1911

Why the 1911 Endures

Designed by John Browning and adopted by the U.S. military in 1911, this pistol served American armed forces for over 70 years and remains in production by dozens of manufacturers today. The appeal is genuine: a single-action trigger that’s hard to beat for crispness, natural pointing ergonomics, a grip safety and thumb safety that many shooters prefer for carry, and a proven track record in every conflict of the 20th century. It’s also one of the most customizable handgun platforms ever made — virtually every component can be upgraded or replaced.

Caliber Options

.45 ACP — The original and still most popular 1911 caliber. The .45 ACP was developed alongside the 1911 and the two are essentially synonymous. Full-size Government model .45 ACP 1911s remain the gold standard for the platform.

9mm — The fastest-growing 1911 caliber today. Same platform, same trigger, more rounds, less recoil, cheaper practice ammo. Springfield, Kimber, and others make excellent 9mm 1911s. A smart choice for carry or competition.

10mm — A powerful semi-auto cartridge in a 1911 platform. Popular with hunters and those who want maximum power in a familiar format. Dan Wesson and Springfield make well-regarded 10mm 1911s.

.38 Super — A high-velocity cartridge popular in competition shooting (IPSC/USPSA). Less common but still available in quality 1911 builds.

Size Guide

Government (5" barrel) — The original full-size format. Best accuracy, best shootability, best for range use, home defense, and competition. The benchmark against which everything else is measured.

Commander (4.25" barrel) — Slightly shorter than Government, more concealable while retaining most of the shootability. The most popular carry-oriented 1911 size.

Officer / Compact (3–3.5" barrel) — Maximum concealability in a 1911 platform. More difficult to shoot well and less reliable than full-size 1911s. Best for experienced shooters who want a compact 1911 carry gun.

Price Tiers: What You Get at Each Level

Entry level ($500–$800) — Brands like Girsan and Rock Island Armory offer reliable, functional 1911s at accessible price points. Good for new shooters exploring the platform without a major investment. Fit and finish won’t match premium offerings but reliability is solid.

Mid-range ($800–$1,500) — Springfield Armory’s 1911 lineup offers excellent value with features like G10 grips, Cerakote finishes, and optics-ready slides at competitive prices. The Springfield TRP is one of the best values in this tier.

Premium ($1,500+) — Kimber, Dan Wesson, and Wilson Combat deliver hand-fitted components, exceptional triggers, and tight tolerances that serious competitors and collectors demand. Ed Brown occupies the very top of the market — hand-built to order and priced accordingly.

Staff Picks

Springfield 1911 TRP (.45 ACP or 9mm) — Our most recommended mid-range 1911. Exceptional quality for the price, G10 grips, loaded with features, and backed by Springfield’s warranty. Hard to beat in its price range.

Girsan MC1911S (9mm or .45 ACP) — The best entry-level 1911 we carry. Turkish-made, well-finished, and reliable. An excellent way to experience the platform without breaking the bank.

Ed Brown Executive Target (.45 ACP) — The pinnacle of what we stock. Hand-fitted, match-grade, and built to outlast everything else. For the serious 1911 enthusiast.

Have questions about which 1911 is right for you? We’ve been selling them since 1992 and we’re happy to help narrow it down. Call us at 800-917-7137 or use our live chat.