The Colt 1911 pistol – the original Colt M1911 – is a pistol that will go down in infamy. Designed to replace the woefully inadequate service revolvers that were in widespread use during the late 1800s and early 1900s, the 1911’s reliable gas-operated action and superior firepower (.45 Automatic Colt Pistol) made it an instant hit.
It went on to see service in the hands of U.S. soldiers and law enforcement officers around the country and the world, and the M1911’s iconic design has been copied more than, perhaps, any other pistol in history.
One such producer to catch on was Armscor. Armscor U.S.A., which produces a series of semi-automatic pistols known as Rock Island Pistols, has been largely inspired by the original 1911’s design. They are affordable and extremely reliable, and as a result, are very popular. These are some of the best.
1. GI Standard CS .45ACP
The GI Standard CS .45 ACP is a very handsome, very classic-looking design. You can definitely detect the DNA of the M1911 in this Rock Island Pistol. It is designed after the original United States Government Issue Combat Issue 1911 and chambered in .45 ACP.
It features low-profile sights, a slim, sleek design, and a very compact design; its 3.5-inch barrel is ideal for concealment. It also features a parkerized finish that offers a non-reflective surface as well as smooth wood grips for extra class and comfort. It’s definitely one of the best 1911-inspired models out there.
2. XT 22 Standard Combo (.22LR and .45ACP)
Another iconic 1911-inspired design, the hallmark of the XT 22 Standard Combo is versatility. This model features a drop-in .45ACP barrel, enabling you to use this pistol for everything from plinking to small game hunting to competition and even self-defense.
The attractive pistol features a 5-inch barrel, a crisp, adjustable trigger, anti-snag front, and rear sights, a skeletonized hammer, as well as a parkerized coating, and checkered rubber grips.
3. MAP FS 9mm
The MAP FS 9mm is another real gem from Rock Island Armory. This pistol offers both double and single action functionality, allowing you to carry it both cocked and locked, ready for action. It features a lightweight polymer frame and a steel slide, cutting back on weight without compromising either durability or reliability, and its compact size makes it ideal for concealment. It also features a short section of rail under the slide and in front of the trigger guard, ideal for mounting lights, lasers, or other accessories.
4. TAC Ultra CS .45ACP
Need an expandable 1911-style platform that is ultra-compact and has some really useful features? The TAC Ultra .45ACP features a high-visibility fiber optic front sight and an adjustable rear sight, bombproof G10 grips, an adjustable overtravel stop, and an adjustable trigger (4-6 pounds). It also features a section of rail just forward of the trigger guard, ideal for mounting accessories.
5. Baby Rock .380ACP
The Baby Rock .380ACP may be small but don’t let its diminutive size fool you. This is a rock-solid pistol worthy of the name, and one of the lightest, most capable Rock Island Pistols out there.
Chambered in .380 ACP, this pistol features a compact 3.75-inch barrel and weighs less than two pounds loaded, tipping the scales at just 1.62 pounds. It features CNC-machined angle grooves for fluid, reliable cycling as well as snag-free, dovetail front and rear sights. Simple but reliable, it’s a Rock Island Pistol that will last a lifetime with care.
Looking for Rock Island Pistols like these – or another favorite? Visit Sarco Inc., at SarcoInc.com today to see what’s in stock, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, call them at 610-250-3960. With such a huge inventory of firearms and parts, availability changes all the time.
