As a kid, I grew up watching all the famous detective shows on late-night 90’s television. All the cool cats carried the large revolvers. So, I was super excited to get my hands on the Rock Island Armory AL 22 Mag and run it through the paces.
As an imported revolver, I must admit, my expectations were not very high, but I was extremely impressed with the fit and finish of the AL22M when I opened the box. This revolver was not only well-made, but it also reminded me of some in its class that are almost double the price point.
Let’s dive into a lot the specifics of this revolver. The Rock Island Armory AL22M Blued 8 round 22 Mag revolver is an exceptional firearm designed for those who take shooting seriously. One of the key features of the RIA CAL. 22 mag revolver is its 8-round capacity. This high-capacity design allows for longer periods of shooting before reloading, making it ideal for target shooting. The 8-round capacity, especially in 22 mag, also ensures that you have enough ammunition to defend yourself in a personal defense situation, should the need arise.
The revolver’s all-steel design is also a huge plus. The use of high-quality steel in its construction guarantees that it can withstand heavy use and remain in good condition for years, and it also fires the 22 mag with almost zero recoil. The revolver is well-balanced and easy to handle, making it ideal for even novice shooters.
The RIA CAL. 22 mag revolver has an overall length of 9.57 inches, a width of 1.46 inches, and an overall height of 4.09 inches. It weighs 2.42 pounds, making it easy to carry and handle for extended periods. The revolver’s barrel length is 4 inches, providing a good balance between accuracy and ease of handling.
The revolver’s front sight is fixed, while the rear sight is adjustable. This combination allows for accurate aiming and targeting, making it easier to hit your target with every shot. The revolver’s rubber grips also help to absorb recoil, making it easier to handle and reducing fatigue during long shooting sessions.
The RIA CAL. 22 mag revolver has a blued finish, which not only gives it a sleek and professional look, but also protects it from rust and corrosion. The blued finish also ensures that the revolver remains in good condition, even after extended periods of use.
In shooting the AL22M, I had excellent groupings at 10-15 yards, and although I did experience some issues initially with the trigger not wanting to reset, it is my belief that this occurred due to my lack of experience in shooting a revolver. I’ve learned that this can happen when you don’t allow the trigger to return all the way forward while shooting. After some practice, I got the hang of it, and the problem did not persist.
Another cool and unique feature of this revolver is the ability to adjust the trigger spring strength. I don’t think I have ever seen this before on other revolvers. You can simply do this with a turn of a flathead screwdriver. I didn’t make any adjustments in my shooting, but I do think if I were keeping this handgun over a long period of time, I would play around with that until I had the perfect fit for me.
The revolver has an MSRP of $699, making it a great value for the quality of the firearm. Its combination of features and price point make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and accurate revolver for target shooting or personal defense training.
The Rock Island Armory AL22M revolver is an exceptional firearm designed for those who take their target shooting seriously. Its high-capacity design, all-steel construction, virtually no recoil, and accuracy make it an excellent choice for novice and experienced shooters alike. Whether you’re looking for a firearm for target shooting or personal defense training, the RIA CAL. 22 mag revolver is definitely worth considering.
