6 Rock Island 1911 Pistols (and 1911-Inspired Pistols) to Add to Your Safe [and Why]

 Everyone loved the M1911 so much that a thousand-and-one other arms manufacturers jumped on the bandwagon and produced their own variants.

Maybe not a thousand-and-one, but enough to leave a mark. After Colt created the original, it wasn’t long before the duplicators were far behind - Browning, Springfield, Ruger, and of course, fan favorites like Para Ordnance and Rock Island’s 1911 pistols.

The latter have been some of the most reliable and affordable ever produced. So much so that Rock Island 1911 pistols are still in high demand.

These are the best of the best of them (with some variants) that were 1911 inspired.

1.The Classic Rock Island 1911 Pistol (GI Standard CS .45 ACP)
This is the classic Rock Island 1911 pistol, which has been warmly received by critics and shooters alike.

What’s great about it? It’s hardly distinguishable from original Colt M1911 pistols, features the same action and ergonomics that made the M1911 great.

It has wooden grips, the same style of trigger (only moves in one dimension) straightforward operability, and carries 7 rounds of .45 ACP - just like an original 1911 in many ways.

It’s also compact, and, at such an affordable price point (typically between $400 and $500, sometimes a little more) there’s really not much not to like.

2.TAC Ultra CS .45 ACP
Love the .45 ACP and the classic ergs of the 1911, but need a few more bells and whistles? Then you can’t go wrong with the Rock Island TAC Ultra CS in .45 ACP, which is basically a compact clone of the former entry with a few more things to appreciate.

For instance, this 1911-inspired pistol has highly customizable and adjustable sights and is very compact and thin, making it perfect for those carrying for self-defense. It also has a short section of rail underneath the rail, in front of the trigger guard - perfect for lights or lasers.

3.Rock Ultra CS .45 ACP
This is another compact 1911-style pistol from Rock Island Armory, with only a 3.5” barrel (it’s 7.32” overall) and coming in at only 2.16 lbs.

It offers a 7-round capacity (fairly standard) and tactical, extremely durable and tactile G10 grips. If you like the styling of the classic 1911 but need something with similar size, weight, handling and capacity in a more durable package, this might be the variant for you.

4.MAPP FS 9mm
The .45 ACP cartridge is renowned for it’s stopping power. It’s also renowned for its recoil, producing nearly twice as much as that of a cartridge such as, say, the 9mm.

However, 9mm has similar stopping power to the .45 ACP and since it’s a smaller cartridge, you can fit more in a smaller space. These are some of the reasons so many shooters show such preference for 9mm over .45 ACP. Less recoil, similar ballistic performance.

That’s also why so many arms manufacturers have recreated the venerable 1911 in 9mm chamberings instead of .45 ACP.

Case in point, the MAPP FS 9mm from Rock Island Armory. Lightweight, durable, with a 10 round capacity and a short section of rail under the slide, it offers shooters lots of features to love.

5.MAPP MS 9mm
Keeping on the 9mm trend, we would be remiss in our counsel if we didn’t suggest the MAPP MS 9mm Rock Island 1911 pistol.

It’s 7.43” overall, 1.5” wide, and only 1.5 lbs. It has a 10-round capacity, and has an adjustable trigger pull. It also features an all-steel construction - this thing is as tough as nails - and with a section of rail under the slide, it’s ready for mounting lights, lasers or other accessories.

Some might call it the ultimate 9mm 1911-inspired design. We won’t be so bold, but it’s a great handgun and it’s very reasonably priced - you might even be able to find it under $500.

6.XT 22 Standard Combo .22LR/.45 ACP
Finally, this really cool Rock Island 1911 pistol makes this list because it is versatile and (potentially) new-shooter friendly.

Everyone knows what the .45 ACP offers in terms of recoil. It’s a tough handgun cartridge for some shooters to wrangle. The .22LR, however, is not.

This pistol is shooter friendly in many ways, with its parkerized coating, checkered rubber grips, and compatibility with both .22LR and .45 ACP. Train on the lighter-kicking, more affordable .22LR and save the .45 ACP for competition, hunting, or self defense - this pistol gives you both.

Rock Island 1911 Pistols and Parts - in Stock Here
For many interested in the performance and handling of a 1911-style handgun, Rock Island 1911 pistols represent exceptional quality at nearly unbelievably low prices. Besides, you can get a new 1911-style pistol for much less than you’d probably pay for an older gun, anyway.

Take a look through our collection of Rock Island handguns and firearm parts and let us know if you need help finding anything. You can reach us at 610-250-3960.