For most people, the 1911 and .45 ACP go hand in hand. I mean, it was designed around that cartridge, after all.
While we have much love for .45 ACP, it isn’t for everyone. Many shooters prefer 9mm, whether it is the cheaper ammo, lower recoil, higher capacity, or ballistics.
But we all know the 1911 has its fans. Great ergonomics, a slim hand feel, and good triggers have kept these guns relevant for the last century.
Luckily, there are some solid options on the market for those who still want a 1911 but want to shoot 9mm.
This list is purely going to be single-stack 1911s (you can check out the wide-boys here). So, without further ado, let’s jump in!
THE QUICK LIST
-
Editor’s Pick
-
Best All-Around
-
High-End Pick
-
Best For Customization
-
Best For Concealed Carry
-
Best Budget Pick
Table of Contents
Loading…
How We Chose the Best 9mm 1911s
Aside from being the Junior Editor at Pew Pew Tactical, I love my 1911s and 2011s — enough to have 10 of them in my collection of over 200 guns. I have also shot and tested numerous 1911s in addition to the ones I personally own.
But I am also a huge stickler for bargain buys, and I don’t believe in overpaying for products for no reason. I enjoy taking the time to find out what works, what doesn’t, and what is worth it.
The guns on this list were picked based on a mix of hands-on experience and research. Reliability, accuracy, features, and value were the primary deciding factors when putting this article together.
Best 9mm 1911s
1. Springfield Garrison – Editor’s Pick 9mm 1911
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Beautiful blued finish available
- Accurate
- Great fitment
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- No front strap checkering
- Easily scratched
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 9+1
- Barrel Length: 4.25″ – 5″
- Overall Length: 7.9″ – 8.6″
- Height: 5.5″
- Weight: 34 oz – 38 oz
Springfield released their Garrison line of 1911s in 2021, and boy, have those guns had me in a lather since then.
You can snag the Garrison in either a stainless or gorgeous hot salt-blued finish. You also have the option of a 4.25-inch commander-length barrel or a 5-inch government model — both with match-grade barrels.
Low-profile 3-dot sights, backstrap checkering, and an excellent trigger are on the menu here. Accuracy and fitment are great, and the gun feels more like a $1500 pistol than an $850 one.
My experience with the Garrison has led me to believe this is one of the top value buys on the market right now. Be sure to check out my full hands-on review of the .45 ACP model!
2. Fusion Freedom Riptide-C – Best All-Around 9mm 1911
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Carry cut frame
- Front strap checkering and front slide serrations
- Harder to find in stock
- Great features for the price
Cons
- Harder to find in stock
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 8+1
- Barrel Length: 4.25″
- Overall Length: 7.9″
- Weight: 32.8 oz
The Freedom Riptide-C from Fusion Firearms is one of the best “do-all” 1911 pistols out there.
With a commander-length 4.25-inch barrel, it is reasonably sized for carry but still big enough to comfortably plink with at the range.
What sets this model apart from the competition are the features it offers for the price. Foremost is the carry-cut frame, which aids in concealment. Other goodies include front strap checkering, forward slide serrations, a tuned Power-style extractor, a target-crowned barrel, and checkered redwood cocobolo grips.
You get all that with a street price of under $900. Not sure about Fusion Firearms? Well, their CEO was a former employee at Dan Wesson, so they know a thing or two about nice 1911s.
3. Dan Wesson Specialist – High-End 9mm 1911 Pick
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Extremely accurate
- Extremely accurate
- Extremely accurate
Cons
- Extremely accurate
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 10+1
- Barrel Length: 5″
- Overall Length: 8.75″
- Height: 5.5″
- Weight: 42.3 oz
As I mentioned, Dan Wesson knows how to do 1911s. They have cemented their reputation as one of the premier 1911 manufacturers, with only semi-custom and custom guns being mentioned above them.
Originally made to meet law enforcement requests for a more reliable 1911, the Specialist is a great option for those who are looking for something they can rely on 100% of the time.
This has everything you need and nothing you don’t. Tritium night sights, front serrations, front strap checkering, a removable flared magwell, an ambi safety, and a 1913 Picatinny rail are all present. You can pick your poison between the stainless or Duty Black finish.
An ultra-crisp trigger and hefty 42-ounce weight make this a very soft shooter, too. This is a gun that is easy and rewarding to shoot all day.
These guns have a real hand-fit feel. You won’t find any rattling anywhere, and the outstanding accuracy and reliability are indicative of the build quality. The Specialist is the nicest pistol on this list, bar none.
4. Tisas Nightstalker SF 9 – Best 9mm 1911 For Customization
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Optics-ready
- Threaded barrel
- Unique looks
- Affordable
Cons
- Stock grips are too smooth
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 9+1
- Barrel Length: 5.5″
- Overall Length: 9.3″
- Height: 5.5″
- Weight: 38 oz
Tisas has burst onto the scene in the last few years with scorchingly low prices for guns that are entirely forged and machined — no casting.
Perhaps the most eye-catching pistol on this list, the Nightstalker SF 9 also has a few tricks up its sleeve that make it attractive.
These models ship with a threaded barrel, suppressor height sights with a tritium front, and they come optics cut for the 507K/RMSc footprint.
Aside from that, you get a nifty platinum grey Cerakote finish, a straight trigger, ambi safety, flared magwell, front strap checkering, lightning slide cuts, and a Picatinny accessory rail.
With a street price of less than $650, these are hard to beat if you want an affordable gun that is easy to accessorize out of the box.
5. Springfield Ronin EMP 3” – Best 9mm 1911 For Concealed Carry
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Designed specifically for 9mm
- Concealable
- Reliable
Cons
- No front strap checkering
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 9+1
- Barrel Length: 3″
- Overall Length: 6.6″
- Height: 4.8″
- Weight: 24 oz
If you love the 1911, love 9mm, and are looking for a concealed carry piece in that vein, look no further than the Ronin EMP.
EMP stands for Enhanced Micro Pistol. This isn’t just a hacked-up and rechambered 1911 — it was designed from the ground up for the 9mm cartridge.
Parts that are specific to the EMP include the frame, slide, firing pin, firing pin spring, extractor, ejector, trigger, plunger tube, plunger tube assembly, grips, and magazine.
This means better reliability and smoother operation in the long term, both of which are paramount for defensive pistols.
While the Ronin moniker is newer, the EMP line has been around for a while. You can take a look at our complete review of the EMP or check out the video below!
What do you think of the EMP? Rate it below!
6. Rock Island Armory Rock Standard FS – Best Budget 9mm 1911 Pick
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Ambidextrous safety
- Skeletonized hammer and trigger
Cons
- Finish isn't the nicest
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 9+1
- Barrel Length: 3″
- Overall Length: 6.6″
- Height: 5.5″
- Weight: 37 oz
Rock Island Armory, or RIA, has long been a champion of the people by providing quality 1911s at affordable prices.
The Standard FS may not have all the bells and whistles of the other models, but you still get a crisp 4 to 6-pound trigger, a skeletonized hammer and trigger, snag-free sights, and an ambidextrous safety.
I have had great experiences with Rock Island 1911s, including the Standard FS. With a street price of under $400, these are perfect for the budget-conscious shooter who wants to dip their toes in the 1911 pool.
If you are interested in other RIA 1911s, you can peep our full review of their GI Commander model.
Final Thoughts
For some people, 9mm 1911s are a sin; for others, they are the perfect gun for the task. But regardless of which side of the aisle you stand on, one thing is for sure — 9mm 1911s have come a long way in the last 15 years.
With the resurgence of metal-framed pistols and no shortage of manufacturers who are up to the task, it is the golden age for 1911 lovers, 9mm fans included.
What do you think about the guns on this list? Do you have experience with any of these? Let us know in the comments! Not set on 9mm just yet? Then check out our article on the 12 Best 1911s of 2024!
52 Leave a Reply
I love my Bul Armory SAS II Ultralight. Conceals well, shoots like a tack driver. Has all the little details covered. Almost never jams. Staccato quality half the price. Comes pre-cut for optics.
I just don’t understand why Springfield Armory can’t do front strap checkering? Is it really that much more ? Makes pass on their 1911s
45s too much? Get your delucate selves a ²². Maybe some lil' barbells and work up to 380. Aar aar
Guess someone overlooked the Kimber Rapide Dawn 9mm. This thing not only shoots beautiful it looks beautiful. A total masterpiece.
Too many dirt, debris and lint holes on the slide..
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.