A Shorter 2011: Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy 3.5" AOS

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posted on August 18, 2026
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SA Prodigy 35 01
Images courtesy of Springfield Armory.

Springfield’s 1911 DS Prodigy series of handguns is a take on the ever-popular hybrid-frame, 2011-style double-stack handgun from a company that is known for its extensive line of 1911s. Since its introduction in 2022, Springfield has expanded the Prodigy family with a myriad of barrel length, frame size, optics mount, and finish options. The company's latest variant is the 1911 DS Prodigy 3.5" AOS.

The Prodigy 3.5" AOS combines features of both the full-size and compact Prodigy.

The 9 mm Luger Prodigy 3.5" AOS combines the features of two popular existing Prodigy models. In this latest model, the full-size grip and 18-round magazine of the standard Prodigy are combined with the aluminum frame, 3.5-inch barrel, shortened slide, shortened beavertail and recontoured hammer of the Prodigy Compact. The result is a handgun with an overall length of 7 inches, a height of 5.5 inches and a weight of 29.3 ounces.    

The Prodigy 3.5" AOS uses the shortened slide, shortened beavertail and recontoured hammer of the Prodigy Compact. It uses the Agency Optics System (AOS) optics mounting platform.

The rest of the Prodigy 3.5" AOS’ features follow the previously released Prodigy models, including the bushingless bull barrel, captured guide rod, Tritium front sight, black serrated rear sight, Picatinny accessory rail on the frame’s dustcover and bilateral extended thumb safeties. Both the forged carbon steel slide and billet 7075-T6 hardcoat anodized aluminum main frame are given a Black Cerakote finish, while the barrel has a diamond-like carbon (DLC) finish.

The slide is optics-cut and uses the Agency Arms Agency Optics System (AOS) of plates to mount a variety of optic footprints, including Shield RMSc, ACRO, RMR and Delta Point Pro. The pistols ship with two magazines, and a package with restricted capacity 10-round magazines is also available. 

The Prodigy 3.5" AOS has standard Prodigy features, including a bushingless bull barrel, forward slide serrations and bilateral extended thumb safeties.

The Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy 3.5" AOS has an MSRP of $1,582.  For more information, see the company’s website.

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