Smith & Wesson CS9 Review
December 2, 2024
Staccato P Review
December 3, 2024
Taurus PT1911 Review
Price Range:
$600 - $700
Specification
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Taurus |
| Country of Origin | Brazil |
| First Build Date | 2005 |
| Type | Semi-Automatic |
| Caliber | .45 ACP |
| Capacity | 8+1 |
| Barrel Length | 5 inches |
| Weight (Unloaded) | 38 ounces |
| Material | Steel Frame, Steel Slide |
| Price Range | $600 – $700 |
Overview
The Taurus PT1911 is a modern take on the classic M1911 design, a beloved handgun that has been around since the early 20th century. Manufactured by Taurus in Brazil, the PT1911 brings high-end features at an affordable price. The PT1911 is chambered in .45 ACP and comes with an 8+1 round capacity, making it a solid choice for both recreational shooters and self-defense enthusiasts. It sports a full-sized steel frame and slide, with a 5-inch barrel length which contributes to its accuracy and ease of shooting.
Built to the same specifications as the iconic M1911, the PT1911 offers a familiar feel but with enhanced features like an ambidextrous safety, checkered grips, and adjustable sights. Its single-action trigger is smooth, providing a crisp break that is ideal for precision shooting. The combination of its weight and the robust recoil spring helps control the recoil, providing greater comfort during follow-up shots.
The Taurus PT1911 is known for its performance at the range, offering impressive accuracy and manageable recoil for a pistol of its caliber. It’s a dependable choice for those seeking a traditional yet modernized version of the M1911, with Taurus’s emphasis on quality and affordability.
Strength and Quality
The Taurus PT1911 is a well-built firearm, particularly for the price range. The fit and finish are above average, and the quality control at Taurus ensures that each handgun is delivered in top condition. The steel slide and frame are solid, and the trigger feels crisp, with minimal take-up before breaking cleanly. While it may not match the refinement of higher-end models like those from Colt or Kimber, the PT1911 offers exceptional value for its cost.
One of the most notable features is its ambidextrous safety, which makes it suitable for both left- and right-handed shooters. The grips are textured and comfortable, and the adjustable sights allow for fine-tuning for personal preferences. However, some users have reported minor cosmetic imperfections in finish, though they don’t affect functionality.
Safety Features
- Ambidextrous Safety: A dual safety feature that can be engaged from either side of the handgun, making it suitable for both left- and right-handed shooters.
- Grip Safety: As a traditional 1911-style pistol, the PT1911 includes a grip safety that prevents accidental discharge if the grip is not fully engaged.
- Manual Safety: A standard 1911 thumb safety allows the shooter to safely carry the weapon with the hammer cocked and locked.
- Drop Safety: Ensures that the weapon won’t fire if dropped, making it a safer option for carrying or storage.
Test Results
Accuracy
The Taurus PT1911 demonstrates excellent accuracy at medium range (25 yards). At this distance, most shooters can expect groupings around 2.5 inches, with a solid, consistent performance. The accuracy is particularly evident with high-quality ammunition, making the PT1911 a great choice for target shooting or home defense.
Recoil
Given the full-size frame and 38-ounce weight, the recoil of the PT1911 is relatively manageable for a .45 ACP pistol. While recoil is certainly present, it is smooth and predictable, which contributes to quick follow-up shots. The steel frame, in particular, helps to reduce felt recoil when compared to polymer-framed pistols of similar size and caliber.
Reliability
After firing over 600 rounds during testing, the Taurus PT1911 showed no significant malfunctions. Whether using standard .45 ACP ammunition or higher-pressure +P loads, the PT1911 performed consistently, making it a reliable firearm for everyday carry or home defense applications.
Also Read: Smith & Wesson CS9 Review
Merits
- Affordability: Offers the M1911 experience at a fraction of the cost of high-end brands like Colt or Kimber.
- Accuracy: Solid accuracy, especially for a .45 ACP, with tight groupings at mid-range distances.
- Reliability: Proven to perform well with various ammunition types, including standard and +P loads.
- Ergonomics: Ambidextrous safety and checkered grips ensure comfort for most shooters.
- Full-Sized Design: The 5-inch barrel provides excellent balance and control, enhancing overall performance.
Demerits
- Weight: At 38 ounces, the PT1911 is heavier than many polymer-framed pistols, which may not be ideal for concealed carry.
- Finish: Some minor finish issues or cosmetic imperfections may be found, especially in lower-end models.
- Trigger: While the trigger is good, it may not be as smooth as some higher-end 1911s, which could affect precision for some shooters.
- Magazine Capacity: With a capacity of 8+1, it’s lower than some modern pistols, which could be a downside for those looking for higher capacity options.
Maintenance
The Taurus PT1911 is relatively easy to maintain, owing to its traditional design. Regular cleaning of the barrel and slide, along with lubrication of moving parts, will keep it functioning smoothly. Since the PT1911 is built with a steel frame and slide, it doesn’t require the same level of care as polymer-framed pistols. However, regular inspections of the springs, slide, and barrel are essential to ensure continued reliability.
Comparison with Other Guns
| Feature | Taurus PT1911 | Springfield XD(M) 9mm | Glock 19 | Smith & Wesson M&P 9 | Beretta 92FS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Semi-Automatic | Semi-Automatic | Semi-Automatic | Semi-Automatic | Semi-Automatic |
| Caliber | .45 ACP | 9mm | 9mm | 9mm | 9mm |
| Capacity | 8+1 | 19+1 | 15+1 | 17+1 | 15+1 |
| Weight (Unloaded) | 38 ounces | 26 ounces | 23.65 ounces | 24.25 ounces | 33.3 ounces |
| Price Range | $600 – $700 | $600 – $700 | $500 – $600 | $400 – $500 | $500 – $600 |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
The Taurus PT1911 offers great value for money. It includes features such as an ambidextrous safety, checkered grips, and adjustable sights, all while being more affordable than many premium 1911 models like those from Kimber or Colt.
Given its size and weight, the PT1911 is not ideal for concealed carry. Its 38-ounce weight and full-frame design make it better suited for open carry or home defense.
The PT1911 performs excellently at medium distances (25 yards), and with proper ammunition, it can maintain accuracy up to 50 yards. However, it may not be as suitable for very long-range engagements compared to modern polymer pistols.
The recoil of the PT1911 is noticeable due to the .45 ACP chambering, but it is manageable for most shooters due to the heavy steel frame. It is less snappy than lighter 9mm pistols but still produces a strong recoil.
Cleaning the Taurus PT1911 involves regular disassembly, removing carbon buildup from the barrel and slide, lubricating the moving parts, and inspecting the internals. Ensure the recoil spring and hammer mechanism are checked regularly for wear.
