Rock River Arms Delivers Classic Performance

posted on August 19, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
rra-1911-425.jpg

A firearm’s practicality in shooting for defensive situations is paramount in my mind when I try out a gun. I recently became acquainted with Rock River Arms (RRA) and a small sampling from its arsenal during a trip to the heart of the Midwest.

RRA presented the Poly RRA 1911 in .45 ACP, with a 4.25-inch barrel, for my shooting pleasure. I was skeptical at first, not because it was a polymer gun on a steel frame, but because it was a 1911. In my previous 1911 shooting experiences, I disliked the amount of felt recoil, grip style and size, and I found some of them difficult to aim.

Though I had primarily thought of RRA as a rifle-focused company, it manufactures pistols quite nicely. Traditionally there’s a good amount of grumbling over polymer guns. In my experience, I have never personally found much fault with them because I’m shooting based on hand-size versus grip-size, ease of use and comfortability.

The Poly RRA 1911 was no such beast to shoot. The gun has a rounded grip, among other features, which I liked. As company representatives promised, the design allowed for a better, tighter grip with a good seal, and I found it far more comfortable to hold and shoot. Other 1911s are thinner, and though this firearm looks a little bulky, this turned out to be a benefit to my shooting.

The sights were easy to re-focus, and the felt recoil was easier to manage. For me, all of this comes back down to how good a grip you can get on the firearm, and instructs everything else that follows in shooting comfortability. As a woman with small-medium hands, I find how tight and comfortable it is to hold the gun in my hands before and after firing to be the most important aspect in why I choose a gun. After each shot, I found I had the same grip every time, making it easier to get back to the set position as I brought the gun up to shoot the next round. At a little over 2 pounds, the gun was easy to manage and I did not tire of shooting it.

Shooting is only as fun if you can enjoy the tool you are using in the work or play you are doing. As with anything else, the right fit to the person is paramount.

Latest

The Armed Citizen
The Armed Citizen

The Armed Citizen® July 11, 2025

True stories of the right to keep and bear arms

5 Reasons the Second Amendment Should Not Be Political

The right to keep and bear arms is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. It is not a tool of one political party but rather is a right for all Americans, regardless of their background, income or voting history.

Gun Skills | A Skills Test: Cinco y Tres

Most violent crimes take place in close quarters. This simple drill will help prepare you for these scenarios.

President Trump Signs One Big Beautiful Bill

President Trump delivered even more good news to law-abiding gun owners in the process.

Gun Review | Springfield Armory Emissary AOS

This single-stack 1911 pistol offers power, precision, elegant looks and more.



Get the best of America's 1st Freedom delivered to your inbox.