SPRINGFIELD ARMORY Defender Series 1911 45ACP 5" 7rd Pistol - Black

Great pistol for the cost. I try to buy American when I can and was thrilled to find these back in stock.

First outing with it resulted in an easy shooting pistol that was surprisingly accurate out to 25 yards. The "slightly better than A1" style sights are a major improvement in visibility and sight picture. There are NO rattles, and the barrel/bushing fit is excellent. So far function has been 100% with the factory mag as well as CMC's. (With ball ammo)

I love the grips, this is a far more discreet and original look than the good old Springfield Crossed Cannon logo grips that are fitted on the regular Mil-Spec.

I'd only ding it on 2 points, neither major. 1.) As a matter of personal preference, I wish it came with a flat MSH. I knew this would be an issue when I bought it, and am planning to replace it at first opportunity. Luckily the 1911 has loads of aftermarket support. 2.) The face of the front sight is cut perpendicular to the top of the slide, rather than being more of a ramp shape. This makes for a great, crisp sight picture, but it WILL drag on holsters that do not have a sight channel built in.

All in all, it's a phenomenal deal for the money. I don't think there's anything close in the sub $500 market, especially not made in the USA.

Thumb safety is on the small side, grip safety digs into larger hands. Swapped them out, along with the hammer, with Wilson Combat parts. Now it is perfect. Very accurate, more accurate than when I had my Ruger 1911. Still noticeably cheaper than buying a Range Officer even after buying $90 worth of parts.

This was my first time to experience the 1911. I'm very glade I made the decision.

Exceptionally well made reproduction of the US Gov't handgun I used in the Army before the days of the M9, except it has better sights, a lowered ejection port, and it doesn't rattle when I shake it :) While I'm still in the 'break in' stage, mine has fired 230 gr hardball and lead reloads with zero malfunctions. While this was exactly the gun/style (mil-spec) I wanted for range use & remembering the good old days, folks looking for a carry gun should be reminded that extended beaver tails w/ memory bumps, ambi-safeties, non-spur hammers, and even lighter-weight frames evolved for a reason - to make 'em more comfortable or more fool proof in self defense situations. Many of those enhancements could be added as desired to this model - except a light weight frame... but seriously, the firearm weight is adequately supported if you use a good gun belt. All in all, I'm totally satisfied. Great Job Springfield on the build, and Great Job KY Gun Co for great service and an even better price! Thanks.

I bought this when they were on sale and it shoots great. I have other 1911s that are similarly accurate and one that is MUCH more accurate, but I could have bought 6 of these Defenders for the price of the better shooting LB. this gun is now my everyday carry gun when I am at my ranch and the finish has held up well. It has accounted for numerous vermin and is a lot of gun for the money.

Having owned several 1911’s over the years, this 1911 is a notch above the stock Colts. The tolerances are well just amazing. No rattles!

Great pistol at a great price...