American Rifleman staff and contributors saw a tremendous number of new releases at SHOT Show 2020, and you can check out a list of five stand-out handguns here. However, there were plenty more guns in a number of categories, so we rounded up five solid 1911-style handguns seen on the show floor this year. Check them out here:
EAA Girsan MC1911 Noel Race Gun
European American Armory, a U.S. importer of Girsan brand pistols from Turkey, will be offering the new MC1911 Noel race gun. This 10+1 capacity 9 mm single-stack, semi-auto pistol has been modified with a set of features that have been hand picked by by competition shooter Noel-Cecilia Zarza.
The slide features front and rear cocking serrations and it’s topped off with a fiber optic front sight and adjustable target rear sight. The ambidextrous thumb safety features wide thumb rest with protective panels. Other features include an extended beaver tail safety, textured G10 grip panels and a competition mag well. Suggested Retail Price: $901
Kimber Rapide 1911
Kimber America continues to expand its impressive line up of high-quality 1911-style pistols with the addition of three RAPIDE (Black Ice) models chambered in 45 ACP, 9 mm and 10 mm Auto. The barrel has a black DLC coating that provides a striking contrast to the pistol’s KimPro II treated stainless steel slide and frame.
The slide is enhanced with stepped cocking serrations and weight reducing square cutouts. Tru-Glo TFX Pro Day Night Sights, a 4-5 pound match-grade trigger and a flush-fit magwell are also included. The grip frame is enhanced with Kimber Stiplex front-strap stippling and uniquely textured black G10 grip panels. Suggested Retail Price: $1,490- $1,510
Nighthawk Custom Colt Series 70 1911
The Nighthawk Custom Colt Series 70 is a handsome, modern interpretation of a timeless classic. An all-new trigger system supports a short, solid match-grade trigger, fully machined disconnector, sear, hammer strut, and pin. A fully machined retro rear sight is paired with a Nighthawk Custom 14k gold bead front sight.
The Smoked Nitride finish and fully dehorned exterior gives the pistol the appearance of a well rubbed blued finish while offering superior corrosion resistance. Quite frankly, it is a beautifully crafted pistol that has to be seen and held in person in order to be fully appreciated. Suggested Retail: Starting at $2,599.
Springfield Armory 1911 Ronin Operator
Springfield Armory's Ronin Operator is built to provide years of service thanks to its forged steel slide and frame and a hammer-forged barrel. The hot salt bluing of the carbon steel slide and stainless steel frame, with their polished flats and matte rounds, give this Operator an eye catching two tone finish which is nicely capped off with a set of hybrid smooth/checkered laminated hardwood grip panels.
The classically inspired styling omits the dust cover accessory rail but does allow for a Gen 2 Speed Trigger, front and rear cocking serrations, a fiber optic front sight and a Tac Rack rear sight. This model is available chambered in .45 ACP or 9 mm. Suggested Retail: $849
Taurus USA 1911 Commander 9 mm
Taurus USA knows that a solid 1911 pattern handgun doesn’t have to be glitzy or expensive in order to be reliable and packed with features modern enthusiasts prefer. This year the company is expanding it’s Commander-sized 1911 line up with the addition of a 9 mm version. The all-carbons steel construction has been treat with a matte black finish.
The slide features front and rear cocking serrations with Novak drift adjustable sights. This 9+1 capacity single-stack also features an extended beaver tail grip safety with memory bump, skeletonized trigger and checkering along the front and back straps of the grip. Stay tuned for a full review of this pistol. Suggested Retail: $639.45
