Posted by Team Armscor on Mar 16, 2017 2 Minute Read
Female shooters: You’re ready to pick up your first (or perhaps next) firearm – whether it’s for self-defense, home-defense or recreational and competition shooting. If a pistol is what you’re after, a 1911 is a great place to start.
Before you begin the purchasing process, consult this quick-hit guide.
What considerations should a female shooter make when picking out a 1911? When it comes to shopping for your next go-to pistol, women have a lot of options. From choice of caliber, to selection of size to picking out performance, there are plenty of things to keep in mind.
In this guide, you will find tips for female shooters for picking out the perfect 1911, including:
If you're read to buy, click below to download the free "1911 Buying Guide for Female Shooters."

Ask ten shooters how often they clean their guns and you’ll get ten different answers. But one takeaway is consistent: most people clean their firearms far more often than necessary.
But many experienced shooters go thousands of rounds between deep cleanings — because reliability comes from smart habits, not constant scrubbing.
“I do not clean my guns in under 5000 rounds unless there's a malfunction," explained John McClain from Team Armscor.
That one statement challenges a lot of traditional assumptions about handgun cleaning and sets the stage for a more realistic, less intimidating approach to maintaining your firearm.

Looking for a gift that won’t miss the target?
Take it from someone who lives behind the sights. John McClain, competitive shooter and Armscor team member, broke down the best gift ideas for gun owners in the 2025 holiday season. No matter what kind of shooter you have on your shopping list, we have ideas they'll actually use. We’re talking range-ready gear, smart upgrades, and a few underdog picks that deserve a spot on every shooter’s wish list.

For years, RIA-USA has represented American-made performance within the Armscor and Rock Island Armory family. Now, the brand is entering a new era — one defined by precision, craftsmanship, and confidence.
This isn’t a launch. It’s a refined identity — a rebrand that sets RIA-USA apart while reinforcing what’s always been true: these firearms are built in America, by American hands, for shooters who demand the best.