TAURUS 1911

Posted May 19, 2023

When it comes to semi-automatic handguns, few can rival the iconic Taurus 1911 in terms of popularity and performance. Since its introduction in 1973, the Taurus 1911 has been a top seller for the Brazilian gun manufacturer, and it continues to be one of the most popular handguns for sport shooting, home defense, and concealed carry.

The Taurus 1911 is based on the classic Colt M1911 design developed by legendary gunsmith John Browning in 1911. It uses a single-action, recoil-operated design, with a 5-inch steel barrel and an overall length of 8.5 inches. It is a full-size handgun, weighing in at more than two pounds. The Taurus 1911 is a traditional double-action pistol, with an exposed hammer and a short trigger travel. It features adjustable sights, an extended magazine release, a beavertail grip safety, an extended thumb safety, and an aluminum alloy frame.

The Taurus 1911 comes in several different models, all featuring the same basic design and quality parts. The standard Taurus 1911 is the most basic of the bunch, with a blued finish and factory wooden grips. For those looking for more options, there are models available with stainless steel barrels and grips, or with tactical features like picatinny rails and extended magazines. The Taurus 1911 also has a few variants available, such as the Commander, Officer, and Compact models, in both blued and stainless steel varieties.

The Taurus 1911 is a great choice for those looking for a reliable and accurate handgun. It is built with quality parts and is known for its accuracy and reliability. The Taurus 1911 also features a smooth, crisp trigger, making it easy to shoot accurately. It is often praised for its affordability, making it a great choice for those on a budget.

When it comes to shooting, the Taurus 1911 is incredibly reliable and consistent, providing shooters with excellent performance and reliability every time the gun is fired. The sights are adjustable and easy to use, providing excellent target acquisition. The gun has an impressive 1.5-inch group average at 25 yards with most ammo, and recoil is mild and manageable. The Taurus 1911 has no trouble cycling even the hottest full-power loads.

The Taurus 1911 is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable and accurate pistol with a classic design. Despite its small size, it is incredibly capable and shootable, and the price point is extremely attractive for what this gun offers. It’s an ideal choice for concealed carry and home defense, and the Taurus 1911 will likely remain a top seller for years to come.

Pros & Cons

Pros of TAURUS 1911:

-Extremely reliable single-action semiautomatic firearm.

-Affordably priced.

-American made with top-quality components.

-Ergonomic design and superior trigger mechanism.

-Highly customizable with interchangeable parts.

-Wide variety of finishes to choose from.

Cons of TAURUS 1911:

-Relatively complex design with more than 50 parts.

-Difficult to field strip and clean.

-Expensive parts may be needed in the future.

-Requires regular lubrication to function correctly.

-May require some modifications to shoot accurately.

Who Should Buy

Those who should buy Taurus 1911s include those with tactical shooting or self-defense needs and those who prioritize quality and value in their firearm purchases. Those who should not buy Taurus 1911s are those who are unaware of the brand's less than stellar record of reliability and who are unwilling to spend time making any modifications necessary to ensure consistent and reliable performance.

Comparisons

Product	Caliber	Capacity	Weight
Taurus 1911	.45 ACP	8+1	39-41 oz.
Ruger SR 1911	.45 ACP	8+1	39.2 oz.
Springfield Mil-Spec	.45 ACP	7+1	39 oz.
Sig Sauer 1911 Fastback	.45 ACP	8+1	32 oz.
Kimber Custom II	.45 ACP	8+1	38 oz.

Features / Specs

• Caliber: .45 ACP

• Action: Single Action

• Barrel Length: 5"

• Magazine Capacity: 8 Rounds

• Sight Radius: 6.5”

• Frame Material: Steel

• Grips: Checkered Wood

• Front Sight: Dovetail Fiber Optic

• Weight (Empty): 38 oz.

• Length: 8.5"

• Height: 5.3”

• Width: 1.3”

Popular Accessories

Pistol Grips – Many Taurus 1911s feature G10, polymer, or wood grips for greater comfort and grip.

Magazine Release Extension – For better access and manipulation of the magazine release.

Trigger Upgrade Kit – Upgrading the trigger gives your 1911 a customized pull weight and improved pull length.

Guide Rod Assembly – Replacing your 1911’s standard guide rod assembly with a more lightweight and reliable one can greatly improve the gun’s performance and consistency.

Sights – Installing adjustable or fiber optic sights on your Taurus 1911 can make target acquisition quicker and easier.

Extended Thumb Safety – Replacing your 1911’s standard thumb safety with an extended version allows for easier and more positive manipulation.

Magazine Well – An aftermarket magazine well can improve the ability to quickly reload your 1911.

Magazine Extensions – Magazine extensions can help improve the 1911’s capacity and ensure reliable feeding.

Recoil Spring Guide Rod – Replacing the factory recoil spring guide rod with an aftermarket option can greatly reduce felt recoil.

Speedloader – Speedloaders can shave valuable seconds off reload times and increase competition performance.

Accuracy

When it comes to accuracy, the TAURUS 1911 pistol is an excellent choice. This particular pistol has been designed with excellent accuracy in mind, and it excels at delivering on that promise. It features a 5-inch smooth bore barrel, which lends itself to pinpoint accuracy. Additionally, the manual safety lever (single side, thumb style) helps to ensure safer operation, while also providing an additional level of accuracy when engaging a target. Furthermore, the fixed three-dot sights offer a clear view of the target, allowing for precision when aiming. All in all, the TAURUS 1911 pistol is an incredibly accurate handgun and a great choice for any pistol enthusiast.