Whether you’re an ordinary citizen, a civilian, or a military, you probably would need a weapon for self-defense or a certain cause.
There are many options that you can choose from and the most popular starter is a pistol; a handgun that is semi-automatic, recoil-operated, and magazine-fed.
But you just can’t choose any a gun, since you only deserve the best 1911 pistol. If otherwise, it won’t even be useful in defending yourself or doing its function.
In this guide, we’ll find out some of the greatest handguns that will certainly suit you best. So just read on!
1911 Pistol Comparison
PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
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M1911-A1 TACTICAL 45 ACP
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1911 TRP OPERATOR 10MM
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1911 R1 15+1
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Armory® 1911 Pistols
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1911 E-Series™ Pistol
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911 AMETHYST ULTRA II
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Micro .380 Pistols
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BRN-1911® RETRO CUSTOM
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CMC MARINE PISTOL
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COMBAT ELITE
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Best 1911 Pistol Review in 2023
In choosing one, you should know what type of handgun best suits your needs. If you are not decided yet, just keep on reading and take a look at their features. Let’s delve deeper!
Rock Island 1911-A1
You may opt for an expensive product, believing that it is of good quality. But, there is no guarantee that it is the best, or it is what you are truly looking for. Several pistols come at an affordable price, and at the same time, offer optimum quality, just like this 1911 A1.
Yes, this is a reliable and cost-efficient pistol that is imported from the Philippines. It has a smooth wooden grip to make sure that it is comfortable to hold. Also, its angled, snag-free style ensures that you can quickly draw it. Without a doubt, this is designed for your optimal convenience.
Its barrel is only 5 inches in length, so you can easily place and conceal it within your hips. And yes, this can be done without anybody noticing.
In terms of its magazine capacity, it allows up to 8 rounds, which means that you can fire multiple times, just a perfect match when you also go hunting
The pistol only weighs about 2.
73 pounds so you can easily and comfortably carry and bring this with you without straining your arms. Much more, it ensures an accurate shooting capacity. So, even in long distances, you can certainly hit your target.
Furthermore, it complies with the ambidextrous safety standard to make sure that you can use this even if you’re left-handed. Although it does not have an optimum thumb safety feature, it is still safe for an instantaneous shot. It also includes a sturdy little hammer and a thin beavertail, ensuring durability.
Then again, this comes at a very affordable cost with all of its amazing features. So, instead of spending a lot of your money on a gun of your dream, you need to think otherwise. You can save a lot if you choose this highly functional semi-automatic pistol.
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Related Guide: Best AR-15 Rifles
Springfield Armory 1911 TRP Operator
This is what they call the legendary gun that has been produced for over a decade already. Designed fiercely with color, this weapon from Springfield Armory can be used for self-defense. Not only that, but you can also use this for other applications; anyway, it is commonly intended for tactical use.
The TRP stands for Tactical Response Pistol, a gun with 10mm long-side. This makes it fit when you are fond of hunting or participating in several outdoor shooting activities.
Weighing around 2.8 pounds, it is quite big and heavy compared to other handguns on the list, but this makes sure that it can provide you a powerful performance.
When you load the gun and start to fire, you may feel a huge impact. But with its trigger, you are ensured of smooth operation. And this can greatly improve your accuracy when shooting at your aim. In fact, it is excellent for hunting a long-distance target.
Furthermore, it is made with a Black¬-T finish that enables it to become highly resistant to corrosion. This also maintains your gun’s aesthetics to enhance fashion and sturdiness at the same time.
Although it is very heavy, its weight enables you to reduce recoil; very beneficial if you want a powerful shot. Its chambers are designed for safety, even if you have a heavy load. This is equipped with a 6-inch barrel that helps increase sight radius and velocity for every full-powered load.
Whether you are a left or right-handed person, this weapon perfectly fits you, thanks to its extended bilateral thumb and ambidextrous safety features. Plus, it has a nice grip, too, so you can comfortably carry it with you anytime.
So, if you want something unique, reliable, powerful, and made of high-quality, this product is a good choice.
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Remington – 1911 R1
This 1911 double stack weapon is designed to fit your shooting or hunting activities. It can be held comfortably due to its firm traction and grip. In terms of shooting capacity, you are sure of an excellent outcome because it can be used for several rounds with no malfunction.
The ambidextrous safety ensures that you can use this, whether you’re left or right-handed. Much more, you can have an adjustable crisp trigger that can be set from 3.5 to 5 pounds.
Racking the slide is very easy, and you can do so quickly, even with the use of one hand. Plus, the magazine can be inserted exactly and dropped smoothly when reloading your gun.
Although it is quite heavy to use, using this assures you that you can still manage to hit your target. But with the condition that you have to familiarize yourself with the gun and learn some techniques in handling it correctly.
Well, this can be used for a wide range of targets from 50 to 150 yards. Since it is heavy and bulky, you won’t be able to carry it conveniently. But, it is still ideal to use for home defense. You just have to put it in a particular area in your home and use it as needed against your target.
All of its controls are in place, worth mentioning are the safety pins that ensure you of maximum protection. With its exceptional features from its slide and frame that is made of solid steel, to the hammer and the trigger, this is undeniably all packed in one gun.
So, if you need a pistol with a .45 caliber suppressor host, this product may be the right one for you!
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Related Review: Best Handguns Buyer’s Guide
Springfield Armory 1911
Another gun from Springfield Armory! This one comes with a 5 inches arched style match grade barrel that makes it look good, aside from its mil-spec, of course.
Well, it has been developed and upgraded over the years to improve its performance. This assures you of its reliability when used on the battlefield. Its construction is made of parkerized or stainless finish to make sure that it can withstand extreme conditions. This is undoubtedly made to be durable.
Much more, it has a short trigger that is proven to be effective in making shots with accuracy either for your protection or any shooting match. Well, Springfield 1911 is known for many decades already, especially in terms of reliability, accuracy, and durability.
It is a handgun that consistently placed its name on the top and guarantees you the highest quality performance possible. Also, being very easy to carry, it won’t strain your arms even if you have to use this for longer shooting sessions. It is also smooth when you fire towards your target.
Since it is lightweight, you can easily place it in your hips and conceal it under your shirt. Moreover, its tritium 3 dot sights allow you to acquire your aiming point and accurately hit your target.
Plus, it has extended ambidextrous safeties and beavertail grip safeties, which makes it a good choice for everyone. Its reduced grip radius ensures comfort when held and balance when used for shooting the target.
Not to mention, the unique Posi-lock allows you a solid grip. So, what more can you ask with all of these great features? This is, without a doubt, worth every single penny.
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Suggested Topic: Scope Leveling System Review
Smith & Wesson 1911 E-Series
Smith & Wesson has been known for producing handguns for a very long time. It ensures that each of its products is equipped with features that are maintained and improved to provide you optimal quality, such as this 1911 E-series.
Now, from the fact that this gun was used during the war and trusted by many law enforcement organizations worldwide, we can get an idea of why this will truly be an excellent choice. Much more, it has been a top contender for several shooting competitions that many tend to replicate but to no avail.
From its appearance to its mechanical elements, this E-series model is made with the most advanced technology to create an extremely powerful weapon, especially for the military.
Equipped with high graded materials, this will surely provide you the perfect comfort from the weight itself. With its barrel and specialized muzzle, you will be able to experience a smooth shooting performance, unlike when you use other guns in the market.
It has the chambers of .45 ACP rounds with enough stopping power to incapacitate your target. This is very important if you are fond of joining shooting competitions or just merely want to improve your shooting skills. With this, you can surely afford to control the power and keep in balance.
This E-series is equipped with the newly engineered Joubert trigger that enables your hand to fit on the frame perfectly and conveniently. Also, the Swartz firing pin created with an external extractor and ejector can give you a consistent and reliable weapon without compromising your safety.
So, if you’re into quality, safety, convenience, and much more, this gun from Smith & Wesson is a good option!
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Kimber Mfg. – 1911 Amethyst
If you’re looking for a handsome appearance and style to use for self-defense, this pistol is a good option. From the name of the model itself, this can keep you watchful on every battle. Well, the word amethyst is derived from the Greek word “amethustos,” which means sober.
You are sure that you will be protected when you have this with you. Plus, it has an awesome shade of purple and silver that will surely fit into your style. Aside from that, it is made of steel, thereby ensuring its strength even with extreme use. Its trigger is so easy and smooth to use too.
Using this will only let you experience minimal recoil, so you are guaranteed stability. This comes with a three-dot tritium night sight that allows you to accurately aim at your target and to quickly maneuver for follow up shots when needed.
It allows a .45 ACP and 9mm Luger cartridge so you can have the flexibility to choose which one to use according to your preference. The frame that you can see along the gun’s edges prevents snags on your garment. It is lightweight so you can carry it whenever you may go.
Furthermore, its 3 inches stainless steel barrel with an aluminum satin silver finish frame ensures durability. And it is manufactured in the USA, so you’re sure that it’s of high-quality. No wonder, from its unique and well-crafted qualities, you can say that it is something that you can trust.
Not to mention, it also has the ambidextrous thumb safety, full-length guide rod, and solid-aluminum trigger that make this product worth your money and reliable for defense.
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Suggested Topic: 9 mm Pistol
Kimber Micro .380 Bel Air Blue
If you’re into the shades of blue, this gun may be a good option for you. You will surely love this fashion looking weapon that comes with a Bel Air blue frame and mirror-polished slide. Not to mention, it boasts the ivory Micarta grip panels, and the stainless steel slides are mirror-polished.
Being considered as one of the prominent mouse guns in the market, this is lighter than ever. It is made of fine aluminum materials that contribute to its sturdiness, and at the same time, it is lightweight, so it is easier to carry everywhere. A small gun is also expected to fit if your hands are small.
Also, it can provide you a snappy performance because this 1911 gun has an optimal thumb safety feature and easy to slide magazine release. This won’t fail you when used for personal or home defense.
It is, without a doubt, a superb choice that comes with fashionable features and good quality performance
Its color may be an issue for others because not everyone will like it. However, when it comes to its shooting ability, this small weapon can incredibly provide you with a powerful performance.
So if you are fond of different styles and colors of handguns, you may bring this to your collection.
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Brownells – BRN-1911
This retro custom pistol is one of the vintage-inspired weapons that you can find in the market. It has a dandified look with Bo-Mar type adjustable sight to keep your eyes on the target. Also, this includes the fine front strap and checkered cocobolo grips for easy and comfortable handling.
The arched mainspring housing has a smooth curve for added comfort. Its matte blue slides contrast with the stainless frame that makes it look even brighter. Plus, the crisp and sensitive trigger, as well as fine breaks, ensure that you can easily make a perfect pull on the trigger.
Its skeleton-type hammer comes with three-hole adjustable triggers for more flexibility. Its beavertail grip keeps you protected from the hammer bite. Without a doubt, it is a reliable and durable pistol with a corrosion-resistant frame.
The trigger is made of aluminum material, which makes the gun lighter and sturdy enough to handle extreme conditions. With all the features it can provide you, this is undeniably the best quality and will surely enhance your shooting ability!
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Colt – CMC Marine Fde
You can never go wrong choosing this pistol from the design itself. This pistol is equipped with the G10 grip that provides better traction when in use. It ensures that it can run flawlessly when you start to fire towards your target.
Also, it comes with a crisp trigger that ensures less recoil, mainly due to its dual recoil spring system. This is equipped with MIM parts to provide you a competent and quality weapon.
Undoubtedly, this gun can give you ultimate power, reliability, and durability, especially when used for shooting competitions or even on the battlefield. However, you may be shocked by the price. Well, given all of its features, it is worth every single penny.
Much more, it is quite heavy, but this may be carried easily if you’re an expert in handling guns. The feed ramp is polished to provide you a smoother surface and equipped with a non-captured, dual spring to increase its reliability.
Also, it is within the military standard, having complied with the vigorous tests required therein. This automatic pistol comes with excellent quality, and it is one of the best picks in the market!
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Colt – Combat Elite
If you’re an avid fan of vintage items with a touch of modern technology, this is a good option for you! This gun can give you that retro look, thereby allowing you to reminisce about the past. It’s just traveling way back to the 1970s with the theme of this weapon.
This is a two-tone pistol that has a blue slide and a stainless steel frame. It comes with Novak three dot-sights and beavertail safety to enhance the accuracy as well as better control. Featuring the extended thumb safety, ring hammer, and match-type trigger, you can use this with comfort.
Usually, this weapon is used by combat-style match shooters. If you’re an avid shooter or collector of guns, it is a good idea for your shooting competitions and battles. This will surely give you optimum performance and an incredible power when firing at your target.
Featuring the ambidextrous safety, you can use this, whether you’re left-handed or right-handed. Being made of wood materials, this ensures you of durability. Since it is equipped with the Novak low profile carry rear sight, you will most likely improve your accuracy.
Although this is quite heavy, this still adds to its precision. Also, it may be expensive, but it warrants you of high-quality. This will certainly not disappoint you. With all of these features, you are sure that this is a good choice
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Factors to Consider Before Buying
If you’re looking for a gun for your target shooting activities or personal and home defenses, you need to make sure that you are equipped with the necessary training and learn the strategies and techniques on how to handle your gun properly. More importantly, you have to consider the following factors:
Compliance with the Law
You need to learn and consider the rules and regulations in acquiring a particular gun. It is not that easy, but you need to comply with these requirements for your legal use and possession. These laws vary on what state you are living in. That’s for you to check out and ask your government for the process.
Budget
It is necessary to check the price and the purpose of the gun. Take note that not all expensive guns are actually high-quality. Make sure that your desired gun is within your budget, as well as serves your purpose. Regardless of its price, it will still be rendered useless if you cannot use it according to your purpose.
Take Effective Training
There are opportunities like courses that will allow you to learn safety measures and shooting techniques using your gun. You may check within your area who offers the training. Make sure that the company offering it is duly certified by your government to teach courses, particularly a training course on guns.
Size and Weight
Each gun has a different size and weight. You have the freedom to choose which can give you comfort when using and carrying it with no hassle. You need to familiarize yourself with the gun and be proficient with it.
Also, these features are crucial to determine whether or not you can conceal it.
Frequently Asked Questions
The law enforcement agencies are usually equipped with 1911 pistols while rendering their services for public safety. Also, these are used by many civilians for personal and home defenses.
No. Some 1911 pistols are also lightweight. You may choose among the pistols listed above, depending upon your preference. But if you opt for a heavy pistol, you can always have a strong belt or a great weight-displacing holster to carry your gun more conveniently.
It depends on your needs and preferences. Also, you need to be aware of precautionary measures and basic principles in taking a gun with you. Whatever gun you have, it is best to have quality training to ensure your safety.
There are several options of 1911 pistols for every type of person. But the very important factor to consider in buying one is to check the list of reputable manufacturers and companies, their history, and warranty provided for your purchase.
Finals Words
There are many available pistols in the market. You have just known some of the best 1911 pistols and their excellent features. Hopefully, this review is a great help in choosing one that suits you best. Stay safe!