When you think 1911…you think of the big and slow .45 ACP.
The .45 ACP incorporated a 230-grain bullet at about 850 feet per second in a semi-automatic platform and proved to be a very reliable and robust fighting handgun.
TWO WORLD WARS!
So what if we take the original 1911 and built a pistol around the easier shooting 9mm round?
Then we have the awesome history, ergonomics, and trigger pull of the 1911 in a very easy to shoot cartridge with a great track record as a defensive round (using new hollowpoint technology).
Sounds good?
Then let’s dive into a few of our favorite 1911s chambered in 9mm.
Summary of Our Top Picks
Classic LookSpringfield Armory 1911 Range Officer 9mm
Offers a classic look, low-profile combat rear sights
Best 9mm 1911s
1. Springfield EMP
Let’s start off with something a little more diminutive…the Springfield EMP 9mm.
Easy shooting with a 3-inch barrel since you still have the full steel weight of the 1911 platform.
And another advantage of 9mm? More ammo! This tiny and concealable 1911 gives you nine rounds.
Plus, there are plenty of ways to upgrade it with lights and lasers.
If a concealed 9mm 1911 is what you’re looking for…you can’t go wrong with the EMP.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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2. Staccato 2011s
We’re going to veer a little into the future now…
Staccato is the rebranded and sexier STI International (probably the most winning of competition 1911 manufacturers).
And they do one thing the best…9mm 1911s that are so advanced they are now known as 2011s.
They have their concealed carry oriented C DPO, which is single stack and is optic ready.
But if you’re looking for concealed…go with the Staccato C2, which brings the capacity to 16 rounds of 9mm goodness.
It’s a little thicker but the same weight as the regular C.
And oh yes…it shoots super smoothly.
About the only downside is the high price, but you really get what you pay for here.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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See the full review of both the C and C2 here…along with our full video review too:
If you’re looking at duty or general use…tons of law enforcement agencies are using the Staccato P series.
But if you’re looking for a competition gun…that’s what Staccato does the best.
Check out the Staccato XL, which, you guessed it…is longer than regular-sized 1911s.
With great length comes a longer sight radius and more weight to soak up that recoil. Giving you probably the smoothest and flattest shooting I’ve ever experienced.
There’s also a .40 S&W version if you want to be super competitive with a major power factor in USPSA. But the 9mm will serve you well in steel challenge and Tactical Games (where most elite class winners use the XL).
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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How about the ultimate gamer gun? Check out the flagship Staccato XC which stands for compensated and is optic-ready.
It’ll put you into open class for most competitions. But when you want the best and fastest gun (not just 9mm 1911s)…you want to check it out.
Check out the gas shooting out the top and keeping the gun ultra flat!
But…you really got to pay to play!
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Check out our full review of the Staccato XL and XC right here. Along with a YouTube video:
What do you think of Staccato? Rate them below!
3. Desert Eagle 1911 C
Usually, when you think Desert Eagle, you think big, like autoloading pistols in .44 Magnum, .357 Magnum, and .50 Action Express.
It’s true Magnum Research is famous for its big revolvers and big semi-autos, but they really should be famous for their quality, and the Desert Eagle 1911 Series is no exception. The 1911 series is available in three different barrel lengths; C series is 4.33 inches, G series is 5.01 inches, and the U series is a very compact 3-inch barreled pistol series.
The 1911 series guns all ship with two magazines. The compact U series have 8-rounders, and the C and G series feature 9-round mags.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Features like a high ride beavertail grip safety, extended magazine release, extended thumb safety, and full-length stainless guide rod make these guns ready to carry or compete with right out of the box.
The bigger guns are all steel, while the 3-inch models have an aluminum frame.
4. Kimber Pro Carry II
Kimber America makes more 1911s than any other company in America. There are 19 different variations of 9mms alone to choose from.
Personally, I like the Pro Carry II. It’s got a 4-inch barrel, so it’s a ‘Commander’ size gun and easy to conceal.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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The frame is aluminum, while the slide is steel and features low-profile fixed sights. The two-tone color scheme is classy looking, and the rosewood grips finish out the good looks.
There is a full-length guide rod to keep things running smoothly, and, at 28 oz., there is enough weight to keep the recoil at a minimum and keep you shooting all day long.
The Pro Carry magazines hold 9 rounds, so with one in the pipe, you have 10 total rounds at your disposal.
5. Springfield Range Officer Compact
Springfield Armory has been building 1911s since 1985 and currently has 11 offerings in 9mm.
The Range Officer Series has just about everything one could want in a solid performing 1911 handgun.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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It has classic good looks, with a matte anodized aluminum frame and Parkerized steel slide that houses a 4-inch barrel and full-length guide rod.
Up top, the Range Officer has a fiber optic front sight with a low-profile combat rear sight to get you quickly and easily on target.
The grips feature the Springfield Crossed Canon logo and diamond checkering in rosewood. If you haven’t picked up on it, I’m a sucker for nice wood and dark, blued steel guns. Each Range Officer ships with two 8-round magazines.
6. Ruger SR1911
Ruger entered the market 1911 in 2011, the 100th anniversary of the 1911 with their SR1911 series of guns.
Like everything Ruger does, these guns are robust, built in the U.S., and worth a close look if you want to add a 1911 to your collection.
Most Rugers are heavy, and this 9mm is no exception at 29.3 oz. The frame is gray anodized aluminum, and the slide is stainless with Novak 3-Dot sights.
To enhance accuracy, the stainless slide and 4.25-inch barrel are machined on the same tooling and from the same bar stock.
Like many of the fine 1911s today, the Ruger has a beavertail grip safety and extended thumb safety.
On many 1911s, the plunger tube for the thumb safety and the slide stop is staked to the frame, but on the Ruger, the plunger tube is integral to the frame and cannot become loose, damaged, or bent.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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There is a visual port to provide confirmation of a loaded chamber as well.
Magazine capacity is nine rounds. This is a great, no-frills pistol that will provide a lifetime of service and shooting fun.
Final Thoughts
Of course, this is just a sampling to whet your appetite for a new 1911 in 9mm. Are these the best 9mm 1911s? With so many great guns on the market these days, it’s hard to say, but I believe they all represent fine quality, reliability, accuracy, and availability.
None are custom, but all include many features on pistols built by the finest custom shops. They are all reliable, accurate, and have the classic good looks that 1911s should have.
Of course, you may prefer a different 9mm 1911 (and if you do, tell us in the comments!), but these are all great options, and regardless of your decision, you can’t go wrong having a genuine 1911 in your collection.
After all, it’s one of those guns every gun nut needs.
What do you think about 9mm 1911s? What is your favorite caliber 1911? Let us know in the comments! For some more 1911 action, take a look at the Best 1911 Pistols For The Money and the Best 1911 Mods!
48 Leave a Reply
Guess someone overlooked the Kimber Rapide Dawn 9mm. This thing not only shoots beautiful it looks beautiful. A total masterpiece.
What about the Bul Armory SAS II UL (Ultraight)? It's right up there with the best.
I've been debating on picking up a 1911. I owned a Spanish made Clone briefly in the early 80's, but it was a Jam-o-matic.
I don't reload for .45 ACP, so a good 1911 in 9mm or 10mm is the direction I'm leaning, as I've dies for both.
Thanks for the review.
I recently bought a Springfield Armory Garrison in .45 ACP. I love it. So I was interested to see the Range Officer in 9mm until I saw "2 8-round magazines." Is that a 1911 design spec limitation? I understand .45 being limited to 8 rounds single stack, but why wouldn't there be much higher capacity in 9MM? Can you double-stack rounds on the 1911 platform?
The magazines are usually 8-10 in the single stack, 9mms depending on the grip length.
There are double stack 1911 pistols in 9mm; those'll offer up a lot more capacity for the same grip length but they will be a little wider.
Micro9 gets no love, but I love it. Conceal anywhere!
No wilsons?
Springfield has come out with a plethora of EMP models, and they are all beautiful. However, if a carry gun is your goal, by far the Springfield EMP4 is the winner in my book! 4' barrel and way more accurate than most which have 3" barrels, and there is a diagonal cut at the rear base of the grip, making it a breeze to conceal and carry! I do not know if this is true for all current 9mm EMP's, but the EMP4 is said to be the first 9mm 1911 manufactured with all newly designed parts for 9mm, not 45cal parts "made to fit". I am curious if all of the current EMP's have this heritage as well?
I have 2 Cosaint Arms 2011s. One of the owners of STI broke off and started the brand. Smoothest shooting gun I have ever shot. I promise it is at least on par with Staccatto.
Dan Wesson makes some great 1911s. Vigil & Guardian.
CZ Shadow 2?
I have 2 stainless Kimber ProCarrys in 9mm. Both have been 100% reliable with bullet weights from 95-147grs and using 9 and 10rd mags from 3 different mag manufacturers. I *had* both an SA Compact Range Officer in 9mm and a Ronin Lightweight Commander, also in 9mm. Both had excessively tight chambers. Notice: I said *had*.
For the budget-minded the best 9mm 1911 is the Rock Island Armory pistol in various configurations, ranging from the very basic GI model to some fairly fancy versions. Solidly built by a company that knows what they are doing, and have been doing it for decades.
I'm surprised you didn't at least mention the Colt 1911 in 9mm! I have the full size stainless model with the blue scales and I love it! Seems unfit to leave Colt completely out of this for even a worthy mention don't you think?
I do like 1911's and have owned some, by the way RIA does have a good budget 1911-9mm please consider it.
In general 1911 tend to fail due to excessive usage, lack of cleaning or excessive trimming on the parts, I consider them a low reliable ultra heavy, lovely gun
why doesnt somebody make a 9mm with the same oal as 45 acp ?
My personal favorite in 1911 9 MM is the Wilson Combat, CQB, 5" barrel. VERY accurate, flat shooting, near perfect trigger and completely reliable. After 30,000 rounds have yet to have any sort of failure. None. Worth the money.
Why is Les Baer custom not in your list?
9mm Specific - Dan Wesson PM9 or SSC 9mm - no MIM parts, excellent build. Would recommend these above some mentioned above. A bit on the higher price range.
I am shocked that the Sig Sauer 1911 Match Elite 9mm wasn't on the list. Sig Sauer for whatever reason discontinued this awesome pistol.
I paid $1000 for mine and it's my favorite 9mm......I like it more than my P226.
I am suprised the p938 is not on this list. The smallest sig gun made. I own this firearm and I am much more accurate with this with its single action then my glock 48 and the barrel is an inch smaller. I am glad I got this gun for my summer carry and I love shooting it. Whenever I take both of them to the range my glock barely gets used.
Same experience as yours Jamie. It’s an awesome little 1911.
"The Taurus brand is synonymous with quality" -PewPewTacitcal 2019
I had a Taurus 908 9mm back in the '90s that spent All of its life shipping back and forth to the factory for repairs. It NEVER shot more than two rounds W/O a problem. I sold it and will NEVER buy a Taurus gun again. Granted they had to of got better but, not for me.
You have to shoot at least 500 rounds to break it in. Read the manual first it states this and many people trade in hand guns too early without properly breaking them in. Clean gun before ever firing it first then Shoot 100 rounds clean it shoot 100 rounds clean it do this for 500-700 rounds
9mm 1911 models of various brands are usually incredibly dependable in rugged conditions; have above average accuracy within design parameters (similar to 45 models); and, with proper maintenance, spring and magazine functionality, as well as user skill provide proven desirability as a handgun of choice.
After leaving gun news daily where they listed a Beretta 92 and a fnx on there list of 9mm 1911's I can't say too much bad about this list.
For what it's worth; I buy a 'low cost' 1911, take it to my local 'pistolero gunsmith' and have him do a 'street job' on it. Reliable and runs like a rabbit.
I recently purchased a Kimber Pro Carry II 9mm. After 300 rds. it still jams; sometimes failure to eject, sometimes failure to extract. I'm going to return it to the gun shop, and will probably take a blood bath. I plan to buy a Colt LW Commander 9mm. God help me if it is also a loser.
Just bought a Springfield Armory EMP4. I’m really liking it - slightly smaller all the way around and holds 9+1. The Carry Contour model has a clipped mainspring housing that makes it comfortable to hold and helps a bit with concealment.
And shoots very nice!
What kind of holster are you using?
Your lead photograph is not an M1911. It's an M1911 A1. You should know the difference.
Your seat belt is too tight..
Some of us may, not, so why not point out the difference(s) and educate everyone instead of trying to prop yourself up as some kind of expert and just drop a steaming troll turd?
I have a Springfield 1911 RO Elite Champion 9mm and love it. It comes with an ambi safety, fiber optic sight, 4" barrel and alloy frame weighing 29 oz.. You can get 10 round magazines that don't stick out any further than 8 round .45's. Very accurate and great handling. I had bought the EMP 4 CC Contour first, but the grip diameter is smaller than the 1911 which feels better in my hand. I gave it to my wife and she loves it better than the other 9's that she has.
Springfield Armory EMP not on this list? A 9x19 built from the ground as a 1911. If you’re going for a 9mm in a 1911, take advantage of the smaller cartridge to get a smaller grip and a pistol made to fire the cartridge, not a .45ACP redesigned for 9mm (which I’ve had several with feeding problems, Kimber, Colt, S&W). YMMV
The Colt LW commander was designed and built as a 9mm .... I have fed 2500+ round through mine with not 1 hic-up!!! Try it you will like it
The EMP was the first mentioned.
I love all the comments and the real-world experience you guys have with 9mm 1911"s. As I stated, I don't know if it's even possible to say a given gun is the best. We are blessed with so many great guns today and the choices really are endless. It all comes down to what gun fits you, what features you are looking for, how you shoot it (if you have a chance to shoot some range guns), and your budget.
Liked the point you are making here. However I am 60 now and the recoil of the 9mm is much easier for me to control vs 45acp
Not sure what the point is? There are so many pistols designed for the caliber to choose from. And not sure the comment about 1911 reliability is valid. Guess two each their own.
I have a two-tone Citadel 1911 9mm with Rosewood grips. It looks great and shoots awesome. I have $450 in it, like new Used, so not a $1,000 pistol. But, anyone that's held or shot it, really likes it.
I just don't see the point in a 9mm that only holds 8-9 rounds. If I'm going to carry a 1911, it will be in .45 acp and still have 8-9 rounds. If I'm going with 9mm, it will be a glock 19. Yup its plastic, but it goes bang every time. Certainly not as accurate as my Kimber TLE/RL but within 20 yards, the bad guy is not going to see another day. Just my 2 cents
My fav 9mm 1911 is my nighthawk T4. 3.8 in barrel and full-size clip. It’s thin and I shoot superbly with it. Nighthawk rulz.
You missed what is in my opinion the best overall 9mm 1911. Though expensive, it is worth every penny. The Springfield EMP4 is the ONLY 9mm 1911 which was designed, engineered, and built with ALL newly speced and manufactured parts, designed specifically for the 9mm caliber. ALL other 9mm 1911's use off the shelf components from that builders 45 line, and that IS a compromise!
My nighthawk T4 was designed from the ground up to be 9mm.
Agreed, I absolutely love mine!
My first - and favorite - gun was a Kimber Custom II in 9mm. I wanted a good gun to start out with, but I didn't want to spend all my money on ammo, so 9mm made the most sense.