Review: Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy {Video}
There are times when I get extremely excited about a new firearm. Sometimes more than others; however, this time, I am walking on air. Springfield Armory just released a new 1911 that I consider the most exhilarating handgun in their long line of pistols. On September 1, 2022, Springfield Armory launched the 1911 DS Prodigy AOS. The 1911 DS Prodigy AOS is an optic-ready, double stack 9mm 1911 (or 2011) that is incredibly machined and shoots like a dream. The “DS” stands for double stack, and the “AOS” stands for Agency Optic System. Springfield collaborated with Agency Arms to create a superb optic mounting platform that takes red dot shooting to a whole new level.
Did you say optic ready?
The 1911 DS Prodigy is available with AOS (optic ready) or with a standard non-optic slide. Springfield is selling the 1911 DS Prodigy with a Hex Dragonfly red dot installed for $1,699 MSRP. If you choose the non-optic ready model, the MSRP is $1,499. I am thrilled to have the Hex Dragonfly installed on the 1911 DS Prodigy AOS. It’s a great red dot optic that co-witnesses perfectly with the raised serrated black U-Notch rear sights and the green fiber optic front sight.
The Hex Dragonfly is an aluminum housed, 3.5 MOA red dot which uses one button to power on and off. When I took the 1911 DS Prodigy AOS to the range, the pistol and red dot combination shot dead nuts without any adjustments to the optic. That is the first time I have ever had it that easy with a red dot on a handgun.
Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy Features
The 1911 DS Prodigy has a gritty polymer module grip that surrounds the entire grip and mates perfectly with the steel textured flat mainspring housing. Honestly, it feels great in the hand. The 1911 DS Prodigy has an extended beavertail, skeletonized hammer and trigger, a black Cerakote finish on the forged steel frame and slide, and uses an ambidextrous thumb safety. It uses a five-slot 1913 Picatinny rail on the dust cover for mounting a light, and the slide uses deep-angled cuts with both rear and forward serrations. It has an extended magazine release which prevents having to adjust the grip position when engaging.
The 1911 DS Prodigy ships with two double-stack 9mm magazines. A 17-round 9mm magazine that sits fairly flush with the grip base and a 20-round magazine that is an inch longer. Springfield Armory also offers a 26-round magazine separately.
Is there more?
The Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy is available in Government size with a five-inch barrel and a Commander size with a 4.25-inch barrel. Both models are available with or without the AOS red dot system. The 1911 DS Prodigy in this review has a five-inch bushing-less bull barrel with a two-piece full-length guide rod. The heavy forged steel frame, slide, and bull barrel decrease any recoil the 9mm offers. Shooting this 9mm, 1911 is very soft with zero to little muzzle rise. I enjoyed the ease of target acquisition when transitioning back and forth. The Springfield Armory 1911s have great triggers. I have experience with all of their 1911 handguns, and their single-action triggers are very crisp. The 1911 DA Prodigy is just as fine with a five-pound trigger pull.
Compare the price with other double stack 1911’s
I mentioned the 1911 DA Prodigy AOS has an MSRP of $1,699. If you compare that price with other double stacks 9mm 1911s, you will find that the Springfield 1911 DS Prodigy is a steal. Consider the Staccato 2011 models. They sell for over $2,500, and their additional magazines typically cost around $80. The Masterpiece Arms DS9 seems like a great 1911 however the pricing starts at $3K and rises from there depending on the accessories added. Last month, I reviewed the Taran Tactical Sand Viper. It shot incredibly well, but the MSRP is 7K, and it doesn’t include an optic or even iron sights. I believe I made my point quite well. The Springfield Armory DS 1911 Prodigy AOS offers the most for the money when compared to others in the market.
Final Thoughts
I believe the 1911 DA Prodigy AOS is Springfield Armory’s best handgun yet. I currently own 17 of their handguns, and each holds a special place in my heart however, this 1911 is in a class by itself. It fires extremely smooth and delivers precise accuracy. I honestly felt like the handgun was shooting by itself as it rang steel shot after shot. I have always considered shooting a full-size handgun a confidence booster. Shooting the 1911 DA Prodigy is an enhanced and magnified confidence booster.
Watch the video attached, and you will see for yourself how well I did. Keep in mind, that was the only time I have taken the 1911 DS Prodigy to the range. Right out of the case, it was as accurate as any handgun I have ever shot.
My final thought is this. If you are looking for that one pistol that can call your show off gun, your most precisely accurate gun, your smoothest shooting gun, and your most fun-to-shoot gun, you have to check out the Springfield Armory 1911 DS Progidy AOS. You just may have checked off every box on your list.
Key Features: Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy
Caliber: 9mm
Color: Black
Barrel: 5″ Forged Stainless Steel, Match Grade, Bull, 1:16 Slide: Forged Carbon Steel, Black Cerakote, Optics-Ready Frame: Forged Carbon Steel, Black Cerakote
Sights: Fiber Optic Front, Black Serrated Rear, HEX Dragonfly Recoil System: 2 Piece Full-Length Guide Rod
Grips: Polymer
Magazines: (1) 17-Round, (1) 20-Round
Weight: 33 oz
Length: 8.5″
Height: 5.5″
MSRP: $1,699
Jeremy Mallette is co-founder of International Sportsman. An avid hunter and outdoorsman, he has spent more than a decade in the outdoor industry, from hiking and camping to silencers and hunting. His father taught him to shoot at age six, and he received his first firearm at age eight — a 1942 Colt Commando .38 special revolver. He enjoys yearly trips to Kansas for pheasant hunting, spending time with his children at the deer lease, and collecting unique firearms.
Dan is a firearm reviewer and 2nd Amendment advocate. You can catch him on his YouTube channel called TheFirearmGuy. He enjoys sharing his guns and knowledge with the community. He reviews everything he can get my hands on.
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