For the firearm buyer in 2017, it’s the best of all possible worlds. Firearms are protected; ridiculous, Obama-era restrictions are being rolled back; and with a surplus of guns built with the expectation of an aggressively pro-gun control politician in the White House, it’s a buyer’s market. The 1911 pistol has been around for more than a century, but new models are still being developed in an effort to provide consumers with great personal-defense choices in 2017.
For those fans of this iconic pistol platform, Shooting Illustrated reached out to ever corner of the firearms world and brought back the new 1911 pistol models that excite us in 2017. Take a look at the rundown here:
Browning 1911 380 Black Label Medallion Pro
What might be the most shootable .380 ACP pistol available gets classed-up for 2017. With its snazzy, two-tone finish and upgraded grips, this is one mouse gun you won’t be ashamed to show off.
Caliber: .380 ACP
Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.63 inches
Overall Length: 6.88 inches
Weight: 16 ounces
MSRP: $800
(800) 333-3288 browning.com
Cabot Guns The Ultimate Bedside 1911
The Ultimate Bedside 1911 rules the dark of night while keeping you protected with the SureFire X300U-A weaponlight. The slide is constructed from patterned Damascus stainless steel. It is also available in 9 mm with a nine-round magazine.
Caliber: .45 ACP
Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 8.62 inches
Weight: 40 ounces
MSRP: $6,950
(815) 843-1911 cabotguns.com
Colt Wiley Clapp LW Commander
Designed by our Fightin’ Iron editor Wiley Clapp, this pistol’s practical, self-defense-oriented features include the popular Series 70 firing system paired with a lightweight, aluminum frame and carbon steel slide. The frontstrap and mainspring housing contain 25 lpi checkering by Pete Single.
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 9 rounds
Barrel Length: 4.25 inches
Overall Length: 7.75 inches
Weight: 30 ounces
MSRP: $1,159
(800) 962-2658 colt.com
Coonan MOT
From the manufacturer known for bridging the gap between the powerhouse .357 Mag. and America’s pistol, the venerable 1911, the company’s latest offering incorporates all of the quality, accuracy enhancements and ergonomic features that consumers have come to expect from the Coonan name—now available in .45 ACP.
Caliber: .45 ACP
Magazine Capacity: 7 rounds
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 8.4 inches
Weight: `40 ounces
MSRP: $1,399
(763) 786-1720 coonaninc.com
Dan Wesson Pointman Carry
Dan Wesson has taken the CCO configuration (Commander-length slide mated to an Officer-size frame) and forged it from stainless steel. The pistol is concealable, yet easy to shoot, and the stainless steel minimizes rust concerns while assuring strength.
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
Barrel Length: 4.25 inches
Overall Length: 8 inches
Weight: 36.7 ounces
MSRP: $1,597
(800) 955-4486 cz-usa.com
Kimber Custom CDP
The CDP—Custom Defense Package—is a family of self-defense-oriented pistols including the Custom above as well as Pro (4-inch barrel) and Ultra (3-inch barrel) versions. Offering carry melt treatments and 30 lpi checkering for enhanced purchase, this family is designed around protection.
Caliber: .45 ACP
Magazine Capacity: 7 rounds
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 8.7 inches
Weight: 31 ounces
MSRP: $1,173
(888) 243-4522 kimberamerica.com
Kimber Micro 9 Raptor
Scarcely larger or heavier than the current crop of popular micro-.380 ACP pistols, the Micro 9 Raptor is designed not only for concealment, but for use on the range as well. Upgraded components and custom touches make the Raptor a bird of prey that’s easily worth more in the hand.
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 6 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.15 inches
Overall Length: 6.1 inches
Weight: 15.6 ounces
MSRP: $889
(888) 243-4522 kimberamerica.com
Kimber Pro Covert
Like the CDP, the Covert 1911 line is also a family, with 5-inch and 3-inch variants available in addition to the Pro model. The Covert family offers Crimson Trace Lasergrips, a lanyard loop and Tactical Wedge tritium night sights as part of a complete concealed-carry package.
Caliber: .45 ACP
Magazine Capacity: 7 rounds
Barrel Length: 4 inches
Overall Length: 7.7 inches
Weight: 28 ounces
MSRP: $1,427
(888) 243-4522 kimberamerica.com
Llama Max-1 .38 Super
Llama’s Max-1 is being offered in .38 Super this year. The classic, Government-size 1911 features a 5-inch, forged and throated barrel; steel frame; and lowered and flared ejection port. There’s also a lifetime service contract for the original owner.
Caliber: .38 Super
Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 8.25 inches
Weight: 36.96 ounces
MSRP: TBD
(732) 493-0333 eagleimportsinc.com
Nighthawk Custom Border Special
The Border Special from Nighthawk Custom is a Concealed Carry Cut, Commander-size pistol featuring such niceties as scallop texturing, Heinie Slant Pro rear sight, a gold bead front sight and Cerakote’s “Elite Midnight” finish.
Caliber: .45 ACP
Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
Barrel Length: 4.25 inches
Overall Length: 7.85 inches
Weight: 34.1 ounces
MSRP: $3,650
(877) 268-4867 nighthawkcustom.com
Nighthawk Custom CCS
CCS stands for Complete Custom Stipple, and the name is well earned. Nighthawk Custom stipples the top and back of the slide, the frontstrap, backstrap, all hand-contact areas and all control surfaces, simultaneously preventing glare and ensuring firm purchase on this Government-size pistol.
Caliber: .45 ACP
Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 8.65 inches
Weight: 38.8 ounces
MSRP: $4,295
(877) 268-4867 nighthawkcustom.com
Nighthawk Custom Tri-Cut
Stylish, purposeful tri-cuts to the slide, frame, mainspring housing and grips set the Tri-Cut apart from the crowd. Stippling on all the metal/hand-contact points and a contrasting, bright-polished barrel add to both the functionality and aesthetics.
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
Barrel Length: 4.25 inches
Overall Length: 7.85 inches
Weight: 34.7 ounces
MSRP: $4,495
(877) 268-4867 nighthawkcustom.com
Remington R1 Hunter LS
Remington’s newest R1 brings 10 mm to the company’s 1911 line. Offering eight rounds of 10 mm power in a full-size 1911, the R1 Hunter LS is built with accuracy in mind. With the 6-inch barrel offering extra velocity and sight radius, along with the fully adjustable sights, the R1 Hunter is well-equipped.
Caliber: 10 mm
Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
Barrel Length: 6 inches
Overall Length: 9.5 inches
Weight: 41 ounces
MSRP: $1,310
(800) 243-9700 remington.com
Rock Island Armory Rock Ultra CCO
The Rock Ultra CCO incorporates the perfect combination of Officer-grip aluminum frame, Commander-length slide and G10 tactical grips to make an ideal concealed carry option. There is a LPA MPS1 type adjustable rear sight paired with a dovetail fiber optic front sight, as well as an adjustable over-travel stop with ambidextrous safety.
Caliber: .45 ACP
Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
Barrel Length: 4.25 inches
Overall Length: 8 inches
Weight: 28 ounces
MSRP: $760
(775) 537-1444 armscor.com
Springfield Armory EMP Black Armory Kote
The EMP (Enhanced Micro Pistol) offers enhancements such as oversize beavertail, skeletonized hammer and trigger, combat rear sights and a forged aluminum frame. New for 2017 are two new finishes (not shown is the bi-tone with stainless slide).
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 9 rounds
Barrel Length: 3 inches
Overall Length: 6.6 inches
Weight: 27 ounces
MSRP: $1,104
(800) 680-6866 springfield-armory.com
Springfield Armory TRP Operator - Tactical Gray
The TRP Operator series from Springfield Armory offers serious upgrades from the standard TRP series, including sights, guide rod and accessory rails. Versions are also available in Black Armory Kote with a full or partial rail.
Caliber: .45 ACP
Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 8.6 inches
Weight: 45 ounces
MSRP: $1,730
(800) 680-6866 springfield-armory.com
STI DVC Carry
STI has incorporated all of the most popular features of its DVC guns into a compact, lightweight package intended for concealed carry. This pistol features a black, DLC-coated frame and slide; tritium night sights, including a ledge rear; and a VIP-length grip frame stippled by Extreme Shooters.
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 15 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.9 inches
Overall Length: 7.57 inches
Weight: 26 ounces
MSRP: $2,999
(512) 819-0656 stiguns.com
Wilson Combat Bill Wilson Carry II Pistol
From its compact X-Tac grip frame 4-inch barrel and unique slide serrations, the Wilson Combat Bill Wilson Carry II Pistol is an exact version of the company founder’s personal-protection sidearm. It’s also offered in 9 mm.
Caliber: .45 ACP
Magazine Capacity: 7 rounds
Barrel Length: 4 inches
Overall Length: 7.6 inches
Weight: 29.63 ounces
MSRP: $TBD
(800) 955-4856 wilsoncombat.com
Wilson Combat EDC X9
Wilson Combat’s new line of everyday-carry pistols offers a double-stack version for an impressive 15-round magazine capacity. The 4-inch, tapered barrel provides a reliability-enhancing lockup, and the pistol ships with two magazines.
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 15 rounds
Barrel Length: 4 inches
Overall Length: 7.4 inches
Weight: 29.09 ounces
MSRP: $ 2,895
(800) 955-4856 wilsoncombat.com
