1911-style handguns
The Ruger SR1911 is an outstanding value for a feature-loaded production 1911 that you can just buy and have the confidence to pull it out and shoot. The Commander version offers a carry option, which is a ¾ inch shorter, and a few ounces lighter to increase all day carry comfort. But how does it compare tot he full-sized SR1911?
SIG offers full metal jacketed training loads in the popular calibers but also hollow point defense loads. Among the most interesting are the three choices in .45 ACP hollow point loads. As with all top tier manufacturers, premium names need to deliver a premium product—preferably at a reasonable price. For this review, we put 185-, 2000, and 230-grain V Crown offering through their paces.
Recently, Rock Island Armory (Armscor) introduced the 1911A1 .380 ACP known simply as the Baby Rock. Rock fans and shooters everywhere are going to love this handgun. Most small 1911s are more 1911-like than true 1911. The Baby Rock features a plunger tube, slide lock safety, beavertail grip safety, low bore axis and straight to the rear trigger compression. This is a true small 1911.
Ruger is an old line maker that has offered quality products at a fair price for more than 68 years. Although Ruger was late getting into the 1911 market, it introduced a short slide 1911 handgun, the SR1911 that has earned an excellent reputation for reliability, accuracy, and value.
To deliver on its promise to offer a discreet, but shootable 1911, SIG Sauer built the C3 with a Commander-length top including a match length and quality barrel, atop an Officer’s frame. Sleek lines and pleasing aesthetics make for great eye candy, but a 1911 has to rule the range too. The Shooter’s Log’s Dave Dolbee puts the SIG C3 through its paces for this Range Report.
A few decades ago, a startup company resurrected a revered name in firearms. Springfield Armory Incorporated has since prospered. Today, it is regarded as an old-line company by younger handgunners. Considering the conservative nature of shooters, this is quite an accomplishment. Springfield began its climb to the top by offering a good product at a fair price. The Range Officer now continues the tradition.
I know there are a lot of fans of the 9mm—particularly after the FBI switched back to the 9mm and a ton of police departments followed suit. On the other hand, the .45 ACP has it followers led by the champions of the 1911. The solution? How about a purpose built 1911 for the 9mm. It’s sacrilege to some and perfection to others, but how it performs is all that really counts.
To honor the spirit of “American Sniper” and Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, Springfield Armory has announced the Legend Series 1911…Read More >
Springfield Armory began offering good, quality 1911 handguns in the 1980s. Longevity of the Springfield 1911 has since been proven in FBI competition. My Springfield Loaded Model LW 1911 went 20,000 rounds without a single failure to feed, chamber, fire, or eject. What else to Bob Campbell have to say? Read the article to find out.
If you want a good short .45 look to the Colt Defender. Quite simply, Colt was the first and has offered the most for over 100 years. Read more to discover why the Defender is your best option when concealing a 1911 .45.