They’re too heavy. They’re too big. They don’t hold enough ammo. The reasons not to own a 1911 are many, but then you pick one up, and it feels like it was molded for your hand. That heaviness? That controls recoil. Too big? The right holster takes care of that problem. Not enough ammunition in the magazine? Well, that’s what a pouch for your spare magazine is for. And then, to top it all off, there is that wonderful 1911 trigger.
Old? Yes. Useless? Not hardly.
Here’s what new in 1911s for 2025.
EAA | Influencer X
Available in four chamberings, this optics-ready 1911 is chock-full of custom features that will serve your competitive or defensive needs. Its full-length dustcover provides welcome mass where it is most needed to counter muzzle flip.
▶Lightening-cut slide
▶Beavertail grip safety
▶Flared mag well
▶Skeletonized hammer and trigger
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 9 rounds
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 8.8 inches
Weight: 40.8 ounces
MSRP: $689
(321) 639-4842 eaacorp.com
Ed Brown | Kobra Karry 25th Anniversary
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of its groundbreaking 1911, Ed Brown has a special version available with custom engraving, all the upgraded components to be expected from a top-of-the-line 1911 and available in stainless or black finish.
▶Bobtail grip for concealment
▶Cocobolo wood grips
▶Recessed slide stop
▶Snakeskin texture on frontstrap
Specifications
Caliber: .45 ACP
Magazine Capacity: 7 rounds
Barrel Length: 4.25 inches
Overall Length: 8 inches
Weight: 35 ounces
MSRP: $3,295
(573) 565-3261 edbrown.com
Kimber | CDS9
Featuring a slim-line design for discreet everyday carry, the CDS9’s slide is optics-compatible with all MRDS having an RMSc footprint and features custom serrations front and rear to provide ample purchase.
▶Ambidextrous controls
▶Reversible magazine release
▶VZ grips
▶Flat-faced trigger
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 15 rounds
Barrel Length: 3 inches
Overall Length: 6.2 inches
Weight: 21 ounces
MSRP: $1,075
(888) 243-4522 kimberamerica.com
Nighthawk Custom | Single Stack Sand Hawk
The Single Stack Sand Hawk is a slimmer, all-steel version of the Double Stack Sand Hawk. With its single-port compensator and hand-fit components, it is Nighthawk’s flattest-, softest-shooting pistol ever. Offered in 10 mm and .45 ACP as well as 9 mm, it shows just what the venerable 1911 is capable of.
▶Custom-tuned trigger
▶Dimpled frontstrap
▶Recon rail
▶14k solid-gold bead front sight
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 8.47 inches
Weight: 43.3 ounces
MSRP: $5,199
(877) 268-4867 nighthawkcustom.com
Rock River Arms | Production 1911
Built tough, to exacting tolerances that enable Rock River to claim an accuracy potential of 2.5 inches at 50 yards, the Production 1911 brings high-end machining and tolerances at a mid-range price point.
▶Ambidextrous thumb safety
▶Fiber-optic front sight
▶Sculpted cocking serrations
▶Extended magazine well
Specifications
Caliber: .45 ACP
Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 8.5 inches
Weight: 42 ounces
MSRP: $1,775
(866) 980-7625 rockriverarms.com
SIG Sauer | 1911-X Stainless
Red-dot ready and sporting a stainless, glass-bead finish, SIG Sauer’s latest take on the 1911 might be the most advanced yet. It also has a flat-face trigger, accessory rail and contrasting-color controls.
▶X-RAY3 night sights
▶LOK Grips G10 stocks
▶Detachable magazine well
▶Front and rear cocking serrations
Specifications
Caliber: .45 ACP
Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 8.7 inches
Weight: 42.1 ounces
MSRP: $1,599
(603) 610-3000 sigsauer.com
TriStar | Protégé X Sub Compact Tungsten
In addition to an overall snag-free design, the Protégé X Sub Compact boasts a handful of concealed-carry-oriented features, including a wide and scalloped ejection port and broad slide serrations to facilitate easy racking.
▶Grip with attractive vertical ball-mill flutes
▶Ambidextrous fire controls
▶Snag-free sights
▶Magazine contains an integral pinky extension
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 7 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.2 inches
Overall Length: 6.2 inches
Weight: 17 ounces
MSRP: $549
(816) 421-1400 tristararms.com
Read the full article here