The Team Match II is Kimber’s top-of-the-line competition 1911. It is chambered in .45 ACP as well as 9mm. The Team Match II was created to the USA Shooting Rapid Fire Pistol team’s specifications for their use in competition. (kimberamerica.com; 888-243-4522)
The Dan Wesson Elite Series of pistols were joined by the Chaos in 2014. The Dan Wesson Chaos is a high-capacity 9mm 1911 with a 21+1 capacity. The Chaos comes from the DW Custom Shop with a match trigger and fiber-optic sights. Serious 3-Gun competitors will find it ideal for use. (cz-usa.com; 800-955-4486)
Sig Sauer’s 1911 Target arrives out of the box with a match-grade barrel and trigger. It is chambered in .45 ACP. Adjustable sights come standard, and stainless and black Nitron finishes are available. (sigsauer.com; 866-345-6744)
Para teamed with IPSC World Champion Travis Tomasie to create the Pro Custom 14.45. It is ready to compete straight from the box with two 14-round magazines along with a match-grade barrel and trigger. It is chambered in .45 ACP. (para-usa.com; 888-999-9386)
The Edge is an early STI 2011 frame introduction (1997) that quickly became a fixture among IPSC competitors as well as tactical teams. It is offered in 9mm, .38 Super, .40 S&W and .45 ACP.
The Colt Gold Cup is the original out-of-the-box competition 1911. The first Colt Gold Cup pistol was introduced in the late 1950s to give competitive shooters a gun to take directly from the dealer’s showcase to the firing line. The Gold Cup established what makes up a competition .45 ACP 1911 in terms of an adjustable trigger, match barrel and adjustable target sights. (colt.com; 800-962-2658)
The Springfield Armory TRP SS starts with a forged National Match frame and slide. These are precision fit and then mated with a match grade stainless steel barrel and bushing. The 3-dot tritium sights and an extended beveled magazine well remind you that the TRP was designed for use in high stress environments. (springfield-armory.com; 800-680-6866)
Les Baer 1911s are renowned for their accuracy. The 1911 Boss continues this with a guarantee for 3-inch groups at 50 yards. The Boss comes with rear cocking serrations, a fiber-optic front sight, an extended safety and 30-lpi checkering. (lesbaer.com; 563-289-2126)
104 years after its official release, the 1911 pistol designed by John Moses Browning remains as iconic, and relevant, as ever. Indeed, this reliable workhorse is still used for tactical and civilian applications, including concealed carry and competitive shooting. When it comes to picking a 1911 pistol for competitive shooting, there’s alot to choose from. To help you get started, we’ve narrowed the field down to the eight selections found in the gallery above. From the Kimber Team Match II to the Colt Gold Cup and beyond, all of these 1911 pistols will deliver game-ending accuracy right out of the box when you’re out on the course.
