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Taking a journey through the world of classic firearms, we arrive at the Rock Island Armory 1911 TAC Ultra FS, a Modern yet Tactical version of the legendary 1911 pistol. Rock Island Armory, a brand synonymous with robust and affordable firearms, brings its unique blend of craftsmanship and innovation to this iconic model. This review aims to explore the nuances and features that set the TAC Ultra FS apart in the crowded field of modern handguns.
The 1911 pistol has long stood as a symbol of reliability and timeless design in the firearms community. With the TAC Ultra FS, Rock Island Armory injects modern enhancements into the traditional framework, creating a handgun that appeals to both the 1911 purists and those seeking a contemporary shooting experience. Our in-depth review will dissect every aspect of the RIA 1911 TAC Ultra FS, from its design and ergonomics to its performance and adaptability in various shooting scenarios.
Features and Overview of the Rock Island Armory 1911 TAC Ultra FS
The Rock Island Armory 1911 TAC Ultra FS is a standout firearm in the TAC series, offering a blend of classic design and modern enhancements. It’s a pistol that caters to both personal protection and recreational shooting, designed to meet the demands of a wide array of shooters.
Specifications
| SKU | 51485 |
| Series | TAC |
| Caliber | 45ACP |
| Capacity | 8 |
| Barrel Length | 5″ |
| Overall Length | 8.74 inch / 222 mm |
| Overall Width | 1.3 inch / 33 mm |
| Overall Height | 5.51 inch / 140 mm |
| Weight | 2.7 lbs / 1.22 kg |
| Front Sight | Dovetail Fiber Optic Front Sight |
| Rear Sight | LPA MPS1 Type Adjustable Rear Sight |
| Grips | G10 Black/Grey |
| Finish | Black Parkerized |
| Action | Semi-Automatic |
| Trigger Pull | 4 – 6 lbs |
| Purpose | Personal Protection, Recreational Shooting |
| MSRP (US) | $799 |
This firearm is characterized by its robust build and precision engineering. The 5-inch barrel and overall dimensions ensure a reliable and comfortable shooting experience, while the 8-round capacity strikes a balance between firepower and manageability. The fiber optic front sight and adjustable rear sight cater to precise shooting, enhancing the user’s ability to engage targets effectively.
The G10 black/grey grips not only add to the visual appeal of the pistol but also enhance grip stability and comfort. The trigger pull, set between 4 to 6 pounds, allows for a crisp and responsive shooting experience. Priced at an impressive MSRP of $799, the Rock Island Armory 1911 TAC Ultra FS, but can be found at Buds Gun Shop for $639, not only presents itself as a competitive option in the market but also a high contender for the best bang for your buck 1911.
Unboxing the Rock Island Armory 1911 TAC Ultra FS
The Rock Island Armory 1911 TAC Ultra FS comes in a durable hard plastic carry case, lined with foam to ensure the firearm’s protection.
Inside, the package contents are minimal yet sufficient. The TAC Ultra FS itself takes center stage. Accompanying the pistol are two magazines, a user manual, lock and key and live fire test rounds. The simplicity of the package – the pistol, the magazines, lock, manual and the protective case reflects the no-frills, functionality-focused philosophy of Rock Island Armory.
Design and Aesthetics
Upon first glance at the Rock Island Armory 1911 TAC Ultra FS, certain features immediately jump out, blending modern tactical flair within a classic 1911 design. Four particular elements stand out: the skeletonized trigger, the front slide serrations, the picatinny rail, and the grip panels. These additions give the firearm a tactical appearance while maintaining the quintessential 1911 aura.
The RIA 1911 TAC Ultra FS boasts a full-size steel frame. Holding it, one can appreciate the solid and substantial build, a reminder of the 1911’s storied history and its continued relevance in modern firearm design. Rock Island Armory has struck a balance between modern enhancements and the timeless 1911 charm, resulting in a handgun that appeals to a wide range of enthusiasts.
However, despite the impressive aesthetics of the TAC Ultra FS, I find myself wishing for more variety in its finishes. Currently available in black, which undeniably looks sleek and classic, I can’t help but imagine how striking this model would be in other finishes like stainless or Flat Dark Earth (FDE). The inclusion of such options would not only broaden its appeal but also cater to shooters who appreciate a bit of personalization and style in their firearms. Nonetheless, Rock Island Armory’s decision to stick with the classic black finish does nothing to detract from the overall allure of this modern take on the iconic 1911.
Grip and Ergonomics
The Rock Island Armory 1911 TAC Ultra FS stands out not just for its looks but also for its grip and ergonomics. The G10 grip panels are a highlight itself. Combining aesthetic appeal with practical functionality. The rugged texture of these grips provides excellent control, ensuring a firm and steady hold, which is crucial for both precision and safety. Its design doesn’t feel bulky or unwieldy. Instead, it offers a surprisingly comfortable and natural grip.
For a full-size pistol, the TAC Ultra FS excels in providing a comfortable shooting experience. Its ergonomics are well-considered, ensuring that the pistol feels balanced and manageable in the hand. This comfort in handling is a significant factor, especially for those who might typically find full-size handguns a bit too imposing. The Ultra TAC FS manages to deliver the authoritative presence of a full-size 1911 while maintaining a level of comfort and control that appeals to shooters of various statures and hand sizes.
Trigger
The trigger of the RIA 1911 TAC Ultra plays a very important role in the firearm’s overall performance. It features a light weight skeletonized design along with serrations on the face of the trigger, that complements the hammer and overall appeal awesomely. If awesomely isn’t a word yet it is now!
The TAC Ultra features an MR3 trigger with an overtravel adjustment. This adjustment can be made using the threaded Allen screw located at the bottom of the trigger, allowing shooters to fine-tune their trigger pull to their liking.
My favorite aspect of this trigger is its solid wall. Having a distinct wall can allow for better accuracy as it helps you gauge exactly when the trigger will break. The break itself is firm and crisp. Overall the trigger feels great, looks great & performs great, I’ve got zero complaints.
Now its time to conducted our trigger pull test. Rock Island Armory advertises the trigger pull at 4-6 pounds. After three measurements, recording 5.25, 5.12, and 5.25 pounds, the average was calculated at 5.2 pounds. This sits comfortably within the manufacturer’s specified range and provides and awesome feel.
In conclusion, the trigger on the Rock Island Armory 1911 TAC Ultra FS impresses both aesthetically and functionally. Its solid wall, crisp break, along with the added overtravel adjustment make it a standout feature. In the near future we will make an article on actually adjusting that overtravel setting, be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss it!
Sights
The RIA 1911 TAC Ultra FS comes equipped with a LPA MPS1 adjustable rear sight paired with a dovetail fiber optic front sight.
The adjustable rear sight features two white dots, while the front sight is equipped with a bright red fiber optic. The red fiber optic front sight works very well capturing light, making target acquisition quick and easy in well-lit conditions. Even in those lower light situations the sight does pretty well absorbing the light, illuminating that front sight. The bright red dot stands out very well, making it easy for the eye to catch for fast and efficient aiming.
However, it’s worth noting that the rear sights do present a slight disadvantage in lower light conditions. While the front sight does very well absorbing light, the rear dots can be a bit harder to see in dimmer environments. That said, in well-lit situations, the rear sights perform great but do lack visibility in low light conditions unlike the front site.
Now one downfall I noticed from out of the box performance which i will touch on is that the sights were slightly off, approximately 3 inches to the left. However, the rear sight adjustment was a pretty straightforward process. Using a small flat head screwdriver and adjusting the screw located on the side of the rear sight. With a bit of fine-tuning and some patience, I was able to sight in the 1911, which significantly improved its accuracy.
Slide and Barrel
The RIA 1911 TAC Ultra FS sports a 5-inch button rifled barrel, which in my case is chambered for the .45 ACP but also available in 9mm and 10mm models. This barrel is accompanied by a full-length guide rod housed by the slide. The slide, crafted from 4140 ordnance steel with a black parkerized finish, robust and built to withstand the rigors of frequent use.
What stands out immediately about the slide are the serrations present at both the front and rear. These serrations are not just aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, offering excellent grip and ease of use when racking the slide.
Despite its position as a more budget-friendly option in the 1911 market, the TAC Ultra FS does not compromise on quality or feel. When racking the slide it is surprisingly smooth and tight, reflecting Rock Island Armory’s commitment to quality on a budget. It’s clear that the tolerances and fitting processes were a focal point in its design. The slide operates with a precision and solidity that belies the firearm’s affordable price point, dispelling any notions of it feeling ‘cheap.’
Key Features
Slide Stop: The slide stop on the Rock Island Armory 1911 TAC Ultra FS features a knurled texture, ensuring a solid grip. Initially stiff, it quickly loosens up with use, allowing for an easy flick of the thumb to efficiently drop the slide. Its performance is reliable and up to par with expectations, showcasing no significant issues.
Magazine Release: The magazine release is ergonomically designed for ease of use. The thoughtful protrusion of the button, combined with the grip panel cutout, facilitate quick and effortless magazine changes.
Picatinny Rail: A front-mounted Picatinny rail adds a modern touch to this 1911, offering versatility for customization. It allows for the addition of various accessories, such as a tactical light, enhancing the pistol’s functionality, especially in low-light conditions.
Hammer: Another notable feature of the TAC Ultra FS is its lightweight skeletonized hammer, just like the trigger. This design not only contributes to the firearm’s overall aesthetics but with the serrations on the top of the hammer it also serves a practical purpose. In situations where manual cocking is necessary, the serrations provide ample grip, ensuring ease of use. This is indicative of Rock Island Armory’s focus on enhancing grip and user experience across various components of the firearm.
Safety Features
The Rock Island Armory 1911 TAC Ultra FS is equipped with two distinct types of safety mechanisms, each contributing to the secure and responsible use of the firearm.
Backstrap (Grip) Safety: The first type is a backstrap safety, commonly known as the grip safety, which is a hallmark of the traditional 1911 design. This safety feature is engaged when the backstrap is not being firmly held, preventing accidental discharge. During normal firing, this safety is virtually unnoticeable, as it naturally disengages when the user grips the firearm properly. It’s a passive safety system that adds an extra layer of security without interfering with the shooting experience.
Manual Thumb Safety: The second safety feature is the manual thumb safety, which becomes operational when the hammer is in the cocked position. This safety lever, located just under the rear of the slide, is accessible on both sides of the firearm, making it convenient for both right and left-handed users. By engaging this safety, the firearm is locked, preventing the hammer from striking the firing pin until the safety is disengaged. This feature is particularly useful for carrying the firearm in a ready-to-fire state while ensuring it remains safe until intentionally disengaged.
On The Range Performance
During my range session with the Rock Island Armory 1911 Ultra TAC FS, my first impressions were overwhelmingly positive. The trigger felt great, providing a solid wall with a crisp and clean break. Racking the slide was smooth and required minimal effort, a which i would say is testament to the firearm’s quality.
The flared mag well significantly aides in magazine swaps, making them quick and effortless – a feature that any shooter would appreciate. The first 100 rounds consistently veered 2-3 inches to the left, prompting me to adjust the sights as noted earlier. After fine-tuning, the sights held steady, maintaining accuracy over subsequent rounds.
Having fired just over 500 rounds, the 1911 TAC Ultra FS has proven its reliability. I have yet to experience a jam or misfire, which is impressive considering the variety of ammunition types used during the test. This speaks volumes about its dependable functionality. The performance throughout the session was awesome, with solid groupings consistently achieved at ranges of 10 to 20 yards. Despite its full metal build, the pistol felt well-balanced in hand, contributing to its overall manageable shooting experience.
Despite its affordability, at no point did the RIA 1911 TAC Ultra FS feel cheap. Its performance and build quality could easily place it in a higher price bracket. Thus making it a strong contender for the our ‘best bang for your buck’ 1911 series.
The RIA 1911 TAC Ultra FS stands out for its budget-friendly price tag along with its performance and reliability. Its accuracy and build quality make it a top choice for anyone looking for a high-quality 1911 without breaking the bank.
Final Thoughts
As I wrap up the review of the Rock Island Armory 1911 Ultra TAC FS, it’s clear that this firearm stands out as an exceptional choice for anyone in the market for a 1911, especially those mindful of budget. The pistol’s price-to-performance ratio is remarkable, offering the modernized tactical appeal and reliability of a 1911 without the hefty price tag often associated with high-end models. It’s a testament to Rock Island Armory’s commitment to quality and affordability.
The TAC Ultra FS doesn’t just impress with its cost-effectiveness; it excels in its build and performance. The focus on ease of use and comfort is evident, making it a suitable choice for both experienced shooters and those new to the 1911 platform. Whether you’re a longtime fan of 1911s or considering your first purchase, the Rock Island Armory 1911 Ultra TAC FS proves to be a wise choice, balancing quality, affordability, and an enjoyable shooting experience.
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