Best 1911 Pistol [Ultimate Guide for 2023]
If the best handgun is a 1911, then finding the best 1911 is basically defining the best of the best is.
The M1911 is a design from John Moses Browning, that became the standard issue sidearm for the United States military from 1911 to 1985. That means that the this pistol was standard issue for both World Wars, Korea, and Vietnam.
Even today many service members and law enforcement choose to carry a 1911 as their preferred handgun. It has been one of the most popular weapons for over 110 years.
Because of it’s popularity, there are hundreds of different 1911 models. Variations based on size, caliber, and customization.
What to look for when choosing the best 1911.
Size and Weight
If you are used to shooting compact polymer based handguns, the 1911 may feel like a monster of a handgun.
The average classic 1911 model on our list weighs around 37 oz which is significantly heavier than the Glock 19 at 24 oz. However, there are hybrid models that have the same design at a fraction of the weight.
As far as size, most models will come in a standard 5″ barrel or a compact 4″ barrel. However, there are some models that are even smaller than this.
When deciding what size gun to get, it is important to think about intended use. Is it a home defense gun? Is it a concealed carry gun? Or is it a collectors guns?
In some circumstances, weight and size are going to play significant factors. But if you are just looking for a gun to go to the range with, extra weight may handle the recoil better and make the shooting experience more fun.
Caliber
M1911 is traditionally calibered in .45 ACP. And if you are looking for a round that is going to punch a big hole with a lot of stopping power, this is the round for you. The 1911 manages to minimize the recoil of such a large round, making it easy to shoot.
With new calibers of 1911s coming to market, you now have the choice of purchasing a .45 ACP or 9mm handgun. This just means more options and more decisions that need to be made.
The 9mm double stack handguns, or 2011 models, also provide a lot of the same design of the original 1911, but with 16 or 20 round magazines.
There is no wrong answer when it comes to .45 ACP or 9mm. It only comes down to preference and intended use.
Affordability
Another huge factor in choosing ammo is price. 9mm ammo is significantly more affordable and readily available than .45 ACP. This may be a primary determining factor for some people.
Customization
The M1911 has been around for over 100 years. And with significant usage, comes aftermarket customization opportunities. There are companies that make custom internal and external parts for 1911 so you can build your “perfect” handgun.
However, if you are looking for out of the box customization, make sure that you buy a handgun that has those features standard. Most classic 1911 handguns are not optics ready and do not have rails for mounted lights.
So when picking your handgun, think ahead to any changes you would like to make, before making your decision.
What is the best 1911 handgun?
Here are my top picks for the best 1911 handgun.
- Smith & Wesson 1911 (Editors Choice)
- Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison (Best Overall)
- Rock Island Armory 1911 Standard (Best Budget)
- Sig Sauer 1911 Fastback Nightmare (Best Concealed Carry)
- Wilson Combat CQB Compact (Best High End)
- Staccato CS (Best 9mm)
- Colt 1911 Classic (Best Classic)
- Springfield Armory DS Prodigy (Best Modern)
Smith & Wesson 1911 (Editors Choice)
Specs
Caliber : .45 ACP
Barrel Length : 5.0 in
Magazine : 7
Weight : 37 oz
My Take
This was the first handgun I ever owned. I knew I wanted a 1911 handgun and didn’t have $2,000 to spend on a Wilson Combat. After a significant amount of research, Smith & Wesson came away as the current best manufacturer of mid range 1911 handguns.
Since then, I have fired thousands of rounds through this handgun with no malfunctions. This gun runs smooth, and is incredibly reliable.
I get more complements on this handgun than any other gun I own. It is a fun gun to shoot, because you feel like you are shooting a piece of history.
Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison (Best Overall)
Specs
Caliber : 9mm or .45 ACP
Barrel Length : 5.0 in
Magazine : 7
Weight : 37 oz
My Take
Springfield Armory gives you all the feel and performance of a $1500 1911 at half the price. Springfield Armory’s goal with the manufacturing of their Garrison line was “heirloom-quality”. Meaning that this gun would be something that could last generations and still be fun to shoot.
This gun gives you the feel of holding a piece of history, but at the same time has some modern upgrades that give it the reliability that you would expect from a modern 1911.
Rock Island Armory 1911 Standard (Best Budget)
Specs
Caliber : .45 ACP
Barrel Length : 5.0 in
Magazine : 8
Weight : 39.36 oz
My Take
This is just about the least amount of money that you can spend while still purchasing a 1911. However, at this price point, it is important to find something that still function after a few thousand rounds and is fun to shoot.
You are not going to be able to pick up a Rock Island Armory 1911 and compare it to a Wilson Combat, but you also can buy 5 Rock Island guns for the price of 1 Wilson Combat.
Price aside, the Rock Island Armory 1911 gets the job done. The sights will need replacing if your eyesight is not 100%, and depending on the model you get, you may need to replace the grips. However, the trigger has a classic 1911 feel and the action on this gun is smooth. It’s not perfect, but is pretty great.
Sig Sauer 1911 Fastback Nightmare (Best Concealed Carry)
Specs
Caliber : .45 ACP
Barrel Length : 4.2 in
Magazine : 78
Weight : 38.8 oz
My Take
Its no secret that I am big fan of Sig Sauer. The 1911 Fastback is a modern look for a classic gun.
Although the look of the gun is very modern, it is not as out-of-the-box customizable as the Staccato or DS Prodigy. It does not come optic ready, and does not have any rail mounts for lights.
The 4.2 in barrel does give it a compact feel, for those who are looking to conceal this handgun.
Wilson Combat CQB Compact (Best High End)
Specs
Caliber : .45 ACP, .38 Super, 9mm
Barrel Length : 4.0 in
Magazine : 8 rounds
Weight : 37.2 oz
My Take
The gold standard for 1911 handguns. It does come at higher price tag, but in this case, you are getting value for every penny spent.
There is nothing fancy or revolutionary with the design of this handgun. However, it is the attention to detail and manufacturing that makes this gun special. It has a tight, yet smooth fit that makes it incredibly reliable, accurate, and easy to shoot.
A 1911 has a lot more moving pieces than a Glock 19, which can sometimes mean errors and malfunctions. What you get with a Wilson Combat is a 1911 with the reliability of Glocks or Sigs.
Staccato CS (Best 9mm)
Specs
Caliber : 9mm
Barrel Length : 3.5 in
Magazine : 16
Weight : 22.7 oz
My Take
This handgun is not quite a 1911, but I still felt like it should be included on the list. This gun would be better classified as a 2011.
A 2011 is a bit more modular than a 1911, and has a frame that is lighter. This means that you can change our your grips to accommodate double stack 9mm magazines. It is still modeled after the 1911 frame system, but with some modern changes.
The Staccato CS is an incredible gun. It is fun to shoot just like the classic 1911 handguns; however, it has all the functionality and weight of a modern handgun.
However, the only major downside of this gun is the price. It is an expensive option, but for those of you looking for a hybrid between your Glock 19 and your 1911, this might be the perfect fit.
Colt 1911 Classic (Best Classic)
Specs
Caliber : .45 ACP
Barrel Length : 5.0 in
Magazine : 8
Weight : 35 oz
My Take
When John Browning first manufactured his design for the US military it was manufactured by Colt.
At the end of 1910, as the final tests on the 1911 were being preformed, 6000 rounds were fired from a single pistol over the course of 2 days. When the gun got hot, it was dunked in water to cool it and then continued the test. The Colt gun passed with no reported malfunctions.
This Colt classic is simple. It is the original design of the 1911 with no fancy bells or whistles. It is a great starting point if you are looking to make this gun your own and do any modifications.
Springfield Armory DS Prodigy (Best Modern)
Specs
Caliber : 9mm
Barrel Length : 4.25 in
Magazine : 17 or 20
Weight : 32.5 oz
My Take
The DS Prodigy is more like a 2011 than the classic 1911. However, it still utilizes Springfield Armory’s proven 1911 platform. It has merely changed out the grip modifications to allow for a double stack 9mm magazine.
Similar to the Staccato this handgun comes very modular. It is optics ready and has rails to mount a laser or light. However, the largest difference is the price.
Up until recently, to get a 2011 handgun it was going to cost your upwards of $2,000. However, with the DS Prodigy, you are getting the same feel and customization, at almost half the price., without sacrificing reliability.
Why no Kimber on the list?
My dad’s go to handgun growing up was a Kimber. In fact, my brothers and I fight over who gets my dad’s Kimber in the will. However, Kimber’s reliability has been in question over the past couple of years.
If you have an older Kimber, or manage to get one with no issues, it is an incredible gun. Worth every penny. However, without having consistency, it is difficult to $1500 on a gun that you could get something just as reliable for $600-$1000.
I love Kimbers, and if you have a reliable one it is a great gun. I just have a hard time putting them on this list recently.
So what is the best 1911 handgun?
As always it depends on your intended use. If you are looking for a concealed carry 9mm, the Staccato CS is the best choice. If you want something that doesn’t break the bank but has a classic 1911 feel, I recommend the Smith & Wesson. However, if you are looking for one gun to rule them all. You can’t go wrong with a Wilson Combat.
