The only thing better than shooting .45 ACP or 10mm is shooting a lot of .45 ACP and 10mm. Which is one of the things that makes the pistol caliber carbine so great—capacity. Not to mention the added ease of use and accuracy. For this reason, Bear Creek Arsenal adds some new pistol caliber carbines to its lineup, chambered in .45 ACP or 10mm.
The Bear Creek Arsenal .45 ACP and 10mm Pistol Caliber Carbines
The line includes five new options with Government or M4 barrels chambered in your choice of .45 ACP or 10mm. Each PCC features a 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium M4 flat-top billet upper receiver and Bear Creek Arsenal bolt carrier group.
The barrels have a 9/16 x 24 thread pitch on the 10mm and a 37/64 x 28 thread pitch on the .45 ACP. Although they are suppressor ready, they come with a flash hider already installed.
The line utilizes familiar AR-15 controls but replace the standard charging handle with a side charging (Gen 2) handle. Additionally, the flared magwell on each PCC accepts a Glock style magazine and provides for fast, easy reloads. Correspondingly, the 10mm accepts Glock 20 style 30-round magazines, while the .45 ACP accepts Glock 21 style magazines.
Available in 7.5-, 10.5-, and 16-inch configurations, the .45 ACP is built on an all-new “AR-45” platform. Likewise, building on a new “AR-10MM” platform, the 10mm is available in 6- and 10.5-inch configurations. Offered in your choice of Government or M4 barrels, each barrel has a 1:16 twist.
Although 10mm is known for its stopping power, some shy away from its heavier recoil. So, to solve this problem, Bear Creek Arsenal utilizes an 8 ounce buffer on the 10mm versions. As a result, this mitigates felt recoil for a softer shooting experience.
Availability
The Bear Creek Arsenal .45 ACP and 10mm Pistol Caliber Carbines are available now with MSRPs of $539.99 – $559.99. For more info, please visit BearCreekArsenal.com.
Donald J. Trump, the 45th President of the United States, solidified his position as a pro-Second Amendment president in a single statement. “The Second Amendment to the Constitution is clear. The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed upon. Period.” For this reason, Kahr Arms and Auto-Ordnance have commemorated Trump in a series of themed firearms. The latest is the “Trump Save America” series of .45 ACPs, including a 1911 and Thompson “Tommy Gun.”
President Trump has fought the establishment for over six years, demonstrating unwavering support for the right to keep and bear arms. It’s one of the reasons they hate him so much. But that doesn’t dissuade his determination to save America from those who seek to destroy her.
So, it makes sense that Kahr Arms Group would commemorate him with the aptly named “Trump Save America” series. The series includes a 1911 and Thompson Model 1927 Tommy Gun. Additionally, in a nod to the 45th president, both firearms are chambered in .45 ACP.
Trump Save America Thompson
(Photo by Auto-Ordnance)
The Trump Save America Thompson starts as a Model 1927 Tommy Gun, featuring high-quality steel—manufactured in the USA. Correspondingly, it includes a highly durable Sniper Gray Cerakote finish with black controls. Likewise, the rifle includes American walnut furniture, providing an aesthetically pleasing natural tone.
On the right side of the 39-inch-long Thompson is engraved “President Trump” along with the Presidential Seal. Similarly, the obverse side features a “Save America 45th” engraving. Uniquely, the words “Trump” on the right and “America” on the left are deeply embossed into the steel. As a result, is a bold look that will stand the test of time.
In addition, the wood furniture features engravings of the American flag, President Trump, the Liberty Bell, and the Statue of Liberty. All symbols of the freedom and liberty America and the Second Amendment stand for.
The 12.5-pound rifle features a 16.5-inch finned barrel with included Cutts compensator. Additionally, the Thompson ships with one 50-round drum and one 20-round stick magazine. All other features of the 1927 model Tommy are included. The Trump Save America Thompson fetches an MSRP of $3,118.00.
Trump Save America 1911
(Photo by Auto-Ordnance)
The American-made GI-style Auto-Ordnance 1911A1 features a Savage Stainless and Armor Black Distressed Cerakote finish. Likewise, the carbon steel slide, sear, and disconnector are heat treated for reliability over many thousands of rounds. Atop the slide are low-profile sights featuring a blade front and a rear that is drift adjustable for windage. In addition, housed within the slide is a 5-inch barrel.
On the right side is a laser engraving of the President’s motto, “Save America” along with his signature just underneath. Correspondingly, the left side features an engraving of the White House with the phrase “Promises Made, Promises Kept.” An American flag is etched on both sides of the dust cover.
Similarly, the grips are made of wood and feature corresponding engravings. The right displays a “Trump 2024” campaign poster and an image of President Trump. Likewise, the left showcases the Presidential Seal and “Trump 2024” campaign poster. The Trump Save America 1911 ships with a single 7-round magazine and comes in at a less expensive $1,324.00 MSRP.
“Sales of Trump themed firearms remain strong, and our vendors continually ask us for new models in the series. There are clearly many gun owners that support President Trump, and want to make a statement about their determination to see him return to the White House in 2024,” said Justin Moon, CEO of Kahr Firearms Group.
Availability
The Auto-Ordnance Trump Save America commemorative firearms are available now with MSRPs of $1,324.00 (1911) and $3,118.00 (Thompson). For more info, please visit Auto-Ordnance.com.
Trump Save America Thompson Specs
(Photo by Auto-Ordnance)
Caliber: .45 ACP Overall Length: 39 inches Weight: 12.5 pounds Sights: Pinned in front blade, Open rear adjustable Stocks: Walnut fixed stock and vertical foregrip Magazine: 50 round drum & 20 round stick magazines MSRP: $3,118.00
For those who appreciate the finer things in life, Nighthawk Custom offers the VIP Black. The presentation-grade pistol is truly a work of art that is ready to be passed down for generations. However, it is not for those light in the pocketbook. With high-quality materials like a solid gold bead front sight and giraffe bone handles, the VIP Black fetches an heirloom-level price.
The Nighthawk Custom VIP Black
Starting with a forged government-size 1911 frame, the VIP (Very Impressive Pistol) Black features a black DLC finish. Separating it from the pack is tastefully done engraving by a master engraver, adding subtle accents to the piece. Holding true to Nighthawk’s motto, the VIP Black is hand built by a single gunsmith to the highest level of quality and craftsmanship.
Featuring a one-piece mainspring housing/magwell, the VIP Black includes custom vertical front strap and mainspring serrations. Likewise, the hand-fitted slide features hand-serrated rear cocking serrations. The serrations and ejector are meticulously done to match the Heinie black rear sight.
Riding atop the slide is a 14k solid gold bead front sight coupled with a Heinie Black Slant Pro rear sight. Housed within the slide is a 5-inch throated and crowned barrel, flush with the bushing, chambered in .45 ACP. Likewise, a VIP Black Commander is also available with a 4.25-inch barrel for easier concealment. Additionally, a polished feed ramp reduces the risk of a misfeed or jamming while shooting the VIP Black.
Providing the interface between flesh and steel is the beavertail grip with grip safety. Adorning the sides of the grip are beautiful giraffe bone grip panels. Rounds are sent downrange via a custom trigger with a 3.5 to 3.75-pound pull. Two included 8-round jeweled magazines keep the VIP Black well-fed.
The VIP Black ships in a custom-built walnut hardwood presentation case featuring the Nighthawk Custom logo on the lid.
Availability
The Nighthawk Custom VIP Black is available now with an MSRP of $8,999.00. For more info, please visit NighthawkCustom.com.
Chambered in .45 ACP, as a 1911 should be, Tisas USA offers the PX9 Night Stalker 1911. True to form, the single-stack 1911 utilizes Colt Series 70-based internals. Unlike other pistols in its PX9 series, Tisas forgoes the polymer construction for forged steel, in keeping with 1911 tradition. The result is a modern-ish take on the 1911 that won’t break the bank.
The Tisas PX9 Night Stalker 1911
Constructed of forged carbon steel, the full-size frame features a four-slot Picatinny rail for attaching accessories. Housed within the all-steel frame is Colt 70 Series internals, providing the experience many are used to from a 1911. Like the frame, the slide also features a forged carbon steel construction. Both the frame and slide include a platinum grey Cerakote finish for long-lasting durability.
The rear of the slide contains wide patterned cocking serrations for easy manipulation in any condition. Additionally, the front end of the slide includes four lightening ports to help reduce the overall weight. Although it is slight, the ejection port is lowered and flared for proper ejection of spent casings.
(Photo by Tisas)
Riding atop the slide is a Novak-style U-Night rear sight coupled with a tritium/orange front sight. Both sights feature dovetail construction for easy adjustment. Housed within the slide is the 5-inch cold hammer forged, ramped barrel chambered in .45 ACP. The barrel and all controls feature a black Cerakote finish, providing a two-tone aesthetic against the grey frame and slide.
Providing the interface are Night Stalker Stealth Tri-Cut black aluminum grips, giving the PX9 Night Stalker a modern appeal. Likewise, checkering on the front strap and mainspring housing offer a solid purchase of the grip. The grip also features a beavertail safety that works with the ambidextrous thumb safety for additional safe handling.
Just forward the grip is the contoured trigger guard with an undercut for the middle finger. Placed within the trigger guard is the Night Stalker Stealth trigger with a flat face. The PX9 Night Stalker ships with two 8-round magazines.
Availability
The Tisas PX9 Night Stalker 1911 will be available soon, with an MSRP of $749.99. For more info, please visit TisasUSA.com.
My love affair with 1911s began the day my father showed me his WWII Springfield. It was worn, a little nicked up, but it felt like magic in my hands. From that day on, I have had a passion for these classic guns. Fast forward a bit, and I now have the glorious opportunity to shoot and review many of these great guns. For example, the Springfield Armory Emissary 1911 comes immediately to mind.
The Springfield Armory Emissary 4.25-Inch 1911
I felt like I had come full circle recently when I was tasked to write a piece on a new pistol from the good folks at Springfield. One of the newest additions to their popular 1911 line is the Emissary 4.25”.
Bridging The Gap
The gun is built on the solid Springfield DNA. In Springfield’s words, “Tasked with a special mission, the Emissary bridges defensive and custom pistols, delivering a bold and capable addition to the Springfield Armory family of 1911s.”
The gun is built on a durable foundation of forged steel in its barrel, slide, and frame. It offers a defensive pistol with an air of custom refinement. The pistol has a beautiful two-tone finish with a blued carbon steel slide and a stainless steel frame with a squared triggerguard.
A “Tri-Top” cut to the slide gives the pistol custom-grade styling. Additionally, a heavy-profile bull barrel delivers maximum accuracy and reduces felt recoil.
The gun comes with Springfield Armory’s U-Dot sights, including a tritium front sight for low-light conditions. While a little skeptical to begin with, I have come to like this sight design. The hammer is skeletonized to improve lock times. When I say skeletonized, I mean it is one of the thinnest hammers I have seen.
Just as with the full-size gun, Springfield included the popular Gen 2 Speed Trigger with its simplified and streamlined design. It is a solid, flat trigger with good texturing on the face. On the bench, the trigger broke at a comfortable 4.5 pounds with very little creep.
As you would expect, the gun comes with a heavy-profile bull barrel designed for maximum accuracy and reduced muzzle flip. To help with strength and durability, the barrel features a fully supported feed ramp.
Grip texture-wise, the Emissary is wrapped in a grenade pattern textured for firm control in any condition. The slim line grips are machined from G10, while the mainspring housing and front strap are machined to match.
Holstering the Emissary
Springfield sent me an Emissary to test drive and get a better feel for the gun. The only glaring challenge right out of the box was securing a holster. While the square triggerguard has a cool 80s retro feel to it, it made holster selection a challenge.
Springfield came through again after visiting with them and provided a Mitch Rosen 5JR Express leather holster for the gun. It was beautiful and well-made. Springfield knows holsters will be a challenge for a while, and they actually have the 5JR available on their website.
Range Workout
Now rigged up, it was time to hit the range. A little pre-shooting lube up and test shots to see what my point-of-impact would be, and we were off to the races.
Trying to talk about muzzle rise on this gun is a moot point because it barely exists. The thought would be that because Springfield shaved three-quarters of an inch off their full-size gun that this model would be jumpier. It is simply not the case. This, combined with a nice trigger and its short take up, let me really put the pedal to the metal.
Mag after mag of focused speed shooting produced a grey fist-sized impact zone on my freshly painted targets. I will be honest and say it took me a minute to get accustomed to the lack of movement on the gun. It is, after all, a Commander-size 1911 running 230-grain ball ammo.
I believe the fact that the gun still has some heft to it, even in this smaller package, allows it to soak up a lot of the recoil. The trigger mixed with a heavy barrel made accuracy a simple task.
The sights were easy to pick up and clear. In addition, the grooves cut into the top of the slide are much more than cosmetic. They help break up any reflection from the sun or lights when you are pointed in. It is ingenious and works very well.
Running Drills
I ran a number of drills from concealed using the 5JR holster and found it to be a good combo. Yes, Kydex has its place in our world, but I believe that a 1911 and leather go together like Captain and Tennille. It may be dated a bit, but you still like it.
The holster was snug, as you would expect. But even by the end of this range session, it was starting to run smoother.
As with any gun that shoots this tight, I felt obliged to shoot it at distances it wasn’t intended for. For better or worse, the range I was on maxed out at 100 yards. Even at that distance, though, I was still able to punch center mass on a two-thirds-size IDPA steel silhouette with little effort.
This has absolutely no application in the real world. However, it is a good way to test trigger control and the overall accuracy of a gun. And yes, it is fun.
The Numbers
When business turned to groups on paper, the gun continued to shine. I ran three flavors of ammo that day. Hornady 185-grain XTP, Winchester 230-grain White Box, and American Eagle 230-grain Syntech.
Out of the ammo for that day, the Hornady 185-grain took the top prize with a group of 1.5 inches. In fact, all three flavors did well! Function-wise, the gun performed flawlessly.
While I can’t say that a few days of shooting on the range are a true test of durability, they are a solid indicator. With good ammunition, good magazines, and proper lubrication, this gun has the bones to be almost unstoppable.
I mention lubrication because it is essential for a 1911 to run. From watching it happen in countless classes and in other training, the biggest cause for 1911 malfunctions is the lack of lubrication. At which point the shooters blame the gun, which they neglected to maintain. That rant is for another article.
The Springfield Emissary is a Nice Handling 1911
In the operational category, the gun was nice to shoot. There are no sharp edges on it anywhere, and it was easy in and out of the holster. I carried the Emissary as my EDC for a couple of weeks and found it to be comfortable.
I was able to carry outside the waistband because we are in the dead of winter here in Arizona. This means I can at least wear a light jacket and not look out of place. It comes in at a touch over 38 ounces, which means you know it is there.
The holster is well-made and holds its shape perfectly, and does not flex or flop. This is one reason why I like leather. It simply feels better against your body.
As a rule, I carry two extra magazines when my EDC is a 1911. The Emissary has an 8+1 capacity, which is about average for a 1911. To some, this is a sign that the gun has a relatively low capacity. Many of these naysayers, however, carry micro blasters with the same capacity or less.
Regardless of the pistol you carry, it is important to have at least one extra mag.
Parting Shots
When the day came that I had to pack the Emissary up and ship it back to Springfield, I reflected on everything I had experienced with the gun. First off, it was a pleasure to shoot. It ran without issue, was accurate, and was comfortable to carry.
The Emissary 4.25” is more than a simple marketing gimmick by Springfield to create matching sets of 1911s. This gun stands on its own and would serve you well as an EDC pistol.
If you are like me and appreciate the 1911 for all that it brings to the table, then you should take a look at the Emissary 4.25”.
For more information, visit Springfield-Armory.com.
Bullet weight measured in grains, velocity in feet per second (fps) and accuracy in inches for best 5-shot groups from 25 yards.
This article was originally published in the Personal Defense World June/July 2022 issue. Subscription is available in print and digital editions at OutdoorGroupStore.com. Or call 1-800-284-5668, or email subscriptions@athlonmediagroup.com.
If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then it was most certainly flattery that killed John Moses Browning and not heart failure. Browning’s firearms designs, many of which still serve our military today, are testimony to his incredible genius. And his iconic 1911 pistol is probably the most copied gun of all time, by companies like Tisas.
Two Tisas 1911 Models That Won’t Break the Bank
Over the years, there have been many imitators. Some good and some horrible. Jeff Cooper’s popularization of the 1911 as a defensive fighting tool in the ’70s and ’80s was the impetus for many manufacturers to offer their own versions of the venerable war horse.
It wasn’t always like this, however. Back in the late ’70s, when I started shooting 1911s, the only real choices were Colt and Springfield Armory. There were some peripheral players like Crown City, Vega, Safari Arms, and Randall. But most folded without ever securing a significant market share.
If you wanted an extended safety, beavertail, or match sights, you’d have to take your gun to a smith and leave it with them for an extended amount of time. It wasn’t until 1993 that Kimber introduced a factory gun with a beavertail grip safety, extended thumb safety, and low-profile combat sights.
Three decades later, things are different. There are more 1911 manufacturers than I can count. And the fortunate thing is that most of the pistols are surprisingly good guns. Even the budget-priced Philippine guns come with useable sights, extended safeties, and beavertails.
In general, you get what you pay for in terms of quality. One of the best values I’ve found in the 1911 market recently is the new Springfield Ronin. It has good sights, an incredibly good trigger, strong side-only extended safety, and a beavertail. It uses a forged frame and slide and has everything you need for a modern fighting 1911 and nothing you don’t!
Priced at $849, the Ronin possesses great accuracy and unerring reliability. I liked it so much that I bought my test gun.
Exceeded Expectations
At the 2020 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, I stopped by SDS Imports booth and took a quick look at some of their Tisas 1911s imported from Turkey. The samples I saw displayed excellent fit and finish. Far too nice, in fact, for the suggested retail price of just $420 for their parkerized GI model and $500 for the more modern Duty model outfitted with a beavertail and ambidextrous extended thumb safeties and excellent sights.
(Photo by Alex Landeen)
I remember remarking to a colleague that if the actual imported guns look anywhere as nice as the display models, it would be the best deal available for the budget-minded 1911 shooter.
A couple of months later, my son-in-law bought the Tisas 1911 A1 U.S. Army pistol at a local gun show. I had the chance to thoroughly examine his model. And I found it to be every bit as nice as the guns on display at SHOT Show.
The slide-to-frame fit was exceptional, and the fit of parts like the bushing, thumb safety, and slide release far surpassed my expectations of a gun retailing for $420. Even the matte parkerized finish was well executed. I was impressed!
Securing Models for Testing and Evaluation
When I received word my old friend Dave Biggers had accepted the job of General Manager at SDS Imports, I reached out to him for a couple of test and evaluation guns. Biggers sent me the Tisas 1911 A1 U.S. Army as well as the Duty BR. Both guns are manufactured at the Trabzon Silah Sanayi A.S. state-of-the-art factory in Turkey.
Tisas claims they build more than 50,000 weapons a year. This is not counting the arms they make for the Turkish government and military. A quick glance at their website reveals a dizzying selection of handguns. Many of which show the influence of Beretta and CZ-75 handguns.
Last year, I evaluated the Tisas version of the Browning Hi-Power pistol (available from a different importer). I found the gun to be very well made and much more accurate than my vintage commercial Hi-Power.
Tale Of Two Turks – The 1911A1
(Photo by Alex Landeen)
So, I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised at just how nice my T&E guns looked. Tisas uses forgings for both their frames and slides and does their heat treating in-house. You won’t have to worry about soft metal—these guns will stand up to hard use!
Using modern CNC machinery, they obtain incredibly tight frame-to-slide fit without any binding.
Both guns’ thumb safeties are well-fit and snick on and off as crisply as the trigger breaks. The military model breaks with 4.8 pounds of pressure. Likewise, the Duty BR requires 5 pounds of pressure to drop the hammer.
(Photo by Alex Landeen)
Both guns have about 1/16-inch take up, just a little creep, and virtually no overtravel. Like true 1911A1s, the Tisas pistol uses a short trigger with a checkered texture on its trigger face. An arched mainspring housing, complete with a lanyard loop, is also used.
It even uses a fat, checkered hammer that makes thumb cocking the gun so easy! Tisas has also done a very accurate job of replicating the A1-style cocking serrations.
The BR Duty
(Photo by Alex Landeen)
Like its military counterpart, the BR Duty does not use a firing pin safety and is Series 70 in design. This gun also does not use a full-length recoil spring guide rod, and that’s fine with me. In my 40-plus years of shooting 1911s I have never had a stoppage which would have been prevented by using a full-length recoil spring guide rod.
The BR has wide and deep cocking serrations at the front and rear of the slide. This model comes with an accessory rail on the dust cover designed for attaching a tactical light and/or laser. Tisas also undercuts the frame at the junction of the front strap and triggerguard. This helps the shooter get a higher grip on the gun to mitigate muzzle rise.
(Photo by Alex Landeen)
The BR’s high-sweep beavertail also aids in getting a high grip. The beavertail features a memory bump to help shooters who use the thumb-high grip—like I do—and disengage the grip safety.
The Beauty is in the Details
When disassembling the guns, I was impressed with how few tool marks I was able to find. Already mentioned is neither gun uses a firing pin safety, and the frames are Series 70 style.
Feed ramps of both frames are well polished, and even the GI-style barrel is throated from 3 o’clock to 9 o’clock and should feed just about every type of round you can fit into the magazine. Both barrels are cold hammer forged, but the BR uses a stainless-steel barrel.
It’s interesting to note that there is nothing radically different about either of the Tisas 1911s. Aftermarket parts made for Colt, Springfield Armory, Kimber, etc. should work fine with the Turkish guns. That’s great news for tinkerers and those who like to accessorize their guns. It also makes finding a holster easy too.
How’d They Shoot?
I was at Gunsite in Paulden, Arizona, working on another 1911-related project. While there I had the opportunity to fire both guns from the bench. Ken Campbell, Gunsite’s CEO, graciously provided me and my photographer, Alex Landeen, access to a range. This allowed us to benchrest the guns and chronograph them.
The Tisas 1911 A1 U.S. Army is a true facsimile of our military issue .45, including the sights. Maybe it was that tiny front sight that caused me to concentrate on it so hard as I added the pressure necessary to break the shot. But it was Federal’s Syntech Defense 205-grain round that placed five rounds into a tight group measuring just .092 inches!
The sights on the 1911 A1 U.S. Army were a true facsimile of the military issue .45. (Photo by Alex Landeen)
It wasn’t a fluke. In fact, the aggregate group size for four different ammunitions was just 1.17 inches.
Tisas BR is no slouch in the accuracy department as well. Remington’s 230-grain FMJ rounds produced the best five-shot group measuring just .88 inches. And its aggregate group size for the four ammunitions is just a hair over one inch. For a gun with a suggested retail price well under $500, I am amazed.
The Tisas 1911 Duty BR features a 3-dot dovetail sight configuration. (Photo by Alex Landeen)
I fired more than 500 rounds between the two models. Some were fired from the bench, but most were fired at steel targets, practicing double-taps and failure drills (two to the body and one to the head).
At times, the guns got so hot I had to set them in the shade and allow them to cool. Despite not cleaning the guns during my evaluation, I had no failures of any kind.
(Photo by Alex Landeen)
A Tremendous Value for the Money
Sometimes an importer or distributor will offer a brand-new gun at a ridiculously low price to create a rumbling amongst shooters and generate interest and demand. If this is the case with the Tisas 1911s, these prices will not last forever.
If you’re interested in a facsimile of our military’s venerable 1911A1 or a more modern 1911 with a light/laser rail and extended ambi safeties, you would be doing yourself a disservice by not checking out the Tisas 1911s. Both guns offer the shooter tremendous value for the money!
Bullet weight measured in grains, velocity in feet per second (fps) by chronograph, and accuracy in inches for best five-shot groups at 25 yards.
This article was originally published in the Combat Handguns July/August 2022 issue. Subscription is available in print and digital editions at OutdoorGroupStore.com. Or call 1-800-284-5668, or email subscriptions@athlonmediagroup.com.
Ever since the .40 S&W cartridge hit the market, shooters have been debating which is better, the .40 S&W vs .45 ACP. It makes sense because both cartridges basically do the same thing. Let’s break down the pros and cons of .40 S&W vs .45 ACP.
Let’s get this part done first: no it doesn’t. Handgun stopping power is a myth. With modern, well-made defensive ammo, .40 S&W vs .45 ACP is kind of a pointless debate. Look at the data on Speer Gold Dot, for example. There’s a 180-grain Gold Dot for the .40 S&W and a 185-grain Gold Dot for the .45 ACP. In independent ballistic tests, both meet the FBI minimum penetration standards, and both expand to over 0.60 inches. And that’s after defeating 4 layer denim.
The results don’t really change if you change bullet weight either. A 230-grain Federal HST in .45 ACP expands a bit more than a 155-grain HST in .40 S&W, but that’s it. Interestingly, despite the .45 ACP having a larger bullet diameter than the .40 S&W, in the case of 230 grain vs 155 gr HST, the expanded diameter difference is smaller than 0.05.
To put the bottom line up front, there is no debate. Pick whichever you like best and vaya con dios, amigo. But then this article wouldn’t be very long, so let’s get into it.
You Should Pick the .40 S&W Because It Holds More Rounds
The biggest argument in favor of the slightly smaller round in the .40 S&W vs .45 ACP debate is that .40 S&W holds more rounds in pistols of similar size. For example, a single stack 1911 holds 8 rounds of .45 ACP but can hold up to 10 rounds of .40 S&W in a magazine that’s still concealable. If we’re keeping score in .40 S&W vs .45 ACP, that one is a clear win for the shorty .40 S&W. More ammo is always better, right?
You Should Pick the .45 ACP Because it’s Nicer to Shoot
This was the author’s personal carry gun for a year
I have shot a ton of both rounds. Over a 3-year period, I shot 13,000+ rounds of .45 ACP through a bunch of different semi-auto platforms, most of which was a Glock 21. Over the same period, I shot about 7,000 rounds of .40 S&W, almost all of which were through Glocks. I can say with absolute certainty that I enjoyed shooting the .45 ACP a lot more. Most shooters agree as well, that the recoil impulse on .45 ACP is more pleasant despite it being a larger caliber, especially in polymer-framed pistols than the recoil impulse on the .40 S&W.
.40 S&W vs .45 ACP Is a Silly Debate and You Should Get a 9mm Pistol
Of course, if the only difference in .40 S&W vs .45 ACP is that .45 ACP is nicer to shoot and .40 S&W holds more rounds, the real answer is to get a 9mm. It’s nicer to shoot than both calibers AND it holds more rounds than either. But if you’re really committed to this discussion, we’ll make a recommendation.
Editor’s Choice: .40 S&W
This one makes sense, at least to me. First, you do get more rounds with .40 S&W. Secondly, with careful ammo choices, such as Federal’s 205-grain Syntech Action Pistol round, .40 S&W is just as nice to shoot as .45 ACP. Lastly, thanks to law enforcement agencies in America switching to 9mm, there are loads of affordable, high-quality .40 S&W semi-autos floating around the secondary market right now. A police trade-in Gen 3 Glock 22 is a great gun, and with some of the current prices it just makes sense. With caveats, if the question is .40 S&W vs .45 ACP, then I’m going .40 S&W.
The only thing better than shooting .45 ACP or 10mm is shooting a lot of .45 ACP and 10mm. Which is one of the things that makes the pistol caliber carbine so great—capacity. Not to mention the added ease of use and accuracy. For this reason, Bear Creek Arsenal adds some new pistol caliber carbines to its lineup, chambered in .45 ACP or 10mm.
The Bear Creek Arsenal .45 ACP and 10mm Pistol Caliber Carbines
The line includes five new options with Government or M4 barrels chambered in your choice of .45 ACP or 10mm. Each PCC features a 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium M4 flat-top billet upper receiver and Bear Creek Arsenal bolt carrier group.
The barrels have a 9/16 x 24 thread pitch on the 10mm and a 37/64 x 28 thread pitch on the .45 ACP. Although they are suppressor ready, they come with a flash hider already installed.
The line utilizes familiar AR-15 controls but replace the standard charging handle with a side charging (Gen 2) handle. Additionally, the flared magwell on each PCC accepts a Glock style magazine and provides for fast, easy reloads. Correspondingly, the 10mm accepts Glock 20 style 30-round magazines, while the .45 ACP accepts Glock 21 style magazines.
Available in 7.5-, 10.5-, and 16-inch configurations, the .45 ACP is built on an all-new “AR-45” platform. Likewise, building on a new “AR-10MM” platform, the 10mm is available in 6- and 10.5-inch configurations. Offered in your choice of Government or M4 barrels, each barrel has a 1:16 twist.
Although 10mm is known for its stopping power, some shy away from its heavier recoil. So, to solve this problem, Bear Creek Arsenal utilizes an 8 ounce buffer on the 10mm versions. As a result, this mitigates felt recoil for a softer shooting experience.
Availability
The Bear Creek Arsenal .45 ACP and 10mm Pistol Caliber Carbines are available now with MSRPs of $539.99 – $559.99. For more info, please visit BearCreekArsenal.com.
For those who appreciate the finer things in life, Nighthawk Custom offers the VIP Black. The presentation-grade pistol is truly a work of art that is ready to be passed down for generations. However, it is not for those light in the pocketbook. With high-quality materials like a solid gold bead front sight and giraffe bone handles, the VIP Black fetches an heirloom-level price.
The Nighthawk Custom VIP Black
Starting with a forged government-size 1911 frame, the VIP (Very Impressive Pistol) Black features a black DLC finish. Separating it from the pack is tastefully done engraving by a master engraver, adding subtle accents to the piece. Holding true to Nighthawk’s motto, the VIP Black is hand built by a single gunsmith to the highest level of quality and craftsmanship.
Featuring a one-piece mainspring housing/magwell, the VIP Black includes custom vertical front strap and mainspring serrations. Likewise, the hand-fitted slide features hand-serrated rear cocking serrations. The serrations and ejector are meticulously done to match the Heinie black rear sight.
Riding atop the slide is a 14k solid gold bead front sight coupled with a Heinie Black Slant Pro rear sight. Housed within the slide is a 5-inch throated and crowned barrel, flush with the bushing, chambered in .45 ACP. Likewise, a VIP Black Commander is also available with a 4.25-inch barrel for easier concealment. Additionally, a polished feed ramp reduces the risk of a misfeed or jamming while shooting the VIP Black.
Providing the interface between flesh and steel is the beavertail grip with grip safety. Adorning the sides of the grip are beautiful giraffe bone grip panels. Rounds are sent downrange via a custom trigger with a 3.5 to 3.75-pound pull. Two included 8-round jeweled magazines keep the VIP Black well-fed.
The VIP Black ships in a custom-built walnut hardwood presentation case featuring the Nighthawk Custom logo on the lid.
Availability
The Nighthawk Custom VIP Black is available now with an MSRP of $8,999.00. For more info, please visit NighthawkCustom.com.
Chambered in .45 ACP, as a 1911 should be, Tisas USA offers the PX9 Night Stalker 1911. True to form, the single-stack 1911 utilizes Colt Series 70-based internals. Unlike other pistols in its PX9 series, Tisas forgoes the polymer construction for forged steel, in keeping with 1911 tradition. The result is a modern-ish take on the 1911 that won’t break the bank.
The Tisas PX9 Night Stalker 1911
Constructed of forged carbon steel, the full-size frame features a four-slot Picatinny rail for attaching accessories. Housed within the all-steel frame is Colt 70 Series internals, providing the experience many are used to from a 1911. Like the frame, the slide also features a forged carbon steel construction. Both the frame and slide include a platinum grey Cerakote finish for long-lasting durability.
The rear of the slide contains wide patterned cocking serrations for easy manipulation in any condition. Additionally, the front end of the slide includes four lightening ports to help reduce the overall weight. Although it is slight, the ejection port is lowered and flared for proper ejection of spent casings.
Riding atop the slide is a Novak-style U-Night rear sight coupled with a tritium/orange front sight. Both sights feature dovetail construction for easy adjustment. Housed within the slide is the 5-inch cold hammer forged, ramped barrel chambered in .45 ACP. The barrel and all controls feature a black Cerakote finish, providing a two-tone aesthetic against the grey frame and slide.
Providing the interface are Night Stalker Stealth Tri-Cut black aluminum grips, giving the PX9 Night Stalker a modern appeal. Likewise, checkering on the front strap and mainspring housing offer a solid purchase of the grip. The grip also features a beavertail safety that works with the ambidextrous thumb safety for additional safe handling.
Just forward the grip is the contoured trigger guard with an undercut for the middle finger. Placed within the trigger guard is the Night Stalker Stealth trigger with a flat face. The PX9 Night Stalker ships with two 8-round magazines.
Availability
The Tisas PX9 Night Stalker 1911 will be available soon, with an MSRP of $749.99. For more info, please visit TisasUSA.com.
Last October, we brought to you the highly collectible Dan Wesson Heirloom 1911 for 2022 (below). It is a firearm that will remain in your family for generations, worthy of a centerpiece position. Now, the company adds to the legacy with a model for 2023, so you can bolster the family collection.
The Limited-Edition Dan Wesson Heirloom 2023 1911
The Heirloom 1911 builds on a forged 70-series frame and slide, which are hand fit for superior tolerances. As a result, comes the excellent dependability and accuracy Dan Wesson Firearms is known for. The frame and slide feature a black DLC high-polish finish for long-lasting durability that will stand the test of time.
The slide features aggressive rear cocking serrations for easy manipulation. Forward the serrations are exquisite decorative scrollwork running the length of the slide. Likewise, small scrollwork accents throughout the frame, as well as “Heirloom” on the dust cover, add the elegant overall aesthetic. Riding atop the slide is a brass bead front sight coupled with U-notch rear sight.
Housed within the slide is a hand-fit match grade 5-inch barrel chambered in .38 Super. The slide also features a lowered and flared ejection port to ensure successful spent brass ejection. Providing the interface between man and steel are the white G-10 grips, offering a striking contrast against the black frame. Working together with the thumb safety is a beavertail grip safety.
A 3.5-5-pound factory single-action trigger works together with the Commander-style hammer to put rounds on target. The Dan Wesson Heirloom is fed by a 9-round magazine, easily loaded into the 1911 via a beveled magazine well.
The Heirloom pistols are made in small batches in the hundreds, not thousands. For this reason, they go fast. So, if you want one, you might want to hurry while supplies last.
Availability
The Dan Wesson Heirloom 2023 1911 is available now in a limited quantity, with MSRP of $2,399.00. For more info, please visit DanWessonFirearms.com.
Dan Wesson Limited Edition Heirloom 2023 1911 Specs
Caliber: 38 Super Mag Capacity: 9-round Frame Material: Forged Stainless Slide Finish: High Polished Black DLC Grips: G10 Overall Length: 8.75in Barrel Length: 5in Height: 5.5in Width: 1.45in Weight: 40oz Trigger Mech: Single Action Front Sight: Brass Bead Rear Sight: U-Notch Safety: Manual thumb safety and grip safety MSRP: $2,399
Features
Hand-fit 70-series frame and slide
Forged slides and barrels
Hand-fit match barrels
Billet alloy steel fire-control system
Zero MIM parts
Lowered and flared ejection port
Beveled magazine well
Carry bevel treatment
Undercut trigger guards
Hand-polished flats
Crisp 3.5-5 lb. factory trigger
Frame engraved with ‘Heirloom’
Black DLC high-polished finish
Ivory color G10 grips
Commander-style hammer
Solid medium-length trigger
Brass front sight; U-notch rear sight
On October 27, 2022, PDW reported:
If you know 1911s, you know Dan Wesson Firearms. Dan Wesson Firearms has a reputation for high-quality, high-performance pistols. And the latest to come from the Dan Wesson factory is the limited-edition heirloom 2022 1911. This is a pistol your children and your children’s children will enjoy for generations.
The Limited-Edition Dan Wesson Heirloom 2022 1911
True to the original John Browning design, the Heirloom 2022 is a full-size American-made 1911 pistol. Correspondingly, it utilizes all-steel components for the frame, slide, and parts. Chambered in .45 ACP, rounds are delivered downrange from the 8-round magazine via a 5-inch barrel and commander-style hammer. True to form, the Heirloom features a beavertail grip safety.
Setting the Heirloom 2022 apart is its incredible, ornate scrollwork adorning the slide and frame. Likewise, a bronze PVD finish adds a shiny luster and protects the metal surfaces for a long-lasting family treasure. The bronze finish is set off by black accents on the small parts and mainspring housing. Black G10 grips finish out the two-tone look and modern accents of the traditional pistol.
Although there isn’t an official number yet, the Heirloom is a limited-edition model. So, you might want to get yours fast because they may sell out fast. When I spoke with a representative at Dan Wesson Firearms, she said that the max number is 4,000. However, it will most likely be less than 4,000.
Availability
The Dan Wesson Heirloom 2022 1911 is available now in a limited quantity, with MSRP of $2,399.00. For more info, please visit DanWessonFirearms.com.
Dan Wesson Limited Edition Heirloom 2022 1911 Specs
When it comes to the 1911 pistol Dan Wesson Firearms is known for quality, functionality, and form factor. I think this is a point most any 1911 fan would agree on and for good reason. Fortunately for the 1911 world, Dan Wesson Firearms is showing no signs of slowing, regularly releasing models like the 1911 Specialist optics-ready pistol.
The Dan Wesson 1911 Specialist Optics-Ready Pistol
Building on a forged stainless-steel frame, the full-size 1911 combines custom-level hand fitting and premium parts. The duty finish helps reduce glare and offers a high level of durability. Similarly, an inverted top rib also helps mitigate glare.
The grip features brown and black textured G-10 VZ Operator II grip panels for a secure grip and two-tone aesthetic. Likewise, the large beavertail ensures the proper grip every time and houses the grip safety. The beavertail safety works as an additional backup to the ambidextrous thumb safety.
In addition, 25 LPI checkering on the front strap and mainspring housing helps ensure a secure grip and enhances recoil control. Just forward the grip is an undercut trigger guard which frames the 3.5-5-pound solid factory trigger with a serrated face. A single-slot Picatinny rail rides ahead of the trigger guard for the attachment of lights or other accessories.
The slide, with a duty finish, features forward and rear cocking serrations and carries the fixed Novak-style fiber optic front night sight and serrated tactical rear sight. However, an optic cut allows for the installation of popular optics with Trijicon RMR, Deltapoint Pro, and Viper Systems footprint. With an optic installed, the sights co-witness with the optic as a backup.
The slide hosts the 5-inch match-grade barrel chambered in .45 ACP, as a 1911 should. Correspondingly, an extended magwell and extended mag release help speed reload times of the 8-round magazine.
Availability
The Dan Wesson 1911 Specialist with optic cut is available now in a limited quantity, with MSRP of $2,299.00. For more info, please visit DanWessonFirearms.com.
Dan Wesson 1911 Specialist Optics-Ready Specs
Caliber: .45 ACP Magazine Capacity: 8 Frame Material: Forged Stainless Slide Finish: Duty Finish Grips: G10 Overall Length: 8.75 in Barrel Length: 5 in Width: 1.45 in Weight: 42.3 oz Trigger Mech: Single Action Height: 5.5 in Front Sight: Front Night Sight Rear Sight: Tactical Rear Sight Safety: Ambi thumb safety, grip safety MSRP: $2,299.00
Features
Fixed Night Sight, A Novak-style snag-free sight with tritium self-illuminated vials.
Front Serrations, Forward cocking serrations give solid purchase for press-checks.
Inverted Rib, To cut down on glare our top rib is cut into the slide.
Ball End Mill Cut, This cut accentuates the carry cut and slightly modifies the appearance.
Tactical Hammer, The skeletonized hammer helps to reduce weight and maintains the clean look of the pistol.
Long Solid Trigger, A long solid trigger was used to give a traditional look and incorporate a serrated face.
Ambi Safety, Grip Safety, An ambidextrous safety allows for an easy to access to the safety for both left-handed and right-hand shooters.
Rail, Equipped with a 1913 Picatinny rail, adding a light or laser is a simple operation.
Mainspring Housing Checkering, Our 25 LPI checkering on the flat mainspring housing provides the means for a superb grip.
Magwell, Reloads are made easy, our magwell helps to funnel the fresh mag into the gun.
We’re out having some fun on the range today, an epic battle of sort, shooting the new FN 545 Tactical and 510 Tactical pistols. FN went big this year, drilling down on the two semi-auto calibers most often linked to true stopping power: .45 ACP and 10mm.
Grudge Match: FN 545 Tactical Vs 510 Tactical
Now we’re all about serious info and data when it comes to new guns and gear. Check out our first shots with the FN 510, which truly impressed on the range. But all work and no play makes us all pretty dull. So be sure to check out the video above, as EIC Linas Cernauskas and contributor Andy Grossman square off on the range, sorting through the old and new, the practical, and maybe a little of the absurd. Enjoy, and shoot straight!
On January 10, 2023, Tactical Life reported:
Getting ready to head into SHOT Show week, FN America releases two new big bores to whet our whistle. Chambered in two popular personal defense calibers, .45 ACP and 10mm, FN offers the 545 Tactical and 510 Tactical. The additions further advance the company’s flagship striker-fired line of pistols, complimenting the FNX-45 Tactical and FN 509 Tactical.
The FN 545 Tactical and 510 Tactical
Styled after the FN 509 family platform, both the 545 Tactical and 510 Tactical share all the same features, other than caliber. Featuring a polymer frame, the 545 and 510 have enhanced grip texturing for exceptional retention while firing. Likewise, interchangeable backstraps allow you to dial in the fit for a solid purchase.
A weight of just over 30 ounces and an ergonomic grip helps tame the recoil of the heavy-duty rounds. As a result, quick target reacquisition allows for speedy follow-up shots.
The machined steel slide includes front and rear cocking serrations for enhanced manipulation under duress or with wet hands. Housed within the slide is a 4.71-inch cold hammer forged, recessed target crowned barrel chambered in either .45 ACP or 10mm. A polished feed ramp and chamber also ensure feed reliability.
Threaded with a .578”x28 thread pitch, the barrel accepts a vast majority of muzzle devices and suppressors. Similarly, the frame includes a 4-slot Picatinny rail for lights and other accessories.
Additionally, FN’s patented Low-Profile Optics Mounting System is compatible with every major footprint. As a result, you can direct mount any optic in minutes with the included hardware.
Working in conjunction with your optic are suppressor-height night sights with tritium inserts, allowing for co-witnessing with mounted optics. Serrated sight wings surrounding the rear sight protect the sight from drops and act as a slide-racking surface.
Rounds are sent downrange via a target-grade trigger with a crisp pull, weighing approximately 6 pounds. Featuring industry-first capacity, the 510 includes a standard 15-round magazine and a 22-round extended magazine, while the 545 includes an 18-round magazine.
Each pistol is available in both black and flat dark earth (FDE). With a width of 1.45 inches and a height of 6 inches (with standard magazine), the pistols can be carried concealed comfortably.
Availability
“This expansion into new, big bore calibers has been a longtime in the making and we are excited to offer these pistols with this unprecedented capacity – 18+1 in the FN 545 Tactical and 22+1 in the FN 510 Tactical – along with the features our customers seek in an FN Tactical pistol,” said Chris Johnson, Senior Product Manager, Pistols, for FN America, LLC.
The FN 545 Tactical and 510 Tactical are available with an MSRP of $1,139.00. For more info, please visit FNAmerica.com.
My love affair with 1911s began the day my father showed me his WWII Springfield. It was worn, a little nicked up, but it felt like magic in my hands. From that day on, I have had a passion for these classic guns. Fast forward a bit, and I now have the glorious opportunity to shoot and review many of these great guns. For example, the Springfield Armory Emissary 1911 comes immediately to mind.
The Springfield Armory Emissary 4.25-Inch 1911
I felt like I had come full circle recently when I was tasked to write a piece on a new pistol from the good folks at Springfield. One of the newest additions to their popular 1911 line is the Emissary 4.25”.
Bridging The Gap
The gun is built on the solid Springfield DNA. In Springfield’s words, “Tasked with a special mission, the Emissary bridges defensive and custom pistols, delivering a bold and capable addition to the Springfield Armory family of 1911s.”
The gun is built on a durable foundation of forged steel in its barrel, slide, and frame. It offers a defensive pistol with an air of custom refinement. The pistol has a beautiful two-tone finish with a blued carbon steel slide and a stainless steel frame with a squared triggerguard.
A “Tri-Top” cut to the slide gives the pistol custom-grade styling. Additionally, a heavy-profile bull barrel delivers maximum accuracy and reduces felt recoil.
The gun comes with Springfield Armory’s U-Dot sights, including a tritium front sight for low-light conditions. While a little skeptical to begin with, I have come to like this sight design. The hammer is skeletonized to improve lock times. When I say skeletonized, I mean it is one of the thinnest hammers I have seen.
Just as with the full-size gun, Springfield included the popular Gen 2 Speed Trigger with its simplified and streamlined design. It is a solid, flat trigger with good texturing on the face. On the bench, the trigger broke at a comfortable 4.5 pounds with very little creep.
As you would expect, the gun comes with a heavy-profile bull barrel designed for maximum accuracy and reduced muzzle flip. To help with strength and durability, the barrel features a fully supported feed ramp.
Grip texture-wise, the Emissary is wrapped in a grenade pattern textured for firm control in any condition. The slim line grips are machined from G10, while the mainspring housing and front strap are machined to match.
Holstering the Emissary
Springfield sent me an Emissary to test drive and get a better feel for the gun. The only glaring challenge right out of the box was securing a holster. While the square triggerguard has a cool 80s retro feel to it, it made holster selection a challenge.
Springfield came through again after visiting with them and provided a Mitch Rosen 5JR Express leather holster for the gun. It was beautiful and well-made. Springfield knows holsters will be a challenge for a while, and they actually have the 5JR available on their website.
Range Workout
Now rigged up, it was time to hit the range. A little pre-shooting lube up and test shots to see what my point-of-impact would be, and we were off to the races.
Trying to talk about muzzle rise on this gun is a moot point because it barely exists. The thought would be that because Springfield shaved three-quarters of an inch off their full-size gun that this model would be jumpier. It is simply not the case. This, combined with a nice trigger and its short take up, let me really put the pedal to the metal.
Mag after mag of focused speed shooting produced a grey fist-sized impact zone on my freshly painted targets. I will be honest and say it took me a minute to get accustomed to the lack of movement on the gun. It is, after all, a Commander-size 1911 running 230-grain ball ammo.
I believe the fact that the gun still has some heft to it, even in this smaller package, allows it to soak up a lot of the recoil. The trigger mixed with a heavy barrel made accuracy a simple task.
The sights were easy to pick up and clear. In addition, the grooves cut into the top of the slide are much more than cosmetic. They help break up any reflection from the sun or lights when you are pointed in. It is ingenious and works very well.
Running Drills
I ran a number of drills from concealed using the 5JR holster and found it to be a good combo. Yes, Kydex has its place in our world, but I believe that a 1911 and leather go together like Captain and Tennille. It may be dated a bit, but you still like it.
The holster was snug, as you would expect. But even by the end of this range session, it was starting to run smoother.
As with any gun that shoots this tight, I felt obliged to shoot it at distances it wasn’t intended for. For better or worse, the range I was on maxed out at 100 yards. Even at that distance, though, I was still able to punch center mass on a two-thirds-size IDPA steel silhouette with little effort.
This has absolutely no application in the real world. However, it is a good way to test trigger control and the overall accuracy of a gun. And yes, it is fun.
The Numbers
When business turned to groups on paper, the gun continued to shine. I ran three flavors of ammo that day. Hornady 185-grain XTP, Winchester 230-grain White Box, and American Eagle 230-grain Syntech.
Out of the ammo for that day, the Hornady 185-grain took the top prize with a group of 1.5 inches. In fact, all three flavors did well! Function-wise, the gun performed flawlessly.
While I can’t say that a few days of shooting on the range are a true test of durability, they are a solid indicator. With good ammunition, good magazines, and proper lubrication, this gun has the bones to be almost unstoppable.
I mention lubrication because it is essential for a 1911 to run. From watching it happen in countless classes and in other training, the biggest cause for 1911 malfunctions is the lack of lubrication. At which point the shooters blame the gun, which they neglected to maintain. That rant is for another article.
The Springfield Emissary is a Nice Handling 1911
In the operational category, the gun was nice to shoot. There are no sharp edges on it anywhere, and it was easy in and out of the holster. I carried the Emissary as my EDC for a couple of weeks and found it to be comfortable.
I was able to carry outside the waistband because we are in the dead of winter here in Arizona. This means I can at least wear a light jacket and not look out of place. It comes in at a touch over 38 ounces, which means you know it is there.
The holster is well-made and holds its shape perfectly, and does not flex or flop. This is one reason why I like leather. It simply feels better against your body.
As a rule, I carry two extra magazines when my EDC is a 1911. The Emissary has an 8+1 capacity, which is about average for a 1911. To some, this is a sign that the gun has a relatively low capacity. Many of these naysayers, however, carry micro blasters with the same capacity or less.
Regardless of the pistol you carry, it is important to have at least one extra mag.
Parting Shots
When the day came that I had to pack the Emissary up and ship it back to Springfield, I reflected on everything I had experienced with the gun. First off, it was a pleasure to shoot. It ran without issue, was accurate, and was comfortable to carry.
The Emissary 4.25” is more than a simple marketing gimmick by Springfield to create matching sets of 1911s. This gun stands on its own and would serve you well as an EDC pistol.
If you are like me and appreciate the 1911 for all that it brings to the table, then you should take a look at the Emissary 4.25”.
For more information, visit Springfield-Armory.com.
Bullet weight measured in grains, velocity in feet per second (fps) and accuracy in inches for best 5-shot groups from 25 yards.
This article was originally published in the Personal Defense World June/July 2022 issue. Subscription is available in print and digital editions at OutdoorGroupStore.com. Or call 1-800-284-5668, or email subscriptions@athlonmediagroup.com.
One of the more popular 1911s on the market just got an upgrade. The Springfield Armory Operator now comes chambered in 9mm, adding more versatility to the well-executed, duty-grade pistol.
Springfield Armory 1911 Operator 9mm Details
Even with the new chambering, the new pistol brings all the features that made the old one popular. The 9mm Operator features a Tactical Rack rear/trium front sight set and rugged G10 VZ grips. An ambidextrous safety and forward slide serrations add to the appeal. Two magazines with bumper pads bump the magazine capacity up to nine rounds.
“Springfield Armory 1911 pistols are renowned for their performance, strength and capabilities,” says Steve Kramer, Vice President of Marketing. “And with the popular Operator pistol now available in 9mm, shooters have a new option with this duty-grade premiere defensive pistol.”
A 5-inch fully supported ramped match-grade barrel is forged from stainless steel. A bushingless barrel setup enables easier field stripping when necessary. A black Cerakote finish to the forged steel slide and frame gives the Operator a stealthy look, along with protection. Finally, a Picatinny accessory rail on the dust cover enables the attachment of lights and laser, allowing shooters to “operate,” after all. The pistol retails for $1,184.
On March 2, 2023, Frank Melloni reported
With most things in life, you pay for a little more than you want to get the basic function that you desire. Those that have ever been car shopping can likely relate to this statement. “Oh, you want leather seats? Well, they only come with the douchebag dealer-upgrade package.” Nobody likes that. And the right manufacturers don’t like serving their customers that way either. So, manufacturers like Springfield Armory offer firearms like the Operator 1911 with just the right mix of cost and value.
The Springfield Armory 1911 Operator
For decades Springfield Armory has been the right manufacturer. It offers a balanced array of budget-friendly options and tricked-out masterpieces. Somewhere along the line, the Geneseo-based gun company began filling in the gaps between these two extremes. Particularly in its 1911 product family.
Lineups like the Ronin, Garrison, and Emissary offer packages addressing the needs of a certain type of gun owner. While these lines are excellent at what they do, they don’t offer much for the shooter looking to own an “operator-style” pistol without jumping into the “fully loaded” line. So, out of necessity, the Operator was born.
Meet The Operator
As Springfield’s newest lineup, the Operator offers the features that the prospective tactical 1911 owner wants. And it does it without the price tag associated with the stuff that they don’t. Therefore, instead of costing upwards of $1,300, the Operator is offered at an MSRP of around $1,159.
Chief of these features is a frame, slide, and barrel made from Springfield’s signature forging process. This yields tougher, stiffer components when compared to casting. The frame differs from a standard government profile. Specifically, it is built with a three-slot accessory rail that is all but standard for a modern pistol.
The slide saw a little bit of modernization, too, as it has been cut with forward cocking serrations to compliment the ones in the rear. This helps those with a dexterity issue to use their entire hand to rack the slide. Likewise, it helps gloved shooters get a grip when the chips are down. The slide and frame are finished in a deep-black Cerakote, setting the stage for a host of premium components.
The Operator in Hand
Controlling the .45 ACP cartridge takes a little more work than, say, a 9mm Luger. So, G10 stocks were used in place of those made from traditional rosewood or plastic. This material can be cut with more aggressive angles and, although it may be subjective, looks absolutely gorgeous too.
A relatively flat mainspring housing helps to increase the shooter’s purchase and is cut with a similar texture. This serves both functionality and aesthetics. Just above this critical component is an enlarged beavertail grip safety. As a result, it eliminates any chance of getting pinched by the lightweight-skeletonized hammer, regardless of how high you like to keep your hand.
The Operator also lets shooters of either dexterity decide if they want to shoot “thumbs over” or “thumbs under,” as the ambidextrous safety allows southpaws to pick their most comfortable option, just the same as boring right-handers.
The Beauty of the Operator is In the Subtleties
The slide of the Operator remains relatively true to the original, sans the aforementioned forward cocking serrations. This was done intentionally to satisfy purists while keeping production costs down. To the untrained eye, this isn’t particularly noteworthy. However, for someone who examines a different 1911 every month, it means something major.
I always like to look for simplifications like this because it shows me how the engineers that designed it think. Finding cost savings features through simplicity tells us that quality wasn’t sacrificed. Why resort to inferior materials or methods when we can just take away the things that the prospective end-user doesn’t want anyway?
As the slide is the largest moving part of a semi-auto pistol, its fit to the frame tells us scores about its accuracy and reliability. Whenever I examine a 1911, I check to see how much “wiggle” there is between parts. The Operator was rock-solid in this department, meaning that the lockup would be dead-nuts repeatable.
Now, sometimes the downside of tolerances this tight is a lack of reliability. Specifically, because just a speck of unburnt powder can cause a stoppage. The only way to tell if a pistol is built too tight for the working class is to shoot it and to shoot it a lot. So, that’s exactly what I did.
Range Workout
I packed my car with more .45 ACP than most people would be comfortable with and two target systems from Action Target that “encourage” fast pistol work. As usual, I had a windy day at the seaside shooting club I belong to. This wouldn’t affect accuracy at my 15-yard target distance. However, one thing was for sure, the gun was going to take on enough sand to show us if it was built right.
I started things off with the easiest of the freedom food to digest, Remington’s 230-grain FMJ ammo. These came out of a 250-round Mega Pack and look comically similar to the company’s famous golden bullets. Scaled up, of course.
After putting 100 trouble-free rounds down the pipe in the name of “break-in,” I sat down and had a little group therapy with almost another sleave of this stuff alongside some Hornady 185-grain American Gunner and Black Hills 135-grain Honey Badger.
Groups were what you would expect from a gun of this lineage. And after close to 200 rounds there still wasn’t a single stoppage to speak of.
Moving Targets
Moving on to the moving targets, I lit up both as fast as possible. The swinging and turning motions required me to hit the trigger as fast as possible to land a successful double-tap. Here is where I appreciated the soft 5-pound, 2-ounce break and snappy reset of the skeletonized trigger.
Adding to the speed was the tritium front sight, which took zero effort to find on the move. Recoil was about what you would expect and changed noticeably with different brands of ammo. I found the 185-grain Hornady to be the softest shooting. And surprisingly, the Black Hills had a bit of punch to it, mainly because it is loaded for self-defense.
Overall, I wouldn’t consider any of these rounds unmanageable. This is a testament to not only the balance of the gun but the result of using G10 grips and the reduced mainspring housing profile as well.
Parting Shots
After digesting close to 400 rounds, the Operator was ready to be taken down and cleaned. Although it didn’t exhibit signs of needing it, I don’t let my 1911’s run too long between maintenance intervals. I was happy to see that very little was disturbed regarding the internal components of this pistol. This is as God and John Moses Browning intended (same person to some).
True to the original in this respect, the Springfield Armory Operator is a Series-70 design and does not have a firing pin block or the awful trigger press that is commonly associated with it. It is also built on the traditional bushing system and employs a solemn, simple recoil spring. Field stripping is no different than any other 1911, and thus cleaning it should be entirely familiar to most.
After putting it back together, I reflected on the day’s events and was thoroughly satisfied with what Springfield had introduced to the sea of 1911s on the market. I enjoyed the balance of old-world styling with modern features. Particularly features like tritium sights, Picatinny rail, and the unmistakable feel of a quality all-steel handgun. Those looking to fill that operator gap in their 1911 collection ought to look towards, well, the Operator.
If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then it was most certainly flattery that killed John Moses Browning and not heart failure. Browning’s firearms designs, many of which still serve our military today, are testimony to his incredible genius. And his iconic 1911 pistol is probably the most copied gun of all time, by companies like Tisas.
Two Tisas 1911 Models That Won’t Break the Bank
Over the years, there have been many imitators. Some good and some horrible. Jeff Cooper’s popularization of the 1911 as a defensive fighting tool in the ’70s and ’80s was the impetus for many manufacturers to offer their own versions of the venerable war horse.
It wasn’t always like this, however. Back in the late ’70s, when I started shooting 1911s, the only real choices were Colt and Springfield Armory. There were some peripheral players like Crown City, Vega, Safari Arms, and Randall. But most folded without ever securing a significant market share.
If you wanted an extended safety, beavertail, or match sights, you’d have to take your gun to a smith and leave it with them for an extended amount of time. It wasn’t until 1993 that Kimber introduced a factory gun with a beavertail grip safety, extended thumb safety, and low-profile combat sights.
Three decades later, things are different. There are more 1911 manufacturers than I can count. And the fortunate thing is that most of the pistols are surprisingly good guns. Even the budget-priced Philippine guns come with useable sights, extended safeties, and beavertails.
In general, you get what you pay for in terms of quality. One of the best values I’ve found in the 1911 market recently is the new Springfield Ronin. It has good sights, an incredibly good trigger, strong side-only extended safety, and a beavertail. It uses a forged frame and slide and has everything you need for a modern fighting 1911 and nothing you don’t!
Priced at $849, the Ronin possesses great accuracy and unerring reliability. I liked it so much that I bought my test gun.
Exceeded Expectations
At the 2020 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, I stopped by SDS Imports booth and took a quick look at some of their Tisas 1911s imported from Turkey. The samples I saw displayed excellent fit and finish. Far too nice, in fact, for the suggested retail price of just $420 for their parkerized GI model and $500 for the more modern Duty model outfitted with a beavertail and ambidextrous extended thumb safeties and excellent sights.
I remember remarking to a colleague that if the actual imported guns look anywhere as nice as the display models, it would be the best deal available for the budget-minded 1911 shooter.
A couple of months later, my son-in-law bought the Tisas 1911 A1 U.S. Army pistol at a local gun show. I had the chance to thoroughly examine his model. And I found it to be every bit as nice as the guns on display at SHOT Show.
The slide-to-frame fit was exceptional, and the fit of parts like the bushing, thumb safety, and slide release far surpassed my expectations of a gun retailing for $420. Even the matte parkerized finish was well executed. I was impressed!
Securing Models for Testing and Evaluation
When I received word my old friend Dave Biggers had accepted the job of General Manager at SDS Imports, I reached out to him for a couple of test and evaluation guns. Biggers sent me the Tisas 1911 A1 U.S. Army as well as the Duty BR. Both guns are manufactured at the Trabzon Silah Sanayi A.S. state-of-the-art factory in Turkey.
Tisas claims they build more than 50,000 weapons a year. This is not counting the arms they make for the Turkish government and military. A quick glance at their website reveals a dizzying selection of handguns. Many of which show the influence of Beretta and CZ-75 handguns.
Last year, I evaluated the Tisas version of the Browning Hi-Power pistol (available from a different importer). I found the gun to be very well made and much more accurate than my vintage commercial Hi-Power.
Tale Of Two Turks – The 1911A1
So, I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised at just how nice my T&E guns looked. Tisas uses forgings for both their frames and slides and does their heat treating in-house. You won’t have to worry about soft metal—these guns will stand up to hard use!
Using modern CNC machinery, they obtain incredibly tight frame-to-slide fit without any binding.
Both guns’ thumb safeties are well-fit and snick on and off as crisply as the trigger breaks. The military model breaks with 4.8 pounds of pressure. Likewise, the Duty BR requires 5 pounds of pressure to drop the hammer.
Both guns have about 1/16-inch take up, just a little creep, and virtually no overtravel. Like true 1911A1s, the Tisas pistol uses a short trigger with a checkered texture on its trigger face. An arched mainspring housing, complete with a lanyard loop, is also used.
It even uses a fat, checkered hammer that makes thumb cocking the gun so easy! Tisas has also done a very accurate job of replicating the A1-style cocking serrations.
The BR Duty
Like its military counterpart, the BR Duty does not use a firing pin safety and is Series 70 in design. This gun also does not use a full-length recoil spring guide rod, and that’s fine with me. In my 40-plus years of shooting 1911s I have never had a stoppage which would have been prevented by using a full-length recoil spring guide rod.
The BR has wide and deep cocking serrations at the front and rear of the slide. This model comes with an accessory rail on the dust cover designed for attaching a tactical light and/or laser. Tisas also undercuts the frame at the junction of the front strap and triggerguard. This helps the shooter get a higher grip on the gun to mitigate muzzle rise.
The BR’s high-sweep beavertail also aids in getting a high grip. The beavertail features a memory bump to help shooters who use the thumb-high grip—like I do—and disengage the grip safety.
The Beauty is in the Details
When disassembling the guns, I was impressed with how few tool marks I was able to find. Already mentioned is neither gun uses a firing pin safety, and the frames are Series 70 style.
Feed ramps of both frames are well polished, and even the GI-style barrel is throated from 3 o’clock to 9 o’clock and should feed just about every type of round you can fit into the magazine. Both barrels are cold hammer forged, but the BR uses a stainless-steel barrel.
It’s interesting to note that there is nothing radically different about either of the Tisas 1911s. Aftermarket parts made for Colt, Springfield Armory, Kimber, etc. should work fine with the Turkish guns. That’s great news for tinkerers and those who like to accessorize their guns. It also makes finding a holster easy too.
How’d They Shoot?
I was at Gunsite in Paulden, Arizona, working on another 1911-related project. While there I had the opportunity to fire both guns from the bench. Ken Campbell, Gunsite’s CEO, graciously provided me and my photographer, Alex Landeen, access to a range. This allowed us to benchrest the guns and chronograph them.
The Tisas 1911 A1 U.S. Army is a true facsimile of our military issue .45, including the sights. Maybe it was that tiny front sight that caused me to concentrate on it so hard as I added the pressure necessary to break the shot. But it was Federal’s Syntech Defense 205-grain round that placed five rounds into a tight group measuring just .092 inches!
The sights on the 1911 A1 U.S. Army were a true facsimile of the military issue .45.
It wasn’t a fluke. In fact, the aggregate group size for four different ammunitions was just 1.17 inches.
Tisas BR is no slouch in the accuracy department as well. Remington’s 230-grain FMJ rounds produced the best five-shot group measuring just .88 inches. And its aggregate group size for the four ammunitions is just a hair over one inch. For a gun with a suggested retail price well under $500, I am amazed.
The Tisas 1911 Duty BR features a 3-dot dovetail sight configuration.
I fired more than 500 rounds between the two models. Some were fired from the bench, but most were fired at steel targets, practicing double-taps and failure drills (two to the body and one to the head).
At times, the guns got so hot I had to set them in the shade and allow them to cool. Despite not cleaning the guns during my evaluation, I had no failures of any kind.
A Tremendous Value for the Money
Sometimes an importer or distributor will offer a brand-new gun at a ridiculously low price to create a rumbling amongst shooters and generate interest and demand. If this is the case with the Tisas 1911s, these prices will not last forever.
If you’re interested in a facsimile of our military’s venerable 1911A1 or a more modern 1911 with a light/laser rail and extended ambi safeties, you would be doing yourself a disservice by not checking out the Tisas 1911s. Both guns offer the shooter tremendous value for the money!
Bullet weight measured in grains, velocity in feet per second (fps) by chronograph, and accuracy in inches for best five-shot groups at 25 yards.
This article was originally published in the Combat Handguns July/August 2022 issue. Subscription is available in print and digital editions at OutdoorGroupStore.com. Or call 1-800-284-5668, or email subscriptions@athlonmediagroup.com.
As we witness the unprecedented indictment of a former president, Auto-Ordnance and Magnum Research further pay tribute to President Trump. The timing of the release of the commemorative 1911 and Desert Eagle couldn’t have been more perfect. As our 45th president faces political persecution, he is also experiencing an incredible surge at the polls. And these two new pistols mark this historic moment in our country’s history in elegant detail.
The Auto-Ordnance Trump One 1911
Chambered in .45 ACP—as a 1911 should be—the Trump One features a stainless-steel slide and frame. The slide features both forward and rear cocking serrations with engraved graphics centered between them. Additionally, the front serrations meet up with the slide porting.
The right side of the slide features “Donald J. Trump” with “45th” and the Seal of the President of the United States. Likewise, the left side features the likeness of the 45th President in front of the White House, with his slogan “Make America Great Again.”
(Photo by Auto-Ordnance)
Providing the patriotic theme to the Trump One are the aluminum grip panels with American flag engraving. Centered within the grip panels, superimposed over the flag, is a medallion with “45th” encircled in stars. Likewise, a subtle American flag adorns each side of the dust cover.
Rounds a sent downrange through the match-grade barrel via a skeletonized trigger. Each Trump One 1911 ships with one seven-round magazine.
Chambered in .50 AE, the Trump Promise Desert Eagle features a lightweight aluminum frame and stainless-steel slide. Finished in two Cerakote colors, Armor Black and Snow White, the Desert Eagle features subtle engraving commemorating President Trump.
The forward slide and barrel feature images of President Trump superimposed over the Seal of the President of the United States on each side. In addition, the left side of the barrel has “President” deeply engraved into the steel. Likewise, “Donald J. Trump” is engraved on the obverse side. The rear of the ported barrel features an engraving of the American flag on each side.
(Photo by Magnum Research)
The left side of the slide has “United States of America” engraved just forward the cocking serrations. Similarly, the right side has the phrase “Promises Made – Promises Kept” in the same placement. Both the top of the barrel and the frame have long Picatinny rails for attaching optics and accessories.
The grip panels feature an embossed American flag with a golden eagle standing watch superimposed over the flag. Each Trump Promise Desert Eagle comes with one seven-round magazine.
The Trump Promise Desert Eagle is available exclusively through Davidson’s GalleryOfGuns.com with an MSRP of $3,999.00.
On May 8, 2023, PDW reported:
Back in March, we reported on the release of the Auto-Ordnance Trump commemorative line of firearms (below). The line was met with popularity and demands for more. For this reason, Kahr Arms and Auto-Ordnance release the 2023 “Commander in Chief” AR-15. The rifle is based on an earlier version from the company and further commemorates the pro-Second Amendment 45th President.
Auto-Ordnance Trump Commemorative 2023 “Commander in Chief” AR-15
Built on billet aluminum upper and lower receivers, the rifle features a Burnt Bronze and Black Cerakote finish. This combination gives the “Commander in Chief” a battle-distressed aesthetic. Additionally, engravings commemorating President Trump adorn the entirety of the rifle platform.
On the right side of the upper are the words “Keep American Great” just under the Picatinny rail. Likewise, “In God We Trust” is emblazoned on the side of the forward assist housing. The lower features “45th” just above the ambidextrous selector switch, and the Seal of the President of the United States takes up the magwell.
Similarly, the left side of the upper features the words “Commander in Chief” under the Picatinny rail. Likewise, “Donald Trump” sits just under that. As with the right side, “45th” shares space with the selector switch. In addition, President Trump’s likeness, in front of the White House, fills the magwell.
Rounding out the patriotic theme, “The United States of America” runs along both sides of the aluminum-free floated, M-Lok forearm, just under the full-length Picatinny rail. Similarly, the forearm and grip are detailed with the American flag and star pattern, respectively. The front of the magwell features a custom serial number starting with “DD” and an engraving of the model DJT-AR.
The rifle is shouldered via a Hogue collapsible buttstock, and one 30-round Magpul P-Mag is included. Chambered in 5.56, the 16-inch nitride-coated barrel features a 1:8 twist.
The 2023 “Commander in Chief” commemorative Trump AR-15 commands an MSRP of $2,882.00.
On March 30, 2023, PDW reported:
Donald J. Trump, the 45th President of the United States, solidified his position as a pro-Second Amendment president in a single statement. “The Second Amendment to the Constitution is clear. The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed upon. Period.” For this reason, Kahr Arms and Auto-Ordnance have commemorated Trump in a series of themed firearms. The latest is the “Trump Save America” series of .45 ACPs, including a 1911 and Thompson “Tommy Gun.”
President Trump has fought the establishment for over six years, demonstrating unwavering support for the right to keep and bear arms. It’s one of the reasons they hate him so much. But that doesn’t dissuade his determination to save America from those who seek to destroy her.
So, it makes sense that Kahr Arms Group would commemorate him with the aptly named “Trump Save America” series. The series includes a 1911 and Thompson Model 1927 Tommy Gun. Additionally, in a nod to the 45th president, both firearms are chambered in .45 ACP.
Trump Save America Thompson
The Trump Save America Thompson starts as a Model 1927 Tommy Gun, featuring high-quality steel—manufactured in the USA. Correspondingly, it includes a highly durable Sniper Gray Cerakote finish with black controls. Likewise, the rifle includes American walnut furniture, providing an aesthetically pleasing natural tone.
On the right side of the 39-inch-long Thompson is engraved “President Trump” along with the Presidential Seal. Similarly, the obverse side features a “Save America 45th” engraving. Uniquely, the words “Trump” on the right and “America” on the left are deeply embossed into the steel. As a result, is a bold look that will stand the test of time.
In addition, the wood furniture features engravings of the American flag, President Trump, the Liberty Bell, and the Statue of Liberty. All symbols of the freedom and liberty America and the Second Amendment stand for.
The 12.5-pound rifle features a 16.5-inch finned barrel with included Cutts compensator. Additionally, the Thompson ships with one 50-round drum and one 20-round stick magazine. All other features of the 1927 model Tommy are included. The Trump Save America Thompson fetches an MSRP of $3,118.00.
Trump Save America 1911
The American-made GI-style Auto-Ordnance 1911A1 features a Savage Stainless and Armor Black Distressed Cerakote finish. Likewise, the carbon steel slide, sear, and disconnector are heat treated for reliability over many thousands of rounds. Atop the slide are low-profile sights featuring a blade front and a rear that is drift adjustable for windage. In addition, housed within the slide is a 5-inch barrel.
On the right side is a laser engraving of the President’s motto, “Save America” along with his signature just underneath. Correspondingly, the left side features an engraving of the White House with the phrase “Promises Made, Promises Kept.” An American flag is etched on both sides of the dust cover.
Similarly, the grips are made of wood and feature corresponding engravings. The right displays a “Trump 2024” campaign poster and an image of President Trump. Likewise, the left showcases the Presidential Seal and “Trump 2024” campaign poster. The Trump Save America 1911 ships with a single 7-round magazine and comes in at a less expensive $1,324.00 MSRP.
“Sales of Trump themed firearms remain strong, and our vendors continually ask us for new models in the series. There are clearly many gun owners that support President Trump, and want to make a statement about their determination to see him return to the White House in 2024,” said Justin Moon, CEO of Kahr Firearms Group.
Availability
The Auto-Ordnance Trump Save America commemorative firearms are available now with MSRPs of $1,895.00 (Trump One 1911), $3,999.00 (Trump Promise Desert Eagle), $2,882.00 (AR-15), $1,324.00 (1911), and $3,118.00 (Thompson). For more info, please visit Auto-Ordnance.com.
Following on the success of its best-selling TH-series, Taurus adds .45 ACP to the line with the TH45. The fully ambidextrous pistol provides a smooth double-action pull while maintaining a crisp single-action trigger. However, the innovative combination thumb safety/de-cocker allows you to carry the TH45 cocked and locked or hammer down.
The Taurus TH45
Built on a polymer frame, the TH45 was carefully thought out to withstand the punishment that the big bore .45 ACP can dish out. Riding atop the full-size frame is the alloy steel slide with a fixed front and drift adjustable rear sight.
Correspondingly, the sights use industry-standard dovetails so that they can be easily replaced with after-market sights. Likewise, a two-slot Picatinny rail, just forward of the trigger guard, provides space for a light or laser.
Photo by Taurus
Housed within the slide is the 4.25-inch stainless steel barrel chambered in .45 ACP. Rounds are delivered from the hammer-fired pistol via a traditional double-action trigger. As a result, the first shot has a long, smooth pull like a revolver. However, follow-up shots come in single-action mode for crisp, duty-ready precision.
The TH45 offers a complete complement of ambidextrous controls, so left-handed shooters have easy access to their pistol’s operation. In addition, the pistol can be carried either cocked and locked or hammer down via Taurus’s innovative combination thumb safety/de-cocker.
Ensuring that you have enough ammo for personal or home defense, the TH45 offers a 13+1-round capacity. Correspondingly, it ships with two 13-round magazines, so you have backup right out of the box.
“I can’t think of anything better than launching a 45 ACP the same week as Independence Day,” said Caleb Giddings, Brand Marketing Manager at Taurus. “The 45 ACP is a quintessential American cartridge, and the TH45 is the perfect platform from Taurus to expand into this particular caliber.”
Availability
The Taurus TH45 is available now with an MSRP of $529.99. For more info, please visit TaurusUSA.com.
In the firearms community, it is nearly impossible to swing a dead cat and not hit a former U.S. Marine. Guns and Jarheads just seem to go together. In 2010, Devil Dog Arms started producing ARs. They were good-looking guns, each adorned with a scowling Marine-style bulldog with devil horns, and attracted immediate attention. However, Devil Dog Arms also produces a line of 1911 pistols, and we take a look at the DDA-350.
The Devil Dog Arms DDA-350 1911
No one seemed to mind that a former Marine Scout Sniper was capitalizing on his military service. That is until it was discovered that he’d never served. Not as a Scout Sniper, not as a Marine, not as anything!
He did the right thing—he admitted his stolen valor and walked away from the company he’d helped found. One of the investors, the same one who’d uncovered the stolen valor, decided to keep the company running. The bulldog is gone now, replaced with a wolflike logo, but the name remains the same.
The Devil Dog Arms product line is solid, with some very nice-looking and -performing ARs chambered for 5.56 NATO, an AR-10 in .308, and 6.5 Creedmoor. As well as the Hog bolt-action rifle in a variety of calibers. With this ugly chapter behind them, it appears as though Devil Dog Arms has weathered the storm.
In 2018 Devil Dog Arms introduced a 1911 line, building guns with 3.5-inch, 4.25-inch, and 5-inch barrels. Built at the Geneva, Illinois facility by a handful of craftsmen, the guns feature exceptional attention to detail. Likewise, they impart the Devil Dog stamp on the time-honored 1911 design.
I recently received a sample of the DDA-350 for review. The gun features a full-length steel frame with an Officer’s-sized top end. It’s a unique combination, to say the least. It offers the user full-sized control of the .45 ACP pistol, with a short slide for concealment.
(Photo by Alex Landeen)
Details of the DDA-350 1911
Immediately noticeable is the DDA-350’s unique styling, with dramatic cocking serrations and machined G10 grips. Our test sample is Cerakoted with a flat dark earth (FDE) finish, though several other finish options are available.
Devil Dog typically offers their 1911s with railed dust covers and squared triggerguards. However, our DDA-350 possesses the more traditional plain dust cover and rounded triggerguard.
Devil Dog machines their frames from 4140 heat-treated castings. If the use of castings versus forgings is a concern, you should probably know that this is the process the majority of manufacturers now use.
I have several 1911s built on cast frames that I used for USPSA competition. They have had literally tens of thousands of rounds through them without any kind of structural failure or deficit. Those guns were built more than a decade ago. And in the interim, both technology and metallurgy in the casting industry have improved.
If you think you’ll shoot enough rounds to bring the frame to failure, buy something else. But this is a non-issue for me.
The DDA-350’s frontstrap features 22-lines-per-inch machine-cut checkering, and the magazine well is beveled. Additionally, the gun is outfitted with a beavertail grip safety, extended thumb safety, and checkered mainspring housing and slide release.
(Photo by Alex Landeen)
These parts are black in color and make a nice contrast to the FDE coloring of the frame’s Cerakote finish.
Digging Deeper into the Design
Devil Dog uses 4140 heat-treated billet for the slide and machines it into a tri-top configuration. It is flat on top, with descending flats on either side, rather than the rounded surfaces found on traditional slides.
The ejection port is lowered and flared to give the empty casing every possible chance to exit the gun. The Officer’s-sized slide features wide and deep cocking serrations fore and aft that should give the operator plenty of traction whether their hands are wet or dry. Low-profile sights are dovetailed into the slide and feature the usual three-dot pattern.
(Photo by Alex Landeen)
The DDA-350’s barrel is constructed from 416 stainless steel and possesses a belled muzzle, aiding in the short barrel’s unlocking. It is not a supported barrel, but the Devil Dog Arms craftsmen throat and chamfer the barrel’s mouth to feed just about any bullet nose profile and overall length.
A stainless steel barrel bushing is used. Likewise, it also uses a two-piece full-length recoil spring guide rod constructed of the same material. The gun uses a single recoil spring. Our test gun was shipped with an additional recoil spring, one coil length longer than the one installed in the gun. This is presumably for shooting heavy defense loads.
(Photo by Alex Landeen)
Bucking the current trend, the DDA-350 does not use a Series 80-style firing-pin block safety. Its design is strictly Series 70, without the superfluous block designed to prevent inertia ignition if the gun is dropped on its muzzle.
The gun uses an elongated, skeletonized hammer with a conventional sear and disconnector. And the parts are mated to produce a 4.75-pound trigger pull.
Shooting the DDA-350
Because of the gun’s short barrel—just 3.50 inches—I decided to do the accuracy testing at 15 yards. I fired all groups from a seated rest using my D.O.A. Tactical bench. In addition, I rested the gun’s dust cover on a Millett Benchmaster for support. Five shots were fired for each group, and the best of five groups is listed in the accuracy chart below.
Federal’s HST 230-grain JHP Personal Defense round produced our very best group, measuring 0.95 inch. Our average for all four rounds tried measured just a hair over 1.25 inches. And that is plenty good for a concealed-carry handgun.
The Black Hills 135-grain HoneyBadger is a neat little round that produced very little felt recoil. However, it generated the most energy of any of the ammunition types tried, with 436 foot-pounds of energy.
Observations of Note
There were a couple of issues right off the bat. I had a couple of rounds stop with their bullet noses stuck in the middle of the frame’s feed ramp.
It was then that I noticed the feed ramp was Cerakoted, like the rest of the gun. It’s been my experience that other manufacturers will remove the coating from the feed ramp and hand-polish it bright.
(Photo by Alex Landeen)
The other problem I had was that the slide failed to lock open on an empty magazine. I was carrying my personal 1911 on this outing, and I borrowed its 8-round Wilson Combat Elite Tactical Magazine (ETM) for the rest of the evaluation.
It is my opinion, based on thousands of rounds of shooting experience, that the ETMs are the very best magazines you can carry. Especially when your life may depend on your firearm. After substituting the magazine, the DDA-350 ran flawlessly. And there were no more stoppages or failures for the slide to lock back on an empty magazine.
I did a number of draw-and-fire exercises with the DDA-350 and found that the gun pointed well and was very controllable. One of the questions I had before shooting the gun was just how well it would handle with its full-sized grip and short top end. I liked it!
The shorter sight radius didn’t hamper my ability to make quick, decisive hits. And the steel frame, with its weight and length, made double-taps easy.
Kydex Carry
Earlier this year, I ordered a Kydex AIWB holster from Bravo Concealment and was impressed with its design and quality. So, when I received the DDA-350, I wanted to try one of their OWB belt holsters.
Designed to be worn at the 4-o’clock position, the holster accommodates the natural curvature of the hip in that position. I got my test holster for a 1.5-inch belt. Likewise, I also ordered a Kydex single magazine pouch to be worn on my weak side also on the belt.
Bravo Concealment’s holster holds the DDA-350 securely, yet it’s as fast as any holster I have ever used. The holster makes an audible “pop” when drawing the gun, and you’ll never have to worry about the mouth collapsing.
(Photo by Alex Landeen)
Reholstering the gun is just as easy as drawing it. And the holster will make the same pop when you reinsert the gun, letting you know it is securely locked.
There’s a lot to like about the Bravo Concealment holster, from its design and construction to the 30-day money-back guarantee. They also offer holsters for guns with suppressor sights, guns with rails, and guns with weapon lights mounted.
Chances are, if you carry a popular handgun, you’ll find a Bravo Concealment holster to meet your needs. Get on their mailing list, as they frequently send out killer email specials.
Final Notes
The Devil Dog Arms DDA-350 1911 is capable of fine accuracy. And after switching magazines, it proved to be reliable enough for concealed carry.
Despite the gun’s very dramatic styling, it is indeed a 1911 through and through and can be accessorized and tuned like any other. I found the gun to have an exceptional degree of fit and finish and enjoyed my time with it.
Devil Dog Arms builds 1911s in three different barrel lengths, two calibers (.45 ACP and 9mm), with and without railed dust covers, and in a variety of finishes. The DDA-350 starts at $1,149 and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Bullet weight measured in grains, velocity in feet per second and accuracy in inches for best 5-shot group from 15 yards.
This article was originally published in the Personal Defense World Gun Buyer’s Guide December/January 2022 issue. Subscription is available in print and digital editions at OutdoorGroupStore.com. Or call 1-800-284-5668, or email subscriptions@athlonmediagroup.com.
Standard Manufacturing has a penchant for innovation, like its Switch Gun or the Jackhammer. But sometimes, the company also has to take time from innovating to focus on familiar and iconic platforms. Such is the case with the 1911 HPX, a tactical-based 1911 from the brain trust at Standard Manufacturing.
The Standard Manufacturing 1911 HPX
Constructed of 4140 carbon steel, CNC machined from forgings, the frame and slide promise durability and longevity. Likewise, the satin non-gloss finish on all parts adds to the lifespan while preventing glare. Additionally, each slide is hand-lapped to the frame, ensuring the perfect fit and smooth action.
The slide features deep forward and rear cocking serrations for enhanced slide manipulation and press checks. Riding atop the slide are high-profile, low-mount Novac-style 3-dot dovetail sights. In addition, the lowered and flared ejection port provides for reliable operation and malfunction clearing.
Housed within the slide is the 5-inch stainless-steel, match-grade barrel hand-lapped into the slide, with corresponding match bushing. Chambered in .45 ACP, rounds are sent downrange via a medium, solid match-grade trigger with a 4.5-pound pull. In addition, the skeletonized enhanced machined hammer adds to the overall 1911 aesthetic and quality of the HPX.
The two-tone black and blue American Black Walnut grip panels feature a honeycomb pattern with thumb relief cut. Likewise, the checkered mainspring housing and front strap add to the enhanced retention during courses of fire. Similarly, the upswept beavertail safety provides safe handling until ready to fire and prevents slide bite.
Fully machined, extended magazine release, thumb safety, and slide stop promote positive engagement even with gloved hands. Each 1911 HPX ships with one 8-round magazine.
Finally, for an additional fee, the 1911 HPX can be personalized with a custom serial number by request when ordering. The serial number must be formatted with a maximum of three letters, a dash, and a maximum of six digits (XXX-000000).
Availability
The Standard Manufacturing 1911 HPX is available now with MSRPs of $1,290.00 – $1,790.00 (with custom serial number). For more info, please visit STDGun.com.
