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Polymer 1911 frames

I love researching 1911s! The iconic 1911 has long been one of my most admired hand guns, and the amazing amount of variants in its family tree is intriguing. By far the most controversial of these offspring is the polymer framed 1911. By some it is seen as a much-needed leap into the modern firearm industry, while others cry blaspheme. Many people question the logic of purchasing a polymer 1911 on the premise that a Glock or XD can be bought at a much more affordable price. Throughout the last few years, a few prestigious firearm manufacturers have promoted and dropped various polymer 1911 designs and all have been controversial. This years SHOT show has revealed yet another creation in the field of polymer/1911 alchemy.

Photo courtesy of Guns&Ammo

Rock River Arms (RRA) was caught showing off its new polymer 1911 at this years SHOT show. Their approach includes a textured grip with a 5” slide and steel frame insert billet (both consisting of 4140 steel) on a single stack polymer frame, and weighs in at 2.04 lbs/~36.64 oz. Most polymer 1911s have been double stacked, and as a result, end up having a bulky and generally uncomfortable grip. The RRA 1911 poly stuck closer to that amazing 1911 feel by keeping the thin, single stacked design, but may have also ended up with a very top-heavy pistol because of it. Of course since the polymer frame makes for a lighter firearm, it will also undoubtedly give this .45 a meaner recoil than its stainless counterparts. As always, there is a trade-off between being light weight and having low recoil.

RRA put a good spin on polymer 1911s with this one. Keeping it classic so that it still has the same nostalgic look and feel while also making the whole package lighter was a good move in my opinion. Unfortunately I can’t really say whether or not it is practical until I have handled it, but I for one am going to give it a chance: blaspheme or not.