Rock Island Armory Rock Ultra CS 45ACP 1911 Out Of The Box and Review

Review of the Rock Ultra CS 45ACP.
As a diehard Colt fan and owner, to say I was surprised by this lower price 1911 would be an understatement.
The features and extras that come on this 1911 out of the box, as well as its overall quality and accuracy, are amazing for the low price. A 1911 with these features from any of the 'big boys' would easily cost you more than double what the RIA costs.
After 200 rounds right out of the box, I have become a Rock Island Armory believer.

[@Dragonscout]

Sorry for the long response...I've owned 1911s in one brand or another since 1975. I bought an inexpensive new Rock Island Government in 2013 and promptly put over 1000 rounds thru it with nothing more than a regular bore brush and field strip to insure nothing out of the ordinary was going on. It was dead on and had good groups out to 25 yards. Since I reload I could put more lead down range than some folks. Over the next 2 years I got another few thousand rounds through it. It fed everything fine with no more than a few (less than 10) ammo/magazine issues. I finally decided to do a detail strip. When I got to the mainspring housing pin, I noticed the hole was off. Rather than "bubba" it with a Dremel tool, I called the Rock Island plant. I was put on hold. In less than a minute a man came on and said "This is Martin Tuason, could you send me a photo of the frame hole?" In less than 5 minutes he got the photo and called me back and told me he was emailing me a FEDEX number to return the firearm. A week later, I called to see where the pistol might be in the repair line. I was put on hold and Mr Martin Tuason (OWNER OF RIA) came on and informed me that the had shipped me a new pistol with extra mags and my custom grips installed. I asked why since the pistol had over 4000 rounds on the frame. He replied "I want you as a customer for life and my father wants the pistol to see why it got out of the plant in the first place!" When my daughter and I met him at the NRA show in Atlanta, I related the story to him, he remembered and we laughed and talked for 20 minutes about it .... I just bought another ROck Ultra CS this week with Crimson Trace grips.

[@gadiadelman]

That is FANTASTIC! That's 'customer service'!

[@imthatguy1878]

I had a similar experience with my Rock island baby rock, it was a good pistol until I took it to the range in single digit temps, it was my truck gun and having mim parts the slide lock sheared off and had to send it back, they were great, Martin called me directly and assured me it was a fluke and supposedly he sent it through their custom shop and tuned the trigger, polished the feed ramp and replaced the slide lock, was a little upset that I didn't get my stainless mag returned with it ( returned with a blued) but they were having mag issues with the first runs

[@Don.E.63]

Dragonscout your story just made up my mind on what brand to get next, thanks!

[@lornedey4040]

I've wondered about this pistol for a long time. Thanks for the great, informative review!

[@gadiadelman]

My pleasure Lorne!

[@kwik2hear915]

I want one!!!!! Great review, you've turned me into a RI fan!

[@Balisong-jh7zs]

These 1911 are pretty much Handmade in Philippines you cant go wrong with the quality and price on this one.

[@gutadin5]

paguwi ko ng pinas RIA 1911 bilhin ko.

[@garyK.45ACP]

I own three Colts, 2 Kimbers and a Charles Daly EFS (Enhanced Full Size) made by Armscor, just like Rock Island is. The Charles Daly/Armscor/Rock Island delivers right up there with the others and I consider it a great value. FWIW I use ONLY Wilson Combat magazines in all my 1911s. The original mags stay in the factory box. I also replaced the extractors on ALL my 1911s with a Wilson Combat extractor (except one which is an original 1918 mfg. Colt 1911). I keep an extractor, so when I buy a new 1911, it just gets replaced right away and I order another spare. The original stays in the box.

[@roycelabor4339]

Super review Gadi! I've been wanting a compact 1911 for a while now and have been looking at the RIA/Armscor products for a while now. Your review has sold me on the weapon. Now I just have to find someone who has them in stock!

[@gadiadelman]

Thank you for the feedback, I'm glad you enjoyed it

[@N98858]

I come from a "High End" 1911 family as my Dad was a Custom 1911 Pistol-Smith! I have this exact firearm and was overwhelmed with the quality and "Tac-Driving" accuracy. I did have a similar function issue which turned out to be the extractor of which RIA sent me a new one along with a new firing pin and spring kit under warranty! ';-)

[@gadiadelman]

Fantastic! I am so glad to hear that as a 'high end' 1911 person you agreed with my assessments!

[@oceancowboy6981]

I’m down with rock island ordering mine today I’m sold awesome video very good knowledge thanks

[@Miguel.Rosado7224]

Great pistol. I own one. No issues at all. Bought 6 Wilson combat mags just to be on the safe side. By the way, in reality I been able to field strip the handgun with out the paper clip. Pull the slide back to the line push the pin out and the upper comes out. Remove the recoil spring and barrel. Might have to move it a bit but it works. Thanks for the video.

[@davidwebb4261]

My first 1911 was a rock island armory standard is G.I model ... Loved every damn second of it and made it my daily carry .

[@I_Died_2_Weeks_Ago]

Mine too. Picked up the Tactical CS for edc. The GI is now my wheel gun.

[@lionelburns6317]

Dave: I bought one new in the Phil and being in the military before I picked it up shook it and it didn't rattle. I thought there was something wrong with it! Man was it ever tight too! The only thing I didn't care for was the rear sights that are part of the slide and the V was very rough but for a new quality .45acp $400 pistol you can't complain.

[@bluefinger49]

I am glad you said something about the mag

[@netravler1]

I have had magazine issues with two different Glocks, a Kahr arms, and a Kimber. Mag issues can happen with any firearm manufacturer. What I do, is if I have a magazine that gives me issues, I will Mark it, or put a orange dot on it so that I know never to carry it for SD, and I will only use it for the range, and if it's really bad, I take a hammer to it if the factory won't replace it. And throw the whole thing out.

[@petemartinez9480]

I purchased the cs standard version for my first 1911 recently. Have not got to take it out yet. Think I'll grab some wilson mags for it. Happy to hear your review on it.

[@gadiadelman]

Great! Have fun and let us know what you think

[@kulahawaii1983]

Thank you great job!

[@hattrick-df4bo]

Great video, useful info, Thanks!!

[@prototypezerosix640]

Hi sir. I hope you read this msg. Im from philippines. Thankyou for your video. After all this lockdown here coz of this virus im gonna buy this tac ultra. Your video helps a lot. Thanks again

[@gadiadelman]

I am glad that you are taking the step to protect yourself and your family. You will like the Tac Ultra!

[@333Kdigital]

Great review

[@bobmcgehee1749]

I have two of these, love shooting them.

[@edwinsane3769]

Very informative for me. Thanks for sharing! Kinda leaning toward this. Other choice is Magnum Research 45.

[@brucel399]

I had the jam problem with my Colt Commander when I used the factory magazines. I bought 3 Wilson Combat magazines and it hasn't jammed once since.

[@gadiadelman]

Thank you Bruce, that's good info to pass on!

[@marknorwood7521]

Rock Island also offers a "csl" model. "compact size lightweight" (alloy frame). Comes in around 27-28 oz.

[@packinaglock]

I just got the full sized of this two days ago. I have a crap ton of Glocks, M&P’s, H&K’s, Sigs, Walthers, Kahr’s Rugers, ect. This is my first 1911 and I’m thoroughly impressed. I don’t see myself ever carrying it as it’s heavy as all get out but will make a nice range gun.

[@guillermofidelavila689]

1911 en 45 ACP . Más de un siglo . Y máximo está de alta capacidad. Divinas

[@sanchezroman8995]

Have this same model but in an All Stainless steel configuration.. Bought it outside the USA. It would feed on semi-wad reloads..hollow points..etc. Mine is very accurate with 185 grains.. round-flat heads.. Never had a feeding jam..maybe because of the stainless steel feeding ramp.. Just my analysis 👍

[@drippingjimmy5492]

I had the same issue you had with the magazine, but with RIA's GI model. I just switched it out for a wison combat mag and I've never had an issue sense.

[@josh4340]

I can't wait to get 1

[@adenvalento]

Looks nice!

[@speedyjoe5421]

I have the full size and mid size rock island. They both run flawlessly with good magazines. I don't even shoot my series 70 colt. I qualify annually for my retired law enforcement carry. I shoot at least once a week and love my rock islands in .45acp.

[@gadiadelman]

That's awesome Joseph, thanks for sharing that!

[@joselitodino5966]

nice hand gun, excellent.

[@Mike525F]

Thank you! Loved the review. I’m eyeing one of these for myself. I’m curious how it would perform with a Wilson combat magazine.

[@gadiadelman]

I honestly don't know if a Wilson will work in that, I checked a few forums and read where "The only mags that don't work in Rocks are ASC. Mec-gar, act-mag, tripp, McCormick all work." But I wouldn't trust that. If you own a Wilson mag take it to a store that has the Ultra in stock and check. Otherwise, I would call RIA customer service to be sure. Sorry I couldn't be more help.

[@imthatguy1878]

I run the 9mm version and it's been a very solid performer, I'll switch between my Rock island and colts in 45acp,9mm, 38super

[@imthatguy1878]

I will add that for a Filipino pistol the trigger and reset are awesome and actuall nicer than a couple of my Colts

[@candellasteelerectorscandella]

likeit nice weapon

[@user-lw9to9rb3p]

I love my baby rock...it's awesome.

[@ciprianocastroiii9916]

That's a beautiful cs 1911 you have Gadi, by the way you can adjust the screw on your guide rod just a little enough for you to pull up like my ati 1911 fxfatboy bull barrel, anyway any update with the mag sir I've been eyeing this cs for a long time now and it seems like everything comes with the bells and whistles now a days. Thank you for your good input review

[@gadiadelman]

Here's the link to the article which was just published, it goes into more detail on the magazine being covered. tactical-reviews.com/gunblog-online/f/eventually-everything-changes I don't own that CS, it was a review and was sent back to RIA. I will be buying one in the future though!

[@gagunshooting803]

I’m looking to get my first 1911...so many different brands to choose from. My purpose is to get more familiar with the 1911 platform and possibly carry in the future after getting more experience with the platform. I want a budget friendly model/brand. RIA seems to be a very nice option for the money. I have also looked at Citadel which is also by RIA. Decisions decisions

[@gadiadelman]

RIA is the way to go in my humble opinion.

[@jamesonkilpatrick4496]

Ruger is nearly same price range and it’s built just a bit better 🫡

[@gagunshooting803]

@@jamesonkilpatrick4496 great information...thanks

[@jamesonkilpatrick4496]

@@gagunshooting803 of course this is an opinion lol but to my naked eye I don’t see the same mim parts in the Ruger…both are fine examples of a 1911 for the money…I used to be that coltTard that thought if it wasn’t a colt it wasn’t a 1911 lol but things change and even the cheapest of 1911 are made better than an old name brand one in my opinion And if you are still shopping don’t forget to check out the stainless tisas models my dad has one with over 2k rounds with NO failure to feed/fire or eject….

[@gagunshooting803]

@@jamesonkilpatrick4496 I picked up an SDS Imports for like $350 out the door. I just wanted to get one so I could get familiar with the 1911 platform. The SDS actually shoots very well and I haven’t had any issues with it. It’s sure is heavy and nothing I will carry due to the weight. I did carry it for a few weeks just because someone sent me a holster for it and wanted me to die a review for them. Now it’s just a good range gun. I really like the triggers on the 1911’s but that about it.

[@badas45]

Very cool

[@lionelburns6317]

I own one of these in .45ACP. Great pistol BUT too heavy (32oz dry) for EDC unless you shoulder holster it or wear suspenders to hold your britches up or cinch your belt up like you're saddling a horse!

[@lionelburns6317]

Gadi: I had to switch to a Taurus G2C 9mm for my EDC. Yea sure I'd rather carry a .45 but with the nine I just need to put more rounds on target and the G2C has a 12 round capacity and it weighs just 22oz dry. For the money it works and won't pull my britches down either!

[@dakotahuff2276]

I liked this video for the sole reason that you wrecked the guy in the comments talking shit about your grouping.

[@larryreed7455]

Excellent review! Great information! I was wondering will other 1911 magazines work in this 45 ? Thanks

[@gadiadelman]

That I am not 100% positive of, I would check with customer service but I tend to lean towards utilizing what's made for each weapon by different manufacturers.

[@larryreed7455]

@@gadiadelman Thank you so much!

[@2asianguys667]

Shot a Rock Island , they’re smooth

[@franciscarllingan1732]

Can you make a review and a side by side comparison of Metro Arms Corporation American Classic 2 vs this gun? Thank you so much

[@gadiadelman]

Francis, I wish I could, but that would be up to Metro Arms to supply me with the weapon for a review.

[@davesackenheim2937]

... Great review but, why the Reverb? I mean I feel like him in the gun vault in a castle... Kind of like it

[@jerryhagel2466]

Love my rock fs ultra

[@gadiadelman]

Fabulous! Enjoy!

[@dabbergames3827]

Now I know why mine jams sometimes, I need a new mag! I have this exact model and I love it.

[@gadiadelman]

Contact customer service, be sure to mention my video and let us know what happens!

[@dabbergames3827]

Forgot to update, but the new mag is better.. But what size holster are you using? 4inch?

[@gadiadelman]

@@dabbergames3827 Glad to hear you resolved the Mag problem. Since I was only doing a review I didn't have a holster. I was (and still am) planning on buying one as I had said, but shortly after this review the Covid hit and I have yet to buy mine.

[@gtrs4ever]

I have a compact G.I. model but didn't like the quality of the firing group so I replaced it with Harrison Design firing group...what a difference it made.

[@jax3464]

I'm sold getting one ASAP! Thx!

[@gadiadelman]

You won't regret it!

[@lionelburns6317]

Bought mine in 2017.

[@vf12497439]

We have a RIA 1911 in 45. It shoots very accurate and out of maybe 600 rounds it’s only malfunctioned twice if you can call it a malfunction? The slide locked back with rounds still in the mag. We have an M&P 40 that at similar number of rounds fired has had no malfunctions but neither of us have accuracy with it without some solid pray to Jesus breathe through the mouth and exhale through the nose…. Hold your breath and squeeze! Back to the RI for easy and fun shooting.

[@clydetriplett8463]

My Sig P 220 is my choice, 1911 s are most people’s choice.

[@yunassaxer7119]

great!

[@bulldog2035]

Hey are the grips on this standard size I'm thinking of putting on some custom grips when I get mine

[@gadiadelman]

The grips are standard to the RIA Ultra CS, I would make sure that the grips you purchase will fit that specific weapon before you buy.

[@bulldog2035]

Thank you

[@BLACKWOLF-1911]

I have the cs ultra tactical in 45, I always buy cobra mags for all my 1911s, colt, springfield, and ria. There about the same price as those crap factory mags (45 bucks) call tripp research in Texas and buy a few.

[@gutadin5]

cobra magz is an alternative to wilson magazine

[@richfreese4145]

I’m Rock Island fan , have a cs tact , and fs model . Looking to get this model you have , but there’s no weight listed . Would you have a close weight on this ?

[@gadiadelman]

I don't know the weight off the top of my head, just Google it and it will come up in the specs

[@richfreese4145]

@@gadiadelman thanks for the reply I didn’t realize you don’t have the cs-l which is the light weight model . I sent a email to them asking adopt the weight .

[@ZFlyingVLover]

It'd be nice if they redesigned this model to use the BBR double stack mag. Maybe you could then have a 12 round mag flush the the grip. Can you say SAWEET

[@ShowemRight]

Theres millions of 1911 .45 acp magazines out there all over the planet, but with a double stack 12 rounder sure it make a nice shoot at the range gun, but in a SHTF scenario I want a firearm that will make my chances greater for getting a hold of a 1911 magazine if I had to vacate the premises and venture out and about. Glocks are another pistol that would satisfy that SHTF scenario .....no doubt, no doubt.

[@peterguns]

As for jams come from shit mags. I use original one from 1969. The problem disappeared. I talk about Rock I A, GI model.

[@zoeyshoots]

Does the short barrel bring up issues with hollow point expansion?

[@gadiadelman]

Good question. I did not shoot any hollow points during the review, but it shouldn't have anything to do with barrel length, but rather distance to target and what you are hitting. I don't see the ballistics of the hollow point changing that much due to a barrel that is only an inch and a half shorter than a standard. But, I could be incorrect on that, I would look up the stats on the particular hollow point you are using.

[@zoeyshoots]

@@gadiadelman lol.. always learning.. I agree... Experiment with what works i guess..

[@tracyhaynes5404]

@@gadiadelman you might be surprised at the difference between 3 1/2" and 5" barrel. You shouldn't be giving people advise like that

[@gadiadelman]

@@tracyhaynes5404 do tell

[@tracyhaynes5404]

@@gadiadelman .45acp being in the 850-950 fps range is on the border between expanding and not expanding anyways. .380acp and .22 mag out of short barrels are in the same velocity range suffer the same thing. I agree with you in that distance to target will shed speed and make a great difference I reliable expansion, but you suggested that barrel length was negligible. A 1 1/2" barrel reduction and the 30-70 fps lost could be the tipping point in the equation, and I thought it wrong of you to say it didn't matter

[@Acidburn3141]

I just said “polymer baseplate” 25 times FAST and didn’t even stutter

[@joshuaferris4063]

I just got this online from palmetto state armory for $349 on their daily deals

[@sbranham86]

My cs didn’t come with extra mag or tritium front sight

[@gadiadelman]

Wait? Was it the Ultra?

[@sbranham86]

Gadi Adelman nah, I just checked and it wasn’t. I just picked it up today for a truck gun since I was worried someone would steal my shockwave

[@clydetriplett8463]

My Brother loves rock Amory I want to buy your old Colt. For Sale?

[@gadiadelman]

Nope. lol

[@cliftonwhittaker260]

Cedar City, Utah, is home of the new RIA factory.

[@Dis_Guy92]

Hey where can I buy that grip?

[@gadiadelman]

@@Dis_Guy92 that grip comes with the gun. You can purchase aftermarket grips online that would be the same just Google it

[@renegadegotdown9991]

Slide lock on mine is stuck half way out and won’t go back in all the way

[@gadiadelman]

If it is stuck in there take it to a gunsmith otherwise take it all the way out and try again

[@renegadegotdown9991]

@@gadiadelman slide won’t move at all. I have only put 300 rounds through it. I am sending to rock island and they are going to fix it. I just got it about 2 weeks ago. Sure it’s an easy fix for them

[@gadiadelman]

@@renegadegotdown9991 that was my next suggestion

[@robertswager5220]

Is this gun California compliant?

[@gadiadelman]

Go online on Google it. There was a website from the California Attorney General's office listing all the legal weapons there

[@arlenleffmann4966]

Anyone remember the llama 1911? I had one back in the late 80s. Total turd.

[@istartedajoke1704]

Get some wilson combat mags and youll be good

[@4deuce31]

Use MecGar mags 👍

[@ibapa888]

If you have a 1911 and want to improve reliability one should buy at least a ChipMcCormick or a Wilson Combat magazines. Factory mags should be your last to use mag.

[@VerumAdPotentia]

Hey Gadi, I'm getting pretty sick of YouCensor, so I'm starting to migrate over to BitChute. I see you don't have a channel there, so I'll check back often, and hope to see you develop a presence there soon. ~ Cameron

[@gadiadelman]

honestly never even heard of it

[@VerumAdPotentia]

You might take a look at it. There is of course the typical nazi holocaust denier, porn, etc, but that is to be expected on a genuinely uncensored platform, and easily avoided by simply not clicking on their racist idiocy. Let me know if you decide to move over there, so I can hit you with a subscription. God bless. God speed. God save the Republic!

[@jsh4401]

This is a g r e a t review.

[@jasonbuck489]

Tell ya what... There is absolutely nothing wrong with a Rock Island 1911.... Any of them... They are what I call a "Shooting Son of a Bitch"!...... The fit is amazing... The ones I have work great!.... The Parkerized Finish is a little funky in spots, but who cares... I didn't purchase either one of them to be a "show piece" or a "safe queen"...... In my experience, the RIA 1911's love the older Chip McCormick mags, and the newer Wilson Combat Mags..... I'm thinking about getting one of their revolvers in 9mm.... I'm looking into it.... It's being seriously considered!!....

[@geoffrey3289]

Unfortunately the quality control on some of the so called "Big boy" manufacturers is poor at best anymore.

[@gadiadelman]

I'm sorry you feel that way but when it comes to the Rock Island Armory line I think their quality control and customer service is just as good if not better than some of the other manufacturers out there

[@geoffrey3289]

@@gadiadelman I am not disagreeing with you, what I am trying to say is that some the more expensive 1911s i.e Colt are not the same quality they use to be.

[@gadiadelman]

@@geoffrey3289 I misunderstood. You are correct when it comes to some of the big name manufacturers

[@nuyabiss]

Rather own a browning 1911 than colt lol.

[@gadiadelman]

It's not a colt. Lol

[@Acidburn3141]

You only get ONE mag you DONOT get 2

[@shabah69]

Again I will never buy unless I am proven any mfg brand have great CS to any phone call we make regarding warranty okay, now, also, ask about the period waiting time for any gun being returned, and who pays for the shipping uh???????????????????????????????? BS