Text and Photos By Kat Ainsworth Stevens
Contributing Editor
Since their inception well over a century ago 1911s have been understandably relegated to the realm of steel pistols.
They’re heavier, tough, and single-stacks, right? Not exactly. Double-stack 1911s – often referred to as 2011s by manufacturers like Stacatto – are a thing now as are models chambered in everything from .380 ACP to 9mm to 10mm. Gone are the days of an all-steel .45 ACP. Welcome the days of multiple calibers, more size variations than you’d think possible, and polymer. Yes, polymer 1911s are gaining traction, and here’s why you should consider adding one to your collection.
What you need to remember about polymer is this: all plastic is polymer, but not all polymer is plastic. Referring to a polymer 1911 as a Plastic Fantastic isn’t accurate, although it is catchy. Polymer is made up of macromolecules of either natural or synthetic substances and offers a lot of benefits such as moldability, incredible resistance to wear and tear, lack of corrosion, and lightweight construction. Although steel is great, polymer is well worth considering as well. A gun that doesn’t corrode or drag down your gun belt with its weight? Yes, please.
For the purpose of going over specifications and performance let’s consider two brands: Rock River Arms and American Tactical. Both guns are Government-sized 1911s chambered in .45 ACP and have polymer frames. They also each have polymer frames with steel inserts for improved stability. The real difference is the RRA Poly 1911 is not an entry-level pistol but has an MSRP of $1,025 while the ATI FXH-45 Moxie is excellent for newcomers to the market with an MSRP of $399.
You might be surprised to hear both pistols are accurate. The RRA Poly 1911 is also a precise gun with tighter fitment overall; the ATI Moxie is accurate but not precise and has some movement in the bushing but is not sloppy by any means. Both guns have proven to cycle reliably with a wide variety of ammunition.
Steel-framed 1911s like the Nighthawk Shadow Hawk Government weigh more than 2 pounds; the ATI FXH-45 Moxie weighs in at 1.95 pounds. This may seem a miniscule weight gap but every ounce matters when toting a carry gun on your belt all day.
The feel of a polymer grip differs from steel as well. Whether or not you like the feel depends on personal preference. Many polymer-framed guns are also quite well balanced thanks to the weight of the steel slide atop their frames. In fact, the affordably-priced ATI Moxie remains level and beautifully still held loosely in one hand.
A diverse gun collection of firearms that are used, as opposed to being safe queens, is the mark of a well-rounded gun owner. This is not to say you must buy a polymer 1911 but simply to suggest you try one out. Imagine the skepticism of revolver owners and those who tried the first semi-auto, the Salvator Dormus – which was a bit of a fail – when the 1911 first hit the market. If those gun owners had refused to consider the pros of the 1911 platform we wouldn’t be where we are today with the advances in firearms. Try polymer 1911s. You just might like them.
