The 1911 pistol continues to captivate the firearms world, and SHOT Show 2026 proved once again why this platform refuses to fade into history. Far from resting on its century-plus legacy, the event showcased a dynamic mix of new releases, redesigned classics, and upgraded variants. Manufacturers emphasized practical improvements while preserving the crisp single-action trigger, grip safety, and iconic ergonomics that define the design.
20 Top 1911 and 2011 Pistols from SHOT Show
From premium custom shops pushing boundaries to production powerhouses delivering accessible upgrades, the 1911 lineup at SHOT Show 2026 highlighted the platform’s enduring adaptability, reaffirming that it isn’t just surviving: it’s evolving.
Springfield 10-8 Performance Master Class 1911
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Springfield Armory recently announced the release of the 10-8 Performance Master Class 1911 pistol in .45 ACP and 9mm. It is a Lipsey’s distributor exclusive. Developed in partnership with Hilton Yam, founder of 10-8 Performance and a retired FBI Special Agent and SWAT firearms instructor, the 10-8 Performance Master Class 1911 showcases decades of duty experience.
Built with a hand-selected Springfield Armory forged carbon steel frame and slide, along with a forged stainless steel bull barrel, this full-size 5-inch-barreled pistol is precisely fit and blended. Other features include 10-8 Performance parts such as a reverse recoil spring plug, extended magazine catch, flat trigger, specialized slide stop, and 10-8 grips in G-10 by VZ Grips.
This pistol features a squared trigger guard, aggressive 20-line-per-inch front strap checkering, a two-piece extended magwell, and three magazines. It also features the Agency Optic System (AOS) developed in collaboration with Agency Arms. The 10-8 comes standard with a cover plate featuring an integrated rear sight, as well as a coupon for the owner’s choice of optic-mounting plate at $49.99. MSRP for both the .45 and 9mm pistols is $2,099.
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Springfield 1911 Operator AOS in .45 ACP
The 1911 Operator AOS in .45 ACP is a tactical-grade pistol packed with duty-grade features. It comes equipped with G10 grips, ambidextrous safety, two nine-round magazines with bumper pads, forward cocking serrations, and an integral Picatinny rail, making it a great option for self-defense.
Enhanced with AOS (Agency Optic System), the Operator now supports a wide variety of popular optics. This includes RMR, Shield, Delta Point Pro, and Docter. Each AOS plate integrates a rear sight that ensures proper optic height and an intuitive sight picture. This provides visible co-witnessing in nearly all optic configurations.
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Watchtower Apache MKII
The APACHE MKII 9mm pistol is WATCHTOWER’s flagship American-made, all-stainless double-stack 1911, renowned for exceptional recoil control. It is a compensated, full-size Government-profile handgun that is precision-machined, hand-fitted, and fortified by WATCHTOWER’s industry-leading black Graphene coating for unmatched durability.
The APACHE MKII features a tactical grip, an extended, flared magwell, a crisp trigger, and ambidextrous safety controls. The Graphene coating is what stood out to me, as it is nearly impossible to scratch. It is 200 times stronger than steel, which makes the MKII ready for real-world use.
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This 9mm double-stack features a 17-4 PH Stainless steel slide, 416R stainless steel, a 4.6-inch threaded barrel, a green fiber-optic front sight, is optic-ready, and includes two magazines–1×20-round and 1×17-round.
Watchtower Tactical Commander
Watchtower is very proud, and rightfully so, of the new 9mm TACTICAL COMMANDER. This innovative, lightweight aluminum-frame, double-stack 1911 is engineered for professionals who demand a modern fighting handgun without compromise.
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Deep, deliberate slide serrations and precisely matched frame texturing provide confident manipulation in any condition. Likewise, the platform’s balance and ergonomics support consistent, duty-grade performance. The TACTICAL COMMANDER comes optics-ready and stands as a fantastic choice for reliable defense.
Girsan Witness2311 CMX
The Girsan Double Stack Witness2311® CMX 9mm pistol takes the 1911 platform to a new level. Designed to be compatible with many 1911 slides, barrels, and parts, the CMX is a true evolution of the 1911 design, delivering match-grade performance. EAA has refined the original 1911 with the CMX.
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By replacing the traditional 1911 grip safety with an Auto Firing Pin Block, the CMX achieves a slimmer, more streamlined grip module. A low-profile magwell improves concealability, while aggressive all-around texturing delivers a locked-in feel and control under pressure. The CMX is ready to go right out of the box. The slide is direct mount cut for the RMSc footprint. Likewise, the accessory rail offers flexibility for preferred lights or lasers.
Other features include a 4.25-inch bull barrel lock up, ambidextrous thumb safety, 4.5 lb max tuned trigger, removable 3-dot sights, improved grip texture, lightening cut slide, and a limited EAA lifetime warranty. The Witness2311 CMX offers a 17+1-round capacity and is a solid choice for everyday carry.
Kimber CDS9 Classic
Kimber’s new CDS9 (Covert Double Stack 9mm) is built to be the pinnacle choice for modern concealed-carry 1911 handgun owners. A fully ambidextrous handgun with a reversible magazine release delivers increased capacity, making it ideal for today’s concealed-carry owner. The stainless steel CDS9 is an optics-ready model compatible with all RMSc optic footprints.
A stacked recoil spring assembly adds increased life up to 10,000 rounds. This gun also features an accessory rail, flat-faced trigger with vertical brakepoint, KimPro II finish, front and rear serrations, tag fiber lock front sight, and black fixed rear sights. Magazines with 10-, 13-, or 15-round capacities are available.
Kimber 1911 DS Warrior
That legacy for Kimber’s standards of excellence continues with the introduction of the 1911 DS Warrior. It is engineered for uncompromising performance. The DS Warrior features a superior finish, optics-ready capability, and a lightweight carbon fiber–infused grip. A unique aspect of this gun is that each 1911 DS Warrior is individually hand-fitted, American-made, and backed by Kimber’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.
This gun is available in .45 ACP, .38 Super, and 10mm with a 13-round magazine capacity. Other features include a mil-spec guide rod, ambidextrous safety, Kimpro finish, front and rear serrations, internal extractor, picatinny rail, GT performance trigger factory set at 4.0-5.0 lbs, and ships with standard C&H RMR optic mounting plate.
Alpha Foxtrot Atilla
Alpha Foxtrot has built a reputation for producing modernized 1911- and 2011-style pistols that blend classic ergonomics with contemporary features. One of the company’s most innovative offerings is the AF1911-S15. It is a compact officer-size 9mm 1911 engineered to accept Shield Arms S15 magazines originally designed for the Glock 48. As a result, it provides a 15+1 capacity in a slim, concealable package.
Alpha Foxtrot has expanded the S15 lineup with the Attila, a compact, carry-size pistol aimed directly at the modern concealed carry market. The Attila is red dot-ready, featuring an RMSc optic cut and an included adapter plate for compatibility with optics using the RMR footprint. The thread-on compensator mitigates recoil and is designed to sit flush with the frame, reducing unnecessary bulk. Alpha Foxtrot products are all machined in-house with very reasonable MSRP’s.
SIG SAUER P211-GT4
The SIG Sauer P211-GT4 is designed for carry without compromise. It delivers duty-grade performance in a compact-length, non-compensated configuration. Built on the P211 platform, the GT4 balances concealability, control, and reliability.
Chambered in 9MM, the P211-GT4 features a 4.2-inch, target-crowned bull barrel paired with a carry-length SIG-LOC™ PRO optic-ready slide. This traditional slide configuration offers predictable recoil characteristics, excellent accuracy, and seamless integration with modern pistol optics—without the added length of a full-size slide. Aggressive, duty-style serrations ensure confident manipulation in all conditions. Additionally, fully ambidextrous controls support intuitive operation for both right- and left-handed shooters.
Precision-engineered alloy grip module with G10 grip panels delivers a secure, consistent grip. Performance is further enhanced by a straight-pull, skeletonized, flat-blade trigger for a clean, repeatable break. In addition, a removable, low-profile steel magwell improves reload efficiency without compromising concealability. Supplied with P320 steel magazines—two 21-round and one 17-round, or 10-round compliant—the P211-GT4 offers adaptable capacity in a compact, purpose-driven package.
P211 GT5: Competition and Duty
The SIG SAUER P211-GT5 delivers precision, control, and versatility in a full-size, non-compensated P211 configuration. It has been engineered to excel in both duty and competition environments.
Chambered in 9MM, the P211-GT5 features a 5-inch, target-crowned bull barrel paired with a full-length SIG-LOC™ PRO optic-ready slide. Features include a steel frame and an alloy grip module with G10 grip panels, a full-size SIG-LOC™ PRO optic-ready slide with a 5-inch bull barrel, aggressive duty-style serrations, fully ambidextrous controls, a skeletonized flat-blade trigger, and a removable steel magwell.
This gun comes with P320 steel magazines, two 21-round and one 17-round, or three 10-round.
Bersa M2XI Pistol
The competition-style M2XI chambered in 9mm is a recoil-operated semi-automatic pistol with three major components. They include a 1911-inspired metallic slide assembly, housing 1911-style controls, and a textured polymer grip module sized for double-stack magazines. Bersa milled the slide and upper from 416 stainless steel. This gives the pistol greater weight for stability and added durability and corrosion resistance.
The pistol is available with either black nitride applied to the stainless steel or the brushed stainless finish. The slide features eight weight-reduction ports and aggressive rear cocking serrations. In addition, the metallic, dovetailed sight system consists of an orange-ringed Ameriglo night sight up front paired with a drift-adjustable, serrated square-notch sight at the rear.
This pistol is optics-ready, with a stainless-steel removable plate for direct mounting of Holosun K-footprint optics and RMSc-sized optics. The five-inch stainless steel bull barrel features an inverted target crown and is sized to fit the slide without a barrel bushing. Other features include an ambidextrous thumb safety, extended slide stop lever, metallic serrated magazine release, and a flat-faced, checkered, vented aluminum trigger with an over-travel adjustment screw.
Jacob Grey Nox 9
Introducing the NOX 9, a next-generation 9mm pistol from Jacob Grey. Built for speed, strength, and confidence under pressure. Every Jacob Grey pistol starts as a block of aerospace-grade aluminum, no castings, no shortcuts. Nox 9 is no exception. With decades of experience and months of engineering, this pistol embodies their commitment to precision, durability, and American manufacturing excellence.
Every critical component on the NOX 9 is overbuilt using their proprietary Armored Billet™ system. It is CNC-machined from ArmorCore™ alloys and treated with Copper Canyon DLC, an ultra-durable coating that reduces friction and shrugs off wear. From slide dynamics to grip geometry, every choice on the NOX 9 was made for smoother operation and faster follow-up shots. The Nox 9 features an integrally compensated barrel and comes with two 17-round magazines.
Wilson Combat EDC X9 2.0
The original EDC X9 was known for its classic 1911 ergonomics and added modern carry features. The new EDC X9 2.0, chambered in 9mm, builds on that reputation with a solid aluminum X-Frame, refined slide/barrel geometry, and the Enhanced Reliability System. As a result, it delivers dependable performance, reduced recoil, and improved accuracy while maintaining the classic 1911 lines that enthusiasts have always loved.
The Wilson Combat EDC X9 2.0 is one of the few 1911s that is an optimal choice for competition shooters, everyday range practice, tactical, and self-defense needs. This pistol ships with two 18-round capacity magazines and comes with an accuracy guarantee of 1.5 inches at 25 yards.
Palmetto State Armory Sabre 11 – Ported
The Saber-11 Ported keeps the core design of the original model, but adds performance-focused upgrades. This includes a ported 5-inch barrel and ported slide, all billet construction, a full-length dust cover for added weight and stability, an AOS optic mounting system, a new aluminum grip module, deeper slide serrations, a black DLC barrel, a Saber-specific grip module from NJD Grips, and ships with two proprietary 19-round Checkmate magazines.
The standard Saber 11 is the current priority, with the Saber 11 Ported to follow soon after. It will offer shooters a future option focused on recoil control and faster follow-up shots.
Les Baer High Cap 5”
Les Baer 1911 pistols are premium, hand-built firearms renowned for their high-end custom build. Not to mention, a world-class reputation for unmatched accuracy, meticulous craftsmanship, and flawless reliability that sets the industry standard.
The High Cap 5” exemplifies this with its innovative double-stack composite frame that delivers true high capacity. It is available up to 19 rounds in 9mm or 14 rounds in 10mm magazines. In addition, it uses the exact same match-grade slide, National Match barrel, and internals as Les Baer’s legendary single-stack models. This ensures that it shoots and feels like a classic 1911.
What makes it unique is this blend of expanded firepower with traditional 1911 ergonomics and control, enhanced by a full-length flat Monolith-style frame bottom and special grips for comfortable, firm handling. Tuned and assembled by expert gunsmiths for total reliability, it features a 5-inch barrel and premium components, guaranteeing consistent performance. Caliber: 9mm or 10mm.
Les Baer Premier X 6”
The Les Baer Premier X 6” stands out as a high-performance powerhouse in the 1911 lineup. It is uniquely chambered in the potent 10mm cartridge with an extended 6-inch National Match barrel. This boosts velocity, energy, and sight radius for superior long-range accuracy and terminal performance.
Its “X” designation highlights extreme features like Rolo night sights (front and adjustable rear) for low-light capability, striking VZ custom grips that provide exceptional control and visual appeal, and an extended safety for intuitive operation. Reliability stems from Les Baer’s signature hand-fitting of the slide to the frame, a polished feed ramp, a tuned extractor, and an overall precision assembly that ensures flawless function even with hot 10mm loads.
Key specs include a long-slide design that reduces recoil and enhances balance. Caliber: 10mm.
Les Baer 1911 Premier II 5” .45 ACP
The Baer 1911 Premier II 5” in .45 ACP is the benchmark model that defines Les Baer’s excellence. It features a full suite of match-grade components, including a National Match steel frame and slide, throated and polished barrel with stainless bushing, and a slide precisely fitted to the frame for tight tolerances and smooth operation.
What makes it unique is its guaranteed 3-inch groups at 50 yards, combined with a crisp 4 lb trigger pull, lowered and flared ejection port, low-mount adjustable rear sight, high checkered front strap at 30 lpi, beavertail grip safety, and beveled mag well for rapid reloads. Reliability is legendary thanks to expert tuning, a polished extractor, an extended ejector, and comprehensive polishing of critical surfaces, delivering consistent feeding and ejection.
It comes with two 8-round premium magazines. Caliber: .45 ACP.
Les Baer Comanche X 4.25” 10mm
The Les Baer Comanche X 4.25” delivers big-bore power in a compact, carry-friendly package. It features a 4.25-inch Commander-length slide and barrel chambered in hard-hitting 10mm. This makes it ideal for defense or field use where size matters, but performance cannot be compromised.
It shares the “X” series upgrades of its larger sibling, including Rolo night sights, premium VZ custom grips for a secure and comfortable hold, and an extended safety, all while maintaining the full-size frame benefits for better recoil control. Uniqueness comes from this shorter configuration that preserves extreme 10mm ballistics in a more concealable platform. All of this is backed by Les Baer’s hand-fitting and tuning for exceptional reliability and accuracy.
Highlighted specs include the optimized 4.25-inch barrel for balanced handling and the same high-quality internals found across the line. Caliber: 10mm.
Syndicus Cryptic
Syndicus USA proudly announces the CRYPTIC. It is the company’s flagship Law Enforcement and Military Option 1911 Double-Stack pistol, purpose-built for law enforcement, first responders, and military professionals. Engineered as a true 4.6-inch duty pistol and built on a 70 Series-style slide, the CRYPTIC reflects Syndicus USA’s uncompromising commitment to reliability, accuracy, and modern duty capability.
The platform is currently under evaluation by multiple law enforcement agencies across Southern California. One agency formally approved the CRYPTIC for duty use within the last three months, reinforcing its readiness for frontline deployment.
Features include a 7075-aluminum anodized frame, polymer duty or aluminum grip, 4140 stainless steel slide, 416 stainless steel barrel, flat-faced, one-piece duty trigger with a 4.0-4.25 lb pull, fully ambidextrous safety controls, toolless one-piece guide rod system, and a 17+1 magazine capacity. Finish and coating options are anodized (standard), or Cerakote options in Midnight Black, Coyote Tan, or Magpul O.D. Green.
Kimber 1911 Stainless
The Kimber 1911 Stainless (commonly known as the Stainless II High Polished) in .38 Super is a premium, full-size 1911. It delivers exceptional craftsmanship, blending classic 1911 design with modern refinements and a stunning high-polished stainless-steel finish that gives it a sophisticated, eye-catching appearance.
This high-end model stands out with its meticulously polished slide, frame, and small parts. These are complemented by G10 bonded smooth ivory grips for a comfortable, elegant hold and a checkered backstrap for secure purchase without excessive abrasion.
What makes it unique is the .38 Super chambering. It offers flatter shooting, higher velocity, and excellent ballistic performance with less recoil than .45 ACP. Likewise, it maintains superb accuracy and flat trajectory—ideal for competition, target shooting, or self-defense.
Reliability comes from Kimber’s precise fitting, a custom-fit 3-slot aluminum trigger with a crisp 4-5 lb pull and clean reset, three-dot sights for quick acquisition, and overall meticulous assembly that ensures flawless function and consistent performance. Key specs include a 5-inch barrel, 9+1 capacity, and an overall weight of about 38 ounces for excellent balance and control. Caliber: .38 Super.
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