While it's popularity may have risen and fallen over the years, the 1911 has always been a very viable self-defense firearm, and the new 1911s for 2023 continue that trend. New for 2023, though, is an increase in interest in double-stack 1911s, or 2011s as they are commonly called. Once the domain of a limited number of competitors in practical shooting, they have become a popular choice for law enforcement and the armed citizen. Here's what's new this year for both of these types of pistols.
Alchemy Arms | Quantico Hi-Cap
The Quantico Hi-Cap is a re-imagining of the double-stack operator pistol of the 1990s built with modern features and hand fitting. It is available in Bead Blast Blue finish, optional hard chrome or DLC. The Quantico Hi-Cap comes with the company’ s 1.5-inch-at-25-yards accuracy guarantee.
▶Double-diamond grips
▶Flared mag well
▶Ambidextrous safety
▶ACW rear ledge sight
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 17 rounds
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 8.6 inches
Weight: 35.2 ounces
MSRP: $3,895
(724) 318-6710 alchemy1911.com
American Tactical | Moxie Commander 45
Compatible with most standard 1911 parts and grips, ATI’s new Moxie Commander 45 offers as standard equipment what are usually considered upgraded components, all at a size and weight that work well for concealed carry.
▶Polymer frame with metal inserts
▶Parkerized finish
▶Finger grooves
▶Accessory rail
Specifications
Caliber: .45 ACP
Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
Barrel Length: 4.3 inches
Overall Length: 8 inches
Weight: 25.5 ounces
MSRP: $460
(800) 290-0065 americantactical.us
Cabot | Ultimate Carry
As the first commercially available full Damascus stainless steel carry 1911, the Ultimate Carry brings exclusivity to the table. The custom-fitted pistol incorporates Cabot’s Full Cycle Technology to cycle and feel like a full-size Government Model despite its handier Commander-length slide.
▶120-layer Damascus steel construction
▶Lucite or walnut grips
▶Mag well funnel
▶Genuine diamond front sight
Specifications
Caliber: .45 ACP
Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
Barrel Length: 4.2 inches
Overall Length: 7.9 inches
Weight: 32 ounces
MSRP: $34,900
(724) 524-1002 cabotguns.com
Cosaint Arms | CPFS
Adding another double-stack 1911 to the growing list is the Cosaint Arms CP series, which consists of the full-size shown here, a mid-size and a compact model. All have Cerakote finishes, ambidextrous controls and an aluminum frame for lighter weight.
▶Flared magazine well
▶Fiber-optic front sight
▶Ported slide and barrel
▶Optics cut
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 8.5 inches
Weight: 30.6 ounces
MSRP: $2,800
(828) 330-8214 cosaintarms.com
EAA | Witness 2311
Looking for a budget-friendly double-stack 1911 for carry or competition? Designed to utilize standard double-stack 1911 magazines, the Witness 2311 features a traditional polymer frame and comes in at less than a grand. Other chamberings include 9 mm and 10 mm.
▶Skeletonized hammer and trigger
▶Front and rear slide serrations
▶Flared mag well
▶Checkered frontstrap
Specifications
Caliber: .45 ACP
Magazine Capacity: 11 rounds
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 8 inches
Weight: 30.4 ounces
MSRP: $999
(321) 639-4842 eaacorp.com
Iver Johnson | Eagle XL10TT
Riding the crest of the second wave of 10 mm pistols is Iver Johnson’s Eagle XL10TT. This stoutly built 1911 has the mass to tame the felt recoil of the powerful cartridge. It includes a host of features offered at an affordable price.
▶Adjustable sights
▶Satin chrome slide
▶G10 grips
▶Long slide
Specifications
Caliber: 10 mm
Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
Barrel Length: 6 inches
Overall Length: 9.8 inches
Weight: 46 ounces
MSRP: $1,133
(321) 636-3377 iverjohnsonarms.com
Kimber | Micro 9 ESV Two Tone (MC) (TP)
Offering a mini-compensator to reduce felt recoil and muzzle flip, Kimber’s Micro 9 ESV Two Tone also includes lightening cuts, night sights and an elegant finish. An extended magazine floorplate gives extra purchase to further help with felt recoil.
▶Magazine pinky extension
▶KimPro II black frame
▶TruGlo Tritium Pro night sights
▶Hogue black rubber wraparound grips
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 7 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.5 inches
Overall Length: 7.1 inches
Weight: 19.2 ounces
MSRP: $1,005
(888) 243-4522 kimberamerica.com
Kimber | Rapide Dawn
Truly eye-catching, this 1911 with striking silver KimPro II finish and TiN-coated barrel offers a variety of features and comes in other chamberings including 9 mm and 10 mm.
▶Stepped cocking serrations
▶Lightening cuts in slide
▶Kimber Stiplex stippling of frontstrap
▶TiN-coated barrel
Specifications
Caliber: .45 ACP
Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 8.7 inches
Weight: 38 ounces
MSRP: $1,816
(888) 243-4522 kimberamerica.com
Les Baer | Stinger Monolith Commanche
Pairing the company’s subcompact, Stinger frame with a compact Commanche slide and barrel, the Monolith’s extra-long, robust dustcover adds welcome mass beneath the pistol’s front end to minimize the muzzle flip of its potent 10 mm chambering.
▶Adjustable Rolo night sights
▶Ambidextrous thumb safety
▶Black recon grips
▶Skeletonized hammer and trigger
Specifications
Caliber: 10 mm
Magazine Capacity: 7 rounds
Barrel Length: 4.3 inches
Overall Length: 8 inches
Weight: 38 ounces
MSRP: $4,123
(563) 289-2126 lesbaer.com
Nighthawk Custom | BDS9
Nighthawk Custom has brought its craftsmanship to the burgeoning 9 mm-chambered, 2011-pistol market. Available in both full-size and Commander length (4.25-inch barrel/slide), the BDS9 evinces the company’s celebrated attention to detail that comes from its one gun/one gunsmith build philosophy.
▶Silver-and-black DLC finish
▶Interchangeable Optic System
▶Tri-cut slide with ports
▶Crowned bull barrel
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 17 rounds
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 8.6 inches
Weight: 38.2 ounces
MSRP: $5,999
(877) 268-4867 nighthawkcustom.com
Oracle Arms | 2311 Compact
A new line of a new handgun platform from a new manufacturer? Color us interested! These kinda-sorta 1911-style pistols feed from SIG P320 magazines, sport fully ambidextrous safeties and slide stops along with linkless, bushing-free barrel designs for easy takedown.
▶7075-aluminum frame
▶Modular grip and mag well
▶Optics-ready slide
▶Ships with three 15-round magazines
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 15 rounds
Barrel Length: 4.3 inches
Overall Length: 7.8 inches
Weight: 26 ounces
MSRP: $1,699
oraclearms.com
Savage | Govt Style 1911
Equally suited for the range or competition, Savage’s pistolsmiths ensure this pistol’s performance. The hammer and sear are fully machined for added durability. The stainless steel barrel is constructed from billet stock and features an 11-degree crown to safeguard accuracy.
▶Novak Lo-Mount tritium sights
▶Lowered and flared ejection port
▶Ambidextrous thumb safety
▶VZ G10 grips
Specifications
Caliber: .45 ACP
Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 8.5 inches
Weight: 37.8 ounces
MSRP: $1,350
(800) 370-0708 savagearms.com
Staccato | CS
Built from the ground up for the 9 mm cartridge, the Staccato CS brings the company’s legendary shootability to the ultra-compact, double-stack EDC market. The smallest and lightest Staccato is nonetheless optics-ready and one of its best shooters, incorporating new, patented technology.
▶New grip design
▶Bull barrel
▶Optics-cut slide
▶Tuned, single-action trigger
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 15 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.5 inches
Overall Length: 7.1 inches
Weight: 22.7 ounces
MSRP: $2,499
(512) 819-0656 staccato2011.com
Standard Manufacturing | Standard 1911 HPX
Offered as a customized 1911 with upgraded components, the HPX has a durable, satin-gloss finish for durability and wear-resistance. Three-dot sights, lightweight grips and cocking serrations front and rear complete the tactical additions to this 1911.
▶Novak-style sights
▶Honeycomb pattern grips
▶Skeletonized hammer
▶Extended beavertail
Specifications
Caliber: .45 ACP
Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 8.5 inches
Weight: 40 ounces
MSRP: $1,290
(860) 225-6581 stdgun.com
