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

Springfield Garrison Target 01
Springfield Garrison Target 01

Heirloom Accuracy: The Springfield Armory Garrison Target

Springfield Armory expanded its "heirloom-quality" line of Garrison 1911s with an all-new target model chambered in either 9 mm or .45 ACP.

Ready For Action: The Arms of the Paramarines

As an elite World War II unit whose members could be expected to fight as soon as they landed, Marine Corps paratroopers, unofficially known as “Paramarines,” required a special complement of firearms capable of being deployed immediately.

The Armed Citizen® April 20, 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.

Ruger Celebrates 250 Years of American Liberty

Ruger has officially launched its 250th Anniversary Series of firearms, commemorating the United States Semiquincentennial and celebrating the company’s deep roots in American manufacturing.

Review: Armasight Contractor Lite 320

With processing power advancing and manufacturing costs decreasing, thermal technology continues to become more accessible. Armasight’s newest release, the Contractor 320 Lite, reflects this trend.

Perfecting The Remington 870 Shotgun With Vang Comp Systems

One American Rifleman contributor let Vang Comp Systems work its magic on a well-used Remington 870 Police Magnum shotgun.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.