Category: 2011

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1911 2011 Optic range visit Tisas

My First Shots and Thoughts of The Viridian RFX45

I visited the range yesterday, with the Tisas DS9 Carry. The plan was to zero the Viridian RFX45.

I spent maybe 40 minutes zeroing the optic – because Viridian’s instructions were backwards. Once I had the optic zeroed, I began to shoot to test out the optic…during the testing (all 10 min of it), the optic screws started backing out. I wasn’t initially aware, and I’d been tweaking the zero, so the optic’s current zero may be out of whack. I’ll address that at the next range visit.

The slide was hot, and because I was giving the gun the beans, I’m thinking the heat loosened the thread locker, and since the screws are so short, there wasn’t much thread locker on the screws.

I ordered more screws maybe 2-3 days ago (I stated that in my last post). They’ll arrive on 3/10. These are the M3-0.5 x 6mm screws. The gun is currently using a pair of M3-0.5 x 3.4 mm that were included with the optic. I’m now doubting that the 6mm screws will be long enough, so I ordered another set from eBay (8mm)…they should be here within 4 days.

I do have some longer screws that I might be able to cut down with a dremel…they’re too long – I tried using them and they bottom out before they start securing the optic.

Other than all that, the optic is great! Some observations:

  • The optic’s front glass got dirty quickly, much more quickly than my other optics, but none are as close to the ejection port as that optic/gun combo.
  • Brass was pinging off the optic’s frame, on it’s right side. I sort of expected this, as the prior optic I used on this gun (Cyelee CAT) was also catching brass.
  • The glass offers a much wider field of view than I’m used to, which is good.
  • I’m able to shoot the gun quickly with the optic, while still being accurate (at 10 yards, too).
  • As mentioned earlier, the zeroing instructions that Viridian supplied had me moving the damned POI to the edge of the paper target, which was frustrating.
  • Would love for this optic to have a two reticle system, as my Holosun ACSS Vulcan does…I may be spoiled by that double reticle system, as I was struggling to find the dot whenevev I was trying to look down the sight.
  • Cowitness of the irons look to be a bit less than 1/3rd, but is still more usable than when trying to use the integrated iron on the Holosun 507K with my Ultralight.
  • Due to it being a closed emitter optic, it’s super easy to clean off the carbon and fingerprints.
  • The Acro footprint is pretty badass. The two screws that hold the adapter in place will loosen well before the one screw that holds the optic onto the adapter.
  • One thing I don’t like about this optic is that it’s so big that I’ve to grab it behind the optic when racking, which is a PITA. I do not like racking a gun by grabbing it’s optic and I refuse to do it. Luckily, this is a setup I don’t plan to carry.

Based on my observations, I just might try to pick up an RFX44…it’ll sit better on an RMSc-cut slide than an RFX45 would on an RMSc-cut slide, for sure.

I love the RFX45 because I’m getting a lot of bang for the buck…the optic wasn’t super expensive because I found it for a good price (much lower than MSRP), but I’m getting a lot from it. Because it has all it’s innards up top within the optic, it sits low on the gun, which helps with cowitness.

I may try to visit the range again this coming Wednesday (my work day – I work not far from my range, so it may be easy for me to visit after work). If not, I’m also off on Friday (my birthday is Saturday). I think I’ll try to schedule Wednesday AND Friday.

Categories
1911 2011 Optic range visit Tisas

I Mounted The Viridian RFX45 To The Tisas DS Carry!

A few weeks ago, I bought a Viridian RFX45, knowing it’s mainly an optic that won’t fit RMSc-cut guns. I bought the optic for use with a few duty-sized guns that I’ll be purchasing…those guns are cut for RMR sights.

I then wondered if this particular optic will fit a Tisas DS Carry (I’ve the Gen 1 version). They are cut for RMSc (the new gens might allow for RMR, though). Looking at the RFX45, it’s quite a bit longer than a typical RMSc optic, so I doubted I could fit the RFX45 to it. This is also why the RFX44 exists, as it is a mailbox-type of optic that fits guns that are cut for RMSc. I didn’t want to buy the RFX44 because it’s specs are inferior to the RFX45.

So, I decided to see if I could get it to fit, knowing I might be unsuccessful.

I bought an RMSc-to-Acro adapter plate and it arrived today.

I removed the Cyelee CAT from the Tisas DS Carry and test-fit the adapter plate to the gun…it fit right onto the gun without issue.

I then wanted to see how the RFX45 would mount to the adapter plate. It fit onth the plate without issue.

The biggest problem for me was finding screws. I had to use M3-0.5 x 3.4mm, as those were the only screws I had that would fit. I’d other longer M3 screws but they were too long and wouldn’t even put tension on the plate. The M3-0.5 x 3.4mm screws are super-short but they had thread locker and I had enough length to secure the optic. I also decided right then to buy some M3-0.5 x 6 mm (I believe 6mm will fit). They’re on the way to me now.

So, with the short M3 screws, the adapter plate was able to be properly mounted to the gun’s slide. From there, all I had to do was clamp on the optic (I love the Acro pattern).

The adapter plate lifts the optic so that it sits above the milling, otherwise the optic wouldn’t be able to fit in the smaller footprint. I also still have cowitness of my irons.

Note that the RFX45 is a closed emitter optic. It has a large viewing port. It’s also a green dot (all Viridian optics are green).

I absolutely can’t wait to test this setup at the range. I’ve a scheduled range visit tomorrow evening.

Some pics are below. Yeah, the gun is dirty – I use my guns.

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1911 2011 Optic red dot

I’ve a New Optic On the Way To Me!

In preparation for a new gun or two, I also decided to get one of the “mailbox” RMR dot sights.

While I’m still undecided on what gun to obtain, the gun will almost certainly be a bigger gun – I don’t have a 5″ 9mm 1911/2011. Since I’m going big, I wanted an RMR-sized optic.

What did I buy? The Viridian RFX45.

I was initially eyeing the Virdian RFX44, but saw that the RFX45 has better specs. It has a bigger viewer, has better power consumtpion ratings, uses a more common battery, and is designed to fit RMR-cut guns. The RFX45 is the better optic when comparing the two.

Both sights are green dots.

The RFX44 is immediately capable of being mounted on a gun that is cut for RMSc, which is why I was initially drawn to it.

If I find that I like the RFX45, I’ll more than likely get the RFX44. We’ll see.

UPDATE (2/24/2025): I received the optic yesterday. I installed the battery that came with it, but I’m not sure how long the optic has been sitting in someone’s inventory – that battery might not last long if it’s been sitting for a over a year. I’ve spares, but the reason I mention this is because it took a long while for me to get the battery cover back onto the optic – it was a true pain in the ass to get it back on. Other than that, the dot seems bright. I’m not sure I can lock the optic, but I don’t plan to carry this optic, so that’s not a huge deal. The optic came with an Acro-to-RMR plate, which I can use once I get the next gun. If I get the Prodigy 5″, I’ll have to order an RMR plate for it (it comes with RMSc, I believe). If I get the XP Pro, it comes with an RMR plate, which the Acro should fit onto. I thought the optic window might be bigger. This is also my first closed emitter optic…it’s NICE to not have to worry about dirt and lint getting caught deep in the optic glass. It’ll be a month or two before I make the next gun purchases, so this optic will be sitting on my desk.

Categories
1911 2011

How to Make a Series-70 1911 Drop Safe

Ever since Garand Thumb and Ben Steoger did their “drop a 1911/2022” contest, folk have been saying things like, “1911s aren’t drop safe”. Half the folks don’t understand the difference between Series-70 and -80 1911s.

Let’s discuss it.

What makes a Series-80 drop safe? It actually has a firing pin safety (it’s also called a drop safety.

Why is there a difference between a Series-70 and a Series-80 1911? Because the drop safety adds additional parts to the trigger mechanism, the trigger feel and weight on Series-80 guns tend to be heavy in feel/weight when compared to Series-70 guns.

Can the Series-80 parts be added to Series-70 guns? Not without serious modification by a professional and experienced gun smith.

The grip safety will not stop the firing pin from moving.

The thumb safety will not stop the firing pin from moving.

Can negligent discharges due to dropping be mitigated? Yes.:

  • Negligent discharges due to dropping can be mitigated by not dropping the gun.
  • As well, 1911/2011 discharges occur when dropped in a very specific manner – dropping 90 degrees on it’s muzzle. Don’t drop the gun on the muzzle.
  • Titanium firing pins and a stronger firing pin spring will mitigate NDs from muzzle drops. The lighter firing pin will not move when sudden inertia is applied after hitting the ground on it’s muzzle. A stronger firing pin helps to ensure that light primer strikes don’t occur due the lighter firing pin.

I’m hoping this helps folks that are new to 1911, as well as folks that have owned them for years and didn’t know or though they knew but were wrong.

I’ve ordered two titanium firing pins with heavier pin springs for two of my small 1911s that I’ve recently carried. They are Series-70 1911s and they do not currently have titanium firing pins. I’ll be swapping the parts in one but will wait to do the other. The other is my current carry gun and I don’t want to alter how it’s configured without testing the new titanium firing pin.

As well, those pins weren’t cheap. Two sets of pins and springs were just under $70 (parts were sourced from Nighthawk).

I’ll report back later on if I find that there are issues.

Categories
1911 2011 double-stacked Springfield Armory

More Details on the Springfield Armory Prodigy 3.5″ Compact

I found a picture of the Prodigy 3.5″ Compact:

The gun’s manufacture details are here:

MPN#: PH9116AOS.
UPC: 706397969073.
Description: SPG 1911 DS PRD CMP9MM 4B 15R.
Brand: Springfield Armory.
Model: 1911 DS Prodigy Compact AOS.

Model: 1911 DS PRODIGY™ 3.5″ COMPACT AOS HANDGUN
Part#: PH9115AOS
CALIBER: 9MM
COLOR: Black
BARREL: 3.5″ Forged Stainless Steel, Black DLC, Match Grade, Bull, 1:16
SLIDE: Forged Carbon Steel, Black Cerakote®, Optics-Ready
FRAME: Billet 7075-T6 Hardcoat Anodized Aluminum, Black Cerakote®
SIGHTS: Tritium Front, Black Serrated Rear
RECOIL SYSTEM: Captured Guide Rod
GRIPS: Polymer
MAGAZINES: (2) 15-Round
WEIGHT: 25.5 oz
LENGTH: 7″
HEIGHT: 5.1″

Yeah, this wrecks my plans, but this is still a good thing!

https://youtu.be/a6DRi3S-rgs?si=3zt0VgDK4oq31W7s

Categories
2011 Springfield Armory

Is an Officer-sized Prodigy on the Way?!

Is an Officer-sized Prodigy on the way? I believe it is!

There was a Reddit post of a gun shop receiving two Prodigy handguns. One was a 3.5″ 9mm handgun and the other was a 4.25″ 9mm handgun. The poster supplied pictures. Both had compact-sized grip modules (think BUL Amory Ultralight grip size).

I knew I should’ve grabbed a screenshot of the post, because I went back maybe 30 min later and the person that had shared the pics had deleted the pictures and his comments. I think the guy realized that he shouldn’t have been posting about those guns since he was probably under NDA.

For sure, these two guns are on the way, and that pretty much wrecks my gun-buying plans this year…LOL! For certain, I’m going to get that Officer-sized Prodigy when it is released to the public…it will replace my Ultralight. As well, I still need a 5″ 9mm 2011/1911, and that will probably be a Prodigy…I can afford both.

That Reddit thread is here.

UPDATE: Here’s another Reddit post of this, only it is the 4.25″ Prodigy Compact (4.25″ barrel with compact grip with 15-round mags). The UPC code is 706397969073 and the MPN is PH9116AOS. There is one store that has a staged product page that has the UPC code and MPN. I’ve seen no data on the 3.5″ Prodigy Compact, though. This post pertains to a person that actually bought a Prodigy Compact, surely a mistake on the gun store’s behalf.

Categories
2011 9mm Optic

The Time is Upon Us – Annual Gun Buy Planning Stages

I’ve been trying to determine what gun I’ll be buying for 2025.

My rule is that I buy at least one gun a year, as I get an annual bonus that’s rather significant, amount-wise.

I’ll walk it back the past 10 years to share my track record of gun purchases.

Last year, I bought the Tisas Carry DS9.

For 2023, I bought the Bul Armory SAS II Ultralight and the Alpha Foxtrot S15.

In 2022, I bought the Tisas Duty BR45.

For 2021, I bought a Rock Island Armory Rock Ultra HC 10mm in 5″ variety. I also bought a Canik TP9 Elite SC that was outside of the annual bonus purchase (it was a good price at a local gun store).

I’m not even sure what I bought for 2020 – as the COVID-19 pandemic was occurring at the time, I may not have bought a gun that year.

For 2019, I bought two PSA AK pistols: The AK-V with Magpul furniture and the AK-P with red wood furniture.

For 2018, I bought my first AK – a AK-63DS from Classic Firearms. I also ended up buying an Arsenal SAM-7UF (I had extra cash unrelated to my annual bonus). I bought a Springfield Armory XD45 Mod.2, as well — it was cheap and I didn’t want to pass on the deal – this as also outside of my annual bonus purchase.

In 2017, I bought a Beretta PX4 Storm 9mm Compact. Prior to 2018, I wasn’t getting an annual bonus, so I had to be mindful of what I was buying and there were no multiple guns being bought in the course of a year.

For 2016, I bought several guns: A Ruger AR-556 Davidson’s Collector’s Edition, and a Bersa Thunder Plus. At this time I was employed with Verizon and was receiving a large annual bonus. I also bought a Tristar T-100 (found it at a cheap price and I didn’t want to pass on the deal – this was outside of the annual bonus purchase).

In 2015, I’d just started buying guns – my firearms journey was just beginning. As the wife and I had planned to move to CA, I was trying to buy as many guns as I could that weren’t on the CA DOJ Approved Handgun Roster (I bought a shitload of guns). I ended up getting my concealed hangun permit and due to the ease of getting that license, I decided that I wasn’t going to CA.

Note that, to some of you, it may appear that I’m posting what I own and I’m aware that it might not sit well with folks. Keep in mind that no one knows if I sold or gifted away any of those guns…I’m just listing what I purchased, not what I currently own.

Now, what am I planning for the 2025 annual bonus purchase? I want to buy two handguns. One of them has to be a 5″ 1911/2011 9mm, as I don’t have a 5″ 1911-format gun in 9mm.

Nothing is concrete yet, but one of them will be a mid-tier 2011. I’m eyeing the Springfield Amory Prodigy DS 5″. I’m not yet sure if it’ll be coyote or black. Current street prices are around $1200. As well, there are comp models too, although the comp model is black-only and there are no comp models that come with the Hex optic.

The other gun may be the Fusion Firearms XP Pro, maybe in chrome. Those are around $1000.

Initially, I was considering the BUL Armory 5″ EDC, but after my issues with the UL grip safety, I don’t think I’m ever going to buy another BUL Armory. I also had several single stacked 9mm 1911s as consideration on the list: Sig 1911X 5″; Springfield Armory Emissary 5″; GP Arms Patriot; S&W 9mm 1911 (I forget which but there are only two 5″ 9mm 1911s they offer).

The Prodigy DS 5″ covers my requirement for a 5″ 9mm 1911-format gun. I was initially leaning toward the Alpha Foxtrot Romulus in 5″, but two things about that gun stopped me from considering it: AF doesn’t offer a lifetime warranty – it’s a one-year warranty; also, the Romulus is cut for RMSc, which I don’t want. I want optics options. and there are more than a few folks that are having issues getting an RMR optic onto a Romulus…I think the best option is to have the slide recut and it’s ridiculous to have to do that. The FF XP Pro comes with an RMR plate (they also have a lifetime warranty) and is cheaper than the Romulus. The Prodigy DS comes with with none but you can purchase a variety of them for $129 and they have an RMR adapter plate (as well, there are Prodigy packages that come with the Hex Dragonfly optic – those packages can be found for around $1200, street price).

The Prodigy DS will probably stay stock (unmodified). I’m aware that it has MIM internals…that doesn’t bother me. I may use it for training courses. It will not be carried (it’s too big).

The XP Pro might be modded. All XP Pro internals are bar stock (ie, no MIM in that gun). I might carry it (it’s a bit shorter than Commander-sized 1911s). It’ll be my toy.

As well, one or both of them will be using optics. I plan to put an RMR optic on the Prodigy DS, which means I’ll have to buy their RMR adapter. I also don’t have an RMR-footprinted optic, so I’ll have to buy one. I will be buying the Viridian RFX45 (currently at $319 MSRP – note that this is a closed emitter optic). I’m seeing several places online that are selling it with an RMR plate for $233, which is great because most places are marking up this optic – the common pricing is $399! The RFX45 will be for the Prodigy since it’s a big optic that might not conceal carry well. For the XP Pro, I’ll probably just use a Cyelee RMSc optic, especially if I might carry it.

Now, there’s one thing that might blow up all these plans: I really want the Kimber 2K11 base model 9mm, but I don’t want to spend $2000 on an as-of-yet unproven gun. Now, the gun is priced well for what it is; note that folks have been complaining, stating the price is too high, but keep in mind that the gun has a crapload of options: DLC slide and frame, crowned barrel, metal grip (!!), 3 mags, fluted barrel, unique slide cuts, great fitment and finish…I can go on and on, and that’s just for the base model (the other higher priced models come with more goodies than the base model). As well, the gun can be had in 45ACP! I believe the gun is priced accurately, MSRP-wise, but, again, the gun hasn’t been on the market long, so I think I should wait a bit, unless the street price drops significantly, and if it does, buying it is a no-brainer.

Battlehawk Armory has a placeholder for the 2K11 – for $1514!! I’d sure as hell buy the 2K11 for that price (and probably buy one of the other two aforementioned 2011s). My bonus will be issued to me in the March/April timeframe, so we’ll see if the pricing drops to $1500 around that time. Right now, lowest pricing for the 2K11 on gun.deals is $1723, which is over $200 lower than MSRP (MSRP is $1995)…not bad, but not enough for me. If the price hasn’t dropped significantly by March/April, I won’t be buying a 2K11…we’ll see how things play out.

For now, the plan is to buy the Prodigy DS 5″ and buy the AOS RMR plate adapter, along with the Viridian RFX45 RMR optic and also buy the XP Pro in Chrome. Hell, I can always get the Kimber 2k11 next year.

UPDATE (2/24/2025): I still haven’t locked in my decision on what guns to buy this spring. While I was leaning toward getting the Prodigy DS 5″ (probably the comp model) and the XP Pro, I’m now thinking that instead of the XP Pro, I can retire my Ultralight and get the Prodigy DS Compact 4.25″ to use in it’s place. So, I’m definitely getting the Prodigy 5″ but not sure on either the XP Pro or the Prodigy Compact.

Categories
1911 2011 double-stacked subcompact

Girsan Witness2311® Brat Is Now Released for Purchase

I talked about the EAA Girsan Witness 2311 Brat a few days ago. Well, it is now released for consumption (meaning that it is now actually being sold).

I’ve checked the street pricing and, as of 11/11/2024, it is showing as $540 as a lowest-price (see pricing here). That’s not a bad price for such a gun, but I’m suspecting that it will have QC issues, as the other EAA Girsan Witness 2311 variants have all had issues when being reviewed by independent YouTube channels. I’d be very surprised if the gun actually does well, especially with it being a smaller 1911/2011, as the smaller versions can sometimes be difficult to develop.

We’ll see how well it does, but I’m not holding my breath for a good review.

Categories
2011

The Fusion Firearms Ermox XP Pro 2011 Reviews are Trickling In

I’ve been seeing a few YouTubers posting about the new 2011 from the collaboration between Fusion Firearms and Ermox, called the XP Pro.

Usually, the first thing out of someone’s mouth is, “It’s a Turkish import that Fusion put their name on” or some crap like that. This is a true collaboration. Just as when SDS Imports worked with Tisas to up their specification standards, Fusion Firearms did the same. If it weren’t for SDS Imports showing Tisas how to make the parts in the proper fashion using the proper specs, recent Tisas products would’ve been shitty. Fusion Firearms did the same thing. The CEO of Fusion Firearms used to own Dan Wesson and he later sold DW to CZ. He’s been working with Ermox, providing them with the proper specs for the parts and advising them on how the parts need to be made.

I’ve already seen the table-top video of the XP Pro by Graham Baates. This gun looks to be well-made. Yes, there are machine marks, but that doesn’t outright define a bad 1911/2011. The culmination of parts, fitment, and finish is what makes the gun a well-received product. My first thought was that the gun looks to punch way above it’s level, similar to how $400 Tisas 1911s match a gun twice their price. I think this gun is equivalent to a Prodigy. Many folks think that Apollo 11s are equivalent to Prodigies. They are not. From what I’ve seen, the XP Pro looks to be over-built, which means it’s probably going to make a great 2011.

Some things that stood out to me were the fact that the gun comes with two optics plates – one for RMSc and equivalent footprints and one for 507C and equivalent footprints. The plates have irons built into them.

Another thing is that the gun is all bar stock. There is no MIM at all.

Almost all the parts are interchangeable with other 1911s/2011s. About the only parts that are proprietary (by necessity) are the slide catch, the mag catch, and the beavertail, and those proprietary parts are necessary due to gun being built around Glock mags.

Additionally, the grip module (yes, this is a 2011) is all-metal. The gun is heavy, which means that this gun will probably be a recoil sponge.

There will be a comped version later on.

There will be a 45ACP version later on.

The grip angle is good – it’s not Glock-like, but not quite 1911-like, either, due to accommodating Glock mags.

The controls appear to cater to concealed carry.

TheHumbleMarksman has one, as well…he’s just waiting for time to begin conducting the review. [UPDATE – the video is here and his example appears to be well-engineered.]

GBGun has his but he’s leaving the country for 2 weeks, so the range portion of his review will be on-hold until he returns. [UPDATE – his write-up is here, his tabletop video is here and his range footage is here; his example appears to be well-engineered.]

I’d talked myself into not settling for another budget 2011, but I might have to buy this one this coming spring. I’ve another 4-5 months for the kinks to be worked out and for the major channels to review the gun. If things are favorable by March/April, I’ll be grabbing the XP Pro (and possible another higher-end 2011 too).

We’ll see how things play out.

Categories
2011 subcompact

Girsan Witness2311® Brat – 45ACP Officer-sized Offering

A while back (maybe a year ago or close to it), I’d posted about the EAA Girsan Witness 2311 Subcompact. Well, that gun still isn’t yet for sale, but there are some changes.

Firstly, the gun will be sold as UPC 741566907081.

The gun will also be sold in two calibers – 9mm and 45ACP. The 9mm will hold 17 rounds, and the 45ACP will hold 11 rounds.

It’s barrel will be 3.4″ in length (that’s an odd length – not sure why both LFA and EAA sell odd-sized 1911s/2011s).

It will be optics-ready and will have a bull barrel.

Lastly, MSRP dropped significantly, to $679.

It’s called the 2311 Brat!

What is this gun bringing that the other 2011 variants aren’t? Well, You don’t see all that many 2011s chambered in 45ACP, especially in Officer size and while having a bull barrel.

That price is definitely attractive and offsets the fact that it’s an EAA/Girsan offering.