1911 Handgun Variants

Hey Guys,

Ken here from Midwest Rifle Works with another product review. This time, I want to discuss the 1911 platform.

“Why the 1911?”

I’m glad you asked!

The 1911 has been around for over a century. It was utilized in both World Wars, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, and it sees limited use on the modern battlefield by today’s elite special operations community. Not only has this platform been used by our military for over a century; it is popular among civilians as well. In use ranging from home defense to various competition circuit matches, the 1911 is loved and favored by many. But in today’s world of high-capacity polymer-framed guns, where does it fit in?

A lot of people would answer that it doesn’t – shame on them! Whether patrolling our streets or fighting on foreign battlefields, plenty of professionals still carry this platform. With modern technology in machining and engineering, we have seen the 1911 evolve greatly, especially over the last 20 years. Rails and modern sights have been added,  and even double-stack magazine, hi-cap models in a variety of calibers now exist. Everything from .22LR to .45 ACP, 9mm to .40 S&W, and 357 Mag to .38 Super can be found on a 1911 frame. The 1911 pistol also comes in various sizes. My Dan Wesson Eco boasts a 3” barrel, while my Springfield TRP hosts a full 5” barrel and a fulllength dust cover rail. There are also many models available with a 4.25” barrel and a shorter frame to reduce printing while carrying concealed.

“But Ken, there are so many 1911s out there with prices ranging from $400 to $5,000. How do I know which one to buy and what kind of quality I will be getting?”

 That’s what I’m here for! Let’s take a look at a few different brands from each price level.

For the budget–minded, we have a few brands such as:

• ATI
• Rock Island Armory (Armscor)
• Citadel
• Auto Ordnance

These pistols will all fall under the $600 mark, and you could grab a Citadel or an ATI for as little as $400. Why are they so cheap? Well, for starters, they all use soft cast internal parts, their frames and slides are manufactured overseas, and they also lack some of the finer appointments typically found on higher-end models. The funny thing is that Armscor makes the frames and slides for all of the above-mentioned companies. Out of these, I happen to like the Rock Island the best. As badly as I want to hate a cheap 1911, these guns seem to have a good fit and shoot rather well.

For mid–grade buyers, we have brands like:

• Ruger
• Remington
• Para Ordnance
• Desert Eagle
• A few of the Springfield models

These are the most popular grade of 1911s, falling around $600 to $850. Most of these come with extended controls, a better finish and a nicer fit than the budget guns. While some bear frames and slides manufactured overseas, here is where you start to find the American-made guns. Most use soft cast MIM internals, but with these you will find a richer bluing, a better parkerized finish, frames and slides free of tooling marks, nicer sights, and maybe even some frame checkering. Guns like the Springfield Range Officer are even hand-fitted in the factory.

For the high-grade guys, we have:

• Dan Wesson
• Springfield Armory
• STI
• Kimber
• Smith and Wesson
• SIG Sauer
• a few others

These guns usually fall in the price range of $850 to $2000. The Dan Wesson guns feature the best frame-to-slide fit out of any of these. Most still use soft cast internals, but in this category you will also start to see guns built with all tool steel internals. This range is also where you’ll find firearms with the best frame-to-slide fits, the cleanest triggers, extended controls, and extra machining steps like 20 or 30 LPI checkering, front slide serrations, etc. Some even deviate from the traditional 1911, having external extractors, such as the Sig Sauer or S&W models. Most also feature a full-length guide rod and an extended mag well.

If you’re looking for boutique quality, we have brands like:

• Wilson Combat
• Nighthawk
• Ed Brown

Each of these guns is hand-built by a master gunsmith, start to finish. Prices usually start in the $3000 range and go up from there. While they feature all tool steel internals, match grade barrels, extended controls, and very refined machining, the real cost lies in the assembly process. While expensive, these guns are worth every penny, and maintain a very high resale value. Although designed more for the collector, these guns can still be found in the hands of America’s finest and on many a competition course.

For the competitor, we have the 2011 platform. Brands include:

• STI
• Infinity
• Brazos Custom Gunworks

These offer some of the finest double-stack 2011 platforms on the planet. Ranging anywhere from $2000 to $6000, these pistols dominate the competitive scene. Known for accuracy and modularity, the 2011 platform is an excellent choice for those wishing to compete. However, that is all that these are designed to do. Even if you lose a match, you will look good doing it! Many a pro shooter utilizes the 2011, and for good reason! These pistols are heavier than the other guns on the market, making second shot follow-ups lightning fast.

There you have it!

The 1911. This pistol is not for everyone. To truly master it takes years of dedication and training. Designed in an era in which “simpler-is-better” wasn’t a thought, these pistols boast the design and craftsmanship of a time gone by. When quality was the standard by which all things were judged, the 1911 reigned supreme.

Has it taken a backseat to more modern pieces like the Glock or the M&P?

Sure it has.

Does it still have a place in this world?

I think so – as long as the end user has a desire to put in the necessary time to master this piece.

People always say, “Form follows function,” and nothing functions like a ( Insert your favorite poly frame pistol here). But sometimes, we forget that both of these answer to emotion. While I enjoy shooting my Glocks and am quite proficient at doing so, nothing evokes emotion like wrapping my mitts around the solid steel frame of a quality 1911.