ARMSCOR-built (RIA/Daly) 1911s...anybody with long-term experience?

[easyrider604]

I sold my last 1911 10 months ago after having decided to concentrate on revolvers and one (two? - .38spl and .357mag) caliber. This was part of a move to simplify my shooting gear and reloading stuff.

However I have this 1911-.45acp itch that needs to be scratched on a limited budget. I want one (or two) for the range and club shoots.

The least expensive line I've seen are the Armscor-built 1911s sold by Rock Island Armory and Charles Daly, and they come customized with goodies like beavertail, commander type ring hammer, novak style combat sights, etc.

I know that they are priced that way because they are built from investment castings, which Ruger has demonstrated to be a perfectly acceptable way of producing guns.

I've read threads that sing praises to the reliable functioning and accuracy of these guns but I'm more interested in long-term accuracy, reliability and durability.

Anybody out there have really shot these guns a lot, as in twenty/thirty thousand rounds or more?

 

[floydster]

Good post, as I would like to know also.
I have heard and read so many good things about the RIA FS Match 1911 that comes from the Armscor custon shop that I am ready to order if I can find one, everyplace seems to be on backorder.
The 1911 forum has a great test on the RIA Tactical and the FS Match, they give it the thumbs up!!
Floydster

 

[onebigelf]

I don't have that kind of round count through them, but I have two Charles Daly pistols and I'm happy with quality on both. I have 9mm Hi=power that I've carried for several years now, I have a fair number of rounds through it and it has been excellent. I have a EMS commander size 1911 that I got recently. I only have about 200 rnds through it but it's been flawless as well. I'm still doing a basic workup on it so it's all been ball ammo through the 45 so far, but the HP isn't in the least ammo finicky.

John

 

[tinroad37e]

The armscor slides are no longer cast. I have a Rock Island govenrment with much less than 25,000 rounds, but it has been completely reliable and never failed once with 5,000 rounds fired. The slide to frame fit is still tight. In fact, the fit is tighter than both my Colt 1911s and my Ed Brown Special Forces. It has absolutely no play. I figured it will loosen up by 10,000 rounds.

 

[chbrow10]

I have a Rock Island Tactical. I have about 8000 rounds. All but 400 of those on my reloads. I like it, and would recommend it. go to www.m1911.org, they have a forum for RIA/ARMSCOR.

I shoot mine in USPSA single stack division, and at local club matches.

I bought mine for 420, out the door. I have seen used Charles Dalys for 400, and I've heard that the CDs have non MIM "internals", whatever that means.

 

[theotherwaldo]

In the process of getting a Charles Daly EFST 1911 in stainless. Glad to hear that they're an OK choice!

 

[Deltaboy1984]

I am looking at a RI tactical myself.

 

[easyrider604]

Thanks for your responses, gentlemen.

"completely reliable and never failed once with 5,000 rounds fired...It has absolutely no play. I figured it will loosen up by 10,000 rounds" and "I have about 8000 rounds...I like it, and would recommend it...Still tight and still liking it."

That is certainly encouraging and from what I know of a properly manufactured 1911 design, once it is broken in and running smooth and trouble free, it will stay that way for a long long time, upwards of 50,000 rds I hope.

My other concern is frame battering caused by the slide hitting the frame (with the spring guide in between) during recoil. Plastic buffers help some but sometimes I see them chewed up when I strip the pistol for cleaning (500 - 1000 rds) so who knows when they (the buffers) stopped doing their job.

go to www.m1911.org, they have a forum for RIA/ARMSCOR.

Thanks, I registered in the above forum.

I'd really like to hear from owners of high mileage Armscor/Rock Island Armory/Charles Daly 1911s. Perhaps not too many of you, considering the fairly recent history of this manufacturer but I'm hoping you're out there and reading this thread.

 

[Gunner4h1r3]

I've owned a G.I. Model that I picked up back in the summer of '07. I've put close to 1,500 rounds through it and haven't had a problem yet. As far as aftermarket mags go, mine like the Chip McCormick variety. Most, if not all, aftermarket parts fit or need fitting. A well made gun that gets a lot of bang for the buck.

 

[wally]

I've got an RIA standard that is over 13000 rounds, link broke at about 3000 rounds, no issues since I replaced it ($5 part).

I've a Charles Daly EMS with over 10000 rounds, extractor broke at about 7500 rounds, easy to fix. My pre-series 80 Colt Government model broke its extractor at approx the same round count.

I've an Armscor 1911-A2 9mm wide body (Para P-18 clone) that is over 15000 rounds with no issues yet.

So I'd say they hold up fine.

--wally.

 

[WoofersInc]

I have a Charles Daly that is about 10 years old. Still looks and shoots as well as it did when I bought it. It probably has about 8-9,000 rounds through it. All I have done to it in that time is some spring replacements.

 

[rondog]

I have three RIA's that I love, but no round counts that high to testify about. They're good pistols IMO.

 

[easyrider604]

It's looking good.

Best experience so far has been over

15,000 rds with no issues

and some are close.

Minimal problems, if any, from a small percentage. I am about to pull the trigger on one of these babies.

Somebody please push me over the brink with your testimony.

Thank you for your posts, gentlemen.

 

[FoMoGo]

How about this...
If you wear it out... you have a damn good chance at getting it replaced for free.


Jim

 

[easyrider604]

Many thanks for your replies. I'm more confident about buying an Armscor 1911 now.

 

[rondog]

If you really want more info, got to www.m1911.org, there's a whole forum just for Armscor/Rock Islands and hundreds of happy owners.

Oh, duh....I see this was mentioned before.....never mind.

 

[easyrider604]

If you really want more info, got to www.m1911.org, there's a whole forum just for Armscor/Rock Islands and hundreds of happy owners.

Thanks rondog and I've read many of the threads over there. No disrespect to that group, which has knowledgeable and friendly members too, but I've been on THR longer and at this time, just feel comfortable with the members here.