Rock Island Armory RIA 5.0E: The Do-All 9mm

Published on December 20, 2023
Duration: 9:04

Roy Huntington of American Handgunner Magazine provides an in-depth review of the Rock Island Armory 5.0E, an enhanced version of their original 5.0 pistol. He highlights its 'do-all' capabilities, suitable for competition, home defense, and hunting. The review details significant upgrades including stainless steel slide and barrel with a durable ArmorLube black nitride coating, an optics-ready slide, and an improved trigger with a smooth take-up and distinct wall. Huntington emphasizes its comfortable ergonomics, reminiscent of a Browning Hi-Power but more refined, and its surprisingly flat shooting characteristics.

Quick Summary

The Rock Island Armory 5.0E is an enhanced 9mm pistol featuring stainless steel slide and barrel with ArmorLube coating, an optics-ready slide, and an improved trigger for smooth operation. Its design promotes flat shooting with minimal recoil, making it a versatile 'do-all' firearm for defense, competition, and hunting.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction to the Rock Island Armory 5.0E
  2. 00:13Comparison to Original 5.0 Model
  3. 01:14Square Barrel Design Explained
  4. 01:38Enhanced Features: Optics Cut
  5. 01:55Slide and Barrel Upgrades: Stainless Steel & ArmorLube
  6. 02:23Ergonomic Enhancements: Grip Relief Cuts
  7. 02:58Trigger Improvement: Take-up and Pull
  8. 03:25Ease of Disassembly
  9. 04:01Technical Specifications: Barrel Length, Magazine Capacity, Weight
  10. 04:32MSRP and Value Proposition
  11. 05:25Shooting Demonstration: Recoil and Muzzle Flip
  12. 06:04Target Shooting at 15 Yards
  13. 06:31Accuracy Testing at 25 Yards
  14. 07:15Ammunition Reliability
  15. 07:24Final Thoughts and Recommendation

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key enhancements in the Rock Island Armory 5.0E compared to the original 5.0?

The 5.0E features stainless steel slide and barrel with a durable ArmorLube black nitride coating, an optics-ready slide, improved grip relief cuts, and an enhanced trigger with smoother take-up and a distinct wall. It also boasts easier disassembly for cleaning.

What makes the Rock Island Armory 5.0E a 'do-all' pistol?

The 5.0E is considered a 'do-all' pistol due to its versatility, making it suitable for home defense, competition shooting, small game handgun hunting, and general plinking. Its reliable performance and comfortable ergonomics contribute to its wide range of applications.

How does the Rock Island Armory 5.0E handle recoil?

The 5.0E is noted for its remarkably flat recoil and minimal muzzle flip. This is attributed to its innate design, including a low bore axis that allows the pistol to sit deep in the shooter's hand, contributing to a stable shooting experience.

What is the reported accuracy of the Rock Island Armory 5.0E?

When using preferred ammunition and properly supported, the 5.0E can achieve approximately 1.25 to 1.5-inch groups at 25 yards. The reviewer suggests that adding an optic might further enhance its accuracy potential.

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