Introduction to the Custom Shop Professional 1911

By Yamil Sued Posted in #Guns

Editor’s Note: In today’s article, author Yamil Sued introduces us to the Springfield Armory Custom Shop Professional 1911 pistol. This handgun is truly exceptional, chambered for the .45 ACP cartridge. The company loaned the author the pistol for this article.

For many firearms enthusiasts, there are a few iconic pistols that live permanently on their bucket list. Among them, the Springfield Armory Custom Shop 1911 stands in a class of its own. In a recent visit to C2 Tactical Indoor Range in Scottsdale, Arizona, I finally crossed one of those long-awaited dreams off my list by firing a Springfield Professional 1911 for the very first time.

This pistol is not simply another factory-produced 1911. It is a true custom firearm, built from the ground up by the craftsmen of the Springfield Armory Custom Shop. Every component is hand-fitted, tuned, and finished with a level of care that elevates it far beyond mass-produced pistols. In a word, this pistol is incredible.

Hand Built Excellence from the Custom Shop

What immediately sets the Springfield Professional apart is its construction. This is not an assembly line gun. Each part is individually fit by hand, ensuring precise tolerances and exceptional consistency. The slide-to-frame fit is notably tight, with the barrel snapping into place in a manner that reflects the hard-fit barrel design. This type of fitting requires a proper break-in period, but it rewards the shooter with outstanding accuracy and long-term durability.

The pistol features beautifully finished walnut grips, front strap checkering for enhanced control, and a checkered magwell that is cleanly blended into the frame. The attention to detail is visible everywhere, from the ambidextrous safeties to the perfectly fit hammer and trigger system that delivers a crisp, clean trigger pull.

Sights are Novak-style low-mount night sights, both front and rear, offering excellent visibility in a wide range of lighting conditions. The overall balance and feel of the pistol immediately communicate that this is a professional-grade tool built for serious shooters.

More Than a Pistol, A Complete Package

The Springfield Armory Custom Shop experience does not end with the firearm itself. Opening the case reveals a complete presentation that reflects the pistol’s heritage. Included are six magazines and a certificate of authenticity that documents the completion date, test firing, serial number, model information, and the signature of the Custom Shop director.

In this particular case, the pistol was completed on July 13, 2018, a detail that adds personal history to an already special firearm. For collectors and serious users alike, this documentation reinforces the sense that this is not just a gun, but a piece of craftsmanship.

First Shots and First Impressions

For the break-in session, I chose American Eagle 230-grain round-nose ammunition, both full-metal-jacket and Syntech. The Syntech rounds, with their synthetic coating, help reduce barrel wear and manage heat, making them a smart choice for early range sessions.

The first shots carried high expectations, and the pistol delivered. I had a tendency to hit slightly left, likely a specific issue related to my shooting. The performance was exactly what a Custom Shop 1911 promises, with groups tight regardless of where I aimed. The fit and finish translated directly into smooth cycling, consistent recoil, and excellent control.

[Interested in seeing the ultimate duty gun from the Custom Shop? Check out our article on the FBI HRT 1911.]

As more rounds went downrange, my confidence grew. This was not just a dream fulfilled, but a confirmation that the Springfield Professional lives up to its reputation.

A Pistol Worth Waiting For

After years of reading about the Springfield Professional 1911 and anticipating the moment of finally shooting one, the experience proved to be everything expected and more. This is not an everyman’s 1911. It is a purpose-built, handcrafted pistol designed for those who appreciate precision, tradition, and uncompromising quality.

Looking ahead, this pistol will play a central role in celebrating the 108th anniversary of the adoption of the 1911 by the U.S. Army. I have planned a range session of 108 rounds to honor the legacy of John Browning’s masterpiece and the modern craftsmanship of the Springfield Armory Custom Shop.

Final Thoughts on the Springfield Armory Custom Shop 1911

The Springfield Professional 1911 represents what a custom 1911 should be. Meticulous fitting, premium components, and a shooting experience that reflects decades of refinement. For anyone with a serious interest in the platform, this pistol is more than a luxury. It is a benchmark.

For those still building their bucket list, the Springfield Armory Custom Shop 1911 deserves a place near the top.

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