There is something to say about the fancy pants custom and semi-custom steel frames. But there is also something to say about the other end of the spectrum, the el cheapo 1911s. Love or hate the John Browning design, you can not dismiss its history and longevity. Ones that are made right just flat out work and you don’t have to spend $2,000 plus to get one that is made right.
Rock Island Armory
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RIA PK-12 Pak-Out: A Folding 12-Gauge for Backpack Life — SHOT Show 2026
Published: February 3, 2026 { 10 comments }This is a 12-gauge pump gun built around one idea: shrink it down without turning it into a gimmick.
Six New Pistols Hitting the Market — NRA 2025
Published: May 4, 2025 { 0 comments }Whether you’re after innovation, compatibility, or just good old American steel, there’s a sidearm here worth a second look.
RIA Passes Around STKs: 3 New Models Available — SHOT Show 2024
Published: January 31, 2024 { 0 comments }With the STK series, Rock Island Armory brings forth a new era of striker-fired pistols that combine style, innovation, and performance. Whether you seek personal protection or enjoy recreational shooting, these pistols are designed to meet and exceed your expectations.
Rock Island Armory Introduces the RIA 5.0E Pistol
Published: October 24, 2023 { 0 comments }The RIA5.0E comes with new optic cuts and plates, aiming to offer a more straightforward customization process for users.
Rock Island Armory’s RIA 5.0 is a Flat Shooting Machine — SHOT Show 2023
Published: January 17, 2023 { 4 comments }This pistol has a clean feel and look. Generally speaking, everything in the design aids in keeping the pistol flat while firing.
Rock Island Armory Debuts the 9mm STK100 — SHOT Show 2022
Published: February 1, 2022 { 11 comments }At SHOT Show 2022, Rock Island Armory (RIA) announced its very first striker-fired pistol, the aluminum-framed STK100.
Neither a Shotgun, Pistol, Rifle, or SBR: Rock Island Armory Debuts Its VRF14 — SHOT Show 2022
Published: January 24, 2022 { 10 comments }Rock Island Armory debuted the VRF14 at Range Day at SHOT Show 2022. Legally this 12 gauge is classified as a “firearm.”
Rock Island Armory TM22: All-Metal Plinker for $299 — SHOT Show 2022
Published: January 17, 2022 { 14 comments }Building upon the timeless chambering of 22LR, Rock Island Armory is modernizing the playing field featuring their new TM22.
Rock Island Armory’s Rocking New 12 Gauge – Epic Shoot 2021
Published: November 21, 2021 { 2 comments }We recently attended the 2021 Epic Shoot to bring you the latest product announcements. Check out the new 14” semi-auto VFR14 shotgun from RIA.