Rock Island Armory BBR 3.10

Rock Island Armory (RIA) builds a range of good-quality 1911 pistols at very reasonable prices. The BBR 3.10 is no different. The BBR 3.10 is a 10+1, .45 ACP caliber, packed with power. The BBR pistols are billed as compact, “no-nonsense” 1911s.

The BBR 3.10 is a short, stout handgun. Its overall length is shortened from that of a Government Model 1911, and the barrel is only 3.1 inches long. The grip is also shorter than a standard 1911’s. While I can just barely get my pinky on the front of the frame, someone with large hands might have to curl their pinky under the magazine baseplate.

Unlike the other dimensions, the gun’s girth has obviously grown. Pick it up and you will feel the unusual width immediately. While this might be off-putting to some 1911 aficionados, it allows the gun to use short, 10-round MEC-GAR magazines. With a total of 11 rounds of the formidable .45 ACP on tap, this diminutive 1911 should be very appealing to many people.

The gun is more than just its capacity. To help you hold onto the pistol, RIA uses a set of aggressively textured grip panels made from G10. This is a fiberglass laminate that is very durable in this application. Multiple layers of fiberglass are stacked on top of each other while a strong resin binds them together. G10 has proven to be so durable that it is now one of the preferred materials in both gun grips and knife handles. G10 can be also machined like other materials, allowing RIA to use a texture that will help you hold the gun even when your hands are slick with perspiration.

Sights are another important feature of a defensive firearm. RIA outfits this weapon with a bright red fiber-optic front sight as well as a fully adjustable two-dot rear sight. In a stressful situation, your eye is more likely to see the bright red dot created by the front sight. This will help you get accurate shots on target quickly. Additional features of this gun include a Parkerized finish, a beavertail-style grip safety and a skeletonized combat hammer.

Unloaded, the gun is well balanced. When fully loaded with ammunition, the gun’s balance shifts toward its butt. While shooting, this didn’t cause any issues. However, it is something to be aware of when choosing a holster. A flimsy rig might not be up to the task since much of the weight is up high when the gun is carried. Make sure you get a quality rig with a dedicated gun belt for the best security with this gun.

Overall, the gun had a solid look and feel. I was eager to get it to the range.

With good ammunition, I know the .45 ACP will do the job if I ever need it. The question always in my mind is, “Will the delivery platform be as reliable as the cartridge?” In the case of the BBR 3.10, that answer is yes.

The BBR 3.10 handled and shot beautifully. For such a small gun, the accuracy was very good. In truth, most guns are more accurate than the shooter. However, the ergonomics, trigger and sights are just a few of the things that can increase the accuracy.

The gun does feel a bit fat in the hand. With a solid two-handed grip, the gun was easy to control. Both the front-strap and mainspring housing have aggressive texturing machined into the frame. That, combined with the grip panels, gave my hand a very secure hold on the pistol. The recoil was modest but not snappy like you’re firing higher-pressure rounds. While a novice shooter might not enjoy the pistol, an experienced 1911 shooter should have no problems with the recoil impulse or muzzle rise.

The fiber-optic front sight was very bright in a variety of lighting conditions. This made it easy to get on target at both indoor and outdoor ranges. While I prefer a fixed rear sight for a defensive firearm, the one used by RIA never shifted or required adjustment. I shot it as it came, and the sight never moved.

The triggers on 1911s are generally considered good to great depending on the manufacturer. The trigger on this gun tended toward the good end of the spectrum. It has a fair amount of take-up with a clean break and no perceptible overtravel. I measured the pull weight at 6.43 pounds.

I ran a number of different loads through this pistol, and all of the ammunition performed flawlessly. My groups were good, and the velocities were in the range I would expect from a 3.1-inch barrel. Some 1911s have problems with wide-mouth hollow-point bullets, but that wasn’t the case with the BBR 3.1.

Rock Island Armory built the BBR 3.10 for a purpose: The serious business of personal protection. While I might not be enamored with the design aesthetics, I am impressed that this little pistol puts 11 rounds of .45 ACP into your hand without a magazine change.

Rock Island’s BBR 3.10 is a solid handgun and I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a .45 ACP. Its very accurate and would definitely do the job if every needed.

Rock Island Armory BBR 3.10 Specs

• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Barrel: 3.1 inches
• Overall Length: 6.85 inches
• Overall Weight: 32 ounces (empty)
• Grips:  G10
• Sights: Fiber-optic front, adjustable rear
• Action: SA
• Finish: Parkerized
• Overall Capacity: 10+1
• MSRP: $699