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When selecting the perfect 1911 pistol, there are many factors to consider: reliability, quality of components, and of course, price point. We've put together this 1911 Buyers Guide to help you determine which 1911 is best for your needs.
The 1911 pistol is the most iconic semi-automatic handgun ever produced, and we believe every shooter should have one in their collection. Unsurprisingly due to its massive popularity, dozens of firearms manufacturers produce variants of the 1911 marketed towards military, law enforcement, and private citizens alike.
This means that consumers have many, many options to choose from - so many, in fact, that it can be a little overwhelming for some. Whether it's a stock GI pistol or a high-end model with all the bells and whistles, the Classic Firearms team has put together this handy 1911 Buyers Guide to help you decide which 1911 pistol is best for you.
In the early 20th century, John Moses Browning designed the M1911 pistol that would first be produced by Colt's Manufacturing Company before other manufacturers began making their own variants. The pistol is a semi-automatic handgun based on a single-action, recoil-operated design and features a manual thumb safety as well as a grip safety.
The U.S. Army initially adopted the pistol (designated the M1911) in, you guessed it, 1911. Today, the pistol is known simply as the “1911” or the “Colt .45,” by some. It has seen extensive service as the preferred American sidearm in two world wars and was also the standard-issue handgun of the U.S. Armed Forces until 1985, when it was replaced by the Beretta M9. The 1911 has also been used by many other countries’ military forces and is still in service in some countries.
Few firearms have such an enduring legacy. Despite being a century-old platform, the 1911 is still popular with military and law enforcement personnel as well as private citizens seeking a reliable and precise concealed carry gun. Many modern 1911s are fitted with updated features such as an extended beavertail grip safety, adjustable sights, and ambidextrous safety levers to enhance the already impressive accuracy and performance of this classic design.
There are some features that every modern 1911 pistol should have before being deemed carry-worthy. Some variants include these options as standard, whereas others may need a bit of gunsmithing to maximize efficacy in a defensive encounter. The following are some of the things you'll probably want in a good EDC 1911-style handgun.
The 1911 is designed to be carried "cocked and locked" with a round chambered, the hammer cocked, and the safety on. In order to fire the pistol, shooters must disengage the thumb safety as part of the drawstroke. While largely a matter of practice, this maneuver can be aided by an extended thumb safety that is easier to actuate than the much smaller safeties found on mil-spec pistols.
Also consider the benefits of an ambidextrous safety that can be manipulated with either hand. Many shooters prefer this configuration because the controls are accessible even when shooting with the non-dominant hand. The only potential drawback is that added material on the frame of the pistol may impede your ability to effectively conceal your firearm.
John Moses Browning developed the 1911 pistol before anyone had ever considered attaching a flashlight and laser module to their sidearm and even today, not all models come with a Picattiny rail. A weapon-mounted light may not be necessary for an EDC firearm but for duty, it's an absolute must. In either case, it's nice to have the option.
For daily carry, the size and shape of the pistol grip can affect how well the firearm conceals under clothing. A low-profile mainspring housing can mitigate printing while riding more comfortably against the body when holstered. Compare the two 1911 pistols below - the Tisas B45B Carry has a bobtail mainspring housing and will probably conceal better for most people than a model like the Girsan MC1911 Influencer Commander.
This one mainly has to do with comfort and more specifically, avoiding the discomfort of slide bite. As the name suggests, the top part of the grip safety (resembling a beaver's tail) extends further back to protect the web between your thumb and index finger from accidental injury due to the slide cycling as the pistol is fired.
While it is normal for most production 1911s to have some play in the slide to frame fitment, you do not want an excessive amount of slop nor do you want an overly tight gun that may induce malfunctions when run hard. Look for something in the middle or pony up for a hand-fitted model that is both tight and smooth without sacrificing reliability.
Bear in mind that some competition guns may come equipped with match-grade triggers that have a lighter pull weight than is normally recommended for concealed carry. In general, it is advisable for an EDC 1911 to have a trigger pull weight of 3-5lbs.
As for which caliber is best, that is mostly a matter of preference. The original 1911 was chambered in .45 ACP but that doesn't mean there aren't tons of excellent 1911s chambered in 9mm. Moreover, if you want a 9mm 1911 with better capacity, you may want to consider a 2011 instead. Watch our video to learn about the subtle differences between these two platforms:
Whether you're a 1911 enthusiast looking for a new piece for your collection or a first-time buyer just getting into 1911 pistols, here are a few recommendations to get you started on your way to making your next firearms purchase.
By far one of our top-selling handguns, the Tisas 1911 Carry model is a commander-length .45 ACP pistol with tons of excellent features right out of the box. These include a hammer forged stainless steel barrel, extended beavertail grip safety, ambidextrous thumb safety, an enhanced trigger, and a beveled magazine well. The Tisas 1911 has everything you need in an EDC 1911.
Springfield Armory's Mil-Spec 1911 is the perfect choice for those who want the classic, no-frills 1911 experience. While it retains the timeless aesthetics of the original, this model features an improved ejction port for enhanced reliability.
The Springfield TRP is always a solid choice for duty or concealed carry, and might just be one of the finest production 1911s on the market. It features ambi thumb safeties, forward and rear slide serrations, adjustable sights, a skeletonized hammer and trigger, and a beveled magwell. The AOS model also features an optics cut so you can run a red dot optic if desired.
Sig Sauer is primarily known for their classic DA / SA and striker fired handguns, but they also make an excellent 1911. The silky smooth action and solid build quality make the Sig 1911 a solid contender for anyone looking for a mid-tier 1911 pistol that looks and shoots great.
Classic Firearms carries a wide variety of 1911-style pistols, from the classic government model to the latest concealed carry and competition guns. Click here to browse all 1911 semi-auto handguns!
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