Whether you are looking to spend a few hundred dollars or are scraping off your savings, this comprehensive 1911 pistols review will guide you to your perfect fit as far as functionality and price go.
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The Only 1911 Pistols Review List You Will Need When Window Shopping for 1911 Pistols
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1911 History
The 1911 was a result of the legendary arms inventor's (John Moses Browning) need to create a more potent handgun round for the military.
Though he competed with other renowned gun manufacturers like Savage and Smith & Wesson, John Moses Browning's auto-loading pistol was formally enlisted by the US Military in March 1911 as their sidearm of choice.
Besides championing up to a 6000-round torture test, shooting impaired cartridges, and surviving being submerged in acid and mud, the 1911 passed with flying colors making it what it is today.
1. Remington 1911 R1 Enhanced
The 1911 R1 Enhanced is undoubtedly a dominant force to reckon with. It features checkered 20 LPI beavertail grip safety and a flat mainspring housing for effortless handling.
The pistol’s functional features don’t end there. It comes with two eight-round magazines for the 45 Auto model, a powerful fiber-optic front sight, an adjustable rear sight, and an enhanced trigger that is easily changeable for overtravel.
Keep in mind that the handgun comes with a custom grip that features an Ambi cut and a thumb groove. Also, the 9mm luger version comes with a flush-fit magazine.
Specs:
- Caliber: 9mm Luger, 45 Auto
- Magazine Capacity: 9 (9mm Luger), 8 (45 Auto)
- Overall Length: 8 1/2″
- Overall Height: 5 1/2″
- Unloaded Weight: 40oz
- Barrel Length: 5″
- Trigger Pull: 3 1/2 – 5″
- Grip: Enhanced Laminate
MSRP: $739.99
2. Springfield Armory Emissary 1911 PX9220L
Defensive weapons don’t get better than the Springfield Armory Emissary 1911 PX9220L. It features an oversized square trigger guard making it effortless to use even with gloved hands.
On the other hand, it comes with a forged stainless steel frame and a stunning hot salt bluing finish. Lastly, the handgun comes with 40 LPI flat top serrations and a Tri-Top cut slide to help with glare reduction and light diffusion.
Specs:
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Height: 5.25″
- Color: Blued / Stainless
- Length: 8.4″
- Barrel: 5″ Forged Stainless Steel, Match Grade, Bull, 1:16
- Weight: 40 oz
- Slide: Forged Carbon Steel, Blued
- Magazine: (2) 8-Round
- Frame: Forged Stainless Steel
- Grip: VZ Grips Thin-Line G10
- Sights: Tritium/Luminescent Front, Tactical Rack U-Notch Rear
- Recoil System: One Piece Full-Length Guide Rod
MSRP: $1,279
3. Wilson Combat Experior
The Wilson Combat Experior handguns embody the perfect blend of legendary 1911 design and modern ergonomic enhancements and reliability to optimize shooting performance and overall handling.
What’s more, it comes with the new TRAK grip texture which is a hybrid, asymmetric, flat-top checkering pattern with a remarkable non-abrasive grip. This way, it ensures zero snagging on garments. What’s more, this grip pattern guarantees unmatched comfort while elevating recoil control.
Specs:
- Caliber: .45 ACP, 9mm
- Barrel Length: 5”
- Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds (9mm), 8 rounds (.45 ACP)
- Sight Radius: 6.6”
- Overall Length: 8.7”
- Width: 1.3”
- Height: 5.6”
- Weight Loaded: 46 oz
- Weight Empty: 40.2 oz
- Accuracy Guarantee: 1” at 25 yds
MSRP: $3,990 (9mm) | $3,890 (.45 ACP)
4. Springfield Armory Mil-Spec Handgun, CA Complaint Model PB9151LCA
Next in this 1911 pistols review list is the Springfield Armory Mil-Spec Model PB9151LCA. It comes endowed with the timeless G.I. looks coupled with modern enhancements like three-dot sights, and a flared but lowered ejection port.
For the ultimate striking effect, you can count on the handgun’s forged stainless steel frame and slide with polished flat bits and matte rounded portions to deliver. Lastly, the five-inch stainless match barrel makes it extremely accurate, which is nothing short of what you’d expect.
Specs:
- Height: 5.5″
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Length: 8.6″
- Color: Stainless
- Weight: 39 oz
- Barrel: 5″ Forged Stainless Steel, Match Grade, 1:16
- Magazine: (2) 7-Round
- Slide: Forged Stainless Steel
- Grip: Crossed Cannons Cocobolo
- Frame: Forged Stainless Steel
- Recoil System: GI Style
- Sights: Fixed Combat 3-Dot
MSRP: $872
5. Ruger SR1911 Full-Size
Enhanced performance doesn’t get better than the Ruger SR1911 Full-Size thanks to its extended magazine release and oversized ejection port.
That’s not all. With an oversized beavertail grip safety, you can count on the handgun to provide reliability and positive function.
Ergonomically, it comes in a traditional design that features a checkered backstrap and changeable grip panels. What’s more, rear slide serrations coupled with a flat mainspring housing are a sure bet for a positive grip.
Specs:
- Overall Length: 8.67″
- Caliber: 45 Auto
- Height: 5.45″
- Capacity: 8+1
- Grooves: 6
- Barrel Length: 5″
- Twist1:16″ RH
- Weight: 39 oz.
- Grip Frame: Low-Glare Stainless
- Slide Material: Stainless Steel
- Grip Panels: Hardwood
MSRP: $1129.00
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6. Kimber Desert Warrior (TFS)
The Kimber Desert Warrior TFS is ideal for both personal defense and duty carry. This is mainly because it comes loaded with a ton of features that enhance performance in real-life situations.
The icing on the top is that the Desert Warrior TFS model comes with a threaded barrel for suppression. This is in addition to an ambidextrous thumb safety to suit all shooters.
Specs:
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Height 90° to barrel: 5.25”
- Unloaded Weight: 40oz
- Length: 9.19”
- Magazine Capacity: 7
- Recoil Spring: 16.0 lbs.
- Barrel Length: 5.5”
- Twist rate: 16
- Grip: Kimber G-10 tactical
MSRP: $1,611
7. Colt Delta Elite Rail
Are you a security personnel or hunter? Take advantage of this rail-mounted pistol lighting that boasts near .41 Magnum ballistics thanks to its 10mm round, without sacrificing all the functional features that make any Colt 1911 handgun special.
Specs:
- Action: SAO
- Barrel Length: 5″
- Caliber: 10mm Auto
- Weight: 38.00 oz
- Capacity: 8+1
- Barrel Length Range: 5.00″ to 5.99″
- Safety: Manual, Grip, Firing Pin
- Grips: Black Polymer with Integrated Delta Medallion
- Sights: Novak White Dot
MSRP: $1299.00
8. Springfield Armory SA-35
The Springfield Armory SA-35 offers shooters a modern take on a classic handgun. It comes with subtle but significant upgrades that tap on the appeal of the “steel and wood” era of firearms making.
For instance, it features sturdy forged steel parts for durability and strength, enhanced ergonomics, and controls. What’s more, you will love the featured modern sights, factory-tuned-trigger, increased capacity, and the new feed ramp design.
Specs:
- Caliber:9mm
- Barrel: 4.7″ Cold Hammer Forged 1:10
- Magazine: 15-Round
- Slide: Forged Carbon Steel, Blued
- Color: Black
- Frame: Forged Carbon Steel, Blued
- Length: 7.8″
- Weight: 31.5 oz
- Height: 4.8″
- Grip: Checkered Walnut
- Sights: White Dot Front, Serrated Tactical Rack Rear
MSRP: $699
9. Sig Sauer STX
You can never go wrong with a 1911 pistol from Sig for either duty or personal carry. Aesthetically, the Sig Sauer STX features a Nitron reinforced stainless steel frame accented with a custom wood grip.
That’s not all. The handgun’s slide is also accented with a flat top and polished cocking which enhances its two-tone design. Lastly, the slide comes amped with combat night sights that are easily adjustable and a mag well-equipped frame is outfitted for smooth and fast reloads.
Specs:
- Caliber: 45 Auto
- Magazine: Two 8-round Steel Magazines
- Sights: Siglite
- Overall Length: 8.7”
- Height: 5.5”
- Overall Width: 1.4”
- Weight: 41.6 oz
- Barrel Length: 5.0”
- Sight Radius: 6.5”
- Barrel Material: Carbon Steel
- Slide Material: Stainless Steel
10. Kimber Amethyst Ultra II
The Amethyst Ultra II is an outstanding self-defense handgun that combines a dynamic design with a load of performance-elevating features.
As a sub-compact pistol, the Kimber Amethyst Ultra II is chambered in .45 ACP and 9mm for its three-inch barrel. It makes a great handgun that will suit women who are more inclined to have girly firearms.
Specs:
- Caliber: 9mm, .45ACP
- Height 90 degrees to barrel: 4.75”
- Twist Rate: 16
- Unloaded Weight: 25oz
- Sight Radius: 4.8”
- Length: 6.8”
- Magazine Capacity: 8
- Recoil Spring: 16lbs.
- Frame Width: 1.15
- Barrel Length: 3”
MSRP: $1,828
Choosing the right 1911 pistol can be overwhelming with a variety in the market. The good news is that with this list, you can now narrow down your choices and get the best for your preferred budget. The best part is that 1911 pistols are versatile, making them ideal for law enforcement and concealed carry for self-defense.
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