“The Epic Guide to Rock Island 10mm Problems” addresses the various issues users may face with the Rock Island 10mm pistol. This firearm has garnered attention due to its popularity for concealed carry, yet it has also faced criticism for certain shortcomings. The article systematically breaks down these issues and offers potential solutions or workarounds.
Some of the notable problems include difficulty in finding compatible ammunition and magazines due to its unique design, a tactical and non-discreet appearance which may not be ideal for concealed carry, and accuracy concerns attributed to its factory sights, muzzle flip, and heavy trigger. The guide suggests solutions such as seeking alternative sources for ammunition, making modifications to enhance concealability, and upgrading certain parts to improve accuracy. Additionally, the weight of the firearm might be challenging for beginners, and some users have reported sharp edges on the gun. Cost of ammunition is another factor, as the Rock Island 10mm is known to be expensive to shoot. Moreover, the guide touches upon the issue of the slide not locking back, which could be a significant drawback for self-defense usage.
Despite these challenges, the guide positions the Rock Island 10mm as a viable option for certain users, especially with some modifications and understanding of its limitations. It emphasizes the importance of regular maintenance and proper handling to mitigate these issues.
What features does the Rock Island 10mm have?
The Rock Island Armory 1911A-FS Tactical II is a full-size pistol with a stainless steel frame and slide.
The gun has a Novak style rear sight and an adjustable fiber optic front sight.
The barrel is five inches long, and the gun comes with two eight round magazines.
One of the most popular features of the Rock Island Armory 1911A-FS Tactical II is its ambidextrous safety.
The safety can be engaged or disengaged with either hand, making it perfect for left-handed shooters.
Another great feature is the extended beavertail grip safety, which protects your hand from being bitten by the hammer during recoil.
The Rock Island Armory 1911A-FS Tactical II also has an integral LPA trigger, which is a match-grade trigger that is adjustable for overtravel.
The gun also comes with a beveled magazine well, which makes it easier to reload the gun quickly.
Lastly, the gun has an undercut trigger guard, which allows you to get a higher grip on the gun and reduces felt recoil.
All of these features make the Rock Island Armory 1911A-FS Tactical II one of the best pistols on the market today.
However, there are some drawbacks that you should be aware of before you purchase this pistol.
Common Rock Island 10mm Problems (and How to Fix Them)
Finding ammunition
One potential issue that you may face with the RIA 1911A is finding ammunition and magazines that are compatible with the gun.
Since it uses a unique magazine design, you may have difficulty finding aftermarket magazines that fit properly.
This isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning on using your RIA 1911A for self-defense.
RIA pistols are chambered in non-standard calibers such as .22TCM/.22TCMFS and .40 S&W, which means that it can be difficult to find ammunition for them.
This can be a major issue if you live in an area with limited gun stores or if you plan on traveling with your RIA pistol.
If you are having difficulty finding ammunition or magazines for your Rock Island Armory 1911A-FS Tactical II, there are a few things that you can do.
- First, you can try looking for ammunition or magazines at a gun show.
- Second, you can check online forums or classifieds websites to see if anyone is selling what you need.
- Lastly, you can contact the manufacturer directly and ask them where you can find what you need.
With a little bit of effort, you should be able to find everything that you need for your Rock Island Armory 1911A-FS Tactical II.
Non-discrete Design
The Rock Island Armory 1911A-FS Tactical II has a very tactical and “non-discrete” design.
This can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on your personal preferences.
If you’re looking for a pistol to take to the range or use for plinking, the RIA 1911A’s aggressive styling won’t be an issuehere.
However, if you’re looking for a concealed carry gun or a home defense weapon, the RIA 1911A’s large size and non-discrete design may not be ideal.
There are some things that you can do to make the Rock Island Armory 1911A-FS Tactical II more concealable:
- you can replace the factory grips with slimmer grips that don’t have the RIA logo on them
- you can swap out the factory trigger for a thinner aftermarket trigger
- you can get a smaller magazine release button to make the gun more concealable.
By making these simple modifications, you can make the Rock Island Armory 1911A-FS Tactical II much more concealable and easier to carry around with you.
Accuracy Issues
One common issue that people have with the RIA 1911A is that it can be inaccurate.
There are a few different reasons why this might be the case.
- the gun’s factory sights are not particularly good and they can be hard to see in low-light conditions.
- the gun has a lot of muzzle flip and felt recoil, which can make it difficult to shoot accurately.
- the gun’s trigger is very heavy and it can be hard to keep a steady hand on it when you’re shooting.
How to fix your Rock Island Armory 1911A-FS Tactical II accuracy problems:
- First, you can replace the factory sights with aftermarket sights that are easier to see.
- Second, you can install a recoil spring guide rod assembly which will help reduce muzzle flip and felt recoil.
- Lastly, you can have a gunsmith lighten the trigger pull weight or install an aftermarket trigger assembly.
By making these simple modifications, you should be able to improve the accuracy of your Rock Island Armory 1911A-FS Tactical II.
Too Heavy for Beginners
The Rock Island Armory 1911A-FS Tactical II is a full-size pistol that weighs in at 45 ounces.
This makes it one of the heaviest pistols.
While the weight of the gun can be an advantage when shooting, it can also be a disadvantage for beginners.
If you’re not used to shooting a heavy gun, the recoil from the RIA 1911A can be quite severe.
Additionally, the weight of the gun can make it difficult to hold onto for extended periods of time.
If you’re thinking about purchasing the Rock Island Armory 1911A-FS Tactical II, make sure that you are prepared for its size and weight.
You may want to consider renting or borrowing one before you purchase it to see if you can handle the recoil and the weight of the gun.
Alternatively, you can look for a lighter pistol such as the SIG Sauer P226 or the Glock 17.
Both of these pistols are similar in size to the RIA 1911A but are much lighter, making them easier to shoot for beginners.
Sharp Edges and Slide Issues
Another issue that you may encounter with the Rock Island Armory 1911A-FS Tactical II is sharp edges on the gun.
Some shooters have reported that the front and rear sights are quite sharp and can cut into your skin if you’re not careful.
Additionally, the slide stop lever and thumb safety are also quite sharp and can be uncomfortable to use.
If you’re planning on carrying the RIA 1911A for self-defense, these sharp edges can be a major issue.
You may want to consider rounding off the edges of the sights, slide stop lever, and thumb safety with a file or Dremel tool before you carry the gun.
Expensive to Shoot
The final issue that you may encounter with the Rock Island Armory 1911A-FS Tactical II is the cost of ammunition.
Because the RIA 1911A is a high-powered pistol, it can be quite expensive to shoot.
A box of 50 rounds of ammunition can cost upwards of $30, which can quickly add up if you’re shooting regularly.
If you’re thinking about purchasing the RIA 1911A, make sure that you have enough money to cover the cost of ammunition.
The slide won’t lock back
One of the most common issues with the Rock Island Armory 1911A-FS Tactical II is that the slide won’t lock back.
This can be a major problem if you’re relying on the gun for self-defense as it can prevent you from reloading the gun.
There are a few different causes of this issue, but the most common is that the recoil spring is too weak.
If you’re experiencing this issue, you may want to contact RIA customer service and see if they can send you a replacement recoil spring.
Alternatively, you can try changing the recoil spring yourself.
However, unless you’re experienced with working on firearms, it’s best to leave this task to a professional gunsmith.
Finding holsters and other accessories
Another problem that may arise is finding holsters and other accessories specifically designed for RIA pistols.
This is because most holster companies focus on the more popular brands, such as Glock, Sig Sauer and Smith & Wesson.
While it is possible to find universal holsters that will fit an RIA pistol, they may not fit as snugly and securely as a holster made specifically for that model.
Again, this isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re looking for a specific accessory for your gun.
FAQs
1. Are Rock Island guns reliable?
For the most part, Rock Island Armory guns are considered to be quite reliable.
However, as with any firearm, there is always the potential for problems.
The best way to ensure that your RIA gun is reliable is to have it serviced by a qualified gunsmith on a regular basis.
Additionally, make sure that you only use high-quality ammunition in your RIA gun and that you clean it regularly.
By following these simple steps, you can help to ensure that your RIA gun will be reliable when you need it most.
2. Are Rock Island Armory 1911s good for self-defense?
The Rock Island Armory 1911 is a popular choice for self-defense due to its durability, reliability.
3. How much does a Rock Island 10mm weigh?
The Rock Island Armory 1911A-FS Tactical II weighs approximately 38 ounces when it is empty.
This makes it a bit on the heavy side for a handgun, but it is still manageable.
4. Where are Rock Island pistols manufactured?
Rock Island pistols are manufactured in the Philippines.
RIA has a manufacturing facility located in Pampanga, Philippines.
This is where all of their guns are made, including the Rock Island Armory 1911A-FS Tactical II.
RIA also has a US-based office located in Las Vegas, Nevada. However, this office does not actually manufacture any firearms.
5. Is the Rock Island 10mm Customizable?
The Rock Island Armory 1911A-FS Tactical II is a semi-customizable gun.
This means that there are some aftermarket parts available, but not as many as there would be for a Glock or an AR-15.
If you’re looking to customize your RIA 1911A, you may want to consider having it done by a qualified gunsmith.
This will ensure that the parts are installed correctly and that your gun continues to function properly.
Conclusion
Overall, the Rock Island Armory 1911A is a great choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice quality or reliability.
With a little bit of effort, you can find aftermarket parts and accessories that will allow you to customize your gun to suit your specific needs.
Knowing the potential problems you may encounter, you can take steps to avoid them or find workarounds if necessary.
And in the end, you’ll be left with a unique and interesting gun that is sure to attract attention at the shooting range.