Rock River Arms Elite Commando: A 1911 Built To Perform
Many shooters may think Rock River Arms only builds AR-type rifles, and if they do, they are missing out on some very fine 1911s.
By David Fortier
Photography: Emily Fortier
Despite the 10 degree F. temperature, I was having a great time as I ran another transition drill. Huffing for air, I moved away from the "threat" targets as my Rock River carbine spit empties at a frantic rate. Swinging the carbine towards yet another target I tried to be mindful of my footing while heading for cover. Winter was sitting on Maine, and my range was covered in a layer of crusty snow. But that became the least of my worries when my carbine's bolt abruptly locked back. At times like this silence can be the loudest sound in the world. There was still a target up and I was in the open, so this was hardly the ideal time for a magazine change. So rather than trying to get the carbine back into the fight, I transitioned to my sidearm and kept moving. Bringing the 1911 up, I fired three rapid shots with one hand while scrambling for cover. Once there I quickly reengaged the last target, assessed the situation, and reloaded my carbine. Then I checked the targets, and did it all over again. And again.
What made things really interesting during these drills was the Model 1911 I was using. Like the carbine, the pistol was stamped "Rock River Arms." I was already familiar with the firm's rifles, so I was running these drills to gain greater insight on what kind of pistol Rock River Arms (RRA) is capable of building. With .45 ACP empties peppering the snow, I was becoming more and more impressed by its performance.
Many people assume Rock River Arms (Dept. ST, 1042 Cleveland Rd., Colona, IL 61241; 309-792-5780; www.rockriverarms.com) only sells AR-type rifles along with parts and accessories. But that's incorrect. For years RRA has also offered very high-quality custom-built 1911 pistols. Currently 80 to 90 percent of RRA's output is dedicated to rifles, but the other 10 to 20 percent of production capability is devoted to 1911 pistols. The line consists of five basic models: National Match Hardball, Elite Commando, Basic Limited Match, Limited Match, and Bullseye Wadcutter.
Of these the National Match Hardball is guaranteed to shoot three-inch groups at 50 yards with Federal Ball ammunition. As its name suggests, this model is legal for NRA competition and Leg Matches. The Elite Commando and Basic Limited Match pistols are guaranteed to shoot 2.5-inch groups at 50 yards, and the Limited Match and Bullseye Wadcutter models are guaranteed to shoot into 1.5 inches at 50 yards. Red-dot sights have taken over in Bullseye competition, so the Bullseye Wadcutter model comes without sights but with a rugged optical rail mounted.
Novak or Heinie tritium rear; ramp front with tritium insert
Sight Radius:
6.5 inches
Stocks:
Rosewood
Magazine Capacity:
7 rounds
Finish:
Blue
Price:
$1725
Perusing these models it immediately becomes clear that Rock River Arms, unlike many other companies, has a strong emphasis on NRA Bullseye competition. While IPSC and IDPA may get most of the glory in the firearms press, 2700 still remains hugely popular across the country. So RRA not only builds dedicated models ready to race out of the box, but the company also makes the trip out to Camp Perry every year. During the Nationals Rock River Arms owners, Mark and Chuck Larson, bring a team to support the competitors. They do this by doing upgrades as well as tweaking and repairing competitors' match pistols (as well as rifles during the rifle phase) at their booth.
While RRA is very vocal in its support of NRA Competition and competitive marksmen, don't think that the company only builds match pistols. Company technicians are also very adept at building very practical carry guns for personal protection--pistols that are not only reliable and accurate but good looking as well. To illustrate this Chuck Larson shipped me a five-inch RRA Elite Commando in .45 ACP for review, and it was the pistol I used in the shooting drills I described earlier.
North American Whitetall
North American Whitetail is designed for the serious trophy hunter. It provides authoritative coverage of world-class whitetails, the latest approaches to deer management and advanced hunting techniques.
