Boasting a forged—not cast—slide and frame, the .45 ACP Defenders Series Mil-Spec from Springfield Armory features an exemplary slide-to-frame fit. It also possesses a stainless steel barrel and bushing. The gun is a reasonable facsimile of the U.S. military’s 1911, with some upgrades, including higher-profile sights and honest-to-God wooden...
There’s been big trend lately to chamber full-sized, steel-framed 1911s in 9mm. This makes the big gun a pussycat to shoot, with light recoil and tremendous accuracy. Remington decided to chamber the 1911 R1 Enhanced in 9mm this year, and the resulting gun impressed me with its handling characteristics...
The Dan Wesson Enhanced Commander Pistol (ECP) in .45 ACP is probably very close to what I would design as my ultimate carry 1911. It’s built on an aluminum frame, so its unloaded weight is just 29 ounces. It feels good in the hand and carries like a dream....
Using input from special forces personnel, Colt developed the Colt Combat Unit (CCU) pistol that it introduced earlier this year. This Government-sized .45 ACP is chock full of useful features that make it ideal for law enforcement and military use. The CCU features a stainless steel frame that has...
The SR1911 Competition from Ruger’s Custom Shop arrives in a rugged padded case with two magazines tuned to the gun and a certificate of authenticity signed by Ruger President and CEO Chris Killoy. The pistol features a hand-fitted slide, frame and barrel as well as precision internals. This .45...
New to Sig Sauer’s lineup this year is the Spartan II. Cosmetically, it’s like nothing else I have ever handled. It features a tough “Distressed Coyote” finish on the stainless steel slide and frame along with “Molon Labe” (in Greek letters) and a Spartan helmet emblazoned on the slide....
The Nighthawk Custom Trooper is available with a variety of finishes and options. Our test .45 ACP pistol featured a forged stainless steel frame and slide as well as a match-grade barrel and bushing made from the same material. Cosmetically, the gun was flawless with a soft satin finish...
Kimber’s new Rapide is a distinctive .45 ACP pistol. With its titanium-nitride-coated, stainless steel, match-grade barrel, stepped cocking serrations, Stiplex frontstrap treatment, uniquely sculpted mainspring housing and slide windows, the Rapide distinguishes itself from other vanilla-flavored 1911s. Our test Rapide displayed typical Kimber fit and finish, with an impeccable...
Wilson Combat rocked the 1911 community when it introduced the innovative EDC X9. This aluminum-framed 9mm boasted a 15+1 capacity as well as 1911 internals and controls. The EDC X9 was essentially everything that Bill Wilson dreamed a high-capacity 9mm carry gun could be, and then some.
New for 2019...
Canik USA is also no stranger to the concept of incredible value mated with stellar performance. The new SFx Rival is a prime example of what the company has been doing the past few years. Designed for competition with the budget in mind, the SFx Rival is available with...
