Here's What You Need to Remember: The steel construction, short trigger pull, and increased weight favor this handgun. The Novak sights that come on the PT1911 are no joke.

The 1911 is a cherished handgun and has been since the early twentieth century. The firearm was adopted by the United States Armed forces in 1911 and is still commonly used today. Now, you may be asking—Why does this matter to me? Well, this gun stood the test of time and from World War I to the present day, and this gun continues to be an absolute workhorse. If America’s finest trust this weapon with their life, I am sure that you will too. The Taurus PT1911 aims to put the 1911 into the hands of Americans without the steep price tag most 1911’s can carry. Let’s dive into why this gun is great for home defense, a concealed carry weapon, or a recreational gun to add to your collection.

Accuracy

A term that is often used when referencing a 1911 is a tack driver, known for its consistent accuracy. 2” groupings at twenty-five yards is an easy stat for this handgun. I have found the PT1911 outperforms 1911’s which are considerably more expensive. The weight of the firearm exudes a true, rock-solid feeling when in your hands. Picking it up for the first time, I remember the powerful feeling this handgun provided. Sense of safety is an understatement. Whether you plan to use it for home defense or as a concealed carry weapon, this firearm will keep you feeling in control. The steel construction, short trigger pull and increased weight favor this handgun. The Novak sights that come on the PT1911 are no joke. Although at first I was tempted to upgrade, there is absolutely no need. Whether you’re a first-time shooter or an experienced aficionado, this gun will have you slamming bullseyes from twenty-five yards and up.

Reliability

Being a strong believer in the use of firearms for home defense, reliability is always at the forefront of my mind. If my family is put in a situation in which I need to use my handgun, it must work every trigger pull. When I first started my journey with the PT1911, I had a few mishaps. No different than any other firearm I lay my hands on for the first time. My PT1911 would jam randomly when trying to eject the round. However, I had a range buddy tell me I was limp wristed. When I focused on tightening up my wrist, the ejection issues went away. If you hold this tip in your mind, the PT1911 will be a reliable handgun for you.

Handling

Handling is a very personal part of gun ownership. The 1911 has always rested comfortably in my hands, and the PT1911 is no different. I thoroughly enjoy the heft and weight of the gun. Both give me a sense of control out on the range. My only issue with the handling of the PT1911 were the cheap plastic grips. Out of the box, the grips were an upgrade that I needed to make immediately. Although, I must admit I am a G10 grip lover which may have made me a little biased.

Trigger

The Taurus PT1911 has a very satisfying trigger pull at just around 4lbs. Sometimes, I find myself flowing through quite a bit of .45 on the range because of the rewarding feeling I get every time I pull the trigger. The little blasts of adrenaline and dopamine with each shot keep me coming back for more.

Magazine & Reloading

The eight-round Mec-Gar magazine that came with the PT1911 is superb. Like the rest of the gun, everything just works flawlessly. I had no real set up time, simply take it out of the box and hit the range.

Length & Weight

The Taurus PT1911 is a standard full size 1911. The handgun is 7.9 inches in length, 5.7 inches in height, and coming in at just about 38oz. The PT1911 is on the larger end of concealed carry handguns. That being said, my experience using this as a concealed carry firearm has been a godsend. Some may argue that a smaller handgun may be more suitable. This is fair, however; it truly comes down to personal preference. For me, I don’t enjoy carrying compact firearms. I think they are uncomfortable to hold, and I wouldn’t trust my life with a firearm I’m not comfortable with.

Recoil Management

The PT1911 truly shines when it comes to recoil management. With the added weight of the gun, the recoil of a .45 has never been easier to tame.

Price

At the $500-600 price range, I don’t think you could find a handgun that outcompetes the PT1911. This gun works, all the time, no matter what you put it through. This gun rolls with the punches and keeps on trucking along no matter the amount of dirt, mud, and sweat you throw at it.

My Verdict?

Whether this is your first handgun or just another to add to your collection, know that you won’t be disappointed with the PT1911. I highly recommend this weapon to a gun owner looking to get into 1911’s. The same reasons the Armed Forces back the 1911 is precisely why you will love this gun. Over a century of use and no end in sight.

Richard Douglas is a firearms expert and educator. His work has appeared in large publications like The Armory Life, Daily Caller, American Shooting Journal, and more. In his free time, he reviews optics on his Scopes Field blog.

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