What happens when you take one of the most famous pistol designs in modern history, have it reworked by a renowned combat veteran and then produce it at one of the top firearm manufacturers in the country? 

You get the 1911 Vickers Tactical Handgun from the Springfield Armory. 

It began with the Colt M1911 design, which remains simply one of the most iconic pistols of the twentieth century, and takes a century’s worth of manufacturing experience combined with the unassailable credentials of retired U.S. Army 1st SFOD-Delta combat veteran Larry Vickers—no relation or connection to the famous British firearms manufacturer. Added into the mix are premium grade components and exceptional attention to detail ensuring a reliable firearm that was designed from the ground up to deliver when it counts. The result is a .45 ACP pistol that is a must-have for any serious 1911 shooter. 

“We are extremely proud to have partnered with respected firearms expert and combat veteran Larry Vickers of Vickers Tactical on this exciting new pistol,” said Dennis Reese, CEO of Springfield Armory. “This pistol, which combines Vickers’s tactical expertise with Springfield Armory’s renowned manufacturing skills, delivers a top-tier 1911 for the most serious of applications.”

It features a forged carbon steel slide and frame that is highlighted by Springfield’s Black-T finish along with the Vickers Tactical logo. Specialized proprietary slide serrations at the rear ensure reliable and consistent racking of the slide under any condition. In addition, pistol offers a Vickers Elite Battle Sight rear that is matched to a tritium/luminescent front dot.

The front strap of the Vickers Tactical Master Class 1911 also has a highly effective woven pattern, designed to ensure that the shooter’s hand remains firmly engaged with the pistol. The pistol is rugged and dependable and has a Wilson Combat tool steel Bullet Proof hammer and single-sided thumb safety that are precision machined for perfect fit and reliable performance. The pistol features a five-inch forged match-grade stainless steel barrel, has 8+1 capacity and comes with two Wilson Combat 8 Round Vickers Duty magazines.

“I’m pleased with the Vickers Tactical Master Class 1911 and how a real team effort brought it together,” said Vickers, who also has years of experience in the firearms industry as a combat marksmanship instructor and consultant. “Springfield Armory, Lipsey's, Wilson Combat and I got to work to bring a superb quality pistol to the market at a great price point. I'm proud to be a part of it.”

There are plenty of 1911 style pistols on the market, and some are a true discredit to the brand. However, this is one that truly can stand out from the crowd and advances upon John Browning’s famous design. The 1911 Vickers Tactical Handgun is available now with an MSPR of $1,495.  

Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer who has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers and websites. He is the author of several books on military headgear including A Gallery of Military Headdress, which is available on Amazon.com. 

Image: Springfield Armory