GUN TESTS GRADE: A

$599

The AL9.0 is imported by RIA from Czech Point, the U.S. location for Czech Small Arms located in Czech Republic. We tested a 357 Magnum version last year and found it to be a capable and accurate revolver. The same can be said with the AL9.0 9mm variant. The AL9.0 is a medium-size-framed revolver with a 3-inch full underlug barrel. The barrel assembly uses a steel barrel and steel barrel sleeve instead of machining the entire barrel from one piece of steel. This cuts manufacturing costs and the cost to the consumer. The muzzle has a slight crown.

The AL9.0 wears an all-business black-blued finish. The cylinder crane was a more plum color. The finish was not consistent. Safe to say the finish is not the RIA’s strong point. It is equipped with a ramp front sight pinned in place. It is serrated and includes a red insert similar to what S&W did a generation ago. The rear sight is fully adjustable, and the side facing the user is serrated to cut glare, a feature we have come to expect in reve ejector rod is smooth. We liked these sights. Also similar to S&W is the RIA’s cylinder latch. Slide it forward to swing the cylinder out. The crane set up is similar to a Ruger LCR/LCRx revolver. The RIA’s crane mates to the front side of the cylinder window in lieu of mating to the side of the frame like the Taurus and S&W. The rear of the cylinder locks in the frame with a pin.

The RIA uses six peg-like projections that the hand interfaces with to rotate the cylinder. Typically, revolvers use a flat spiral protrusion. This design feature reduces manufacturing cost. The cylinder rotates counterclockwise. The chambers are countersunk so the moon clip sits flush with the back of the cylinder. The cylinder is retrofitted for the 9mm and is the same length as the cylinder chambered for 357 Magnum. This means extra weight, and the bullet needs to travel from the cartridge case a fraction of an inch before it enters the forcing cone.

In hand, the RIA offers a full rubber grip with finger grooves, slight palm swell, and a pebbled finish. The grip feels good and is comfortable when shooting. The trigger is thin and finely serrated. The 11.56-pound double-action-pull weight seemed less in use, and the 4.03-pound single-action trigger was fairly crisp. Under the grip is a coiled spring, and we did encounter a bit of stacking. The hammer spur has good serration and was wide for easy cocking. The RIA uses an internal safety system. A transfer bar requires the trigger to be fully rearward for the hammer to hit the transfer bar, then the transfer bar to hit the firing pin. The firing pin is mounted in the frame.

The RIA was the most accurate revolver in the test. Our best five-shot group was 1.08 inches with Armscor 115-grain FMJs. All ammo used averaged 2.1-inch groups, which we thought was super. The defense group measured 1.75 inches with 135-grain FlexLock Hornady Critical Duty ammo. All ammo used averaged 2.1-inch groups, which we thought was super for such a moderately priced revolver. Recoil was mild. The muzzle velocity with the RIA was second compared to the other guns. In fast shooting, we did encounter some muzzle flip but were able to keep all six shots in a 10-inch circle in a short amount of time. Reloading was the fastest with the RIA due to its six-shot capacity. It was quicker to line up all six rounds quickly. We also noted the flat-tip hollowpoint bullets could hang up on the edge of the chamber and add a millisecond to reload time. The tapered FMJs were the fastest to reload.

The Rock Island Armory came with a de-mooning tool, which is a metal tube notched at the end. This allows the user to easily twist the empty cases from the moon clip without bending the clip. We did note that some brands of ammo were more difficult to snap into the clip. Winchester ammo required a bit more effort, while the others easily snapped into place. This is due to some of the slight differences in ammo manufacturing.

Our Team Said: The AL9.0 is a sturdy, dedicated 9mm revolver. What it lacks in finish quality it makes up for in performance. We liked that it came with the de-mooning tool. The trigger was better than expected in a revolver at this price point. If you want a 9mm and don’t want to spend a lot, this is a good option.

9MM LUGER RANGE DATA

357 MAGNUM & 38 SPECIAL RANGE DATA