Rock Island's new 9mm revolver

[Backlighting]

Looks like it's worth investigating.
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlThPqWFeLQ[/ame]

 

[JayFramer]

Hahaha that running duck got me in the intro!

 

[Beauetienne]

Why not? Some reviews are good on their other revolvers for that price point.
Might be a fun, cheap to shoot, range toy or yard varmint revolver.

 

[dr. mordo]

Without question, the worst manufactured firearm I have ever held in my hands is a Rock Island revolver. It didn't lockup and the finish was like something from the Iron Age. It was remarkably, amazingly bad. I know some folks have liked them, so, at best, I'd say the quality control of their revolvers is close to non-existent.

I'll definitely check one of these out if I see it, but if wanted one, I certainly would not order one sight unseen.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

I have never held a Rock Island revolver or given them much thought, but I really like their 1911's, and would at least look at one.

 

[BB57]

Three thoughts:

I looked down my nose at RIA pistols, until I bought an RIA Baby Rock cheap and with very low expectations. I was very pleasantly surprised. It's accurate for its class and has been extremely reliable. It'll hold it's own with my also very reliable Kimber Micro and is more reliable than any of my PPK/S pistols in .380 ACP. I've been forced to realize that CNC machinery now makes it possible for reliable 1911 style pistols to be produced by companies that are not using highly skilled labor.

The RIA revolver is made in Czech Republic. They have a very good and very long standing reputation for making quality firearms. For example, no one complains about CZ quality.

There currently is a bit of a drought in terms of K frame sized moon clip capable 9mm revolvers. This fills that niche and will probably do it at reasonable money and per the review reasonable quality.

 

[Sixgun100]

Interesting, I enjoyed the video. Didn’t know they were manufactured in the Czech Republic. Thanks for sharing!

 

[glenwolde]

Without question, the worst manufactured firearm I have ever held in my hands is a Rock Island revolver. It didn't lockup and the finish was like something from the Iron Age. It was remarkably, amazingly bad. I know some folks have liked them, so, at best, I'd say the quality control of their revolvers is close to non-existent.

I'll definitely check one of these out if I see it, but if wanted one, I certainly would not order one sight unseen.

I believe these are the Alfa revolvers of Czech manufacture and completely different from the M200 .38 that's made in the Philippines.

Alfa was also making a 6" in .32 S&W. I doubt they'll bring those in.

 

[CajunBass]

I've got a Rock Island M-200, 38 that I admit is about as ugly as a mud fence, but seems well made, and shoots just fine. Not bad for less than $240.00 out the door. I got it "just because" I suppose. About the last thing I needed was another 38 revolver. I look at it as the High Point of revolvers. Ugly, inexpensive, just works.

It's not something that a real gun enthusiast will salivate over, but for someone who just wants a knock-around gun, it seems a viable choice.

It's not fair to compare it to that CZ, since they're made by different companies, and I'm sure hit at a different price point. That CZ looks nice though.

 

[glenwolde]

Here's the whole ALFA line (scroll down a little). I tried to get one of the .32's but they were always "Out of Stock".

Alfa Proj Revolvers | Czechpoint-USA

 

[The Norseman]

RIA AL9.0 9mm Revolver

Thank you so much for Posting the Video about the
RIA 9mm Revolver.

I stumbled across this Post and found it quite intriguing.

Since I can't find the Smith & Wesson 9mm Revolver I
want, I will have to keep an eye out for the RIA 9mm.

I will of course, I will look it over quite extensively, if I
decide to buy one.

Thanks again

 

[Grayfox]

I just don't get the whole semi-auto round in a revolver thing. What's the point to it? Why fool around with moon clips when you don't have to? What advantage does a 9mm revolver offer over a .38 Special? Somebody enlighten me.

The one exception for me is the S&W 25-2 of which I own one. It was built as a target gun and excels at that. But mine rarely sees anything other than 200gr LSWC target loads. I wouldn't consider it for self defense as I have too many other guns that would be better.

OTOH: I have heard good things about the RIA revolvers. Just haven't had the opportunity to check them out. Maybe I should.

 

[gman51]

I wouldn't pay almost $500 for one. $300 maybe.
I think RIA should have made it without using moon clips. I read one review that said it can be used without the moon clips and just push the ejector and shake the gun and the empty shells will fall out. I think I will pass on this one.

 

[DWalt]

From what I have read, the Philippine M-200 is a great gun for the money. I see them around gun shows in the $200 price range, but I remember that not too long ago they were selling at much closer to $100. Very similar design to the Colt Detective Special but a lot uglier. I once nearly bought one of then, but didn't. I also can't warm up to a revolver chambered in 9mm, but that's just me.

 

[Texas Star]

Both are Czech and both have made revolvers, but CZ and Alpha are NOT the same company.

Have any of our German, French, or Swiss members handled these guns?
Do we even have Czech members?

If any good, they might offer a better choice than Taurus or Rossi in the price range.

If needing a good, safe, cheap handgun, I'd look first to the used Beretta M-92S and Star M-30 9mm's or find a used Ruger or S&W revolver. If these new revolvers sell for $500, you can find a Beretta M-92FS for that amount. Ruger SP-101's may also be found for about that cost

 

[M29since14]

Texas Star, our member Swissman has seen and handled several of the Alfa revolvers. I think he might have had the opportunity to shoot one, but I can’t recall that with certainty. It’s been a while. I’m pretty sure he was looking at stainless steel models.

 

[Swissman]

The fit and timing may be a bit different. I had two three of them in my hands that won't lock at th right time. But this early December I had a blued 3" .357 newest production in my hand that was like a Swiss watch. And the trigger was just purrrfect. I was very close to buy it, but Christmas comes soon....

Here a link to my earlier presentation. I hope it works.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/firear...proj-revolver-review-pics.html?highlight=Alfa

Swissman

 

[Tom K]

Here's the whole ALFA line (scroll down a little). I tried to get one of the .32's but they were always "Out of Stock".

Alfa Proj Revolvers | Czechpoint-USA

I was successful at acquiring the .22 and .38 through the website, I just used the "Notify me when in stock" option. It was a few months but they finally emailed me. The .32 I acquired via GunBroker. I have yet to shoot any of them.

They are relatively inexpensive at around $310 but that is because the frames and barrel shrouds are a cast alloy like Zamak or something similar. The .357 and 9mm revolvers use a steel frame and so are more expensive.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Had never heard of the Rock Revolver.
I’ll look for it the next visit to Cabelas..
Especially since it’s a 9mm.

 

[Telecaster]

I just don't get the whole semi-auto round in a revolver thing. What's the point to it? Why fool around with moon clips when you don't have to? What advantage does a 9mm revolver offer over a .38 Special? Somebody enlighten me.

Much cheaper ammo, same ammo as people’s semiautos. Not everyone reloads. I’ve never felt it was worth the extra trouble to use moon clips.