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Rock Island Armory 1911 GI Standard MS
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- ✓Affordable
- ✓Reliable after short break-in
- ✓Decent Parkerizing
- ✗More recoil than standard sized 1911s
- ✗Guide rod is harder to remove
- ✗GI sights are lacking
Editor’s Note: The Rock Island Armory 1911 GI Standard MS (Mid-Size) is a commander-length 1911 that stays true to the original GI combat-issued 1911s of the past. Its shorter 4.25-inch barrel helps keep the gun more compact and concealable while still retaining the accuracy the 1911 is known for. The GI Standard MS holds 8+1 rounds of .45 ACP and comes with a crisp 4-6 pound trigger, wood grips, low profile GI sights, and a smooth parkerized finish.
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Features
By The Numbers
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Variations & Comparables
FINAL VERDICT
"The Rock Island 1911 is a great starter-priced 1911 around $500 that maintains the look of a standard GI model with decent parkerizing and surprisingly good trigger. But beware of some initial break-in, potential for hammer bite, and terrible GI sights. With the test of the GI Midsize…I’m sold on the quality and reliability of RIA. And also learned that midsize is not for me." - Eric Hung