The 1911 pistol is the most iconic semi-automatic handgun ever produced, and we believe every shooter should have one in their collection. Unsurprisingly due to its massive popularity, dozens of firearms manufacturers produce variants of the 1911 marketed towards military, law enforcement, and private citizens alike.
This means that consumers have many, many options to choose from - so many, in fact, that it can be a little overwhelming for some. Whether it's a stock GI pistol or a high-end model with all the bells and whistles, the Classic Firearms team has put together this handy 1911 Buyers Guide to help you decide which 1911 pistol is best for you.
A Brief History Of The 1911 Pistol
In the early 20th century, John Moses Browning designed the M1911 pistol that would first be produced by Colt's Manufacturing Company before other manufacturers began making their own variants. The pistol is a semi-automatic handgun based on a single-action, recoil-operated design and features a manual thumb safety as well as a grip safety.
The U.S. Army initially adopted the pistol (designated the M1911) in, you guessed it, 1911. Today, the pistol is known simply as the “1911” or the “Colt .45,” by some. It has seen extensive service as the preferred American sidearm in two world wars and was also the standard-issue handgun of the U.S. Armed Forces until 1985, when it was replaced by the Beretta M9. The 1911 has also been used by many other countries’ military forces and is still in service in some countries.
Few firearms have such an enduring legacy. Despite being a century-old platform, the 1911 is still popular with military and law enforcement personnel as well as private citizens seeking a reliable and precise concealed carry gun. Many modern 1911s are fitted with updated features such as an extended beavertail grip safety, adjustable sights, and ambidextrous safety levers to enhance the already impressive accuracy and performance of this classic design.
What To Look For In A 1911
There are some features that every modern 1911 pistol should have before being deemed carry-worthy. Some variants include these options as standard, whereas others may need a bit of gunsmithing to maximize efficacy in a defensive encounter. The following are some of the things you'll probably want in a good EDC 1911-style handgun.
Extended Thumb Safety
The 1911 is designed to be carried "cocked and locked" with a round chambered, the hammer cocked, and the safety on. In order to fire the pistol, shooters must disengage the thumb safety as part of the drawstroke. While largely a matter of practice, this maneuver can be aided by an extended thumb safety that is easier to actuate than the much smaller safeties found on mil-spec pistols.
Also consider the benefits of an ambidextrous safety that can be manipulated with either hand. Many shooters prefer this configuration because the controls are accessible even when shooting with the non-dominant hand. The only potential drawback is that added material on the frame of the pistol may impede your ability to effectively conceal your firearm.
Accessory Rail
John Moses Browning developed the 1911 pistol before anyone had ever considered attaching a flashlight and laser module to their sidearm and even today, not all models come with a Picattiny rail. A weapon-mounted light may not be necessary for an EDC firearm but for duty, it's an absolute must. In either case, it's nice to have the option.
Low-Profile Or Bobtail Mainspring Housing
For daily carry, the size and shape of the pistol grip can affect how well the firearm conceals under clothing. A low-profile mainspring housing can mitigate printing while riding more comfortably against the body when holstered. Compare the two 1911 pistols below - the Tisas B45B Carry has a bobtail mainspring housing and will probably conceal better for most people than the Rock Island 1911 A1 Ultra SE MS.
Rock Island Armory 1911 A1 Ultra SE MS .45 Caliber S/A Pistol w/ Custom Factory Upgrades 51531
Extended Beavertail Grip Safety
This one mainly has to do with comfort and more specifically, avoiding the discomfort of slide bite. As the name suggests, the top part of the grip safety (resembling a beaver's tail) extends further back to protect the web between your thumb and index finger from accidental injury due to the slide cycling as the pistol is fired.
Advice For First-Time 1911 Buyers
While it is normal for most production 1911s to have some play in the slide to frame fitment, you do not want an excessive amount of slop nor do you want an overly tight gun that may induce malfunctions when run hard. Look for something in the middle or pony up for a hand-fitted model that is both tight and smooth without sacrificing reliability.
Bear in mind that some competition guns may come equipped with match-grade triggers that have a lighter pull weight than is normally recommended for concealed carry. In general, it is advisable for an EDC 1911 to have a trigger pull weight of 3-5lbs.
As for which caliber is best, that is mostly a matter of preference. The original 1911 was chambered in .45 ACP but that doesn't mean there aren't tons of excellent 1911s chambered in 9mm. Watch Clint and Kaya discuss the pros and cons of each in our video here:
Our Top 1911 Pistols Of 2023
Whether you're a 1911 enthusiast looking for a new piece for your collection or a first-time buyer just getting into 1911 pistols, here are a few recommendations to get you started on your way to making your next firearms purchase.
Tisas 1911 Carry
By far one of our top-selling handguns, the Tisas 1911 Carry model is a commander-length .45 ACP pistol with tons of excellent features right out of the box. These include a hammer forged stainless steel barrel, extended beavertail grip safety, ambidextrous thumb safety, an enhanced trigger, and a beveled magazine well. The Tisas 1911 Carry also includes an accessory rail for mounting lights or lasers so you truly have everything you need in an EDC 1911 - all at an unbelievable price point.
Tisas 1911 Carry 8+1 4.25" Series 70 .45ACP Semi-Auto Pistol,Hammer Forged Barrel, Steel Slide & Frame, Novac Style Low Profile Sights, 2-8 Round Mags
Girsan MC1911 S Noel
A competition gun without the price tag to match, the MC1911 S Noel sports large thumb shield safeties and adjustable sights. It also features an extended magazine release, mag well, and solid stainless steel construction. This model is oriented toward competitive shooters but could easily be adapted for carry with a few adjustments and the right belt / holster setup, if concealment isn't your top priority.
Girsan 390099 MC1911 5" 8+1 Matte Stainless Stainless Steel Frame/Slide with Front & Rear Serrations Black & Gray G10 Grips Ambi Thumb Safety Fiber Optic Front Sight Includes Carry Case
Springfield Armory 1911 TRP
The Springfield TRP is always a solid choice for duty or concealed carry, and might just be one of the finest production 1911s on the market. It features ambi thumb safeties, forward and rear slide serrations, adjustable sights, a skeletonized hammer and trigger, and a beveled magwell. Watch our review of the Operator model to learn more.
Springfield Armory PC9105L18 1911 TRP Single 5" 7+1 Black/Gray G10 Grip Black Carbon Steel
Wilson Comat CQB Elite 9mm
For a high-end custom 1911, its hard to beat Wilson Combat. The CQB Elite in 9mm is an incredibly controllable and soft-shooting pistol with every enhancement you could think of. If you're a serious shooter or a 1911 enthusiasts, you need one of these in your safe. They are truly in a class of their own.
Wilson Combat CQB-FS-9A CQB-FS-9A 5" FS10rdBlack Armor Tuff
We've Got The Right 1911 For You
Classic Firearms carries a wide variety of 1911-style pistols, from the classic government model to the latest concealed carry and competition guns. Click here to browse all 1911 semi-auto handguns!
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