SPRINGFIELD ARMORY COMPACT
Posted Jun 16, 2023
1911
When it comes to the history of firearms, few could match the iconic status or the stellar reputation of the Springfield Armory Compact 1911. For over a century, this pistol has been one of the most widely adopted sidearms ever manufactured in the U.S. Military and the civilian market alike.
One of the major reasons why the Springfield Armory Compact 1911 has remained so popular is its size. The gun was originally designed to be issued to WWI officers, many of whom were of smaller stature. To meet this need, Springfield Armory designed the Compact 1911 to have a smaller grip and frame, a shorter barrel, and an abbreviated slide. As a result, the Compact 1911 is lighter and easier to carry than the full-size 1911. In addition, the Compact 1911 is easier to control under recoil due to its shorter barrel and slide.
The gun has stood the test of time for a reason. It has been in use in military, law enforcement, and civilian circles for over a century with excellent results. It is a reliable and accurate firearm and, while it does have its limitations, these can usually be overcome through proper maintenance and skill.
The Compact 1911 is available with several different types of barrels. The Government, or “GI” model, is the classic style favored by military personnel and police officers. This barrel features a 5” length and a standard twist rate. The Commander style of the Compact 1911 features a 4.25” barrel and a 1:16 twist rate. It’s designed for accuracy and is ideal for self-defense. The Officer’s ACP model has a 3.5” barrel and a 1:16 twist rate, making it more comfortable to carry and more maneuverable in close quarters.
The construction of the Compact 1911 is nothing to scoff at. It is constructed from high-grade steel and built on a cast-steel frame complete with a forged slide and other highly durable parts. This construction makes the Compact 1911 extremely durable and able to handle a large amount of use without any major issues. For those looking for a highly durable pistol, the Springfield Armory Compact 1911 is an excellent choice.
One of the main selling points of the Compact 1911 is its accuracy. While it may not be quite as accurate as its full-sized variant, the Compact 1911 is undoubtedly accurate for its intended purpose. It is also a very soft shooter, making it a great choice for those who are recoil sensitive. The combination of accuracy and minimal recoil makes the Compact 1911 suitable for a wide variety of shooting situations, from self-defense to target shooting.
The Controls of the Compact 1911 are also top-notch. The safety, slide lock, magazine release, and slide stop are all well-positioned and easy to reach with either hand. The sights are also quite good, with a standard three-dot system that allows for quick target acquisition.
When it comes to reliability, the Compact 1911 is one of the best. It is available in both .45 ACP and 9mm, and either caliber will feed reliably in the gun. It is also very easy to maintain, with only occasional cleanings and lubrications necessary to keep the gun functioning at its best.
Overall, the Springfield Armory Compact 1911 is one of the best guns available on the market today. It is a solid, reliable, and accurate firearm that is suitable for a wide range of uses. Whether you are a competitive shooter, a hunter, a collector, or simply looking for a reliable self-defense handgun, the Compact 1911 is a great choice. For those looking for a pistol with a long history of excellence and dependability, the Compact 1911 is an excellent option.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to carry due to its compact design
- Durable and reliable, thanks to its construction and use of quality materials
- Accurate when shooting, thanks to its precise craftsmanship
- Available in a variety of calibers to meet the needs of different shooters
- Numerous features to choose from, including adjustable sights, extended magazines, ambidextrous safety and more
- Affordable price compared to other brands
Cons:
- Some models can be hard to find in certain areas due to their limited production
- Not suitable for left-handed shooters because of its right-handed design
- Trigger pull can be a bit too heavy for some shooters
- Limited aftermarket support, as not many parts are available
Who Should Buy
SPRINGFIELD ARMORY COMPACT handguns are best suited for those who have experience in firearms and are looking for a reliable, concealable pistol. This firearm is small and lightweight, which lends itself to easier concealment. It is also reliable, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a dependable self-defense pistol.
Those who are inexperienced with firearms and/or do not have a concealed carry permit should not buy the SPRINGFIELD ARMORY COMPACT. As this is a defensive weapon, it is important for the user to be knowledgeable about its use and handling. Additionally, this pistol should only be used by individuals who have the necessary permits and licenses to carry a concealed weapon.
Comparisons
| SPRINGFIELD ARMORY COMPACT | SMITH & WESSON PERFORMANCE CENTER PC1911 | WILSON COMBAT CQB TACTICAL LE | HECKLER & KOCH HK 416 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .45 Acp | .45 Acp | .45 Acp | 5.56 NATO |
| Trigger Pull | 4.5-5 lbs. | 4-5 lbs. | 4 lbs. | 7.03 lbs. |
| Barrel Length | 3” | 3.5” | 4.25” | 16.5” |
| Weight (Unloaded) | 20.5 oz. | 32 oz. | 47.4 oz. | 7.05 lbs. |
| Magazine Capacity | 7 rounds | 7 rounds | 8 rounds | 30 rounds |
Features / Specs
•Caliber: .45 ACP
•Barrel Length: 4”
•Action: Single-Action
•Magazine Capacity: 7+1, 8+1 with X-Tension™ magazine
•Sights: White Dot Carry Sight
•Width: 1.5”
•Height: 5.5”
•Weight (with Empty Magazine): 28.5 oz.
•Length: 7.5”
•Grip: Black Polymer
•Frame: Forged Steel
•Slide: Forged Steel, Black Armory Kote™ Finish
Popular Accessories
LOADED 1911 A1 45ACP
- Magazine holster
- Handgun grips
- Recoil spring guide
- Barrel bushing
- Slide stop
- Beavertail grip safety
- Ambidextrous thumb safety
- Magazine release
- Mainspring housing
- Hammer and sear kit
Accuracy
The Springfield Armory Compact is designed for concealed carry and is known for its accuracy and reliability. The small size makes it ideal for concealed carrying, while the accuracy is typically excellent at in-home distances of 7 to 25 meters. The Compact features a 3-dot combat style sighting system which helps with accuracy. It has a lightweight aluminum frame which helps reduce recoil and makes it more comfortable to carry. The barrel is 4.0" long with a 1:10 twist. The Springfield Armory Compact comes with an ambidextrous thumb safety and an enclosed hammer to help reduce snags and accidental discharges. Its standard capacity magazine is 6 rounds, and it has a crisp trigger pull that ranges from 5 to 6.5 lbs. Overall, the Springfield Armory Compact is a reliable and accurate handgun that is perfect for concealed carry.
