The 1911 pistol design is more than 100 years old and has seen use in countless conflicts throughout its time. Despite its age and the admonishments of 1911 purists who decry any alteration to John Browning's original specifications, manufacturers continue to develop innovative twists to this timeless platform, and the response from consumers continues to be strong, driving continued development. Here are 18 all-new 1911 pistols for 2018:
Alchemy Custom Weaponry Brimstone Combining an Officer’s-size compact frame with a Commander-length barrel and slide make the Brimstone a CCO—and ideal for concealed carry. Despite its compactness and quick handling, the Brimstone nonetheless comes with an accuracy guarantee of 1.5 inches at 25 yards.
American Tactical FXH Hybrid Mating a polymer frame with a steel slide, the FXH Hybrid offers a lighter-weight version of the 1911 platform. Unique styling and suppressor-height sights contribute to a one-of-a-kind pistol suitable for range time or concealed carry.
Cabot Guns Gentleman’s Carry Cabot’s Gentleman’s Carry optimizes the 1911 for concealed or open carry. Its Commander-length barrel is mated to a bobtail frame for a pistol that won’t “print” under clothing and which clears leather fast on the draw. However, as a Cabot, functionality teams with luxury as can be seen in every detail. The pistol is also available in .45 ACP.
Cabot Guns Icon Government Model Crafted from a single block of stainless steel, the Icon exemplifies the potential for perfection possible through simplicity. The elegant, meticulously refined pistol is available in a 5-inch Government Model or the 4.25-inch Commander, in either .45 ACP or 9 mm. Both versions come with an accuracy guarantee of 1.5 inches at 25 yards.
Charles Daly 1911 Superior Grade Charles Daly entered the 1911 market with this full-size model that incorporates all of the essentials in an affordably priced variant of one of the world’s most recognizable handguns.
Colt Custom Competition Pistol Built one-at-a-time by the master gunsmiths in the Colt custom Shop, this pistol’s forgings and other components come from top manufacturers built specifically for Colt pistols. The adjustable rear sight is melted in with the hidden Bomar Cut, and ball-cut serrations span the top of the slide.
Coonan MOT 10 Compensated From the manufacturer known for bridging the gap between the .357 Mag. and America’s pistol, the 1911, the company’s latest offering pairs the powerhouse 10 mm with a compensator for those who want the terminal performance without the abusive recoil.
Kimber KHX Pro (OR) With “Optics Ready” (the “OR” in the name), obviously the new KHX has micro-red-dot optics in mind—it even features raised front and rear sights. The KHX family—including the Optics Ready version—includes a full-size and compact version.
Kimber Micro 9 Desert Night (DN) While not technically a 1911, the Kimber Micro 9 is close enough to count, in our editorial opinion. Bringing some style to the Micro 9 series is the Desert Night variant, presented in a desert tan finish with rounded edges. Upgraded sights, grip and frame all add to the Desert Night’s agility as a concealed-carry option.
Les Baer Thunder Ranch 25th Anniversary Limited Edition Commemorating the 25th anniversary of one of America’s most-respected firearm’s-training facilities, this offering of only 250 pistols will feature checkered grips with the Thunder Ranch logo and special serial numbers with a “TRXXV” (Thunder Ranch 25) prefix.
MG Arms Wraithe 1911 Your choice of an aluminum or titanium frame combined with a meticulously hand-fitted/lapped slide and a match-grade barrel make MG Arms’ Wraithe the perfect candidate for everyday carry.
Nigthawk Custom Custom Agent 2 The result of a collaboration between Nighthawk Custom, Agency Arms, Railscales and Hillbilly 223, each Custom Agent 2 is nonetheless crafted by a single gunsmith. Whether in 9 mm or traditional .45 ACP, it explores the outer limits of the 1911 platform.
Nighthawk Custom Chairman Available in both 9 mm and .45 ACP, the long-slide Chairman is the first of Nighthawk Custom’s Boardroom series. The slide cuts keep weight down while highlighting the gold Titanium Nitride barrel. The greater barrel length results in increased sight radius, reduced felt recoil and enhanced velocity.
Nighthawk Custom Lady Hawk 2.0 The very popular Lady Hawk has been upgraded as the Lady Hawk 2.0. The slender, dehorned 1911 is now offered in polished-stainless steel or with a DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) coating, with rose gold-colored TiCN appointments and unique Obsidian, Abalone and zinc grips.
Remington R1 1911 Ultralight Executive Pistol Remington launches a new line with the Ultralight Executive, featuring an aluminum frame for weight reduction and rounded frame for snag-free operation. Other custom features like an extended beavertail, bobtail frame and checkered frontstrap promote superior operation.
Roberts Defense Rogue 1911 Micro-red-dot-equipped pistols are gaining in popularity, but few are as heavily customized as the new Rogue from Roberts Defense. With an impressive list of top-tier parts and upgrades, not to mention a Trijicon RMR, the Rogue helps define “top of the line.”
Rock River Arms 1911 Poly 4.25" Short for easy concealment but not on features, the Rock River Arms 1911 Poly 4.25” also offers the convenience of a lightweight polymer frame for enhanced comfort, all welcome features for an everyday carry pistol.
Taurus 1911 Commander Taurus’ popular 1911 platform is now available in Commander size, with a shortened barrel and full-size grip. Enhanced sights add to its appeal, as does its relatively low cost.