Armscor | Rock Island Armory | News & Blog

10 Budget-Friendly RIA Pistols That Still Pack a Punch

Written by Team Armscor | Nov 4, 2021

There’s no shortage of options in the 1911 market. You can find tricked-out, customized 1911s for thousands of dollars. But what do those tactical engravings truly give you? Sometimes, not much outside of looks. Well, we have a surprise for you - quality 1911s don’t have to cost you a month’s pay.

Take a look at these 10 affordable options from Rock Island Armory.

1. Baby Rock – 380ACP

Weighing in at an ultra-light 1.62 pounds is the Baby Rock in 380ACP. The Baby Rock features low-profile sights and a 3.75-inch barrel – a perfect match for concealed-carriers.

But, here’s the best part - it retails for less than $500.

MSRP $460

2. GI Standard FS – 9mm

It's a classic, sleek and smooth pistol truly reminiscent of its original design and chambered in the affordable 9mm cartridge. 

MSRP $522

3. GI Standard MS – 45ACP

Another excellent, classic-look 1911 in its original 45ACP cartridge and outfitted with a 4.25-inch barrel. As with all Rock Island 1911s, you can expect a four- to six-pound trigger pull.

MSRP - $537

4. GI Standard CS – 45ACP

Meet the GI Standard CS - a superb match for those interested in a compact option while keeping the hard-hitting 45ACP caliber in tow.

MSRP $545

 

 

 

5.  GI Standard FS – 38 Super

Tired of the old 9mm versus 45ACP debate? Here’s your way out. A 1911 in 38 Super, with all the simplicity you expect from a 1911.

MSRP $545

6.  GI Standard FS Threaded – 45ACP

So you want a smooth-shooting 1911 but with the option to accessorize a bit? Perhaps a suppressor is calling your name. Well, look no further than this GI Standard with a threaded barrel.

MSRP $552

7.  Rock Standard MS – 45ACP

The Rock Standard comes with texturized, rubber grips and a skeletonized hammer and trigger. It features a 4.25-inch button-rifled barrel and weighs in at 2.36 pounds unloaded.

MSRP $592

 

8.  Rock Standard FS – 9mm

The Rock Standard Full-Size is another 70 series design option, similar to the Rock Standard MS but chambered in 9mm and with a five-inch barrel.

MSRP $594

 

 

 

 

9.  GI Standard FS HC – 45ACP

Wouldn’t it be great if you could have a 1911 with a capacity greater than eight or nine rounds? Well, you're in luck - the GI Standard FS HC utilizes double-stack magazines allowing you to carry 14 rounds of 45ACP. It's a win-win.

MSRP $608

10.  Rock Standard CS – 45ACP

Checkered grips? Check. 45ACP? Check. Skeletonized hammer and trigger? Check. A 3.50-inch barrel? Check. An excellent, concealable option, all retailing for less than $650? Check.

MSRP $618