Description
The Rock Island TAC Ultra FS HC 45 ACP (model 57171) is a full-size, double-stack 1911 that holds 13+1 rounds of .45 ACP. It combines a 5 inch barrel, Parkerized steel, G10 grip panels, an accessory rail and an ambidextrous thumb safety in a pistol built for range, competition and home-defense duty.
Rock Island TAC Ultra FS HC 45 ACP Overview
Rock Island Armory, the American brand of Philippine maker Armscor, has built a reputation for affordable, hand-fitted 1911s made from 4140 ordnance steel. FS means full size and HC means high capacity: the frame is widened to take a double-stack magazine. Armscor lists this model in its RIA-USA series with a 5.05 inch barrel, 8.74 inch overall length, 1.43 inch width, 5.77 inch height and a weight of about 2.5 pounds.
Double-Stack Grip
Thirteen rounds of .45 ACP is close to double what a single-stack Government model holds, and that is the main reason to buy this pistol. The trade is grip size: the frame is noticeably thicker than a standard 1911, which fills large hands nicely but can be a stretch for shooters with short fingers. Hold one at your dealer if you can. The pistol uses Rock Island’s double-stack magazines, not standard 1911 magazines.
Sights
Armscor lists a Novak front sight with a low-profile adjustable rear, while Lipsey’s simply calls the sights fixed. Expect a plain black or dot-style setup that works well in daylight. There is no tritium, so add a weapon light for the dark. The slide is not cut for an optic on this model; Rock Island sells AOS versions if you want a red dot.
Controls and Trigger
An extended beavertail grip safety, an ambidextrous thumb safety and a skeletonized hammer are standard. Armscor lists trigger pull at 4 to 6 pounds, typical for a factory 1911. The thin G10 grips add traction without bulk. As with any 1911, carry it cocked and locked only after you are fully comfortable with the manual of arms, and keep the thumb safety on until the sights are on target.
Rail and Weight
The dust cover carries an accessory rail for a light or laser, which adds front weight and further tames recoil. At about 2.5 pounds empty, and more with 13 rounds of .45 ACP on board, this is a heavy pistol. That makes it pleasant to shoot, but it is a large gun to conceal. A good gun belt and a rail-compatible holster are worth budgeting for.
Value and Caveats
Rock Island 1911s sell for far less than Colt, Springfield or Kimber, and they are backed by a lifetime warranty, but resale value is lower and fit and finish are workmanlike rather than custom. Double-stack magazines cost more than single-stack ones, and .45 ACP ammunition costs more than 9mm. If you want the 1911 trigger with a bigger magazine and an accessory rail, this is one of the most affordable ways to get it.
State Laws and Ownership
A 1911 is legal to own in every state, but a 13-round magazine is not. California, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, Colorado, Washington, Illinois, Vermont, Delaware, Rhode Island, Oregon and Hawaii restrict magazine capacity, many at 10 rounds and some at 15. Several of those states also require a permit or limit sales to approved handgun lists. Ask your receiving dealer whether this configuration can be transferred to you.
Specifications
- Brand: Rock Island Armory (Armscor), RIA-USA series
- Model: TAC Ultra FS HC
- Item number: 57171
- UPC: 850071011012
- Caliber: 45 ACP
- Capacity: 13+1, one magazine included
- Barrel: 5.05 in (Armscor), 1 in 16 twist
- Overall length: 8.74 in (Armscor)
- Width and height: 1.43 in, 5.77 in
- Weight: about 2.5 lb
- Frame and slide: steel, Parkerized black
- Sights: low-profile adjustable rear with fixed front (Armscor sheet)
- Grips: G10
- Controls: ambidextrous thumb safety, beavertail grip safety
- Rail: dust cover accessory rail
- Trigger pull: 4 to 6 lb
Before You Buy
Federal law requires this handgun to ship to a licensed FFL dealer, where you complete ATF Form 4473 and a background check before taking it home. You must be at least 21 years old to buy a handgun from a dealer, and some states add a permit, license, waiting period or safety certificate first. Check that your state and city allow the model and capacity before you order.
Who It Is For
The Rock Island TAC Ultra FS HC 45 ACP is a great fit for 1911 fans who want more than eight rounds of .45 ACP, home-defense buyers who like a heavy, soft-shooting pistol with a light rail, and anyone stepping into Limited-style competition on a budget.
Buy the Rock Island TAC Ultra FS HC 45 ACP at MAG5 Firearms
MAG5 Firearms is a family-owned FFL in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Order the Rock Island TAC Ultra FS HC 45 ACP online and ship it to your local FFL dealer, or browse our full selection of firearms for more pistols. For factory details, visit Rock Island Armory.
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