The 1911 is one of the most popular handguns of all time.
It is recognized for its reliability, accuracy, and power.
The 1911 has been around for over a century and is still a top choice for self-defense, competition shooting, and even military use.
With so many different 1911 pistols on the market, choosing the best one for your needs can be challenging.
To make it easy, below are the 14 Best 1911 Pistols For 2023 For 2023.
Each pistol has been carefully evaluated based on features, performance, and price.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced shooter, you will find the perfect 1911 pistol for your needs.
Table of Contents
#1. Springfield 1911 Defender 45 ACP 5″ Pistol
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Capacity: 7+1
- Overall Length: 8.6”
- Barrel Length: 5”
- Weight: 39 oz
The Springfield 1911 Defender 45 ACP 5″ Pistol is a military-inspired 1911 that is a blend of modern and classic features to provide shooters an excellent shooting experience at an excellent price point for a Springfield firearm.
It is chambered in 45 ACP with a 7+1 round capacity, which is typical of 45 ACP 1911s, and includes a blued seven-round magazine.
Springfield Armory crafted it with a parkerized forged carbon steel slide and frame to provide enhanced durability.
With its 5” forged stainless steel match-grade barrel and fixed 3-dot combat sights, you will have an excellent sight radius for enhanced precision.
If you want the quality and performance of Springfield Armory 1911 at a great price, the Springfield 1911 Defender 45 ACP 5” Pistol is an excellent choice.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#2. Rock Island 1911 GI Standard FS 9mm Pistol
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 9
- Overall Length: 8.56”
- Barrel Length: 5”
- Weight: 2.47 lb
The Rock Island 1911 GI Standard FS 9mm Pistol is perfect for shooters who want a 1911 chambered in 9mm at an excellent price.
Its slick, minimalist design has low profile sights and a smooth frame and slide for a no-snag draw.
It has a beautiful non-reflective parkerized finish and a classic smooth wood grip.
Rock Island equipped it with a 5″ barrel and a crisp factory 4 to 6-pound trigger for increased accuracy.
Also, since it is chambered in 9mm, you will have decreased recoil compared to 45 ACP models.
Shooters who want a no-nonsense 1911 chambered in 9mm will love the Rock Island 1911 GI Standard FS 9mm Pistol.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#3. Springfield 1911 Emissary 4.25″ .45 ACP Pistol
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Capacity: 8+1
- Overall Length: 7.75”
- Barrel Length: 4.25”
- Weight: 38.5 oz
For shooters who want a more modern 1911, the Springfield 1911 Emissary 4.25″ .45 ACP Pistol is an excellent choice.
Besides its modern look, it comes with a 4.25″ forged stainless steel bull barrel, flat top slide serrations, flat-faced trigger, and premium sights.
The 4.25″ forged stainless steel bull barrel has a shortened heavy profile for enhanced accuracy and concealability.
Its Tri-Top slide has 40 LPI flat top serrations, which reduces glare and diffuses light.
For faster target engagements, it comes with a luminescent Tritium front sight and a tactical rack U-Notch rear sight.
It also has a grenade-patterned VZ Grips Thin-Line G10 for enhanced control.
Shooters who want a custom-styled 1911 straight out of the box will love the Springfield 1911 Emissary 4.25” .45 ACP Pistol.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#4. Ruger 1911 .45 ACP SR1911
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Capacity: 8+1
- Overall Length: 8.67”
- Barrel Length: 5”
- Weight: 39 oz
The Ruger 1911 .45 ACP SR1911 is an impressive 1911 with premium features.
For a classic feel, it comes with original 1911 fire controls and durable steel hardware and is CNC machined for smooth slide travel.
With an oversized beavertail grip with a checkered pattern, you will have a comfortable grip and improved control.
To get maximum performance, Ruger equipped the SR1911 with an oversized ejection port, extended magazine release, skeletonized hammer, and a skeletonized aluminum trigger.
Its crisp skeletonized trigger was no creep and has a light trigger pull for improved control and accuracy.
Another impressive feature is that most standard aftermarket parts can be installed.
If you want an upgradeable 1911 with premium features already installed, the Ruger 1911 .45 ACP SR1911 is perfect for you.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#5. ATI GSG M1911 .22 LR 5″ Pistol
- Caliber: .22 LR
- Capacity: 10+1
- Overall Length: 8.5”
- Barrel Length: 5”
- Weight: 34.4 oz
The ATI GSG M1911 .22 LR 5″ Pistol has the classic look and feel of a 1911 and is chambered in .22LR.
The smaller caliber is perfect for shooters who want less recoil for improved follow-on shots.
It has a full-size zinc alloy frame and a CNC-machined aluminum slide, weighing just over two pounds.
With its 5” barrel, reduced recoil, and skeletonized trigger, it is perfect for plinking or competitive shooting.
One of the best things about this weapon is its affordability, and it is perfect for any shooter on a budget.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#6. EAA Corp Girsan MC1911 Match .45 ACP Pistol
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Capacity: 8+1
- Overall Length: 8.75”
- Barrel Length: 5”
- Weight: 2.55 lb
The EAA Corp Girsan MC1911 Match .45 ACP Pistol is a full-size 1911 with a stainless steel frame, black steel slide, and several other features that make it an excellent choice for competitive shooting.
It has an extended beavertail, a fully adjustable rear sight, and a checkered laminate grip for enhanced control and accuracy.
With its 2.5 to 3-pound trigger pull, you will have a crisp pull to provide more consistent and accurate shots.
It also comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
If you are looking for a competition-grade 1911 with a lifetime warranty, the EAA Corp Girsan MC1911 Match .45 ACP Pistol is a perfect choice.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#7. EAA Corp Girsan MC1911C (Commander) 9mm Pistol
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 9+1
- Overall Length: 8”
- Barrel Length: 4.4”
- Weight: 2.35 lb
The EAA Corp Girsan MC1911C (Commander) 9mm Pistol
For enhanced durability, it has a stainless steel frame, black steel slide, and a limited lifetime warranty.
It has a Novark-style rear sight and a 4.4″ barrel for an excellent sight picture and enhanced accuracy.
The extended beavertail and checkered grip will provide increased control, and the 3.5 to 4-pound trigger will ensure a crisp and smooth pull.
If you are looking for a high-quality commander 1911 chambered in 9mm, the EAA Corp Girsan MC1911C (Commander) 9mm Pistol is an excellent choice.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#8. Taurus 1911 Full Size .45 ACP Pistol
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Capacity: 8
- Overall Length: 8.5”
- Barrel Length: 5”
- Weight: 42 oz
Taurus 1911 Full Size .45 ACP Pistol has the features you need to have an excellent shooting experience at the range.
It has adjustable Novak Drift front and rear sights to ensure you can get tight shot groups with a precision zero.
For enhanced durability, it comes with a stainless steel frame, a 5″ barrel, and hardware to ensure it will work when needed.
You will have enhanced control and accuracy with an extended beavertail and black synthetic grip.
If you are looking for a 1911 with an eight-round capacity and adjustable sights, the Taurus 1911 Full Size .45 ACP Pistol is an excellent choice.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#9. Legacy Sports Citadel M1911 Government .45 ACP Pistol
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Capacity: 8
- Overall Length: 8.87”
- Barrel Length: 5”
- Weight: 36.8 oz
If you are looking for a high-performance 1911 with a unique look, the Legacy Sports Citadel M1911 Government .45 ACP Pistol is perfect for you.
Citadel crafted their 1911 with a steel frame with a Madagascar Cerakote finish, which is not only beautiful but functional by providing additional protection from corrosion and scratches.
They equipped it with Novak sights and a 5″ barrel for an excellent sight picture for enhanced accuracy.
It has an eight-round capacity and comes with two magazines.
So, you know you will have plenty of ammo for any situation.
From home defense to the range, the Legacy Sports Citadel M1911 Government .45 ACP Pistol will provide an excellent shooting experience.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#10. Iver Johnson Arms 1911 Thrasher Officer 9mm Pistol
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 8+1
- Overall Length: 6.93”
- Barrel Length: 3.13”
- Weight: 36 oz
The Iver Johnson Arms 1911 Thrasher Officer 9mm Pistol is an excellent option for those who want a compact 1911 that is perfect for an all-day carry.
It weighs just over two pounds and has a 6.93″ overall length, making it a simple choice for concealed carry.
It is chambered in 9mm and has an 8+1 capacity, making it ideal for any situation.
Iver Johnson equipped it with a 2-stage recoil spring system, military-style trigger, and a combat-style hammer to give you a smooth shot with enhanced recoil mitigation.
With longevity in mind, it comes with a blued steel frame and slide with a walnut grip to enhance control.
For shooters who want a compact 1911 for concealed carry, the Iver Johnson Arms 1911 Thrasher Officer 9mm Pistol is a top pick.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#11. Taurus 1911 Full .45 ACP Pistol W/ Picatinny Rail
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Capacity: 8
- Overall Length: 8.5”
- Barrel Length: 5”
- Weight: 42 oz
The Taurus 1911 Full .45 ACP Pistol W/ Picatinny Rail is an excellent choice for those who want a premium 1911 with a Picatinny rail for custom accessories.
Taurus built it to last with a matte black carbon steel slide, black checkered polymer grip, and a blued steel frame.
It has fully adjustable Novak front and rear sights to ensure you can get consistent shot groups with a precision zero.
If you are looking for a solid performer out of the box, the Taurus 1911 Full .45 ACP Pistol W/ Picatinny Rail is an excellent pick.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#12. Smith & Wesson SW1911TA E-Series Tactical Accessory Rail .45 ACP Pistol
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Capacity: 8+1
- Overall Length: 8.7”
- Barrel Length: 5”
- Weight: 41.6 oz
The SW1911TA E-Series Tactical Accessory Rail .45 ACP Pistol is part of the Smith & Wesson E-Series with high-end features to provide reliability, accuracy, and precision.
The first thing that stands out is the beautiful stainless steel frame and hardware with a matte silver finish and a wooden laminate E-Series grip.
It comes with a 5” barrel and tritium night front and rear sights to give you improved aim in any lighting condition.
It has an 8+1 capacity and two magazines to ensure you have plenty of ammo for any situation.
You can customize your loadout with the tactical accessory rail with your favorite flashlight or laser.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#13. Chiappa Firearms 1911-22 .22LR Pistol
- Caliber: .22 LR
- Capacity: 10
- Overall Length: 8.5”
- Barrel Length: 5”
- Weight: 2.1 lb
The Chiappa Firearms 1911-22 .22LR Pistol is a unique 1911 that fits anyone’s budget.
It is chambered in .22LR and comes with a ten-round capacity.
Compared to other 1911s, it has the same controls and size, but a slightly different feel with its reduced recoil and rubber finger-grooved Hogue grip.
With a Zamak (aluminum alloy) frame, it is lightweight with an overall 2.1-pound weight.
If you are looking for one of the most affordable 1911s that you can buy chambered in .22LR, the Chiappa Firearms 1911-22 .22LR Pistol is a great choice.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#14. Springfield Prodigy 1911 9mm Pistol 4.25″ 20RD/17RD 4.25″
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 17, 20
- Overall Length: 7.8″
- Barrel Length: 4.25”
- Weight: 32.5 oz
The Springfield Prodigy 1911 9mm Pistol 4.25″ 20RD/17RD 4.25″ is a high-capacity 1911 perfect for any application.
What makes the Prodigy 1911 unique is its double stack 9mm design, which allows up to a 20+1 capacity.
It also comes with one 17-round and one 20-round magazine right out of the box.
Springfield Armory equipped it with a 4.25” match-grade bull barrel, which provides excellent recoil mitigation and accuracy.
It also comes with an Agency Optic System (AOS), which allows you to easily upgrade your 1911 with today’s latest optics.
Also, it comes with a stock fiber optic front sight and serrated rear sight for enhanced sight picture.
If you are looking for a high-capacity 1911, the Springfield Prodigy 1911 9mm Pistol 4.25″ 20RD/17RD 4.25″ is your best option.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
It is also available with a Hex Dragonfly. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
Why Buy a 1911?
The 1911 pistol is an iconic firearm, beloved by generations of gun owners.
Its reliable and aesthetically pleasing design makes it the perfect choice for a handgun.
The 1911 is well known for its accuracy and low recoil, which makes it ideal for target shooting, hunting, and self-defense.
Additionally, the 1911 is a popular platform for customization, allowing users to tailor their gun to their specific needs. From aftermarket parts to custom finishes, the 1911 allows for a unique personalization for each user.
Finally, the 1911 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an all-around reliable firearm.
With its proven track record, the 1911 pistol will remain popular for years to come.
What To Consider When Buying a 1911
With many options available, narrowing down what 1911 you should buy may be challenging.
Narrowing it down to three primary characteristics, you should consider the 1911’s caliber, capacity, and your budget.
Caliber
The 1911 comes in various calibers, including .45 ACP, 9mm, and .22LR, and your preferred caliber will change based on its function.
For those looking for a 1911 that is perfect for home/self-defense, the .45ACP will be the best option since it has less penetration.
You do not want to accidentally hit an innocent bystander.
9mm 1911s will give you a balance of power, capacity, and penetration, making it the perfect general-purpose 1911.
A unique caliber is the .22LR 1911 since you would not expect it with this model of firearm.
A .22LR will give you the least recoil making it perfect for plinking and target shooting.
However, it is not ideal for home defense or as a secondary hunting weapon.
It has enough power to take down small game, but may take a couple shots for anything else.
Capacity
Most 1911s come with a single-stack magazine with a capacity ranging from seven to ten rounds.
This capacity range might seem small compared to other models, but it is plenty for any application.
However, you can purchase a double-stack 1911, which can provide up to twenty rounds.
Budget
1911s have a wide cost range from budget-friendly options around $300 to expensive feature-rich 1911s that will empty your bank account.
An excellent place to start for the average shooter would be in the $500 to $700 range because they offer high-quality builds with plenty of features for a fantastic shooting experience.
Verdict
The 1911 is an excellent pistol for shooters of any experience level with its history of performance and reliability.
References
Is The 1911 Unsuited For Beginners?
Glock vs 1911: Self-Defense Showdown
See Also
Best 300 Blackout (BLK) Pistols
Best 9mm Pistols For Concealed Carry & Home Defense
He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2004 and has served over 18 years as a communications maintenance technician with three deployments to the Middle East.
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University and a bachelor’s degree in Information System Security with a concentration in Digital Forensics from American Military University.
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