Gun Of The Week: Savage Arms 1911

by
posted on September 15, 2023
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Savage Arms has a long, storied history itself, but the story of Savage and the M1911 is one worth telling. The relationship between the company and the gun, at first, was adversarial. Famously, Savage Arms was the final competitor against Colt in the U.S. Army Pistol Trials early in the 20th century. After a 6,000-round endurance test, the Savage Model 1911, a modified version of the company’s Model 1907, lost out to Colt’s design, which became the iconic Model 1911 semi-automatic pistol that would serve the military through two world wars and other iconic conflicts throughout the subsequent 80 years. Now, Savage is making its version of the iconic John Browning design, and to see it in use on the range, watch the video above.

GUN OF THE WEEK title screen text overlay right-side view savage m1911 pistol two-tone black silver

Savage Arms continued making pistols after the U.S. Army trials, but by the mid-20th century, the company focused mostly on its longarms. Recently, Savage returned to the handgun market with its Stance, a polymer-frame, concealed-carry gun, but the introduction of the company’s 1911 highlights a new focus for Savage. The Savage Arms 1911 is a Government-size gun built with a 416 stainless-steel frame and slide and can be had with either a bare-stainless finish or a black-Nitride surface treatment.

savage arms 1911 pistol left-side view on white two-tone gun .45 acp black and silver

The gun we have here is one of Savage’s two-tone guns chambered in .45 ACP, and this version also incorporates an additional feature in the form of a three-slot Picatinny accessory rail on the frame’s dust cover. Sitting on the matte stainless-steel frame is a Nitride-treated, all-black slide. The gun’s 5” barrel is also Nitride-treated, and the pistol features black controls and a black, textured mainspring housing that contrasts nicely against the stainless frame. Completing the look of the pistol is an attractive set of VZ G10 grips, but these aren’t just there for looks. This gun is built for durability and reliability. Completing this rugged package is a sear and disconnector machined from tool steel, as well as a Nitride-treated titanium firing pin and dual recoil spring.

Savage M1911 Pistol GOTW gun of the week tiles mosaic 9 images stacked showing gun details man shooting indoor range

Topping the slide is a Novak Lo-Mount rear sight and a Mega Dot Glow Dome front sight, both of which are tritium-illuminated for low-light use. The slide features serrations at the front and rear, and there’s a generous beavertail at the rear of the frame that allows for a high, comfortable grip on the pistol. Savage also incorporates a helpful upgrade in the form of bilateral thumb-safety levers, enabling users to get the gun into operation with either hand. A solid-body, matte-black trigger completes the look of this two-tone gun.

quartering view of savage arms 1911 pistol .45 acp handgun two-tone silver and black nitride g10 grips zig-zag

The attention to detail Savage Arms put in the production of its 1911 is evident on the range, as this gun ran like a top. It’s clear the company paid attention to the fine line between too tight and just right, as the slide ran like butter on the frame. One nod to reliability we appreciated was the lowered and flared ejection port, which provided plenty of clearance for our spent cases. The crisp trigger broke just under 4 lbs., which was perfect for a pleasant range trip, and our downrange results showed that this Savage is every bit the capable shooter.

Savage Arms 1911 Specifications
Manufacturer: Savage Arms
Action Type: recoil-operated, semi-automatic, centerfire pistol
Chambering: .45 ACP
Frame: forged 416 stainless steel; matte-silver finish
Slide: forged 416 stainless steel; matte-black nitride finish
Barrel: 5" stainless steel, Nitride treated
Magazine: eight-round detachable box
Sights: tritium; Night Fision front, drift-adjustable Novak Lo-Mount rear
Stocks: black/gray G10 composite
Trigger: single-action; 3-lb., 13-oz. pull
Overall Length: 8.45"
Height: 5.63"
Width: 1.31"
Weight: 40.9 ozs.
MSRP: $1,499

Latest

Gotw Rra Lar 22 Tactical Carbine Web
Gotw Rra Lar 22 Tactical Carbine Web

Gun Of The Week: Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine

This week, we're on the range with the Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine, a rimfire variant of the AR-15 that's designed for reliability and gives enthusiasts a way to shoot affordably.

The Armed Citizen® July 11, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Japanese Last-Ditch Small Arms Of World War II

The crude assortment of fighting tools used by the Japanese during World War II give clues of an unprepared and unmatched last-ditch fight that ultimately lead to Allied victory.

Federal Ammunition Awards 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships

Federal Ammunition recently awarded the 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships to two 4-H shooting sports teen ambassadors.

2025 Optic Of The Year: Burris Eliminator 6

Even as new generation after new generation of Burris Eliminator continued to add more advanced technology and functionality, it remained odd-looking—until the launch of this year’s sixth-generation product, which is the first in the line that can mount atop a rifle using standard 34 mm scope rings.

I Have This Old Gun: Star Model B

Of the many Spanish-made firearms to emerge throughout the 19th and 20th century, one of the most recognizable is the Star Model B, largely due to its similarity to the Colt Model 1911.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.