Picking Your 1911: A Complete Buyer’s Guide to The Best 1911 For You

Beating out a crowded field of more than 20 competitors from around the world, including Luger, Webley, and Savage, the Colt/Browning gun remarkably went 6,000 rounds without a single jam while the closest competitor had to be cleared 37 times during the same tests, winning over the Army trials board and sending the big .45 into standard adoption in 1911. Want more on the Colt 1911? We dive deep into the history of the Colt 1911 here.

The gun’s reliability can be in part ascribed to its lack of fasteners — the only screws on the pistols are grip screws.

Although augmented by other handguns in times of emergencies, the M1911 remained the frontline sidearm of the U.S. military until 1985, through both World Wars, the Korean War, Vietnam, and most of the Cold War.

Even at that, the Marines clung to much-modified M1911-style rail guns as late as 2020 as duty carry firearms for select units in the fleet. After all, it is a war-winner.

Understanding 1911 Terminology & Variations

The evolution of the 1911 started in 1949, when Colt introduced a more compact, slightly shorter, and lighter version of the M1911A1 dubbed the Commander, which used a 4.25-inch barrel and rowel hammer.

The weight savings came from using aluminum alloys in the frame and setting the gun up for 9mm, none of which proved extremely popular at the time. In 1970, the company ditched the alloy for steel and upped the ante back to .45ACP, which was more of a crowd-pleaser.

Today “Commander-length” M1911s are increasingly in demand, especially for those looking to carry. This is contrasted against the more full-sized original GI or “Government” 1911.

Going even smaller, in 1976 Detonics debuted their Combat Master, based on the Army’s custom chopped-down M1911 produced for issue to generals.

Using a 3.5-inch barrel and a shortened grip, which dropped capacity down to 6-rounds from the traditional 7, others caught on and soon even Colt was making “Officer” model M1911s.

Going even smaller and downgrading the caliber to .380ACP led to the Mustang series and other, more concealed carry-friendly guns that aren’t really even 1911s anymore as they are blowback action.

On the opposite side of the spectrum from getting smaller, in 1990 Para USA introduced their P-series double-stack 1911-style pistols which offered as high as an 18+1 capacity, although they filled the mitts and required a He-Man grip to fire one-handed. While Para came and went, bought and snuffed out by Remington, the double-stack 1911 concept today exists in the 2011 by STI/Staccato.

70 Series v 80 series 1911s

In 1970, Colt introduced the MK IV M1911A1 which included a new type of bushing, termed a collet bushing, that tightened up the often notoriously sloppy “GI” style barrels and much-improved accuracy. Such guns became an instant hit on the competition circuit. Fast forward to 1983 and Colt did away with the old “70 Series” for the new and improved “80 Series” guns which added a firing pin lock and plunger arrangement to the internals of the gun.

The 80 Series was pitched as offering improved safety, especially for those who carried their M1911A1 “cocked and locked” with a round in the chamber and the hammer locked back by the manual thumb safety. On the downside, the extra workload put on the 80 Series trigger group gave what some felt was a bit of a “mush” to the trigger, and many preferred the more old-school GI trigger or the tighter 70 Series layout.

Today, most production M1911A1 style pistols run an 80 Series trigger style, with the firing pin lock, for liability reasons, although Colt has brought back the 70 Series for competition models.

Today, most production M1911A1 style pistols run an 80 Series trigger style, with the firing pin lock, for liability reasons, although Colt has brought back the 70 Series for competition models, albeit at competition model price points.

National Match Variations

Speaking of competition, Army armorers in the pits of the DCM National Match Pistol Trophy competitions in Camp Perry began applying various fixes to standard GI models as early as the 1920s to get them to run a bit better.

The list of additions and tweaks soon became well-known as civilian shooters cycled through the Matches and came in contact with these early tuned guns, with the budding competitors promptly heading to their local gunsmiths with a list of demands.

By 1932, Colt got into the game proper, offering their National Match .45 Automatic model with a “hand-honed velvet-smooth action,” select match barrel, and better Patridge-style sights.

Understanding Your Purpose

Before selecting a 1911, you must clearly define your intended use, as the platform’s versatility means there’s likely a perfect match for your needs, but choosing the wrong configuration can lead to disappointment and wasted money.

For Concealed Carry, Officer or Commander-length models with 3.5-4.25 inch barrels are optimal. Size and weight become critical factors since the full-size Government model, while excellent for other purposes, can be challenging to conceal comfortably for extended periods. Look for aluminum frames or consider the trade-off between steel durability and carry comfort.

Essential features include night sights or tritium inserts for low-light situations, corrosion-resistant finishes like Cerakote or stainless steel for daily carry, and reliable grip safety and thumb safety operation under stress.

Practical enhancements include a beveled magazine well for faster reloads, lowered and flared ejection port, extended controls for easier manipulation, and rounded edges to prevent snagging on clothing.

Competition Shooting demands full-size Government models with match-grade components that prioritize accuracy, reliability, and speed over concealability. These guns often feature extensive modifications to maximize performance, including crisp, light triggers typically weighing 2.5-4 pounds with minimal overtravel, adjustable target sights or fiber optic sights, and optics-ready models for red dot competition.

Match-grade barrels with tight tolerances should achieve sub-2-inch groups at 25 yards while functioning flawlessly with match ammunition. Competition-specific enhancements include flared and lowered magazine wells, extended magazine releases, skeletonized triggers and hammers, compensators where rules allow, and custom grips for consistent hand placement.

Range and Recreation offers the most flexibility in choosing features and often serves as the best starting point for new 1911 owners.

Full-size Government models with standard features work well, emphasizing durability through standard carbon steel construction that handles regular use, simple and reliable designs requiring less frequent gunsmith visits, ammunition compatibility across various bullet weights and types, and comfortable ergonomics for extended shooting sessions.

Standard GI-style controls help you learn proper 1911 operation, while quality factory sights remain upgradeable later, and the traditional 5-inch barrel delivers full ballistic performance with authentic .45 ACP chambering.

Collection and Historical Interest focuses on period-correct reproductions or original military specifications where collectors prioritize historical accuracy and manufacturer heritage over modern performance enhancements.

Key considerations include historical accuracy with correct markings, finishes, and specifications for the desired era, manufacturer heritage from companies like Colt and Springfield Armory, the balance between original condition versus restored versus reproduction pieces, proper documentation of provenance and historical significance, and investment potential based on rarity and collectible value.

Likewise, with today’s advances in ballistic research, better magazines such as those made by Chip McCormick or Wilson Combat, and improved throat/chamber specs gleaned from generations of hard use, the .45ACP has become reliable in most current-production M1911 models, even when using hollow-point defensive rounds

That’s not to say the M1911 only comes in .45. On the contrary, almost as soon as it was introduced, Colt started marketing it in other calibers such as .455 Eley/Webley Auto for British military contracts, and .38 Auto Rimless Smokeless, a long-cased cartridge that Browning invented a decade prior to the M1911s adoption.

Then came the Prohibition-era .38 Super, which is a spicier version of the aforementioned .38 Auto. In 1931, Colt developed the Ace, a .22LR variant with a floating chamber that almost duplicated the feel of the GI .45. Eventually, 9mm Luger and 10mm Auto were added to the menu and have since become widespread.

The final choice on caliber between four modern options– .45ACP, .38 Super, 9mm, and 10mm– is truly up to the user these days.

.45 ACP: The OG

Pros:

• Authentic 1911 experience as designed by John Browning
• Excellent stopping power with heavy, slow-moving bullets
• Subsonic velocity makes it suppressor-friendly
• Proven track record in military and law enforcement use
• Wide variety of ammunition options available

Cons:

• Lower magazine capacity (typically 7-8 rounds)
• More expensive ammunition than 9mm
• Higher recoil can slow follow-up shots
• Larger cartridge requires bigger grip circumference

Best For: Traditional users, those prioritizing stopping power, suppressor use, and authentic 1911 experience.

9mm Luger: Modern Versatility

Pros:

• Higher magazine capacity (typically 9-10 rounds in single-stack, up to 17+ in 2011s)
• Less expensive ammunition with wider availability
• Lower recoil enables faster follow-up shots
• NATO standardization ensures global ammunition availability
• Modern hollow-point designs offer excellent terminal performance

Cons:

• Deviates from traditional 1911 design intent
• May require different recoil spring weights for reliability
• Some feel it lacks the “soul” of the .45 ACP 1911

Best For: Competition shooters, high-volume practice, concealed carry where capacity matters, budget-conscious shooters.

10mm Auto: Maximum Power

Pros:

• Excellent for hunting and outdoor protection
• Flat shooting trajectory for longer-range accuracy
• Can be loaded down to .40 S&W levels or up to maximum power
• Outstanding penetration through barriers

Cons:

• Significant recoil requires more training to master
• More expensive and less available ammunition
• Accelerated wear on gun components
• Not suitable for all shooters due to recoil intensity

Best For: Hunters, outdoorsmen in bear country, those wanting maximum power in a 1911 platform.

.38 Super: Competition Special

Pros:

• Popular in competitive shooting circles
• Higher velocity than .45 ACP with flatter trajectory
• Can achieve very high accuracy with proper loads
• Unique option that stands out from crowd

Cons:

• Limited ammunition selection and higher cost
• Less stopping power than .45 ACP
• Requires specific magazines and recoil springs
• Not ideal for defensive use

Best For: Competitive shooters, those wanting something unique, handloaders who enjoy developing custom loads.

Key Features to Consider

Trigger Feel

After years of combat service chasing Pancho Villa across the deserts of northern Mexico, then with the Doughboys on the Western Front and the Marines in the Banana Wars, a number of improvements were ordered by the military to the basic M1911 design.

This included a decrease in the trigger width and adding a relief cut to the frame near the trigger guard for better control, swapping out the thin front sight for a thicker one for faster acquisition, then replacing the flat mainspring housing with an arched one and extending the beavertail for better ergonomics and to cut down on slide bite.

The resulting change, adopted in 1923, was the M1911A1, and today is the standard form of the pistol.

Understanding the key components and options available in 1911 pistols will help you make an informed decision and avoid costly mistakes. Here’s what you need to know about the most important features.

Trigger Systems

The trigger is arguably the most critical component affecting your shooting experience. 1911s are renowned for having some of the best triggers in the handgun world, but not all triggers are created equal.

70 Series vs 80 Series Triggers

70 Series Triggers:

• Design: Simpler mechanism without firing pin block
• Feel: Generally considered to have a cleaner, crisper break
• Pros: Less mechanical interference, easier to tune, preferred by many competitive shooters
• Cons: Lacks modern drop safety (though grip safety still functions)
• Best For: Competition shooting, experienced users who prioritize trigger feel

80 Series Triggers:

• Design: Includes firing pin block safety mechanism
• Feel: Slightly more complex feel due to additional components
• Pros: Enhanced drop safety, meets modern safety standards, insurance against accidental discharge
• Cons: Can feel “mushier” than 70 series, more complex to work on
• Best For: Carry guns, general use, those prioritizing maximum safety

Trigger Pull Weight and Characteristics

Factory Standard (4.5-6 pounds):

• Safe for carry and general use
• Good for learning proper trigger control
• Adequate for most shooting applications
• Can usually be improved with professional work

Competition Triggers (2.5-4 pounds):

• Excellent for precision shooting
• Requires more training for safe handling
• May not be suitable for carry or defensive use
• Often combined with reduced overtravel and crisp break

Key Trigger Characteristics to Evaluate:

• Take-up: Distance trigger travels before engaging sear
• Wall: Point where resistance increases before break
• Break: Moment of release (should be clean and consistent)
• Overtravel: Movement after break (should be minimal)
• Reset: Distance trigger must travel forward to reset

Trigger Upgrades and Modifications

Drop-in Trigger Kits ($100-300):

• Easy installation for experienced users
• Improved feel over factory triggers
• Various weights and styles available
• Examples: Wilson Combat, Cylinder & Slide, McCormick

Professional Trigger Jobs ($150-400):

• Custom work by qualified gunsmith
• Tailored to your specific needs and preferences
• Can achieve exceptional results with proper execution
• Often includes other action work like sear engagement tuning

Safety Mechanisms

1911 pistols incorporate multiple safety systems that work together to prevent accidental discharge. The manual thumb safety blocks sear engagement when engaged, operating with up position for safe and down position for fire. Standard versions operate from the left side only, while ambidextrous and extended versions offer enhanced manipulation options.

The grip safety prevents trigger pull unless the pistol is properly gripped, available in standard GI-style short versions or extended beavertail designs that provide better hand protection and easier activation. Some feature memory groove versions for consistent hand placement. This automatic safety prevents trigger pull if the gun is dropped, though it can be deactivated by improper grip.

Modern 80 Series pistols include a firing pin block that physically prevents the firing pin from moving unless the trigger is pulled, providing excellent protection if the gun is dropped on its muzzle. While this adds slight complexity to trigger feel, it’s highly recommended for carry guns.

Sight Options

Sights are your interface for accurate shooting, and 1911s offer numerous options from basic to highly advanced.

Traditional Sight Systems

GI-Style Sights:

• Design: Small front blade, narrow rear notch
• Pros: Historically correct, simple, inexpensive
• Cons: Poor visibility, especially in low light
• Best For: Collection pieces, budget builds, traditional shooters

Novak-Style Sights:

• Design: Low-profile, snag-free design
• Pros: Excellent for carry, durable, good sight picture
• Cons: Fixed sights limit adjustment options
• Applications: Carry guns, duty use, general shooting

Adjustable Target Sights:

• Design: Rear sight adjustable for windage and elevation
• Pros: Precise adjustment capability, excellent for accuracy work
• Cons: More delicate, can snag on clothing, higher profile
• Best For: Competition, precision shooting, load development

Modern Sight Enhancements

Night Sights:

• Technology: Tritium gas tubes for self-illumination
• Lifespan: 10-12 years before replacement needed
• Benefits: Excellent low-light visibility
• Considerations: More expensive, eventual replacement required
• Top Brands: Trijicon, Meprolight, AmeriGlo

Fiber Optic Sights:

• Technology: Fiber optic rods gather ambient light
• Benefits: Extremely bright sight picture in daylight
• Limitations: Require ambient light, fragile fibers
• Applications: Competition, range use, hunting
• Maintenance: Periodic fiber replacement may be needed

Tritium/Fiber Optic Combination:

• Technology: Combines both systems for 24-hour visibility
• Examples: Trijicon TFX, TruGlo TFX Pro
• Benefits: Best of both worlds
• Cost: Premium pricing but excellent performance

Optics-Ready Options

Red Dot Compatibility:

• Mounting: Slide cuts or adapter plates
• Benefits: Faster target acquisition, better accuracy potential
• Considerations: Adds height, weight, and complexity
• Popular Options: Trijicon RMR, Leupold DeltaPoint Pro, Holosun 507c

Iron Sight Backup:

• Suppressor-Height Sights: Allow co-witnessing with red dot
• Benefits: Backup if optic fails
• Recommendation: Essential for carry guns with optics

Finish Types

The finish protects your investment and affects both appearance and functionality, but not all finishes are created equal.

Finish Selection Guidelines

For Concealed Carry:

• Prioritize corrosion resistance over appearance
• Consider dark, non-reflective finishes
• Cerakote or stainless steel are excellent choices
• Avoid high-maintenance finishes like traditional bluing

For Competition:

• Durability and consistency more important than looks
• Nitride or hard chrome for high round counts
• Consider how finish affects slide-to-frame fit
• Some prefer stainless for easy cleaning between matches

For Collection/Display:

• Traditional finishes may be preferred for historical accuracy
• Bluing or parkerizing for military reproductions
• Consider long-term storage requirements
• Climate control important for traditional finishes

For General Use:

• Balance cost, durability, and appearance
• Stainless steel offers good all-around performance
• Modern coatings worth the extra cost for active use
• Consider maintenance requirements and your commitment level

Below is my list of the best 1911 pistols. I list the best choices in terms of value, performance, design, and cost.

Click on the name to head to the product page, read reviews and check prices or skip ahead to the list of 1911s.

1. Best GI-style 1911: Auto-Ordnance

The Good

The Auto-Ordnance GI looks like it stepped right out of a 1940s U.S. Army supply room.

The Bad

Sights are terrible by modern standards, and the trigger is not that great when compared to more expensive 1911s but in fairness, both are more or less in line with what was issued to American servicemembers from the Meuse-Argonne to Grenada.

Specs

• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Barrel Length: 5 inches
• Overall Length: 8.5 inches
• Weight: 39 ounces, unloaded
• Magazine Capacity: 7+1

John Browning received the patent (U.S. 984,519) for the Model of 1911 single-action semi-auto pistol on Valentine’s Day 1911 and by that April the model had been adopted by the U.S. Army. Still standard issue with the military into the 1980s– hence the “two world war winner” moniker bestowed on the gun, the Government Issue 1911 is an enduring classic. Auto-Ordnance, a classic brand from yesteryear that was bought by pistol maker Kahr Arms in 1999, introduced their no-frills GI series gun, a salute to the Army’s standard M1911A1, in 2015.

In the business of making M1911A1s for over 40 years, Auto-Ordnance has been owned by Pennsylvania-based Kahr for the last half of that and in that period has really stepped up their game.

Besides Desert Eagle- and Thompson-branded guns (both Kahr subsidiaries), as well as commemorative models, AO’s 80 Series BKO model is about the best U.S.-made GI-style 1911 on the market for the money. Those looking for an American-made Government Issue style 1911 will be happy with this big .45.

Shipping standard with a carbon steel frame and slide, the Auto-Ordnance GI carries what is termed a BKO or a matte black oxide finish that closely mimics the 1940s parkerizing that was standard on the original. The internals are close to bomb-proof with a sear, and disconnector machined from solid bar stock and an 80-series firing pin block.

Like your standard Government Issue 1911, the Auto-Ordnance carries a left-side manual thumb safety/slide lock and a rear ambi beavertail grip safety. The magazine release is push-button and located on the left, allowing the mags to drop freely.

The 1911 series, AO’s gun included, run the vaunted 18-degree grip angle that continues to make the gun as pointable today as in the Great War. It ships with brown checkered plastic grips that can easily be swapped out for widely available panels. 

I ran 500 rounds of assorted factory .45 ACP ball target and JHP self-defense rounds and found the Auto Ordnance GI to cycle reliably, with just three easily cleared malfunctions. 

The sights are basic with a short blade front and a drift adjustable rear. While they are not going to win many competitions and make long-range shooting tough, they could probably win another world war if needed.

While 1911s can have amazing triggers, the one I tested on the Auto-Ordnance GI isn’t one of them. Kinda creepy with a 5.5-pound break, for a 1911 the single-action trigger was not great. However, it is functional and does feel similar to military surplus M1911A1s I have shot in the past– so it is correct for a replica! Still, if you want to swap it out, just about any gunsmith in this part of the milky way can pull off a trigger job on a 1911.

The long sight radius and single action trigger counteract the abyssal WWII-correct sight picture to deliver decent accuracy on this .45 provided the user has a good grip. A typical five-shot string from 15 yards with bulk pack ammo falls within four inches.

There are probably more parts available for the 1911 than any other pistol ever made. If you want grips, barrels, triggers, sights, or internals, there is no shortage to allow the user to shop around.

2. Best 70-Series: Colt 1911

Of course, the company that kicked the whole thing off over 100 years ago is still cranking out Mr. Browning’s classic.

Besides the $1,300 Gold Cup National Match and $1,700 M45A1 rail gun, Colt offers what they term the 1911 Classic, a 70 Series gun that comes standard with a national match barrel and is offered in choices of either .45 or 38 Super and with a blued or stainless steel finish. Best yet, the Colt 1911 Classic has an MSRP in the $800 price range.

3. Best Custom: Ed Brown

When it comes to top-tier 1911s, Ed Brown has been making them in spades for a generation. Besides competition and carry models, they have a whole Tactical Line of which the SOCOM variant is so operator-level it will make you cry.

A rail gun that is ready for any accessory, it is also suppressor- and optics-ready right out of the box. Did we mention it comes standard with a Trijicon SOCOM RMR?

4. Best Multi-Caliber: Kimber Rapide

The Good

The Rapide feels good and shoots well, making it an easy choice for those looking for superior performance in 1911.

The Bad

We found the KimPro finish to be a little on the thin side and easily marred while the G10 grips had cosmetic issues that soon saw them swapped out for some curly maple.

Specs

• Caliber: 9mm, 10mm, or .45 ACP
• Barrel Length: 5 inches
• Overall Length: 8.7 inches
• Weight: 39 ounces, unloaded
• Magazine Capacity: 8+1 (.45/10mm), 9+1 (9mm)

Kimber, now centering their operations in a new facility in Alabama, has long been delivering a host of 1911s to the market in multiple flavors. While their Grand Raptor will turn heads, the new Cadillac of their line is the Rapide (Black Ice) series. These come standard with a DLC-coated barrel, slide lightening cuts for faster lock time, a V-cut aluminum trigger, and Tru-Glo TFX Pro day/night sights.

With a gun that shares a name with a top-shelf European sports car, this 1911 platform blends performance and styling to give the user something a bit more aristocratic.

The best thing is that they come in 9mm, 10mm, and .45ACP.

Sharing the French word for “fast” with an Aston Martin sports saloon car (which had it first), the Kimber Rapide was introduced in 2019. The ode likely comes from the fact that it has lightening cuts in the slide for a faster lock up while also sporting several rather nice features. 

Offered in 9mm, 10mm, or .45 ACP caliber, and in choices between a DN/NS (Black KimPro II finish with a TiN barrel), Black Ice (Silver/gray two-tone KimPro finish and DLC coated barrel), Scorpius (KimPro Black finish with brush polished flats), or Dawn (Silver/gray with a TiN barrel) options, all Rapides use a stainless steel frame, barrel, and slide.

The barrel is a match-grade hole puncher mated to a match-grade bushing. Other features include extensive stippling, a full-length guide rod, and G10 grips.

The Rapides have easy-to-use extended beavertail grip safeties and extended ambidextrous frame-mounted manual slide lock/safety lever. The magazine release is located on the left side of the frame and drops mags free.

The series uses Kimber’s Stiplex front strap pattern, stepped front and rear cocking serrations on the slide, and special tile-style texture blocks on the back of the straight mainspring housing. These combine to make the gun “stick” to the user’s hand.

While 1911s often suffer from a reputation of having more jam than a Smucker’s catalog, I found the Rapide, which I evaluated in 10mm, to run well across a 400-round test, suffering just one malfunction that was easily cleared.

While not optics-ready, the Rapide series uses excellent suppressor-height TruGlo TFX Pro day/night sights with an adjustable rear and orange ring front. They pop into sight almost immediately when presenting and are some of the best factory-installed sights we’ve seen on a 1911 not made by somebody like Nighthawk or Wilson Combat.

The Rapide carries a premium V-cut aluminum trigger that is factory set at about 4.5 pounds. It breaks “like glass” and has an almost immediate wall.

Blending the TruGlo TFX sights, long sight radius, premium single-action trigger, match-grade barrel, and well-thought-out ergonomics means the Rapide can deliver when it comes to accuracy. We were measuring 3-inch groups from the 25-yard mark off the bench kind of accuracy.

Although Kimber makes the Rapides with a lot of Kimber-only features, at its heart the series is still just a 1911 platform, one that has been around for over 110 years. This means there are a ton of aftermarket accessories for every component from sights and grips to triggers and internals.

5. Budget Option: Rock Island Armory

Born in the U.S., the 1911 is as American as apple pie and blue jeans. However, as many of Uncle Sam’s allies inherited surplus Government models after WWII, the genie was let out of the bottle and is growing. One such country that started rolling their own, so to speak, is the Philippines, where Rock Island Armory got so good at it that they started exporting their locally made versions to the States in 1996.

Since then, they have perfected their game, making rock-bottom (see what we did) affordable 1911-style pistols in a multitude of calibers (to include their own interesting .22TCM cartridge), sizes, and finishes.

6. Best Commander Series: Ruger SR1911

No longer content to let Colt have all the fun, in the past decade or so, other American gunmakers with household name brand recognition have jumped into the market and done it well. One of these is Ruger, whose SR1911 line is actually larger now than Colt’s and includes full-size, commander, and officer-sized models as well as those geared to target and competition use.

In the latter, Team Ruger’s champion, Doug Koenig, has been lending sage input to his own line of carefully hand-fitted SR1911 Competition Models that leave little off the table.

7. Best Match 1911: Sig Sauer

When it comes to .45ACPs, Sig Sauer actually came to America with one as their flagship model, the original P220/BDA in 1975. The company, now centered in New Hampshire rather than Germany, has a lot of irons in the pot but still found time to enter the 1911 market in 2004.

In Sig fashion, they currently make several superb examples of the breed including Fastbacks with rounded grips, the all-black Nightmare, and the high-end Emperor Scorpion rail guns, the latter with a flat dark earth PVD finish over a stainless steel frame and slide, G10 grips, and SIGLITE night sights.

8. Best 2011: Springfield Armory Prodigy

Illinois-based Springfield Armory started making their own forged receiver and frame 1911A1 models in 1985, introducing them in both .45 and 9mm, which was novel for the time.

Now, fast forward 35 years, and Springer is still in the 1911 biz and doing a fine job of it, having supplied the Marines with updated Government models for several years, but thanks to their prominence in the John Wick and Marvel franchises, everyone wants a double stack 2011, and Springer brought the Prodigy to market to help make them slightly more affordable.

Available in four optics-ready variants– with 5-inch or 4.25-inch barrels and with and without a HEX Dragonfly red dot included– the Prodigy runs $1499-$1699 with the Dragonfly on the higher end of the price spectrum.

Using 17+1 round capacity mags and with 20- and 26-round mags available– these 9mm 1911s have a ton of nice features including stainless bull barrels, AOS (Agency Optic System) mounting plates with integral rear sights, upscale ergos, and fiber optic front sights.

Even if you were to purchase the iron sight-only model pistol, you could upgrade the gun with your favorite red dot by purchasing the right optic plate from Springfield Armory. Their plates include a rear sight designed to co-witness with your specific red dot installed.

The gun comes with two sizes of magazines, a 17 and 20-round magazine, but you can also purchase a 26-round magazine. While I don’t have every 2011-style magazine to test, the gun is compatible with MBX magazines, so I can use my double-stack MBX 9mm mags with it.

The gun has an extended ambidextrous thumb safety, so right-handed and left-handed shooters can enjoy this gun. The Picatinny rail on the dust cover lets you mount a light or laser.

While this gun is great out of the box, functions well, and runs various types of ammunition, I did make a few upgrades to the 5-inch barreled gun.

I upgraded to the EGW Ignition Kit w/ Lightened Hammer and 17# Main Spring and dropped the trigger weight to about 2.6 pounds. I topped it off with a Trijicon SRO 5 MOA red dot, which is my favorite optic for competition shooting, and I plan to compete with this gun this year.

Check out our full review of the Prodigy for all the details.

9. Budget Runner-Up: Taurus

Talking once again of imported 1911s, Brazilian-based Taurus introduced their PT-1911 models over 15 years ago and have made them in a staggering variety of calibers (including being one of the few to market a .40S&W chambered pistol), sizes, and finishes. Their stainless models are affordable and feature-rich, including Heine or Novak sights, front slide serrations, extended beavertail grip safety, skeletonized triggers, and a flat mainspring housing.

Best yet, with a large factory recently completed in Georgia, they are increasingly American made. Taurus’ competition team captain, Jessie Harrison, has of late been sweeping national titles with one of the company’s tuned 1911s.

Civilians and the 1911

At this point, it’s likely that civilians are the largest group of people who still make use of the 1911.

While most mainstream militaries have moved on from the design, it still holds a place dear to the hearts of a lot of American shooters. These guns are used not only as range toys but as concealed carry and competition guns as well.

Modern-Day Reliance on the 1911

New models and variations on models can be bought today, and a lot of folks still depend on the 1911 or one of its derivates for their protection, including one of our writers.

Some law enforcement folks, especially those who are older and have a lot more experience with the 1911 as their duty gun, still carry one today.

1911s in Small Town Law Enforcement

This is a lot more common in small towns and rural police departments that tend to allow officers to bring their own weapons. For those who are used to them, 1911s are awesome pistols that are accurate, durable, and easy to use.

Plus, there’s no good reason to throw out years of training and experience in cases where veteran officers have strong preferences for a certain platform, so expect to see some police officers still using the 1911.

Special Forces and the 1911

A few special forces units, including, notably, the Marine’s MARSOC unit, use the 1911 for a few reasons.

First, they like them and few people are foolish enough to argue with Marines trained in asymmetrical warfare. Second, the .45 ACP can be easily made subsonic, making the 1911 a good suppressor host.

Finally, that same round is also excellent for engaging soft targets at close distance, making it a great weapon for work the government will later disavow. All in all- the 1911 still has some useful life left, and it will likely see combat use for years to come.

Capacity

No handgun design is perfect, of course. First and foremost, the thing that ages the 1911 the most has to be its capacity.

The original gun could only hold a total of 9 rounds, including one in the chamber. As a replacement for a revolver that would commonly be carried with 5 rounds, this is a massive improvement.

But, in 2022 where it’s possible to get 30-round magazines for a Glock and still be at the same weight as a 1911, the capacity is not working in the favor of the older design here.

Functional Quirks

Second, the 1911, though reliable, has its quirks in design. For example, a lot of the feed ramps are just slightly too short and don’t play nice with the tips of hollow-point rounds.

One of our writers carries a Sig P238, which is an updated 1911 design, and that gun just will not feed any kind of hollow points. With a 1911 more than other designs, you have to be on the lookout for things like ammunition sensitivity to ensure reliability.

With a little bit of homework, this can be resolved, but it is certainly a limitation to think about.

Safety Nuances

Finally, some people do not like the idea of carrying a firearm as the 1911 is intended: cocked, with a loaded chamber, and the manual safety on.

Today, most people are more comfortable with the Glock style of safety, which depends on the trigger.

A lot of this has to do with early training and experience. Some people learn on the 1911 and never trusted the Glock. Others do the opposite.

We’re okay with both, but training on the gun that you intended to use or carry is the most important thing here.

Also, some older types of 1911 have safety in the grip that some shooters have a hard time engaging on command.

First-Time 1911 Buyer: Start with a mid-range .45 ACP Government model from a reputable manufacturer. This gives you the authentic 1911 experience while providing room to grow and learn.

Concealed Carry Focus: Consider a Commander-length model in 9mm for higher capacity and easier concealment, or stick with .45 ACP in an Officer-size model if you prioritize stopping power.

Competition Shooter: Invest in a match-grade model or plan to customize an accurate base gun. Consider 9mm for faster splits or .45 ACP for traditional competition classes.

Budget-Conscious Buyer: Start with an entry-level model and upgrade components over time. A $500 Rock Island Armory with $300 in upgrades can rival guns costing twice as much.

Remember: The best 1911 is the one that fits your needs, budget, and shooting ability. Don’t get caught up in features you won’t use or performance you can’t appreciate yet.

1. NRA National Firearms Museum, The 1907 Army Pistol Trials, December 22, 2016
2. National Park Service, Museum Collections, Semi-Automatic Pistol
3. Huntinglife.com, Taurus Shooting Team Captain Jessie Harrison Wins at USPSA, August 9, 2020
4. Scott Engen, History of the 1911, January 24, 2011