Ayoob: 1911 — Outdated Hype and Nostalgia?

August 28th, 2025

5 minute read

One hundred and fourteen years after its introduction, the 1911 pistol endures. Indeed, it is more popular than ever.

Is it nostalgia? For some of us it is. A military surplus .45 my dad gave me for Christmas in 1960 was my first 1911 pistol, and I’ve been shooting them ever since. Go ahead, say “Boomer.” Say “Old Fart.” It’s true…but not for every 1911 aficionado.

This image shows Massad Ayoob firing the Springfield Armory EMP Ronin pistol one-handed at an outdoor range. He is extending his arm fully, holding the compact 1911-style handgun chambered in 9mm. The EMP Ronin is designed as a smaller, lightweight version of the classic 1911, intended for concealed carry and everyday use. The pistol’s slim grip, shorter barrel, and reduced recoil make it easier to control than a full-size .45 ACP model. Ayoob is demonstrating accuracy and technique with one-handed shooting, which is an important defensive skill. The background shows a typical shooting range environment, with a safe stance and focused expression. The photo emphasizes both the shooter’s expertise and the pistol’s adaptability. — Firearms instructor Massad Ayoob demonstrates one-handed shooting with the compact Springfield Armory EMP Ronin 9mm 1911. Image: Gail Pepin

If it’s really a gun for the elderly, how do you explain the 18-year-old who not long ago was top shot in one of my classes with a red dot-sighted 9mm 1911, with a perfect score and an incredibly tight group? He told me he used that gun because he shot it better than anything else — including a selection of striker-fired guns.

While the 1911 may have started as a military pistol, it developed a strong following in the civilian market due to its capable design. Note this decades-old commercial 1911 advertisement.

So, if this is the case, what’s the reason it’s still with us and at the peak of its popularity?

Ergonomics

Before “ergonomics” became a word, John Browning understood it and applied it to his designs. The grip-to-barrel angle of the 1911 is such that for most people, it “points” very well and very naturally. Advocates of point-shooting, from John McSweeney and Bradley Steiner to the great Rex Applegate, were fond of the 1911 pistol. Those of us who don’t care for point shooting and seek a visual index still appreciate the 1911 by and large because its natural pointing qualities bring it to our line of sight more quickly.

A classic Springfield 1911 Mil-Spec pistol offers traditional .45 ACP power with modern manufacturing updates. Its design reflects more than a century of service use.

Among semi-automatic pistols with manual thumb safeties, none are more ergonomic than the one designed into the 1911. As the thumb takes a firing grasp, it naturally closes down on the lever and off-safes the pistol. An easy upward flick of the thumb returns the pistol to “on safe” condition without the shooter having to break a firing hold.

This photo features a Springfield Armory Range Officer 1911 pistol displayed with Federal .45 ACP ammunition. The handgun is positioned to showcase its classic 1911 styling, including the checkered grips, extended beavertail, and government-size frame. Several .45 ACP cartridges are visible beside the pistol, emphasizing the traditional caliber long associated with the platform. The Range Officer line is known for durability, accuracy, and performance suited for competition and defensive use. The .45 ACP ammunition represents the cartridge’s stopping power and enduring role in American handgun history. Together, the pistol and ammunition highlight a combination designed to last a lifetime. The clean layout reinforces the idea of reliability and precision. — A full-size 1911 can be ideal for accurate range practice, competition and dependable carry. Quality ammunition ensures the platform delivers consistent performance. Image: Gail Pepin

Today, we have a whole generation of striker-fired pistols expressly designed for their slide to be easy to retract, which is ideal for people who don’t have optimal hand strength. The 1911 has had that feature for 114 years: simply cock the hammer with the hand that runs the slide, and then rack the action. You have relieved the mainspring pressure of the hammer that had been helping hold the slide forward and now have only to work against the recoil spring. It will be even easier with the even lighter recoil spring of a 9mm 1911.

This photo shows a Springfield Armory TRP 1911 pistol finished in Desert Tan. The handgun features modern upgrades such as aggressive grip texturing, an extended beavertail safety, and combat-ready sights. The TRP (Tactical Response Pistol) is designed for duty and defensive use, offering improved ergonomics compared to a standard 1911. The Desert Tan finish gives the pistol a modern and tactical appearance, appealing to today’s shooters. Its frame and slide are built for durability, with match-grade components that emphasize precision. The TRP demonstrates how Springfield has updated the 1911 design to meet modern standards while preserving its core operating system. The image communicates both ruggedness and contemporary styling. — The Springfield Armory TRP Carry Contour (CC) model features a “bobbed” lower frame to aid in carry and concealment. Note the AOS optics-mounting system and cover plate.

The 1911’s low bore axis design reduces muzzle rise and gets the gun back on target faster for follow-up shots. And the trigger pull? Aaahh…a 1911 strong point. Short, crisp, straight back, relatively light with a fast reset. Why do you think so many championships in so many handgun disciplines are still won by 1911s?

Safety

A huge safety advantage of the 1911 pistol is proprietary nature to the user. The generally accepted proper carry of a loaded 1911 is Condition One, cocked and locked, with a round in the chamber and the hammer back and the thumb safety in the on-safe position. In any struggle with a violent criminal, there is the risk of them momentarily gaining control of your firearm. To fire it, they’ll have to figure out which little button or lever on your pistol “turns it on.”

This image shows Massad Ayoob firing the Springfield Armory Prodigy DS 1911 rapidly with one hand. The pistol is extended fully as brass is seen ejecting, indicating live fire in progress. The Prodigy is a double-stack 1911 designed to offer higher capacity than the traditional single-stack configuration. It retains the recognizable ergonomics of the 1911 platform while incorporating modern features like an optics-ready slide and aggressive grip texturing. Ayoob’s one-handed shooting demonstration emphasizes the pistol’s controllability even during rapid fire. The image captures both recoil management and the speed of follow-up shots. The background reflects an outdoor shooting range environment, reinforcing the training and live-fire context. — Massad Ayoob demonstrates rapid one-handed fire with a Springfield Armory Prodigy DS 1911 Compact. The double-stack design offers increased capacity while retaining the 1911’s exceptional ergonomics. Image: Gail Pepin

Unless they’re very familiar with 1911 type pistols (unlikely), they’re going to have to fumble around for a while to find the safety, buying you time to rectify the situation. Over the years I’ve seen countless cases where this has saved the lives of good guys and gals.

Adaptability

The firearm needs to fit the shooter if optimum performance is to be achieved. The 1911 turns out to be adaptable in that respect. Large, long-fingered hands? The Springfield Armory catalog has lots of 1911s with long triggers. Smaller hands with shorter fingers? The VZ slim-line grips on the Springfield Emissary or the short 1911-A1 trigger on the Mil-Spec .45 should suit you; ditto the smaller all-around grip configuration of the EMP (Enhanced Micro Pistol) in 9mm.

Want more cartridges on board than the legacy single-stack magazine offers? Check out the double-stack 1911 DS Prodigy series. You’re getting some printing from the bottom rear corner of the magazine? The TRP has a round-butt variation.

This image displays a Springfield Armory Prodigy full-size pistol, a high-capacity 1911-style handgun. The pistol features a double-stack magazine design, allowing greater round count compared to traditional single-stack 1911s. Its styling includes aggressive grip texturing, a rail for accessories, and an optics-ready slide. The Prodigy retains the crisp single-action trigger pull and ergonomic controls associated with the 1911 platform. As a full-size model, it offers better recoil control and balance during rapid fire. This handgun is marketed toward competitive shooters, defensive carriers, and professionals seeking higher capacity in a proven design. The photo emphasizes the blend of traditional 1911 features with modern enhancements. — Springfield’s 1911 DS Prodigy line shows how the 1911 continues to evolve. The full-size version highlights balance, capacity, and updated features for today’s shooters.

Caliber choice? You can get everything from .22 conversion units to the deep-driving 10mm and of course, the legendary legacy cartridge, .45 ACP. Gotta have a carry optic sighting system? Springfield Armory and others have you covered. You’re a southpaw? Order your 1911 with ambidextrous thumb safety.

This photo features the Springfield Armory Ronin EMP 1911 compact pistol. The handgun is a reduced-size 1911 chambered in 9mm, designed for concealed carry and everyday use. It retains the classic 1911 design elements such as the grip safety, thumb safety, and crisp single-action trigger. The Ronin EMP has a shorter barrel and slim grip frame compared to a standard government model. Its two-tone finish and checkered grips give it a distinctive appearance while maintaining functionality. The pistol’s lightweight build and compact dimensions make it easier to carry than a full-size .45 ACP model. The image highlights the adaptability of the 1911 design to different sizes and calibers. — Springfield’s Ronin EMP is built for shooters who want a classic 1911 feel in a more practical, concealable package.

Concealed carry? Autopistols don’t come any slimmer in serious calibers than the 1911. That big L-shaped chunk of steel seems heavy? Aluminum-framed 1911s in .45 or 9mm or the scaled-down-to-9mm size EMP are there for you.

Conclusion

Yes, my friends, there is a lot more going for the 1911 style pistol today than nostalgia. Wouldn’t you agree?

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Massad Ayoob

Massad Ayoob is a renowned firearms expert with decades of experience in the firearms community. He's the author of more than a dozen books and hundreds of articles and has extensive experience as a law enforcement officer, competitive shooter and expert witness.

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