The Armscor/Rock Island Armory Baby Rock 380 is a damn good value in a compelling compact 7+1 capacity .380 ACP M1911 package. Here’s why:

Both the all matte-black Parkerized frame and barrel vaulted slide are made from 4140 steel, meaning its 97 percent iron and three percent all kinds of other things like chromium, manganese, carbon and silicon.

Most guns this size have shallow diagonal cocking serrations only at the back of the slide. This, the RIA 380, has a sextet of deeply chiseled ones in back but also a trio in front. Also in back is a serrated loop hammer, a slightly upturned beavertail and a grip safety.

The sights are functional rather than fancy. The front sight is a simple all-black dovetail sight. In back, the rear sight is a long, snag-free low-profile ramp sight that rises to an all-black U-notch.

The three primary controls are where you’d expect them: on the left. Thus the thumb safety, slide stop and magazine release are all there, conveniently placed for right-hand shooters. All these controls have classic texturing that evokes the early M1911s.

The trigger has two small circular lightening ports. They shave a smidge of weight, and they add modernity to the looks. Trigger pull is factory set to a reasonable 7 to 9 pounds of pull. The trigger is set in the classic racetrack oval trigger guard.

Moving down, the gun has matte black double-diamond rubber grips with diamond checkering and the Rock Island Armory logo. The double-diamond moniker refers to, of course, the facing arrowheads that surrounds the flat-head screws. The mainspring housing is gently rounded at the bottom providing a comfortable and attractive contour.

Need a small .380 M1911? The Rock 380 should be on your list.