Pictured Top to Bottom, Left to Right: Nighthawk Shadow Hawk Government with Trijicon RMR, Coonan .357 Magnum Automatic, Colt Gold Cup National Match, Nighthawk War Hawk Recon
NOTE: This photo is a 3D rendering. American Tactical will be releasing a series of new polymer-framed 1911 pistols for 2015. Dubbed the FXH series, the handguns will feature polymer frames with two steel inserts for additional reinforcement, finger grooves along the front strap, match-grade steel barrels and slides cut with dovetails that use Glock aftermarket sights. The FXH-45 is a full-sized, 5-inch-barreled, single-stack model, while the FXH-45C is a compact version that retains the full frame size but has a 4.25-inch barrel and slide. The smallest version is the FXH-45D, which features a 3.25-inch barrel and a smaller frame. (http://www.americantactical.us; 800-290-0065)
Browning now offers a line of 1911 handguns that are 85- percent the size of the original.45 ACP 1911 model. For those smaller-statured shooters or those interested in concealed carry with lighter cartridges, this could be the perfect fit. Browning’s offerings are authentically designed, full-featured 1911-style handguns chambered in .380 ACP and .22 LR and just slightly larger than many micro .380 ACP pistols. The longer frame yields better shooting comfort for the whole hand, the longer slide increases sight radius, the 3 to 5 extra ounces of weight soaks up recoil better, and each pistol features the exquisitely tunable trigger the 1911 design is famous for. Browning’s 1911-380 has features found on custom 1911s, such as an extended ambidextrous thumb safety, a beavertail grip safety, an extended slide lock, a lightweight hammer and trigger, and low profile combat-style sights, but at 85-percent scale and chambered in .380 ACP. For those wanting a smaller carry gun or backup but wanting something beefier than most polymer options, this is an ideal fit. (http://www.browning.com; 800-333-3288)
The Custom version of Chiappa’s rimfire 1911-22 model features a 5-inch fixed barrel, a Novak-style rear sight and fiber-optic front sight, diamond-checkered walnut grips and a Commander-style hammer. The front and backstraps are serrated for an enhanced grip. The pistol also features an adjustable target trigger, checkering at the rear of the slide, an extended flared magazine well and magazine bumpers. A lower Picatinny rail is optional. (http://www.chiappafirearms.com)
When pistol shooting was added to the National Matches, accurized Government models started being built by military shooting teams for military and civilian competitions. Commercial makers such as Colt also began offering National Match pistols as well. These were essentially as-issue pistols tightened up with tuned triggers, better quality barrels, checkering to improve grip and some parts honing. Some didn’t even have adjustable sights, although improved sights were added over time. For 2015, Colt unveiled its newest, and arguably its best, Gold Cup iteration. The .45 ACP 1911-style pistol features an aluminum match trigger, a match-grade barrel, a Bo-Mar-type adjustable rear sight with a dovetailed front sight, and a serrated flattop slide. This is a ready-to-compete match pistol that will be sold at a price point that will beat other contenders. With the recent National Rifle Association and Civilian Marksmanship Program rule changes, Distinguished High Master shooters such as Master Sergeant Robert Kolesar (ret.) predict that this Gold Cup variant will soon become a new favorite for competition. (http://www.colt.com; 800-962-2658)
Dan Coonan has designed a self-loading .357 Magnum handgun based on the 1911 platform. Machined from stainless steel and featuring a linkless barrel, a pivoting 4-pound trigger and an external extractor, the Coonan .357 Magnum Automatic is one of the most powerful factory 1911s ever built. The pistol can also handle .38 Special but may experience cycling sensitivity due to being set up for full-power Magnum ammunition. The Coonan Classic offers a 5-inch barrel, walnut grips, a 7+1 capacity and fixed dovetailed sights. (http://www.coonaninc.com; 763-786-1720)
The CZ 1911 A1 is a classic 5-inch-barreled Government model built with modern methods that features checkered walnut grips, a serrated slide stop, magazine catch and mainspring housing, as well as a stainless steel barrel. A taller set of high-profile sights are dovetailed front and rear, while tight slide-to-barrel and slide-to-frame tolerances make this model an improvement over vintage models. Chambered in .45 ACP, the 38.72-ounce pistol offers a 7+1 capacity and an all-business black oxide finish. (http://www.cz-usa.com; 800-955-4486)
The EAA Witness Elite is a polymer-framed, single-stack 1911-style pistol. The design is similar to the classic Government model, with the same dimensions and technical characteristics, but it sports a dovetailed front sight and an accessory rail underneath the barrel. Tanfoglio and EAA maintain the traditions of John Browning’s original 1911 through the inclusion of a slim design and the powerful .45 ACP cartridge. This pistol is ideal for USPSA Single Stack and IDPA Custom Defensive Pistol divisions thanks to a lightened frame that’s molded with the finest polymer materials. (http://www.eaacorp.com; 321-639-4842)
The American Classic II is a single-action, 1911-style pistol available in both .45 ACP and 9mm. Constructed of 4140 alloy steel, the pistol features a skeletonized trigger and hammer, an extended slide stop, a flared ejection port, a beavertail grip safety, an extended thumb safety and a throated, forged steel barrel. The sights include a dovetail front sight and a Novak-style rear sight. Diamond-cut, checkered hardwood grips and front and rear slide serrations provide positive purchase during use. The American Classic II is available in blued, hard chrome and duo-tone finishes and retails at a very attractive price point. (http://americanclassic.eagleimportsinc.com; 732-493-0333)
The Ed Brown Kobra Carry is the classic .45 ACP Kobra model modified for everyday carry. It features a patented Ed Brown Bobtail housing, snake scale texturing on the front and back, and a 4.25-inch barrel. This single-stack 1911-style pistol weighs only 35 ounces unloaded and features highly visible three-dot night sights. The three-hole trigger features a factory pull of 3.5 to 4 pounds. The pistol offers a total capacity of 7+1 rounds of .45 ACP. This design is made for minimal printing without sacrificing the classic aesthetics and ergonomics of the 1911 platform.
The Eagle XL is a long-slide .45 ACP 1911 pistol that features a 6-inch barrel, a matte blued finish, fully adjustable Millett sights and an extended slide stop and thumb safety. This classically styled pistol gives users a skeletonized trigger and hammer, a beavertail grip safety with memory cut, a lowered and flared ejection port, a slightly beveled magazine well for easier reloads and double-diamond-cut Walnut grips. Variants with ported slides and barrels are also available. (http://www.iverjohnsonarms.com; 321-632-7745)
Based on handguns built for the United States Marines assigned to Central Command, the .45 ACP Warrior SOC (TFS) features a dark green KimPro II finish with suppressor-ready Tactical Wedge tritium night sights, a desert tan Crimson Trace Rail Master laser sight, Kimber G10 tactical grips, and a suppressor-ready 5.5-inch threaded barrel compatible with Gem-Tech suppressors and similar models. The Pro TLE II (TFS) features a suppressor-ready 4.25-inch threaded bull barrel, Meprolight tritium three-dot night sights, a matte black finish, and synthetic double diamond grips. Weighing 35 ounces unloaded, the Pro TLE (TFS) is a solid .45 ACP duty handgun that offers reliable stopping power. (http://www.kimberamerica.com; 888-243-4522)
Magnum Research has added to its Desert Eagle lineup with a new series of stainless Desert Eagle 1911-style pistols. The Desert Eagle 1911 G Stainless in .45 ACP features a full-sized stainless steel frame with a 5-inch barrel, a skeletonized hammer, an extended magazine release and thumb safety, a checkered, flat mainspring housing and a 20 lines-per-inch checkered frontstrap. It has a high-profile, drift-adjustable rear sight and pinned-in white-dot front sight. The Desert Eagle 1911 C Stainless is a 4.25-inch-barreled Commander-style 1911 with the same frame and sights as the full-sized version. The Desert Eagle 1911 U Stainless is the .45 ACP “Undercover” version, and features a 3-inch bushingless barrel, an aluminum anodized frame, a stainless steel slide and adjustable rear sights. Weighing in at only 25.8 ounces, this is a very concealable 1911. (http://www.magnumresearch.com; 508-635-4273)
The Shadow Hawk is a unique blending of Nighthawk Custom’s classic 1911 and the most modern electronic sight options. Starting with Nighthawk Custom’s Government model, the company uses a proprietary manufacturing process to rigidly mount a Trijicon RMR to the slide. This is topped with Heinie Ledge tritium sights. For additional sight options, the slide stop has been beveled and recessed to allow for the addition of Crimson Trace Lasergrips. The triggerguard is undercut, and the frame has 25-lpi checkering on the frontstrap, as well as a high beavertail grip safety, VZ grips and a tough black nitrite finish. Steve “Yeti” Fisher, formerly of Magpul Dynamics, was instrumental in the design and testing of the Shadow Hawk and pulled from his background in law enforcement and competition shooting for this design. (http://www.nighthawkcustom.com; 870-423-4867)
The War Hawk Recon is an enhanced tactical 1911. Starting with Nighthawk’s black-nitride-finished slide and frame, the slide features multi-faceted serrations and an arrow-style top for easy manipulation as well as a Nighthawk Custom/Marvel EVERLAST Recoil System. The National Match barrel is crowned and beveled flush with the bushing. The front of the frame features an integrated Recon Light Rail, 20-lpi checkering, an aluminum match trigger and aggressive 10-8 Performance Hyena Brown grips. The front sight features a red fiber-optic insert, though a tritium front sight upgrade is available, and Jardine rear sights. (http://www.nighthawkcustom.com; 870-423-4867)
Republic Forge’s Republic model 1911 has a 5-inch barrel, 25-lines-per-inch checkering on the frontstrap, a wide array of custom Cerakote options, serrations on top of the slide and color coordinated VZ grips. Offered in .45 ACP, 10mm, .40 S&W, .38 Super and 9mm chamberings, these high-value 1911s feature Republic Forge’s proprietary recoil system. The pistol also sports a skeletonized hammer and trigger as well as a beavertail grip safety. (http://www.republicforge.com; 806-648-1911)
While the Republic Forge General model 1911 is intended for concealed-carry use, it still offers operators the handling characteristics of a full-sized 1911 in a compact package. The General is offered in .45 ACP exclusively and features a match-grade, 3.5-inch barrel, 25-lines-per-inch checkering on the frontstrap, rear slide serrations, custom Cerakote finish options and VZ or various ivory grip options. This single-stack Officer’s model has a proprietary Republic Forge recoil system and features the company’s Tri-Cavity trigger. (http://www.republicforge.com; 806-648-1911)
Rock Island Armory has unveiled the new XT 22 for 2015, making it the only 1911 chambered in .22 Magnum. Featuring a lengthened frame and special magazine designed for the longer rimfire cartridge, the pistol is an all-steel, one-piece design with a modular 5-inch barrel, delayed blowback action and an integral rail mount. Weighing 35.2 ounces unloaded, the pistol sports a Parkerized finish and rubber factory grips. (http://us.armscor.com; 775-537-1444)
Rock River Arms is one of several manufacturers building polymer-framed, single-stack 1911-style handguns. The company’s 1911 Poly is a standard Government size .45 ACP that features a polymer frame and mainspring housing with a steel frame insert, a steel slide, an aluminum trigger, a Commander-style hammer, a beavertail grip safety as well as RRA’s dovetailed front and rear sights and overmolded grips. The pistol ships with two seven-round magazines, a polymer holster, a mag loader and a fitted case.
NRA Outdoor Pistol (Bullseye) is a classic American conventional shooting discipline that has been dominated by optical sights for years. With the recent rule changes by the NRA, competitors will now shoot in Open, Iron Sight and Production divisions. RRA’s Bullseye Wadcutter features the company’s Bullseye Rib, which combines extended-radius iron sights with a rail for mounting an optic, allowing competitors to switch divisions with one pistol. As is expected of any bullseye pistol, the Bullseye Wadcutter has your choice of 20-, 25- and 30-lines-per-inch checkering, a 3.5-pound trigger, a National Match barrel and bushing, and it is guaranteed to shoot 1.5-inch groups at 50 yards with 185-grain Federal Gold Medal Match semi-wadcutter ammunition. (http://www.rockriverarms.com; 866-980-7625)
Officially designated as Model 6711, Ruger’s newest SR1911 is a compact Commander-style .45 ACP 1911 built on an aluminum frame. Like other Ruger 1911s, this pistol has a Series 70-type fire system with a lighter titanium firing pin, a heavier spring and an integral plunger tube for the slide stop and thumb safety. A visual inspection port allows for visual confirmation of a loaded or empty chamber. This particular model features 7+1 capacity, drift-adjustable Novak sights and an anodized aluminum frame. The feed ramp is an obvious wear point on any 1911 frame and aluminum frames are especially susceptible, so Ruger uses a polished titanium feed ramp to enhance frame longevity. The overall length is 7.75 inches with a 29.3-ounce weight. (http://www.ruger.com)
Adding to Sig’s Ultra concealed carry line, the Ultra 9mm is a compact 1911 with a crisp 5-pound trigger, a 3.3-inch barrel, rosewood grips, low-profile SIGLITE night sights and an 8+1 capacity of 9mm ammo. The slide has a more traditional rounded contour instead of Sig’s contour to enhance comfort in deep concealment. (http://www.sigsauer.com; 603-610-3000)
Springfield Armory’s Loaded series feature a culmination of the best, most useful and most popular 1911 features, such as extended ambidextrous thumb safeties, ergonomic beavertail grip safeties, lightweight delta hammers and extended trigger. The new Marine Corps Operator adds a new pattern on the frame for an improved grasp without tearing up your hands or clothing. A standard accessory rail allows user to mount a light or laser. The 43-ounce design also features a 5-inch barrel, night sights, an ambidextrous safety, G10 grips and Commander-style hammer. The .45 ACP pistol ships with two seven-round magazines. (http://www.springfield-armory.com; 800-680-6866)
The Springfield Armory Range Officer Champion features a fiber-optic front sight, a high-visibility rear sight, a custom hammer and a wide and high beavertail grip safety with memory groove. Modifications are kept minimum to keep the price down, but the pistol features enhancements that will truly improve performance. Originally offered in .45 ACP, the new version is in 9mm, which is lighter recoiling, less expensive and an ideal cartridge for many competition and real-world applications. The 9mm Range Officer Champion uses the same frame and slide as Springfield’s Trophy Match 1911s with the same fit. (http://www.springfield-armory.com; 800-680-6866)
Originally designed both by and for female shooters, STI International’s Elektra is a compact, aluminum-framed 1911-style pistol small enough for deep concealment and backup use. Based on STI’s Shadow design, this Officer-sized pistol features a stainless steel slide with Sabertooth rear cocking serrations and an oversized ejection port. A Cerakoted two-tone finish and tritium night sights recessed into the slide are also standard. The frontstrap is stippled while the polymer mainspring housing is flat and checkered. Available in .45 ACP and 9mm, the Elektra comes with a variety of grip color options, including pink, blue, purple and black.
Building on STI International’s 2011 Tactical line, the company’s single-stack Tactical SS pistols offer the same reliability and accuracy but in a more traditional 1911 package. The Tactical SS 1911 frames are fully forged with an accessory rail and feature innovative lightening to counter the additional weight of attachments. Intended for tough use in tactical environments, these 1911-style pistols bring STI’s accuracy and refinement to the field. The 5-inch-barrelled Tactical SS 5.0 is offered in .45 ACP, .40 S&W and 9mm chamberings.
This 1911 features a combat hammer, a skeletonized trigger, an ambidextrous safety and an extended beavertail to add to the shooter’s safety and comfort. Wide front and rear slide serrations make it easy to rack the slide, and the pistol’s Dark Earth Cerakote finish, complete with custom G10 grips, adds to its tactical appeal. The frame features a short Picatinny rail for mounting a light, laser or other accessories. The front sight features a green fiber-optic insert, and the pistol comes with two magazines. (http://www.taylorsfirearms.com; 540-722-2017)
John Browning’s iconic 1911 handgun design, the everlasting centenarian, continues to soldier on in today’s market even stronger than ever. With grumblings rampant about replacing the Department of Defense’s issue handgun, many have seriously suggested going back to the future with a modern 1911 revision. The design remains a competition favorite in both precision-orientated bullseye and speed-driven practical shooting. With more manufacturers designing new and improved versions, the 1911style pistol continues to attract new and accomplished shooters.
