Made in the Philippines if I recall correctly. Good gun for the money. Bought one for a family member.
Don't remember the model, but it was a compact size. Works well for the money.
Even if you don't like it, you can swap out the inners for a "better" gun.
I have had my RIA government model for 20 years or do. It always goes bang. Eats all ammo I have tried in it. Rattles a lot. Bought its 85 percent cousin the other day. It is pretty cool, too.
I picked up a Rock Island Armory 1911-A1 Tactical .45 Auto Full-size Pistol, model 51431 around 3 years ago. It was an excellent buy. I like it (that is for a 1911).
Edited to Add: I forgot, the first one I got was defective. Sent it in for what I thought would be a minor repair and they replaced it saying the frame was not to specs. Excellent customer service - the replacement works just fine.
Excellent value. I have several - full-size in .45ACP, 10mm, .22TCM/9mm combo, and .22LR 'tactical', and a Commander in .45ACP.
They shoot well, work every time, and have a lifetime warranty (serviced in Pahrump, NV).
The Filipinos have a long history with the M1911A1, and still use them today. I was at a base outside Manila in 2015, and stopped by a museum that had several on display.
While on the lower end of the 1911 spectrum (as we all know prices can be astronomical!), every RIA pistol I've seen was decently built and ran well!
I've owned several over the years and still have 3. All worked fine and are as accurate and dependable as any other (higher priced brands) I've owned. They are a good value.
RIA 1911's are underappreciated, and actually quite decent pistols. I have owned two of them over the years, and wouldn't hesitate to buy another.
For the price, they are an excellent option to consider for a custom made 1911 project. I am leaning heavily towards a RIA in 38 Super for an upcoming project I have in mind.
Their family and mine knew each other when they were importing through SF, CA. Over the years I’ve owned a shotgun and a 1911 by Armscor. Both work well and were hella affordable in those days as well as now.
I recently bought their babyrock .380 and am considering a Cimarron 1911 (that RIA makes for them). They’re good people and make a great product.
They stand behind their guns. None of mine needed any attention, but I know people who’ve had to and were never disappointed.