does not take much to make them so. For the money you spend to make them into what, you could have a Colt or top end springer, which you would end up putting money into make those guns the gun you want. So in the long run the Rock is a good value.
I do like the fact that Rock Island does a very good job of fitting the slide and hand blending the back of the slide. They do this on every gun. Which makes every gun just a bit different. That is a very nice touch.
If it was me I would get rid of the ambi and grips.
If you are going to change the sights don't try it yourself just send it to Arnel and have him do it, he will do a great job.
Rock's like to be keep wet put lots of oil on the finish and I like to grease the rails. I have seen so many pic's of Rocks that look like the the poor things need a drink of oil. The finish really looks top notch if you keep it oiled.
Well I guess I will get of my high horse and enjoy your pic's.
