Pistol: Springfield Armory Prodigy 4.25” barrel (MSRP: $1,499)
We’re taking another look at the Springfield Armory Prodigy Double Stack 1911 in 9 mm today for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the surging popularity of 1911-style double-stack 9 mm handguns. While the Prodigy is a relative latecomer to this group, it’s a more “mainstream” offering rather than a boutique pistol. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with a bespoke, custom pistol, however the Prodigy offers many of the same features at a more affordable price point. And, once again, it’s yet another choice in the market, which is always a good thing.
This version has a 4.25-inch bull barrel, 7.8-inch overall length, 5.5-inch height and weighs 32.5 ounces. That’s not significantly different from a Glock G17, which shares capacity with the Prodigy. While, yes, it’s a tad on the large size for concealed carry, it’s not terribly difficult to effectively conceal and tote around all day long. Is it worth a little extra effort to conceal a slightly larger handgun that is significantly easier to shoot well than a micro pistol? That’s a question each concealed-carry practitioner should ask themselves.
Agency Arms provides the optics cut for the Prodigy series, and it’s quite interesting. Rather than dish out a section on the slide for various optics footprints, the Agency AOS (Agency Optics System) provides both a mounting plate and a rear sight that not only attaches to the slide via two screws, but also features a dovetail cut to firmly anchor everything in place. When it comes to solid, interchangeable optics mounts, this is one of the best we’ve seen. Plates are available for most popular footprints: RMR, RMS, DeltaPoint Pro, Aimpoint Acro and others.
If you don’t mind putting in a little cover garment work to conceal the slightly larger Prodigy, you’re rewarded with an easy-to-shoot pistol that maintains an impressive on-board capacity. Obviously, fans of the 1911 will have no problem with the Prodigy’s manual of arms in use, but even those used to striker-fired pistols should be able to readily adapt. For those that spend copious time on the range or in training, the size and heft of the Prodigy will be a significant benefit.
Holster: Crossbreed Rogue (MSRP starting at $79.95)
To illustrate how easily the Prodigy can be carried, we’ve opted for the Rogue holster from Crossbreed. While most know the company as the OG hybrid holster company, with a leather backer for comfort and a kydex outer shell, recently Crossbreed has gotten into full-Kydex offerings with the Rogue. Sandwich-style, the Rogue offers two sheets of Kydex custom molded to the individual pistol for a precise fit.
What’s most impressive about the Rogue, though, is the degree to which you can personalize your holster. Not only can you choose colors and/or patterns for the Kydex itself, but you can even specify hardware color. For example, the hardware for this holster is in NRA Blue! A variety of belt attachment options ranging from the included metal, Crossbreed-branded tuckable clips to both IWB and OWB loops, Ulticlips and polymer variants can be chosen. Again, there are lots of options from which to choose to make it exactly what you want.
Optic: Ameriglo Haven red-dot sight (MSRP: $379)
We’ve gone with the excellent Ameriglo Haven red-dot sight to complement the AOS RMR-cut plate with this Prodigy. The Haven offers either a 3.5- or a 5-MOA red dot, and can be purchased with a set of tall sights from Ameriglo that co-witness through the optic. This is only available for Glock pistols and those pistols that use Glock-style sight attachments.
The Haven offers a side-loading battery tray, simple brightness adjustment and automatic power saving mode that turns off the sight after periods of inactivity. Ameriglo claims battery life of two years on medium-power setting. The Haven uses the popular Trijicon RMR footprint, but be certain to use the screws provided by Ameriglo, as the Haven is slightly taller than the RMR or SRO.
