Issue 05 Preview – Kicking Tires on a 1911 Pistol Shinnosuke Tanaka Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More Find out more about how we test products. And Mike Searson Know What to Look For When Buying Used The 1911 pistol has been around for more than 100 years and is still one of the most popular pistols in the shooting world. Since its introduction, many variants of this handgun have come to market. Post-World War I experience brought a few updates to the platform that ultimately refined the pistol to what you see today: the model 1911A1. Most on the market today fall into the 1911A1 category. Because there are actually several variations with different designations, manufacturers and enthusiasts alike generally call the basic design “1911,” when not calling out a particular model, and so will we in this article. Competitive shooters praise the 1911 for its accuracy, its wide range of accessories, and the legion of talented gunsmiths who can make this great gun better. Some collectors specialize in 1911 pistols and seek out rare wartime variants with government proof marks and military property markings. That being said, this gun isn’t limited to the pure enthusiast; there are plenty of new or casual shooters who enjoy the 1911. Regardless of where you stack up in that mix, you probably want to buy one without breaking the bank. For the rest of this article, subscribe digitally here: RECOIL Issue 5 Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.
