Springfield Armory sent me a sample of its relatively new 1911 Vickers Tactical Master Class pistol. In a collaboration with retired U.S. Army 1st SFOD-Delta operator and combat veteran Larry Vickers, the gun combines Springfield Armory’s extensive 1911 manufacturing experience with his knowledge of features that a fighting handgun should possess. There are no extraneous appendages or features that might entice a “1911 newbie” or the occasional match shooter to buy this gun. It possesses everything needed to win a deadly encounter and nothing that is not. This is an expert’s gun built for the man who takes this business seriously, and it is a rock-solid workhorse.
Springfield only uses forged frames and slides because they provide the strength needed to stand up to thousands of rounds of practice. The match-grade barrel is manufactured from a stainless steel forging, and a stainless steel bushing is used with it. Springfield designed the gun to use a single, standard recoil spring and guide. The gun is fitted with a solid, medium-length aluminum trigger and a Wilson Combat stainless steel Commander hammer, and the trigger breaks crisply with 4.5 pounds of pressure.
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Just because this gun was designed for serious work doesn’t mean that Springfield Armory couldn’t make it look nice. Starting at the front of the gun you’ll notice the slide is given ball cuts—something 1911 aficionados seem to always enjoy. The frontstrap, cocking serrations and mainspring housing have what Springfield calls Woven Checkering. It is an amazing piece of machining That gives all the purchase of fine checkering without sharp edges to cut the skin, holster or clothing. It is effective, and I like it! The frame, slide and appendages are coated with a Black T finish for corrosion resistance, lubricity and to give the gun a matte, non-reflective finish. Custom scalloped G10 grips complete the package.
The gun’s sights are worth mentioning also. Its rear sight is a stout, one-piece affair with two screws that lock it in its dovetail. It can be drifted for windage correction, but my test gun shot perfectly to point of aim. It features a deep “U” notch and is serrated. The front sight has a Tritium dot for night fighting, and it is surrounded by a florescent orange ring so it can be easily picked up on presentation during daylight. It’s fast and accurate, and making a sight picture is as easy as putting a ball in the bucket.
Of all the guns tested, this particular gun would be my choice for a “go-to-war” gun. It is a well-executed 1911 that gives the shooter everything needed to be successful.
