NRA Gun of the Week: Springfield Custom Professional 1911-A1 Pistol

by
posted on April 27, 2019
** 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. **
It was in the mid 1990s when the FBI sought to re-arm its special teams with a high-quality 1911. Of the companies pursing the exclusive contract, Springfield Armory stood on top, meeting the stringent requests of the Bureau for accuracy and reliability. These contract guns, built by Springfield’s Custom Shop, soon became available to the commercial market and one example is subject of this week’s review. The Springfield Armory Custom Shop Professional 1911-A1 chambered for 9 mm Luger, features match-grade, hand-fit parts wearing a Black “T” finish. Cocobolo stocks and checkering placed on the front and back straps allow for positive purchase, while Novak and Trjicon tritium sights aid accurate shots on paper from the 5" barrel. For more, watch this NRA Gun of the Week hosted by American Rifleman's Joe Kurtenbach.

Specifications:
Manufacturer: Springfield Armory
Model: Springfield Custom Professional 1911-A1
Chambering: 9 mm Luger
Action Type: recoil-operated, semi-automatic center-fire pistol
Frame: National Match; steel
Slide: stainless steel
Barrel: 5”
Finish: Black T
Sights: Novak three-dot; Trijicon Tritium
Trigger: 4-lb., 9-oz. pull
Magazine: 10-round detachable box
Weight: 39 ozs. (empty)
MSRP: $3,363

Additional Reading:
Video—ARTV Review: Springfield EMP4 9 mm Luger Pistol
Tested: Springfield Armory 1911 TRP 6" 10 mm RMR
NRA Gun of the Week: Springfield Armory XD Mod.2 5" Tactical Model Pistol
The U.S. “.45 Automatics”















Latest

Wilson Combat eXperior Elite
Wilson Combat eXperior Elite

Gun Locker: Wilson Combat eXperior Elite

Wilson Combat continues its fine tradition of making excellent guns even better with its new eXperior Elite design.

The Sako 90 Grizzly: Modernity Meets Tradition

Hunting remains a largely traditional activity, and some of us just like the feel of a nice wood stock. For those purists among us, Sako has introduced its new-for-2026 Grizzly.

The Armed Citizen® July 13, 2026

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

New Digital Surveillance Tools Threaten Gun Owner Privacy

Technology contained within new digital surveillance hardware recently introduced by defense contractor Leonardo could conceivably track who has recently purchased firearm and where they're taking it.

First Look: Shell Tech Ammo Dog Bowl

The materials used in your dog’s bowl matter for all the same reasons the materials in your own water bottle matter. That's why this dog bowl from Shell Tech Ammo is worth looking at.

Pony Power: Colt Launches Optics Division with VMR Riflescopes

Colt Optics grew out of a market where military, law enforcement and civilian customers increasingly expect a firearms manufacturer to offer a complete package that goes beyond just the firearm

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.