Rock Island Armory TAC Ultra 10mm
Model: 51914
Rock Island Armory TAC Ultra 10mm
Model: 51914
Full Specifications
About This Firearm
Rock Island Armory builds the TAC Ultra in the Philippines using 4140 ordnance steel for the frame, slide, and barrel. At 39.84 oz, it is one of the heaviest 10mm handguns available, and that weight does real work absorbing recoil from full-power loads. The Parkerized finish is a practical choice for a gun likely to see outdoor use, though it lacks the corrosion resistance of the Colt Delta Elite's stainless steel.
The TAC Ultra ships with features that most 1911s at this tier omit. The Picatinny rail accepts weapon lights, the LPA MPS1 adjustable rear sight pairs with a fiber optic front, and the ambidextrous thumb safety works for left-handed shooters. The 5 lb single-action trigger is adequate but not remarkable. The Colt Delta Elite matches that pull weight in a stainless package, and the Dan Wesson Bruin undercuts it at 4.2 lbs.
Rock Island Armory has built a reputation on forum communities as the entry point for 10mm 1911 ownership. The gun ships with only one magazine instead of the two included with most competitors, so plan on buying spares. For shooters who want a full-steel 10mm 1911 with a rail and adjustable sights, the TAC Ultra delivers those features where others in the same tier do not.
Best For
Strengths & Limitations
- The Picatinny rail and LPA adjustable sights are features that the Colt Delta Elite and Ruger SR1911 Target lack in combination. Few 10mm 1911s ship with both a rail and adjustable sights
- Ambidextrous thumb safety is a genuine advantage for left-handed shooters, uncommon in production 1911s at any tier
- The 39.84 oz 4140 ordnance steel frame absorbs full-power 10mm recoil well, and the Parkerized finish handles field conditions without babying
- Ships with only one magazine. Every other 10mm 1911 in this group includes two, and the Glock G20 comes with three
- Forum owners report that RIA 1911s sometimes need a 200-round break-in period for reliable feeding, particularly with hollow-point defensive loads
Category Rankings
How the Rock Island Armory TAC Ultra 10mm ranks among full-size 10mm Auto handguns.
Compatible Ammunition
Find the best prices on compatible 10mm Auto ammunition.
Shop 10mm Auto Ammo →Ballistics Calculator
Calculate trajectory, drop, and energy for 10mm Auto ammunition.
10mm Auto Ballistics →Where to Buy
No prices available at this time.
Alternatives to Consider
Similar full-size 10mm Auto handguns ranked by similarity.
| NAME | BEST PRICE |
|---|---|
|
Ruger SR1911 Target 10mm
Ruger
|
— |
|
Dan Wesson Bruin 10mm
Dan Wesson
|
— |
|
Colt Delta Elite 10mm
Colt
|
— |
|
EAA Witness Steel 10mm
EAA
|
— |
|
Glock G40 Gen4 MOS 10mm
Glock
|
— |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Rock Island TAC Ultra need a break-in period?
Many owners on 1911 forums report a 150-200 round break-in for smooth feeding, especially with hollow-point ammunition. RIA recommends running 200 rounds of ball ammo before switching to defensive loads. FMJ rounds typically feed reliably from the start. If feeding issues persist past 200 rounds, polishing the feed ramp usually resolves them.
Can I use standard 1911 .45 ACP magazines in the TAC Ultra 10mm?
No. The 10mm cartridge is slightly longer than .45 ACP, and the magazine dimensions are different. The TAC Ultra 10mm uses 10mm-specific single-stack 1911 magazines. ACT-MAG and Metalform produce aftermarket 10mm 1911 magazines that fit. Since the gun ships with only one magazine, buying at least two spares is a common first step for new owners.