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February 2010

Fine Factory 1911s: S&W, STI, Springfield Armory Battle

The three 45 ACPs all performed well, but each proved to have its own personality. Your choice between them comes down to which bells and whistles you prefer—and the size of your checkbook.

No pistol in current production has evolved into as many variations and price points as John Browning's 1911. We have looked at some entry-level models (July 2009) costing around $500. This month we look at three 1911s that occupy the upper tier of the factory-gun category. They represent some of the top-end production models of each company, offering significant upgrades to a standard 1911, but are

Bottom to top: The three contestants in our match-up were Smith & Wesson’s top-end stock unit, the Model MSW1911 No. 108284, $1256; the $1919 burly, black Springfield Armory TRP Light Rail Model; and STI International’s Sentinel Premier. It’s legal for Production Class ISPC and USPCA competitions. The version we tested cost $2413, which includes an optional hard-chrome finish.

normally available as off-the-shelf stock. All of our test guns had 5-inch barrel models and featured niceties such as front- and back-strap checkering, adjustable sights, stainless-steel match-grade barrels, front and rear slide serrations, skeletonized triggers, and hammers with cocking serrations. …

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