TFB Review: Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy Compact 3.5” AOS 9mm

In the doldrums of winter, there is not always a lot going on. Not a lot to do outside if you aren’t a fan of the cold white stuff, and not a lot crossing our news wire as writers looking to present new, rad stuff to you. That is, until SHOT Show approaches. As the “2nd coming of Christmas” nears, new product announcements are aplenty! The newest of which is the Springfield Armory Prodigy Compact. This 2011-style handgun in a diminutive frame size boasts ammo capacity plus concealability. So, today we are going to take a look at the new Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy Compact 3.5” 9mm pistol to see how it fares a Minnesota winter and range test. Let’s dive in!

Springfield Armory @ TFB:

• TFB Review: Springfield Armory 1911 Operator AOS 5” .45 ACP
• TFB Review: 1,000 Rounds With The Springfield Armory SA-16A2
• TFB Review: Springfield Armory Garrison 9mm 1911
• TFB Review: Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy Comp AOS 5” 9mm

Specifications - Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy Compact 3.5” AOS 9mm

The Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy Compact that we are specifically looking at today is the 3.5” variant. With an MSRP of $1,549, this should look, feel, and shoot similarly to its big brother brethren - the 5” models - but we are going to see what precisely is different in this more petite-sized pistol. The complete specification listing for the 1911 DS Prodigy Compact with a 3.5” bull barrel can be read below as presented by Springfield Armory:

• Cartridge: 9mm
• Barrel: 3.5" Forged Stainless Steel, Black DLC, Match Grade, Bull, 1:16
• Slide: Forged Carbon Steel, Black Cerakote®, Optics-Ready
• Frame: Billet 7075-T6 Hardcoat Anodized Aluminum, Black Cerakote®
• Sights: Tritium Front, Black Serrated Rear

• Recoil System: Captured Guide Rod
• Grips: Polymer
• Magazines: (2) 15-Round
• Weight: 25.5 oz
• Length: 7"
• Height: 5.1"

While we are looking specifically at the 1911 DS Prodigy Compact 3.5” model today, Springfield Armory has 2 new offerings in this Prodigy Compact series. Again, for clarity, we are playing with the Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy Compact 3.5” 9mm (SKU: PH9115AOS). The other offerings are listed below:

• 1911 DS Prodigy Compact 3.5” AOS 9mm (today’s review) | MSRP $1,549.99
• 1911 DS Prodigy Compact 4.25” AOS 9mm (also available) | MSRP $1,549.99

A Word from Springfield Armory on the 1911 DS Prodigy Compact 3.5” 9mm

Like all of the new product releases that Springfield Armory delivers to us, they are supremely excited to bring this to the light and share it with all of us. They expand upon the 1911 DS Prodigy Compact via their press release statement below:

“The new Prodigy™ Compact from Springfield Armory takes the proven 1911 platform and enhances it with double-stack capacity and a carry-driven feature set. Reconfigured around a 15-round double-stack magazine, the Prodigy’s polymer grip module mounts to its forged lightweight aluminum frame to reduce weight. Optics ready with an ambidextrous safety and picatinny rail, the Prodigy combines the most beloved characteristics of the 1911 with modern capacity for unrivaled performance.”

What’s in the Box? Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy Compact 3.5” 9mm

Probably one of the most basic yet pivotal questions that I get asked as a gun reviewer for any product - whether it is a gun or not - is: “What’s in the box?” This will dictate whether you need more magazines, need to go grab some accessories, or whatever it is that you may or may not need. So, this is everything that you can come to expect by purchasing yourself a 1911 DS Prodigy Compact:

• (1) One 1911 DS Prodigy Compact handgun
• (2) Two 15-Round Magazines
• (1) An A13B plate
• (1) One Slide Cover Plate
• Cardboard Box & Double Zipper Nylon Case
• Owner’s Manual, Cable Lock, Red Chamber Flag

 ***Vortex Optics Defender-ST Red Dot NOT Included with normal purchase***

What’s the Upsell to the Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy Compact 3.5” 9mm?

Another frequent question that I receive when something new hits the market is: “What’s the upsell? What’s the 30-second elevator pitch to this product?” Hopefully, throughout this review I will answer that for you in-depth so you can decide for yourself whether or not this is a handgun that you want to add to your arsenal. For now, these are the highlights that Springfield Armory truly wants you to take home with you:

• 3.5" BULL BARREL - The stainless steel 3.5-inch bull barrel is finished in black DLC and forged for unmatched strength.
• COMPACT DESIGN - The compact grip module combined with the shortened beavertail and recontoured hammer downsize the Prodigy Compact for carry.
• OPTICS-READY - The Prodigy Compact features the Agency Optic System (AOS) paired with a tritium front sight post.

Range Experience - Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy Compact 3.5” 9mm

So, let’s get down to brass tacks. How did this pistol perform at the range?... Since I have a lot of prior experience behind Springfield’s full-size Prodigy models - 5” variants that are compensated and non-compensated - I believed I had a good bearing as to how this pistol may perform.

To test the Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy Compact, I ran a bunch of Federal Premium’s  Gold Medal Action Pistol 147 Grain Full Metal Jacket (FMJ). I’ll gladly give Federal a shout-out quickly because the last 5 handgun reviews I’ve completed for 9mm pistols I’ve been running this ammo and it’s been reliable, clean, and consistent. All good attributes you’d want and expect from your range ammo. So, thank you to Federal for providing that ammo.

• Gold Medal Action Pistol 9mm Luger 147 Grain | SKU: GM9AP1 | MSRP $32.99

The only negative I can attempt to craft regarding this pistol is that after ~400 rounds in 10°F temps, this pistol was dirty enough to start feeling slower (the slide cycling). When it's goofy cold and you don’t clean your gun regularly, I would honestly expect this from any firearm. All in all, it chugged along through this review like the lil’ Prodigy that could.

Parting Shots

So, what are my final thoughts on the new Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy Compact 3.5” 9mm pistol?... Overall, I walked away impressed, once again. This pistol didn’t seem snappy, it was accurate, not picky on ammo, and if you want to carry a 2011-style handgun as your EDC, this is just as small as anything else on the market (likely at a significantly lower price point).

In closing, I want to say thank you to Springfield Armory for allowing TheFirearmBlog and myself the opportunity to try out their new Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy Compact 3.5” 9mm pistol. That is greatly appreciated. Also, we would like to know what all of you guys and gals think?

Do you believe that the Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy Compact 3.5” 9mm pistol is something wo rth spending your money on? Would you potentially deploy it for EDC (everyday carry)? Shoot a league or competition? As always, let us know all of your thoughts about Springfield Armory and their 1911 DS Prodigy Compact 3.5” 9mm pistol in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.