1911 Archives - The K-Var Armory

A Look at an Old Bullseye Gun

When we reflect, ruminates, reminisce, and muse on the past, we generally use images from the past in our thoughts. Few of us think completely in the abstract. When I think of my younger years and getting into shooting, I recall my fascination for the 1911 .45 at an early age. That was a long 50 years ago, and my interest has never waned.

Guncrafter: The Best 1911 You Will Ever Own

When you look over the many quality 1911 handguns available today, the word “best” is difficult to qualify. Let’s just say if Guncrafter isn’t the best, it is certainly one of the best of the best two or three. After all, “best” is subjective and may refer to the handgun that suits your needs and your style the best. Quality isn’t as subjective, but some have a more difficult time recognizing quality. [Read more…] about Guncrafter: The Best 1911 You Will Ever Own

Sterling Silver Grips and Other Additions to the 1911

Ever since men first began to form weapons from metal, we have adorned our weapons with some type of decoration. Several have come up with something that marks their style or gives them a unique trademark. Some of the great gunners of the past smoked a cigar, others wore a Stetson, and many favored ivory grips. I have always liked custom grips for the 1911. The plain plastic or wood grips are rather utilitarian. Recently, I came across a set of silver grips that were unrivaled. [Read more…] about Sterling Silver Grips and Other Additions to the 1911

Excellence Redefined: Guncrafter Commander 1911

Some folks like anything that goes bang! I find firearms of all type immensely interesting. However, when it comes to personal defense, I like to have a firearm that compliments my skills and one that is both accurate and completely reliable. [Read more…] about Excellence Redefined: Guncrafter Commander 1911

Gun Test: Citadel 1911 9mm Handgun

I think we all agree that the 1911 handgun is among the most recognized and combat effective handguns of all time. We also agree that the 1911 isn’t for everyone. If cocked and locked carry and the need for frequent cleaning and lubrication are not something you feel like you can live with, then a Glock or a revolver is a better choice. That being said, the 1911 appeals to many shooters and for most of us, accommodation may be made. Enter the Citadel 1911 9mm. [Read more…] about Gun Test: Citadel 1911 9mm Handgun

Colt AR-15: Trail-Dirty Deeds and Off-Road Shooting

K-Var Armory offers several variations on the Colt AR-15 rifle. While I have my favorites, any of the Colts will give long service in the harshest environments. It is like the old question, Do you know the difference between an elephant and an ant? An ant can ride an elephant. Many companies have done the AR-15, and some have done it well, but the Colt is still the one that all others are judged by. In fact, in my humble opinion, the Colt kicks most competitors in the teeth! [Read more…] about Colt AR-15: Trail-Dirty Deeds and Off-Road Shooting

Gun Test: Remington R1

I own a number of nice 1911-type handguns. Several are high-end custom handguns with super fitting; good, tight tolerances; a crisp trigger action; and high-visibility sights. Just the same, the handguns I grew up on were GI .45s, and I remember them fondly. Many have been cut up and new sights installed, and they were otherwise modified. Today, I believe that among the best choices for service and personal defense is a Government Model .45 with high-visibility sights and a good trigger action. Little else is needed to provide excellent self-protection. Among the best choices in modern Government Model-type handguns is the Remington R1. [Read more…] about Gun Test: Remington R1

Gun Test: Dan Wesson Heritage

After 50 years of firing and using ‘Old Ugly,’ I am still surprised at the many uses the 1911 has been put to. The 1911 has not only done the job, it has excelled in small-game hunting, competition, personal defense, and home defense—not to mention warfare and police service. A Government Model .45 is as versatile a general-purpose handgun as we are likely to find. Among the best I have tested in some time is the Dan Wesson Heritage, a full-size stainless steel Government Model .45. [Read more…] about Gun Test: Dan Wesson Heritage

Why Everyone Should Own a 1911

I own a quite a few different guns. What can I say? I’m a big gun guy. One of my favorite firearms is my 1911—a pistol I think everyone should own. Perhaps, I am a product of my environment, I live in Utah and in the northern part of the state, there is a city named Ogden. Ogden was home to John M. Browning, who invented the 1911 pistol. In fact, many people consider Browning to be the brains behind the modern design of semiautomatic pistols. [Read more…] about Why Everyone Should Own a 1911

SIG TACOPS 1911 — The Ideal 1911 for the Rest of Us

There is no more recognizable handgun than the 1911 .45. This iconic handgun has set the pace for combat excellence for over 100 years. Reliability, practical accuracy, fast handling, and knock down power are coupled with excellent human engineering. There are now many variants in size and caliber, but the original Government Model steel-frame handgun with a 5-inch barrel is arguably the most reliable and the best suited to combat use. The SIG TACOPS 1911 (Tactical Operations) handgun is a result of the intense development of the original 1911 design. [Read more…] about SIG TACOPS 1911 — The Ideal 1911 for the Rest of Us

Gun Test: Ruger SR1911 10mm

Ruger’s SR1911 line continues to expand with the introduction of the Ruger SR1911 10mm. This handgun differs considerably from previous pistols and may arguably be one of the best 10mm 1911 handguns ever built. [Read more…] about Gun Test: Ruger SR1911 10mm

Colt 1911 — The Name Says it All

The Colt 1911 Government Model handgun was the result of more than a decade of painstaking development. The .45 Automatic Colt Pistol cartridge was developed in a shorter period with input from many of the great minds of the day including General John T Thompson. John Moses Browning introduced his first self-loading service pistol in 1900. The Colt .38 ACP automatic had interesting features but needed further development. The 1905 .45 automatic likewise needed more refinement. Thus, it was a combination of events led to the adoption of the Colt 1911 Government Model in 1911. [Read more…] about Colt 1911 — The Name Says it All

Gun Test: Ruger SR1911 9mm

Ruger is an old line maker that has offered quality products at a fair price for more than 68 years. They were late getting into the 1911 market, but introduced a 1911 handgun that has earned an excellent reputation for reliability, accuracy and value. When the Commander version was introduced, I obtained one of the first short slide 1911 Rugers and found it good. The SR1911 9mm is an aluminum frame 1911 in the Commander configuration they may be even better. [Read more…] about Gun Test: Ruger SR1911 9mm

Review: Ruger SR1911 Commander

For many years, the Colt 1911 Government Model was the only service-grade, big bore self-loader. The 1911 is durable, reliable, hard hitting, and accurate enough for combat use. The only legitimate complaint concerning the 1911 was that it was large and heavy. This didn’t matter as much for military use, but the piece was also adopted by some peace officers—mostly federal agents—and experienced shooters for concealed carry. [Read more…] about Review: Ruger SR1911 Commander

Review: Regent R100 an Affordable GI 1911

Despite the popularity of the modern, custom-grade, factory 1911 handgun with good sights, a crisp trigger, and good features, the GI-type .45 remains popular. GI-type 1911 handguns are simple handguns with small sights modest sight controls and fitting that is looser than most modern 1911 handguns. After all, the original design is famous for working reliably even when invaded by mud and sand, The Regent R100 is no exception. [Read more…] about Review: Regent R100 an Affordable GI 1911

Gun Test: Springfield Armory EMP 4

Springfield launched the Enhanced Micro Pistol (EMP) over a decade ago, so it is far from the latest “fad” handgun to have caught the market’s eye. The intent was to offer a subcompact 9mm in a 1911 configuration. It was the perfect blend of caliber and the 1911 platform in a concealable package—thanks to the 3-inch barrel. [Read more…] about Gun Test: Springfield Armory EMP 4

Cocked and Locked: Reality Therapy

On my first night as a peace officer, the training officer I was assigned to asked, if I was prepared for a war. I was carrying a cocked and locked, hammer to the rear, safety on, Colt Combat Commander .45 in a Safariland holster. Two spare magazines were on the left front. I may have been a little ahead of the times. [Read more…] about Cocked and Locked: Reality Therapy

Review: Taurus PT1911 — Street-Ready Rail Gun

The Taurus PT1911 is an affordable handgun with a long list of features. The 1911 is a great service and protection pistol, not to mention a match winning competition handgun. The problem for most is that the better class of 1911 pistols are increasingly expensive. [Read more…] about Review: Taurus PT1911 — Street-Ready Rail Gun

CMP Begins Release of 100,000 M1 Garand Rifles!

Recently, The Armory reported on President Trump’s order to start releasing the government stockpile of 1911s to the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP). Several of you left your email and asked to be informed as soon as the CMP began taking orders. Now we have news on the M1 Garand to add to the mix. [Read more…] about CMP Begins Release of 100,000 M1 Garand Rifles!

Springfield Goes Small With a New 1911

The 1911 is a proven platform and top performer in any caliber or size. Springfield’s 911 pistol would make a great carry gun, and excels as back-up gun (BUG). The 911 has all the features and familiarity of the 1911 with a few upgrades and a smaller size.

It’s like Springfield states in its introduction, “When the police are minutes away, but the threat is only seconds out.. 9-1-1. When you have to be your own first responder.”