1911 Manufacturers: The Complete Guide to Common 1911 Models

This is by no means an all-encompassing list of 1911 manufacturers. There are way too many custom manufacturers to list them all. Instead, I’ve compiled a list of the most common 1911 makers and their current offerings. Feel free to add your favorite manufacturer to the list in the comments.

Colt

Colt was the first to manufacture the Model 1911, designed by John Browning. Today, Colt offers a range of 1911s, from basic to custom models:

• 1911 Classics
• CCU
• Combat Elite
• Commander
• Competition
• Custom Shop
• Defender
• Delta Elite
• Gold Cup

Bear Creek Arsenal

Bear Creek Arsenal is known for making quality ARs at affordable prices and in 2013 BCA began making 1911s. They’re priced competitively, but not the lowest price on the market.

• BCA-1911 Government SS

Dan Wesson

Dan Wesson began developing its first 1911s in 2000. By 2005, CZ-USA acquired Dan Wesson and has been producing some of the best 1911s on the market:

• Commander Classic
• DW Bruin
• DW Kodiak
• DW Specialist
• DWX
• DWX Compact
• ECP
• Guardian
• Hierloom
• Pointman
• Razorback
• Specialist
• Specialist Commander
• TCP
• Valor
• V-Bob

Kimber

Kimber is one of the world’s largest producers of 1911 pistols. It manufactures a wide range of high-quality 1911s:

• 10mm 1911s
• 9mm 1911s
• Aegis
• CDP
• Covert
• Custom Shop
• Eclipse
• KHX
• LW
• OI/OR
• Rapide
• Raptor II
• Rimfire
• Special Editions
• Stainless II
• TLE II
• Two Tone II
• Warrior

Magnum Research

Nighthawk Custom

Para Ordnance

Rock Island Armory

Rock Island Armory has been a leading manufacturer of 1911s for over half a century. Armscor acquired Rock Island Armory in 1985, but that didn’t mean they stopped producing 1911s; in fact, Rock Island Armory continues to make many lines of the 1911:

• EFS Stainless Steel
• Rock Island Armory M1911-A1 GI
• Rock Island Armory m200 38 Special
• Rock Island Rock Ultra FS 10mm
• Rock Series

Sig Sauer

SigArms Inc. was founded in 1985 and changed its name to Sig Sauer in 2007. In 2004, Sig began producing 1911-style pistols and now offers many models:

• XCarry Stainless
• X Stainless
• X
• XCarry
• X Emperor Scorpion
• XCarry Emperor Scorpion
• Stainless California

Smith & Wesson

Though Smith & Wesson has been producing high-quality firearms for generations, it didn’t begin manufacturing a 1911 until 2003. Today, S&W offers shooters several lines from which to choose:

• Engraved 1911
• SW1911 4.25: Barrel
• SW1911 5” Barrel
• SW1911 E-Series
• SW1911 Pro Series
• SW1911 Pro Series 9mm
• SW1911TA E-Series Tactical

Springfield Armory

Springfield Armory has several models ranging from budget-friendly to high-end:

• 1911 Emissary
• 1911 EMP
• 1911 Garrison
• 1911 Loaded
• 1911 MIL-SPEC
• 1911 Operator
• 1911 Ronin
• 1911 TRP

Taurus

Taurus is one of the major handgun producers in the world and has been manufacturing 1911s since the early 2000s. Taurus offers a range of models chambered in 9mm or .45 ACP to meet the diverse needs of shooters worldwide:

• Taurus 1911
• Taurus 1911 Commander
• Taurus 1911 Officer

Wilson Combat

Wilson Combat has been creating 1911 accessories and pistols for over 45 years. Being in the market for so long means they’ve adapted to meet the needs of shooters throughout the years and continue to do so with a wide range of 1911 models:

• ACP
• California Compliant
• CQB
• CQB Elite
• Supergrade Commander Special Tactical Supergrade
• XpTac Supergrade
• X-Tac Elite
• X-Tac Elite Carry Comp

Parting Shots: 1911 Manufacturers

As I mentioned, this is not an all-encompassing list of 1911 Manufacturers (it would have been a MUCH longer list). So if you feel that I’ve unintentionally or intentionally left off your favorite 1911 producer, then let me know in the comments.