Great video. As a former submariner, we had to practice and qualify with the biggest POS 1911's the Corp decided to throw out. We pieced them together using spare parts collected from the ones that were too far gone to be serviceable. I carry a bone stock auto ordinance M1911A1. Only the grips have been upgraded. Even this old squid shoots 2" groups at 50 yards at the range. She feeds pretty much any ammo I can get my hands on flawlessly and only seems to get better with use. I'm considering the extended beaver tail, extended release, and ambi safety but I kind if like the old school authenticity of the A1. Thanks for the info. Good job, Marine. Submarine Qualified Until I Die!
Beware. With accuracy like that, changing parts can affect groups. I installed a Wilson ext slide release on my Accurate S/A 1911A1. The group's swelled. The competition spring kit, which made the trigger better amongst other things, shrunk groups in half (with the original release). You also should learn how to fit and tune if you change many parts. Drop in parts don't always drop in. Imho.🖖
Same here Bone stock AO is my Duty weapon fired about 1000 rds since new trigger pull is awesome after about 500 or so no need for any work...! seems to be getting better and better the more i shoot it! do wish the front sight was a bit wider though.jim
Love that rock island, beautiful color. My kimber custom tle 2 tfs came out the box perfectly. Added chip 10+1 mags and man is it a dream. Carry it every day!
Wilsons are great. I've also had great luck with the Mec Gar anti friction 8 rd mags. Slightly lower price point and they've been flawless for several thousand rounds.
wilson combat work great with my cheap 10mm rock island 1911, its been serve me more than 5000 rounds now.. the only issue for me is $50 a piece, its makes me not feel good to throw it on the ground during fast reloading drill.
I find that riding the safety also helps control muzzle flip. Maybe it's just in my head, but I feel a bit more in control because of it. Going to look into those extended beaver tails, I have my safety pinned at the moment
Resting your thumb on the safety is the proper way to shoot it. It was made in a way so that when you draw it, as he demonstrated, you will naturally place your thumb on it, unlike a button safety where there is no natural motion for one to make that would incorporate it. The 1911 safety is the only type of thumb safety that I feel has any merit for being on a self defense gun because if you shoot it the way it is intended by riding the safety, it should never hinder you like a generic button safety would, and it will give you a little more piece of mind when carrying the gun cocked. Personally the 1911 is the only gun I would appendix carry simply because it has two external safeties, both of which are natural to manipulate.
My suggestion on 1911 pistols is to stay with the standard 5" length barrel, Mr Browning knew what he was doing! I'm in agreement with you about the night sights, gotta see that first shot before everything turns purple and orange. I also use Wilson Combat mags, they're the most reliable that I've seen, really smooth. And while I'm talking about magazines and feeding, I'd say standard 230g rounds function better than the 165g velocity types; again, Mr Browning had it worked out over a hundred years ago... Finally, for safety concerns, if you're not competent to work on your firearm, check around and find a local gunsmith who's known for being good with 1911's and have the work done correctly. Take care and be safe.
Great info sir, all I did to my citadel was to get a set of recover grips. Gives me a small rail, connect a light with a laser, really happy with it. Mine has ambi safety, being left handed, that was a plus for me.
MY REMI R1 IS A builders MASTERPIECE OUT OF THE BOX. LOVE THE FIT FINISH and subtle details. MODS? 5 Wilson Combat SS mags. Who needs more . Today, mostly all new 1911's are CNC mfg.ed. Mod's are nothing more than a profitable carry over of older sloppy mfg'ed 1911"s that needed improvements so they say. Mine performs awesomely. Diet? 230 gr. FMJ. Thank you Matt. Respect you and your channel. I Thank you for your service also. Means the world. God Speed.
~Is the trigger screw for adjusting take-up or for over-travel? I thought it was for over-travel. ~Two piece full length guide rod does need a seperate tool, but a single piece full length guide rod takes a regular bushing wrench or anything that will push down the plugs thin edge. ~I used to not like an ambi-safety, but I do now. Old dogs can learn new tricks.
That trigger screw doesn't adjust take-up, it adjusts over travel. And it's kinda iffy on messing with it cuz if you over adjust that you can cause a condition whether the hammer will fall but it will drag on the sear just enough to slow it down and cause light strikes. Very dangerous to mess with on a defensive gun. To adjust the actual take-up you need to get a bow with little ears cut out of it that you can bend out that adjusts the furthest forward position the trigger can travel.
For me on any pistol I have to have good sights and the ability to put a light on the gun. A lot of people tell you not to put a light on your gun because you are pointing a gun at whatever you are looking at when searching. But with a proper light and proper training you can see the area around you without pointing the muzzle directly at something. Plus I'm in a wheelchair so I need a hand free to be able to move around in my wheelchair or on the ground so I need a light on my gun. With that said I still do carry an extra light. And with a 1911 I have to have an ambi safety because I'm left handed plus you never know when of if you may need to shoot with your support hand so I think an ambi safety is a must.
I got lucky when I bought my Taurus PT 1911, The only thing I had to do was grips and a finger groove extension. Already had extended beavertail, extended ambitious safety, and skeletonized hammer and trigger. Only thing I might still do is the GI guide rod, I do like being able to check my chamber with my finger easing the slide back just a bit.
I notice not a lot of people talk about the Dawson Precision tool-less guide rod I bought it before my first 1911(SF TRP Operator) was even brought home. A must have to replace your out of the box full length rod if you should choose to keep it. It makes field stripping as easy as or potentially faster than a Glock, I assume as I don’t own one...
I have a Rock Island 1911 45 ACP with the full length guide rod. I don't need any special tools to break it down as you describe. Just my 2 hands. It came with the extended beaver tail. If I modify it all it would be different grips. Other than that a great firearm as it is.
In the case of 1911s, at this point since they come in such a vast number of variants, I think you can get what you want, out of the box, exactly how you want it, even at the budget you want, as well. At least get it close. I did, at least. I snagged a Sig 1911 Extreme with every single feature I wanted in a 1911, and at a great price, since they were discontinued the store wanted to get rid of them. I love that thing, I just had to relearn some 1911 quirks when I got my hands on it.
LARRY THE CABLE GUY Quotes about "Guns". "Blaming guns for killing people is like blaming pencils for bad spelling". "If guns kill people, I can blame misspelled words on my pencil.". "Guns don't kill people, husbands who come home early from work kill people".
I'll NEVER give anyone crap for whatever mods they do to any gun... but... (there's that damned word, "BUT") when I got my 1st 1911, I fell in love with it so deeply, that changing anything on it seemed like sacrilege..... it took 30 years before I actually changed it by putting Crimson Trace grips on it, and swapping out the stock barrel and bushing for a matched Ed Brown set! At the time, it was my carry gun, and one I was playing with at 3-gun. My Kimber now has the Crimson Trace grips, along with the night-sights (Tritium) and an ambi-safety. I'm not going to say that I love it more than my original, but..... well.... you know.....! ;)
Thank you for the update! Ive been looking a this exact pistol at a store here in town. I really like it but I was wondering how the Rock Island would hold up, long term.
I really like your video's, especially concerning the 1911. I spent 20 years in the Corps and always qualified with it as expert with it. I just bought my 3rd 1911 - The Rock Island Ultra. It has everything that i was looking for and just started breaking it in. I have a 1971 leather holster for the 1911 pistols. However, i'm not to happy with it. What holster are you using for open carry and concealed Carry?
I had one and the safty broke . if your low on cash then do what u gotta do but i would recommend you spend an extra 300 and get a ruger or a springfeild honestly
@Mike P i advise getting a millitary used side arm i seen ww2 1911 bring backs that are still running like a champs 80 years later . get a millspec or like u said a coustom made 1911 . if not then just drop the money on a glock . even though im a 1911 guy if i have to choose between a $500-$600 1911 or a glock im gonna take the glock. If im gonna buy a 1911 varant its gonna be a colt or an ithica or a remington rand millitary bring back or like you said a coustom like a night hawk or dan wesson .if im getting a 1911 im saving up and buying reliable quality .
Got myself a Springfield 1911 for Christmas! $550 at my gun shop. Love the way it shoots and handles. Like the one I shot in the 80’s when I was in the marines
Thank you very much for a wonderfully done video. I just purchased my.. I think it's my 9th 1911 a few days ago. I haven't really customized any of them but I'm going to do it with this one. Thank you for the ideas and whatnot. Keep up the good work. God bless.
Getting my grandpas rock island 1911 who passed away from what i know he put a extended beavertail and crimson trace grips on it have always wanted one and i get my late grandpas is great
Sig or Wilson Combat mags and a Wilson Combat recoil spring are two affordable upgrades you can make to a Rock Island 1911 to keep it from ever jamming.
I've put a Valkyrie Dynamics comp on mine, replaced the grips with G10, dropped a better trigger in, now I'm waiting for my main print housing flared magwell and ambi saftey and saftey to come in,
Good video solid upgrade advise. The guide rod choice for me is not an issue as I have some that are full length and some that are standard I can not tell the difference. Everyone says to ride the safety, I am glad that I have no issue with bumping up the safety up while shooting as there is no way in hell I could shoot with my thumb on the safety and hold the gun safely? I have medium sized hands or not small and I can not reach the safety to ride it, and I use thin G-10 grips which don't help the reach either.
Everybody's hands are different. Seems like the extra thick grip safety is super important for some hands while the original profile works fine for others. I like the raised grip safety, but that's mostly because I find it has an additional benefit: It serves as a bit of sensory feedback to tell me that my grip is where it should be.
Hey Matt. I’m a new subscriber to your channel and also a new owner of a 1911. Your videos have been very helpful and educational. Question. Where’d you get that Sig Sauer hat your wearing? I wanna grab one myself.
Early model Colt Officer model with Ambidextrous safety. Only 1911 I cannot ride the safety with my thumb because I Cannot do that and engage the grip safety at the same time ( I am right handed but can shoot left handed almost as well,,, Almost lol ). Guess What I will be looking to add to my old Officers Model in the near future. Just goes too show that you are never too old to learn something new. Thanks Matt. Keep up the Outstanding Work and Stay Safe. I been wondering how to correct that problem for a long while now. Many Thanks Matt...
best 1911 mods are buy a slightly nicer one, (i am not hating on your rock island matt, i hear they are great) but a slightly nicer one has night sights, extended beavertail, ambi safety, but its nice to customize your own 1911, so rock on, i would also buy a nicer used one over a new one. every 1911 NEEDS wilson combat magazines, best upgrade to any 1911, stock mags are questionable
I have the exact same Rock Island armory 1911 that you have in this video. I love that color. If I'm not mistaken they called it American Patriot tan or something like that. I bought mine I think 7 or 8 years ago and it's been functioning flawlessly. I have done nothing to it except feed ramp polish and polishing a couple internal pieces to reduce that trigger pull and get it a little more crisp. But that's absolutely it. I do have a couple of Chip McCormick 10-round extended mags but I don't really like magazines poking out of the bottom of a magazine well. I typically carry the 8-round magazine in it with another pair 8-round magazines on me and if that's not enough while I'm going to probably wish I had my AR-15 instead of a pistol. It's either that or I carry my full-size Beretta 92fs with the 18 round magazine in it and a pair of 18 round mags on me. I'm certain that 1911 of yours has given you a lots of excellent service and it will continue to do so. Rock Island had come a long way by the time they manufactured that particular model and set up. They make damn fine 1911's now. Actually most of the imports are doing very well these days as far as the quality goes. I literally have 12 of the 1911 A1 models in my gun safe. Three of them are not the g i model That Rock Island being one of them and half of them are imports and they function just as well as all of my domestically manufactured 1911. All of them are the 45 ACP I'm not even going to get into my shity opinion of any other caliber in the 1911 platform. Anyway great video amazing firearm hopefully gives you many more years of service. Stay safe out there, keep carrying and God bless
Great video , I went on rock islands website but can find you model , with everything you mentioned here from factory , could you provide me the model # and specs so I can order this 1911 , also what color , thanks much look forward to your other videos. Also is this what the marine Corp issue s as standard issue ? 👍
Matt, I have been a fan of the 1911 long before I ever owned 1, my question to you is, I can't get a comfortable IWB holster, would like your input. Also, love your videos, keep um comin,and ty
Have an SDS Imports Tisas M1911A1. I would love info on a Beaver tail that fits without gaps. Its my only issue after Houge grips Wilson Combat"s hammer & trigger. WC's grip safety has gapping issues with this model. That fixed im good with my first 1911. Nice presentation and info. Subbed
I carry my nighthawk Warhawk because out of the box is perfect. I bought a nighthawk for my wife but she ended up liking one of my Wilson combats more so now her nighthawk lives in my safe. I was thinking of picking up another nighthawk to replace my Warhawk. I appreciate your videos and thank you
Matt, I have a Ruger SR1911 and find it very hard to rack the slide. Is there anything I can do to make it easier to pull the slide back. I don't know how many pound spring Ruger ships them with, but would a lighter spring make it easier? Any issues to be concerned with going with a lighter spring?
I have to admit while shooting my 1911A1 it did make me bleed. But then, as you know, my front sight flew off and 1911 was done for the day. I guess I'm hard headed, but I'm just going to let the calluses build up lol. I love the original look. But if I buy another one, I'll probably get a bigger beaver tail. Gr8 vid as usual. 🔫
Matt, I’m waiting for my first 1911 to come in to the FFL. It’s a Rock Island in stainless with everything you recommend except the sights. I don’t plan on carrying it (Kommiefornia sucks for that), so I’m considering a red dot instead of standard night sights. Any thoughts on that as an option? Or would I be better off with the normal night sights? Thanks and Semper Fi
I would have to say I like the mods you showed but mine has those already except for the night sites and the GI rod....that factory rod in mine I hate with a passion. That is my biggest complaint. My SA 1911 is in .40cal. and having to use a allen wrench to break it down is a complete bummer. So if I can put a GI rod in mine it would be absolutely awesome.
Matt i had a rock island just like your and the ambi safty came loose i got rid of it after that and have stayed away from them . you never had any problems at all .
Abram Hepp Matt was likely typing on his phone and so messed up writing, but I think he meant that it has never been a problem for him. He’s made videos every time one of his guns has had an issue, so we would likely have heard about it if he had issues with the 1911.
Abram Hepp sorry bout that...definitely a phone typo.. I’ve never had an issue with this 1911. The only time I had an issue was when I ran Kimber mags, or the armscor mag through it. Once I switched over to Wilson Combat Mags, 100%
@@ArmedSteadyFirearmsChannel i must of got a bad orange then . i will say that i have seen many ww2 era 1911s that are running like old fords still to today . their is something about the old 1911s in the way that they seem to last for ever . i am yet to see an old one that has problems . it seems that alot of the new ones these days have some form of mag or feed or trigger problems . oh and i have heard that about kimber it suck . your are selling guns that expensive you cant make good mags 🤔
Great Video! I always enjoy your 1911 videos. And you are very correct in saying most gripes on 1911 safeties are from people who do not know how to hold or operate properly.
And depending on how you adjust it, it tightens up or loosens up the slop, making it a lighter trigger pull, or a longer trigger pull. Names don’t change the function.
I'm no master gunsmith but the set screw in the trigger is not a take up adjustment its an over travel adjustment. There is a way to properly set it up. The more you know 🌈⭐️
I love my 1911 Taurus it is so accurate and believe it or not it comes with most of the perks at $500. Would you recommend me getting a red dot for it. My concealed carry choice M&P EZ
Question for Matt: Which Truglo number did you buy? Truglo's sight shows it to be TG231N4W, but it other descriptions makes it a little confusing. I'm getting my M1911A1-FS (exactly like yours) tomorrow.
That pistol is friggin beautiful! I love the color with the black accents. Dont get me started on the grips. Sweeet. I noticed you dont have a front strap on it. Would love to see it with a Natural 1911SnakeStrap.com on it. Still awesome either way. Thanks for the video.
Did you have any problems with installing the night sights? I have the same gun and have been trying to find night sights for it. Do you remember the part number?
Nothing makes me feel safer than knowing i carry the same make and model as you sir we appreciate your vids
Same brother
Amen
I just bought one today. I can’t wait for it to come in
@@VTwinFTW grease it like hell and let it sit till its time
Great video. As a former submariner, we had to practice and qualify with the biggest POS 1911's the Corp decided to throw out. We pieced them together using spare parts collected from the ones that were too far gone to be serviceable. I carry a bone stock auto ordinance M1911A1. Only the grips have been upgraded. Even this old squid shoots 2" groups at 50 yards at the range. She feeds pretty much any ammo I can get my hands on flawlessly and only seems to get better with use. I'm considering the extended beaver tail, extended release, and ambi safety but I kind if like the old school authenticity of the A1. Thanks for the info. Good job, Marine. Submarine Qualified Until I Die!
Beware. With accuracy like that, changing parts can affect groups. I installed a Wilson ext slide release on my Accurate S/A 1911A1. The group's swelled. The competition spring kit, which made the trigger better amongst other things, shrunk groups in half (with the original release). You also should learn how to fit and tune if you change many parts. Drop in parts don't always drop in. Imho.🖖
Same here Bone stock AO is my Duty weapon fired about 1000 rds since new trigger pull is awesome after about 500 or so no need for any work...! seems to be getting better and better the more i shoot it! do wish the front sight was a bit wider though.jim
You probably might want to know what you carry.
Auto-ORDNANCE, not ordinance.
A guy at work picked up a brand new Colt Commander for $500 on layaway.
I’ve never been so jealous in my entire life
Mike P
I completely agree about Colt being overpriced but it is a very nice and well made gun
Just show him your 100% discount and get it from him 🤔
Love that rock island, beautiful color. My kimber custom tle 2 tfs came out the box perfectly. Added chip 10+1 mags and man is it a dream. Carry it every day!
My Ruger SR1911 came out of the box exactly how I wanted it. Just ordered some Wilson Combat mags to see what the hype is about
The only mags I ever use
Wilsons are great. I've also had great luck with the Mec Gar anti friction 8 rd mags. Slightly lower price point and they've been flawless for several thousand rounds.
I've had no issues the the Wilson mags..
wilson combat work great with my cheap 10mm rock island 1911, its been serve me more than 5000 rounds now.. the only issue for me is $50 a piece, its makes me not feel good to throw it on the ground during fast reloading drill.
Same here
My Kimber Rapide was all I needed right out the box. 1911 sexiest pistol ever made!!!
I find that riding the safety also helps control muzzle flip. Maybe it's just in my head, but I feel a bit more in control because of it. Going to look into those extended beaver tails, I have my safety pinned at the moment
Resting your thumb on the safety is the proper way to shoot it. It was made in a way so that when you draw it, as he demonstrated, you will naturally place your thumb on it, unlike a button safety where there is no natural motion for one to make that would incorporate it. The 1911 safety is the only type of thumb safety that I feel has any merit for being on a self defense gun because if you shoot it the way it is intended by riding the safety, it should never hinder you like a generic button safety would, and it will give you a little more piece of mind when carrying the gun cocked. Personally the 1911 is the only gun I would appendix carry simply because it has two external safeties, both of which are natural to manipulate.
With my hands I feel keeping my thumb on the safety while shooting is a less stable feeling grip. Everyone's different
My suggestion on 1911 pistols is to stay with the standard 5" length barrel, Mr Browning knew what he was doing!
I'm in agreement with you about the night sights, gotta see that first shot before everything turns purple and orange.
I also use Wilson Combat mags, they're the most reliable that I've seen, really smooth. And while I'm talking about magazines and feeding, I'd say standard 230g rounds function better than the 165g velocity types; again, Mr Browning had it worked out over a hundred years ago...
Finally, for safety concerns, if you're not competent to work on your firearm, check around and find a local gunsmith who's known for being good with 1911's and have the work done correctly.
Take care and be safe.
JMB liked the 200 grain .45 round. The military insisted on the 230 grain.
Great info sir, all I did to my citadel was to get a set of recover grips. Gives me a small rail, connect a light with a laser, really happy with it. Mine has ambi safety, being left handed, that was a plus for me.
MY REMI R1 IS A builders MASTERPIECE OUT OF THE BOX. LOVE THE FIT FINISH and subtle details. MODS? 5 Wilson Combat SS mags. Who needs more . Today, mostly all new 1911's are CNC mfg.ed. Mod's are nothing more than a profitable carry over of older sloppy mfg'ed 1911"s that needed improvements so they say. Mine performs awesomely. Diet? 230 gr. FMJ.
Thank you Matt. Respect you and your channel. I Thank you for your service also. Means the world. God Speed.
~Is the trigger screw for adjusting take-up or for over-travel? I thought it was for over-travel.
~Two piece full length guide rod does need a seperate tool, but a single piece full length guide rod takes a regular bushing wrench or anything that will push down the plugs thin edge.
~I used to not like an ambi-safety, but I do now. Old dogs can learn new tricks.
That trigger screw doesn't adjust take-up, it adjusts over travel. And it's kinda iffy on messing with it cuz if you over adjust that you can cause a condition whether the hammer will fall but it will drag on the sear just enough to slow it down and cause light strikes. Very dangerous to mess with on a defensive gun. To adjust the actual take-up you need to get a bow with little ears cut out of it that you can bend out that adjusts the furthest forward position the trigger can travel.
So would you recommend a trigger with or without the screw for a defensive 1911?
For me on any pistol I have to have good sights and the ability to put a light on the gun. A lot of people tell you not to put a light on your gun because you are pointing a gun at whatever you are looking at when searching. But with a proper light and proper training you can see the area around you without pointing the muzzle directly at something. Plus I'm in a wheelchair so I need a hand free to be able to move around in my wheelchair or on the ground so I need a light on my gun. With that said I still do carry an extra light. And with a 1911 I have to have an ambi safety because I'm left handed plus you never know when of if you may need to shoot with your support hand so I think an ambi safety is a must.
Wilson Combat makes a pretty cool kit for a flat coil spring and full length guide rod. You can easily field strip it by hand.
I got lucky when I bought my Taurus PT 1911, The only thing I had to do was grips and a finger groove extension. Already had extended beavertail, extended ambitious safety, and skeletonized hammer and trigger. Only thing I might still do is the GI guide rod, I do like being able to check my chamber with my finger easing the slide back just a bit.
May repeats himself a lot. Matt repeats himself a lot. Very informative video.
Geezus! I had to shut it off halfway thru.. Only thing missing was Tom Cruise and the bus..
I notice not a lot of people talk about the Dawson Precision tool-less guide rod I bought it before my first 1911(SF TRP Operator) was even brought home. A must have to replace your out of the box full length rod if you should choose to keep it. It makes field stripping as easy as or potentially faster than a Glock, I assume as I don’t own one...
I have a Rock Island 1911 45 ACP with the full length guide rod. I don't need any special tools to break it down as you describe. Just my 2 hands. It came with the extended beaver tail. If I modify it all it would be different grips. Other than that a great firearm as it is.
In the case of 1911s, at this point since they come in such a vast number of variants, I think you can get what you want, out of the box, exactly how you want it, even at the budget you want, as well. At least get it close.
I did, at least. I snagged a Sig 1911 Extreme with every single feature I wanted in a 1911, and at a great price, since they were discontinued the store wanted to get rid of them. I love that thing, I just had to relearn some 1911 quirks when I got my hands on it.
Awesome video! My American Classic 2 came with most of those mods.
LARRY THE CABLE GUY Quotes about "Guns". "Blaming guns for killing people is like blaming pencils for bad spelling". "If guns kill people, I can blame misspelled words on my pencil.". "Guns don't kill people, husbands who come home early from work kill people".
I'll NEVER give anyone crap for whatever mods they do to any gun... but... (there's that damned word, "BUT") when I got my 1st 1911, I fell in love with it so deeply, that changing anything on it seemed like sacrilege..... it took 30 years before I actually changed it by putting Crimson Trace grips on it, and swapping out the stock barrel and bushing for a matched Ed Brown set! At the time, it was my carry gun, and one I was playing with at 3-gun.
My Kimber now has the Crimson Trace grips, along with the night-sights (Tritium) and an ambi-safety. I'm not going to say that I love it more than my original, but..... well.... you know.....!
;)
Extended mag release is a lifesaver for my 73-year-old hands! Semper Fi Brother! Good vid... Subscribed!
Great info Matt. 👍
"I'm getting myself a new BEAVER" 😁
I put nite sights on my Ria and a Punisher styled compensator, it like like a 9 mm now ,new shooters love it.
Hey Matt, I really appreciate your videos! I just bought one of these myself. I was wondering which guide rod toy went with?
Thanks
Great video, didn't know that Rock Island produced them in FDE. I need to get one of these.
Get a springfeild or ruger . the one i had the safty broke on it . i recommend you spend an extra 300 and get something american
Extended slide release for me, so I never need to change my grip on a slide release and release with either hand.
Thank you for the update! Ive been looking a this exact pistol at a store here in town. I really like it but I was wondering how the Rock Island would hold up, long term.
Still going strong, no complaints, and pretty much my edc pistol
I really like your video's, especially concerning the 1911. I spent 20 years in the Corps and always qualified with it as expert with it. I just bought my 3rd 1911 - The Rock Island Ultra. It has everything that i was looking for and just started breaking it in. I have a 1971 leather holster for the 1911 pistols. However, i'm not to happy with it. What holster are you using for open carry and concealed Carry?
I like that 1911 . Not too expensive ! I want to get one. Thanks for your review 👍🇺🇸
I had one and the safty broke . if your low on cash then do what u gotta do but i would recommend you spend an extra 300 and get a ruger or a springfeild honestly
Thanks for the info. Funds are tight right now cause of the holidays. I will research more after the new year 👍
@@Chris-lx9fs np
@Mike P i advise getting a millitary used side arm i seen ww2 1911 bring backs that are still running like a champs 80 years later . get a millspec or like u said a coustom made 1911 . if not then just drop the money on a glock . even though im a 1911 guy if i have to choose between a $500-$600 1911 or a glock im gonna take the glock. If im gonna buy a 1911 varant its gonna be a colt or an ithica or a remington rand millitary bring back or like you said a coustom like a night hawk or dan wesson .if im getting a 1911 im saving up and buying reliable quality .
Got myself a Springfield 1911 for Christmas! $550 at my gun shop. Love the way it shoots and handles. Like the one I shot in the 80’s when I was in the marines
Thank you very much for a wonderfully done video. I just purchased my.. I think it's my 9th 1911 a few days ago. I haven't really customized any of them but I'm going to do it with this one. Thank you for the ideas and whatnot. Keep up the good work. God bless.
Kinda late discovering your work. Which trigger did you put in that RIA
Getting my grandpas rock island 1911 who passed away from what i know he put a extended beavertail and crimson trace grips on it have always wanted one and i get my late grandpas is great
Sig or Wilson Combat mags and a Wilson Combat recoil spring are two affordable upgrades you can make to a Rock Island 1911 to keep it from ever jamming.
Great vid, my ati commander model came stock with extended beaver tail, g.i. guide rod and ext. Grip safety , only thing id wanna change is the sights
I've put a Valkyrie Dynamics comp on mine, replaced the grips with G10, dropped a better trigger in, now I'm waiting for my main print housing flared magwell and ambi saftey and saftey to come in,
would love to hear you explain how a trigger overtravel screw is used for a take up screw, no such thing
You made some good points on what to change on the 1911 .
Good video solid upgrade advise. The guide rod choice for me is not an issue as I have some that are full length and some that are standard I can not tell the difference. Everyone says to ride the safety, I am glad that I have no issue with bumping up the safety up while shooting as there is no way in hell I could shoot with my thumb on the safety and hold the gun safely? I have medium sized hands or not small and I can not reach the safety to ride it, and I use thin G-10 grips which don't help the reach either.
Just bought full length guide rod and I don't need a tool to break it down. The spring plug sticks out similar to the checkered one.
Also, Gi guide rod prevents dirt from entering the slide
Have the same RIA.. 1000 rounds in.. still shooting accurately...
Great gun that was my first 1911 and it holds its own with the more expensive 1911's I could not be happier with the purchase.
Well, 2yrs later still solid... put truglo tfx pro sights on, have replaced springs with wilson combat springs, and use WC mags. .
Everybody's hands are different. Seems like the extra thick grip safety is super important for some hands while the original profile works fine for others. I like the raised grip safety, but that's mostly because I find it has an additional benefit: It serves as a bit of sensory feedback to tell me that my grip is where it should be.
Hey Matt. I’m a new subscriber to your channel and also a new owner of a 1911. Your videos have been very helpful and educational. Question. Where’d you get that Sig Sauer hat your wearing? I wanna grab one myself.
I have a colt Gov model. Never changed a thing. It's perfect the way it is. Keep it clean and run it hard. Only ball in brass. No steel. Ever.
If it isn't an AK, no steel.
@@Nick-fm9ux if your firearm can’t handle steel it shouldn’t be worth the brass
@@killtosurvive6021 the steel expands more in your chamber.. if you break your gun shooting steel, it won't be able to shoot brass
I support the advice with the gripsafety with memory bump.
Mine will not reliably disengage when I ride the safety.
Guess what's coming in the mail...
Early model Colt Officer model with Ambidextrous safety. Only 1911 I cannot ride the safety with my thumb because I Cannot do that and engage the grip safety at the same time ( I am right handed but can shoot left handed almost as well,,, Almost lol ). Guess What I will be looking to add to my old Officers Model in the near future. Just goes too show that you are never too old to learn something new.
Thanks Matt. Keep up the Outstanding Work and Stay Safe.
I been wondering how to correct that problem for a long while now.
Many Thanks Matt...
best 1911 mods are buy a slightly nicer one, (i am not hating on your rock island matt, i hear they are great) but a slightly nicer one has night sights, extended beavertail, ambi safety, but its nice to customize your own 1911, so rock on, i would also buy a nicer used one over a new one.
every 1911 NEEDS wilson combat magazines, best upgrade to any 1911, stock mags are questionable
just recently purchased my first 1911. Kimber shadow ghost. Will a GI guide rod work on my 1911?
Great showing sir I love that gun thanks for the tslk
I have the exact same ria1911a1. I'm considering painting my front site with SiteGlo.
I have the exact same Rock Island armory 1911 that you have in this video. I love that color. If I'm not mistaken they called it American Patriot tan or something like that.
I bought mine I think 7 or 8 years ago and it's been functioning flawlessly. I have done nothing to it except feed ramp polish and polishing a couple internal pieces to reduce that trigger pull and get it a little more crisp. But that's absolutely it. I do have a couple of Chip McCormick 10-round extended mags but I don't really like magazines poking out of the bottom of a magazine well.
I typically carry the 8-round magazine in it with another pair 8-round magazines on me and if that's not enough while I'm going to probably wish I had my AR-15 instead of a pistol. It's either that or I carry my full-size Beretta 92fs with the 18 round magazine in it and a pair of 18 round mags on me.
I'm certain that 1911 of yours has given you a lots of excellent service and it will continue to do so. Rock Island had come a long way by the time they manufactured that particular model and set up. They make damn fine 1911's now. Actually most of the imports are doing very well these days as far as the quality goes.
I literally have 12 of the 1911 A1 models in my gun safe. Three of them are not the g i model That Rock Island being one of them and half of them are imports and they function just as well as all of my domestically manufactured 1911. All of them are the 45 ACP I'm not even going to get into my shity opinion of any other caliber in the 1911 platform. Anyway great video amazing firearm hopefully gives you many more years of service. Stay safe out there, keep carrying and God bless
Great video , I went on rock islands website but can find you model , with everything you mentioned here from factory , could you provide me the model # and specs so I can order this 1911 , also what color , thanks much look forward to your other videos. Also is this what the marine Corp issue s as standard issue ? 👍
Very well explained. I am not a fan of extended guide rod . I prefer GI guide rod
Where do you find GI guide rods? Looking for my ria 1911
Great video Matt, love the 1911. Btw, had a great time playing pubg with you, wish you had survived that ambush but we still won :)
I charged with the AK, but realized last minute I was still on semi ☠️
And I set up my Christmas character.... Die Hard Style
New to your channel. I was thinking of carrying mine. I have a full-sized Kimber classic. How do you carry yours, ISWB or OSWB, and in what position?
Spongeworthy strong-side IWB
@@ArmedSteadyFirearmsChannel You've inspired me to give it a try. Thanks.
Nice 1911, thanks for the video!
Glad you like night sites 👍
Matt, I have been a fan of the 1911 long before I ever owned 1, my question to you is, I can't get a comfortable IWB holster, would like your input. Also, love your videos, keep um comin,and ty
Try the Bladetech Phantom
Try stealthgear iwb
Have an SDS Imports Tisas M1911A1. I would love info on a Beaver tail that fits without gaps. Its my only issue after Houge grips Wilson Combat"s hammer & trigger. WC's grip safety has gapping issues with this model. That fixed im good with my first 1911.
Nice presentation and info.
Subbed
My fave mod is a checkered front strap it's become very expensive to have done. And takes forever to get it done.
I carry my nighthawk Warhawk because out of the box is perfect. I bought a nighthawk for my wife but she ended up liking one of my Wilson combats more so now her nighthawk lives in my safe. I was thinking of picking up another nighthawk to replace my Warhawk. I appreciate your videos and thank you
My carry is a 1911 stock....2 tours DMZ USMC.
Con Tien..Khe Sahn ...etc..NEVER let me down even once...
So if i do the beavertail.. Will i need to swap out the hammer or will RÍA stock work fine?
Do they make a crayon holder mod? Haha. You've got a new subber, bro. Great video!
Matt, I have a Ruger SR1911 and find it very hard to rack the slide. Is there anything I can do to make it easier to pull the slide back. I don't know how many pound spring Ruger ships them with, but would a lighter spring make it easier? Any issues to be concerned with going with a lighter spring?
Cock the hammer before you rack it, just remember to keep your finger off the trigger.
I have to admit while shooting my 1911A1 it did make me bleed. But then, as you know, my front sight flew off and 1911 was done for the day. I guess I'm hard headed, but I'm just going to let the calluses build up lol. I love the original look. But if I buy another one, I'll probably get a bigger beaver tail. Gr8 vid as usual. 🔫
It’s an extremely easy mod being only slightly more arduous than changing grips.
Matt, I’m waiting for my first 1911 to come in to the FFL. It’s a Rock Island in stainless with everything you recommend except the sights. I don’t plan on carrying it (Kommiefornia sucks for that), so I’m considering a red dot instead of standard night sights. Any thoughts on that as an option? Or would I be better off with the normal night sights? Thanks and Semper Fi
I would have to say I like the mods you showed but mine has those already except for the night sites and the GI rod....that factory rod in mine I hate with a passion. That is my biggest complaint. My SA 1911 is in .40cal. and having to use a allen wrench to break it down is a complete bummer. So if I can put a GI rod in mine it would be absolutely awesome.
I have that exact same one. I love it.
If I have to modify anything I dont buy it.great stuff though👌🇺🇸
Just got a 1911 R I love it just wanted to know do you (with your past) do any shot training?
Shot training?
I practice daily and these day teach the occasional pistol/marksmanship class.
When I worked in the gun industry I’d teach weekly
Yeah that is th way dad used to say it it was to take a shot u need training and what I ment was do you have any video of how you practice
My next gun I want is the 1911. Want one really bad.
RIA will do new sights for most of their 1911's. Just email them, as I tried to find any sights that fit my tac ultra was impossible.
Awesome info that is hard to find on 1911s.
Matt i had a rock island just like your and the ambi safty came loose i got rid of it after that and have stayed away from them . you never had any problems at all .
Not only me problem
@@ArmedSteadyFirearmsChannel ?
Abram Hepp Matt was likely typing on his phone and so messed up writing, but I think he meant that it has never been a problem for him. He’s made videos every time one of his guns has had an issue, so we would likely have heard about it if he had issues with the 1911.
Abram Hepp sorry bout that...definitely a phone typo..
I’ve never had an issue with this 1911.
The only time I had an issue was when I ran Kimber mags, or the armscor mag through it. Once I switched over to Wilson Combat Mags, 100%
@@ArmedSteadyFirearmsChannel i must of got a bad orange then . i will say that i have seen many ww2 era 1911s that are running like old fords still to today . their is something about the old 1911s in the way that they seem to last for ever . i am yet to see an old one that has problems . it seems that alot of the new ones these days have some form of mag or feed or trigger problems . oh and i have heard that about kimber it suck . your are selling guns that expensive you cant make good mags 🤔
I like those who say. Leave it as designed. Thanks. Ruger night watchman has all you want for cheaper overall
Which Rock Island 1911 model do you have?
@ 3:19 - Do you get the feeling this guy “really like having nights sights on it! “ 🤣🤣🤣
I did the night sight swap and the GI guide rod swap on my Kimber.
Great Video! I always enjoy your 1911 videos. And you are very correct in saying most gripes on 1911 safeties are from people who do not know how to hold or operate properly.
I've heard a lot of people say I should rest my thumb on the safety of my 1911 while shooting... but don't your thumbs get pinched by the slide?
The screw on the trigger is an over travel adjustment not a take up slack adjuster.
And depending on how you adjust it, it tightens up or loosens up the slop, making it a lighter trigger pull, or a longer trigger pull.
Names don’t change the function.
Having several 1911 and the ability to customize it remain #1 reason to have at least one in your collection.
I'm no master gunsmith but the set screw in the trigger is not a take up adjustment its an over travel adjustment. There is a way to properly set it up. The more you know 🌈⭐️
Love all your Videos
How do u put night sights on a 1911? Could you make a quick tutorial on this process please Vet Stamp
I love my 1911 Taurus it is so accurate and believe it or not it comes with most of the perks at $500. Would you recommend me getting a red dot for it. My concealed carry choice M&P EZ
TY
Hey Devil Dog im just catching this video and i noticed Suicide Charlie behind you. i havent heard that in years
I enjoyed the video, thanks
He repeats everything four times
He repeats everything four times
He repeats everything four times
He repeats everything four times
How was 29? I was with 3/4 the Darkside. I knew a lot of guys from 1/7 great dudes.
What sights do you like again?
Smith & Wesson E-series, and Dan Wesson Pointman.
Question for Matt: Which Truglo number did you buy? Truglo's sight shows it to be TG231N4W, but it other descriptions makes it a little confusing. I'm getting my M1911A1-FS (exactly like yours) tomorrow.
I really don’t remember. I’ve had these sites for a long time now
@@ArmedSteadyFirearmsChannel OK, thanks for replying Matt.
That pistol is friggin beautiful! I love the color with the black accents. Dont get me started on the grips. Sweeet. I noticed you dont have a front strap on it. Would love to see it with a Natural 1911SnakeStrap.com on it. Still awesome either way. Thanks for the video.
I really wish you hadn't mentioned that SnakeStrap...the mod I never knew I needed. But damn...black strap on my SA Range Officer Elite? Uhh, yeah!
I got the ria 1911 tac Ultra in 9mm what gi rod for company you went with for it
Did you have any problems with installing the night sights? I have the same gun and have been trying to find night sights for it. Do you remember the part number?
Was actually a pain in the ass. The sights were off a bit in size so I did have to use a file, a lot of file/fit, file/fit repeat.
Matt Stamp thank you
I think he likes night sights