Some pistols make a statement the moment you pick them up. Others make it when the first round breaks. The Rock Island Armory (RIA) 1911 A2 TAC Ultra does both—and it does it twice over, thanks to its availability in 9mm and 10mm Auto. Two calibers, one proven double-stack 1911 platform, and a whole lot of performance packed into an unmistakably purposeful handgun.
This is not a show pony. It’s a working pistol with muscle, manners, and more than a little attitude.
The A2 TAC Ultra Platform: Double-Stack Done Right
At its core, the RIA 1911 A2 TAC Ultra is built on a double-stack 1911 frame, giving shooters something the traditional single-stack can’t: capacity without sacrificing ergonomics. The A2 frame is robust, well-balanced, and surprisingly comfortable, even for those accustomed to classic 1911 dimensions.
Key features across both calibers include:
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Steel frame and slide for durability and recoil control
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Match-grade barrel for consistent accuracy
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Full-length guide rod
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Ambidextrous safety
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Beavertail grip safety with memory bump
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Skeletonized hammer and trigger
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Aggressive G10 grips
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Tactical rail for lights or lasers
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Adjustable rear sight with fiber-optic front
In hand, the pistol feels serious—solid without being unwieldy, refined without being delicate.
Solid machined grips and the smooth skeleton trigger make these double stack handguns extra special
RIA keeps the same functionality as a classic 1911 like a beavertail and the backstrap safety
The 9mm: Control, Speed, and Shootability
The 9mm TAC Ultra A2 is the smoother of the two punches. With its softer recoil impulse and higher magazine capacity, it shines as a range workhorse, competition-ready pistol, or even a home-defense option for shooters who prioritize fast follow-up shots.
What stands out most is how flat the pistol shoots. The steel frame soaks up recoil, allowing the shooter to stay on target and run the gun hard without fatigue. It’s forgiving, accurate, and confidence-inspiring—especially for those transitioning into double-stack 1911s or wanting a pistol that’s easy to shoot well, all day long.
If speed, control, and economy are your priorities, the 9mm version is an excellent choice.
The 10mm: Authority and Attitude
Then there’s the 10mm—and this is where the TAC Ultra truly earns its reputation.
Chambering 10mm Auto in a double-stack 1911 is no small task, but RIA pulls it off with confidence. The extra weight of the steel frame tames the cartridge better than most polymer pistols ever could, turning what is often a rowdy round into a controlled, deliberate hammer.
This pistol hits hard. Whether you’re thinking about woods carry, defensive use against larger threats, or simply want a handgun with real authority, the 10mm TAC Ultra delivers. Recoil is present, no question—but it’s predictable and manageable, especially for experienced shooters.
Where the 9mm glides, the 10mm commands.
Side by side they are almost identical
Author’s Choice: The 10mm Takes the Win
Both versions are excellent, but if forced to choose just one, the nod goes to the 10mm A2 TAC Ultra.
Why? Because it offers something rare: power without punishment. The platform makes the most of the cartridge, turning the 10mm into a practical, shootable, and confidence-inspiring option rather than a novelty. You get capacity, accuracy, and real stopping power in a package that still feels like a proper 1911.
It’s the pistol you reach for when you want versatility without compromise—and when you want to feel every ounce of what the gun is capable of.
The RIA 1911 A2 TAC Ultra lives up to its name. In 9mm, it’s fast, smooth, and approachable. In 10mm, it’s bold, capable, and unapologetically powerful. Together, they truly are a pair of punches—each effective in its own way, each backed by Rock Island Armory’s reputation for delivering serious value.
Whether you favor finesse or force, the TAC Ultra proves that the modern double-stack 1911 isn’t just alive—it’s thriving.
For dealer purchases visit www.davidsonsinc.com
For consumer purchases visit www.galleryofguns.com
