Posted by Team Armscor on Aug 24, 2016 2 Minute Read
Protecting yourself, your loved ones and your home are all important to you. But when it comes to self-defense 1911s and other handguns, not all firearms are built to meet these needs. Luckily, there are a variety of ways you can find the ideal handgun for your own purposes that won’t break your bank or skimp on the benefits you need.
Before you start the search, we've got the handy guide you need.
It's not just a matter of grabbing the perceived "best" self-defense gun. This free guide was created to help you identify the most important features of your primary self-defense 1911.
In this guide, you will find tips on buying your defensive pistol, including:
Click below to download the free "Buying a Pistol for Self-Defense" guide.

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.