Rock Island Armory announced two new options for anyone who would like to carry a sub-$800 compact 1911 for self-defense. One pistol is chambered in .45 ACP while the other is made for the 9mm cartridge.

The front sight is a fiber optic; the rear sight is a sloped two-dot. The pistols have an accessory rail, “combat hammer”, ambidextrous safety and extended beavertail.

The guns will carry a MSRP of less than $760 and should be shipping to the US market by the end of 2014.

From Rock Island Armory:

US distribution set to begin in November for new 9mm and .45acp pistols

November 11th, 2014 (Las Vegas, NV) – International 1911 pistol manufacturer, Rock Island Armory today reveals two new 2011 Tactical Compact pistols and plans for US consumer availability before the end of 2014.

The new additions include:

 

• 2011 Tactical Compact – .45 ACP (7 rounds)
• 2011 Tactical Compact – 9mm (8 rounds)

Both compact pistols are designed for concealed carry and are available for under $760 suggested retail.

“We’re listening to what our customers have to say,” said Martin Tuason, CEO and President of Armscor / Rock Island Armory.

“People want our 2011 Tactical Models in a more concealable format and we’re very excited to bring them to the US market at an affordable price.”

The Rock Island Armory 2011 Tactical Series was first revealed in 2010 as a 100-year celebration of the 1911 platform. The series is best known for its full picatinny tactical rail and dust cover along with an ambidextrous safety, combat hammer and extended beavertail for optimal recoil control.

Units will begin shipping to major US distributors including Big Rock Sports, Ellett Brothers, Davidson’s, RSR Group, Zanders Sporting Goods, Williams Shooters Supply, Cheaper Than Dirt, and others for dealers to make available to consumers.

The new 2011 Tactical Compact pistols are already being recognized as viable self-defense and competition options. The pistols were recently used by world-class competitive shooters KC Eucibio and Team Armscor’s Mike Seeklander in the recent IDPA Backup Gun Nationals in which Seeklander took first place for the second year in a row.