Once a staple in law-enforcement holsters, the 1911 has fallen out of favor, largely due to its limited capacity and .45 ACP chambering. The recent popularity of hybrid-framed 2011-style pistols has changed that, with single-action, 1911-type pistols once again finding themselves on duty belts. Syndicus Defense Corporation, a California-based manufacturer of custom firearms and accessories, is adding its name to the market with the Cryptic 1911 DS.
Chambered in 9 mm Luger, the Cryptic 1911 DS follows the standard 2011-pattern, utilizing a 7075 aluminum main frame and separate grip module. A Picatinny accessory rail is machined into the frame’s full-length dustcover that is optimized for a Surefire X300 light and DG switch. Polymer is used for the Cryptic’s grip, with the company planning to release an aluminum version in the future. A magazine well is integrated into the grip’s design. Magazines are of the standard STI-pattern and hold 17 rounds.
Using a single-action mechanism with a grip safety and bilateral extended thumb safeties, the Cryptic has a flat-faced trigger that has a 4-pound pull but can be factory-tuned between 3 and 8 pounds, depending on an agency’s requirements. The slide is made of 4140 stainless and uses Series 70-style internals with a toolless one-piece guide rod. Its 4.6-inch bull barrel is made of 416 stainless and has a 1:10-inch rifling twist.
The front sight has a fiber-optic insert, and the rear sight is fixed. An RMR footprint is standard on the optics-ready slide, with an ACRO footprint available for law-enforcement agencies. The Cryptic 1911 DS has already been evaluated by several law-enforcement agencies and certified for use by their officers.
The standard Cryptic comes with a black diamond-like coating (DLC) finish. Finish options include Flat Dark Earth, OD Green or any of the many custom Cerakote finishes that Syndicus offers. The Cryptic 1911 DS is made in small batches and must be pre-ordered. It has an MSRP of $3,000 for the base model. For more information or to pre-order the Cryptic 1911 DS, see the company’s website.
