1911

The **1911** is John Moses Browning's 1911 military service pistol — a single-stack, single-action, hammer-fired .45 ACP design that has been in continuous production for over 110 years. It is, depending on who you ask, the greatest combat handgun ever made or the finest range toy ever overengineered. Modern 1911s range from sub-$500 entry guns to custom-shop pistols that cost more than a good used car. The platform is available in 9mm, 10mm, and .38 Super alongside the classic .45, and in full-size, Commander (4.25"), and Officer (3.5") sizes. A 1911 rewards maintenance and a well-fitted magazine. Neglect either and it will reward you with a stoppage. Buyers considering their first 1911 should budget for magazines as a line item and plan to shoot it enough to learn what the gun wants.