SPRINGFIELD ARMORY 1911-A1
Posted Jun 15, 2023
LOADED
The Springfield Armory 1911-A1 Loaded is a classic American handgun that features sleek design details, robust construction, and expert craftsmanship. The 1911-A1 Loaded is an iconic, dependable, and new generation of the famous 1911 owned by many and is considered an affordable alternative that still offers high quality. With its forged stainless steel construction, 3-dot tritium combat sights, beavertail grip safety and extended thumb safety, the 1911-A1 Loaded is ready to take on the toughest of challenges.
The Springfield Armory 1911-A1 Loaded is an iconic handgun that has been around for over a century and has found a loyal following in the US Military, law enforcement, and civilian markets. It is often referred to as “the standard” in handguns and is widely considered to be one of the best combat handguns available.
The Springfield 1911-A1 Loaded features a 5” forged stainless steel barrel and slide, low-profile three-dot tritium combat sights, beavertail grip safety and extended thumb safety. The slide also features front and rear cocking serrations for superior grip and user control. The gun is chambered in .45ACP and the single-stack magnesium-alloy frame houses a 7-round magazine. It also features a full-length guide rod, extended slide catch, combat hammer, and flat mainspring housing for optimal accuracy and reliability.
This handgun also features a few other features to enhance its dependability and performance. Its frame features a faithful recreation of the traditional double-diamond pattern to reduce abrasion and ensure the pistols attractiveness and durability. It also has a manually operated thumb safety to allow the shooter to safely disengage the hammer and slide for safe operation.
The Springfield Armory 1911-A1 Loaded is a well-crafted pistol that has seen duty in many of the world’s most difficult environments. Its forged stainless steel construction makes it highly durable and its accuracy is excellent. Even with its full-sized grip and extended mag well, the Springfield Armory 1911-A1 Loaded still fits comfortably in most hands and is easy to control. Not only does the gun have good sights, but its weight helps absorb recoil well, making shooting more enjoyable and accurate.
The Springfield Armory 1911-A1 Loaded is a great choice for users looking for a budget-friendly, reliable, and accurate 1911. It may not be the fanciest, but its dependability and accuracy speak for themselves. This is one of the best handguns available, and its well-earned reputation endures for a reason.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Durable construction: The Springfield Armory 1911-A1 is made from high-quality steel components and features enhanced durability.
- High capacity: This handgun has a generous magazine capacity of 8+1, allowing for plenty of ammo to be held in reserve in case of emergency.
- Accurate shooting: The inherent accuracy of the Springfield Armory 1911-A1 makes it suitable for target shooting or home defense.
- Excellent ergonomics: The easy-to-hold grip, beavertail safety, trigger shape, and other features of the Springfield Armory 1911-A1 provide superior comfort and control.
- Versatility: The 1911-A1 can be customized in a variety of ways to suit different preferences and shooting styles.
Cons:
- Expensive: While the 1911-A1 isn't overly expensive, the cost of purchasing one can be prohibitive for some.
- High maintenance: The 1911-A1 requires regular cleaning and lubrication to ensure reliable operation.
- Can be difficult to conceal: The 1911-A1's size and weight make it difficult to conceal, limiting its use as a carry gun.
- Recoil: The .45 ACP cartridge produces a noticeable amount of recoil, which can take some getting used to.
Who Should Buy
Anyone who is legally allowed to own firearms should consider buying a Springfield Armory 1911-A1. Generally, it is a great firearm for people who are experienced shooters and want a firearm that combines accuracy, reliability, and ease of use. It is popular among competitive shooters and those who need to carry a concealed weapon. The 1911-A1 is not suitable for novice shooters or those looking for a firearm purely for target shooting or home defense. The size and weight may be a deterrent to some, and it is relatively expensive compared to other types of pistols.
Comparisons
| SPRINGFIELD ARMORY 1911-A1 | SMITH & WESSON PERFORMANCE CENTER PC1911 | WILSON COMBAT CQB TACTICAL LE |
|---|---|---|
| 7+1 | 8+1 | 8+1 |
| 5" | 5" | 5" |
| 8.6" | 8.6" | 8.6" |
| 40 oz. | 39.5 oz. | 39.20 oz. |
Features / Specs
• Designed in 1907
• Hammer-forged, machined 4140 steel frame with a Parkerized finish
• Single-action trigger
• Available with a 5-inch barrel in .45 ACP and 9mm Luger
• Exposed hammer for manual cocking
• Drilled and tapped frame for optional laser sights and other accessories
• Magazine capacity of 8 rounds
• Available in two colors: black and stainless steel
Popular Accessories
- Magazine Extensions: magazine extensions can help increase the capacity of your magazine.
- Extended Slide Release Lever: extended levers can help make it easier to release the slide on your 1911-A1.
- Recoil Buffer: a recoil buffer will help reduce the felt recoil of the gun.
- Magazine Disconnect Removal Kits: these kits will allow you to remove the magazine disconnect safety feature, allowing you to remove the magazine even when the trigger is pulled.
- Grips: grip panels are available in a variety of materials and colors to customize the look and feel of your 1911.
- Dummy Rounds: dummy rounds are great for becoming familiar with ejecting and clearing the empty chamber of your gun.
- Guide Rod and Spring Kits: these kits are used to replace the stock components and help reduce felt recoil.
- Ambidextrous Thumb Safety: an ambidextrous thumb safety can make it easier to manipulate the safety when shooting with either hand.
Accuracy
The Springfield Armory 1911-A1 is highly accurate. It has been favored by military personnel, firearms enthusiasts, and competitive shooters alike. In addition, accuracy tests have been conducted that guarantee that the gun can hold a 1" group at 25 yards using hardball ammunition. The Springfield Armory 1911-A1 is designed with a match grade barrel and is machined on modern computer numeric controlled (CNC) equipment. It also includes a match grade trigger, for a smoother, more precise pull. The adjustable sights provide shooters with a precise sight picture that further enhances accuracy. All of these features combine to give the Springfield Armory 1911-A1 the reputation of being one of the most accurate pistols on the market.
