We Tested the Savage 1911 and Here's What We Found Out

Published on November 1, 2024
Duration: 10:14

This review of the Savage 1911 in .45 ACP highlights its good out-of-the-box fit and finish, comparing favorably to higher-end models. The pistol features billet parts, a crisp trigger with no creep, G10 grips, and Novac adjustable sights with a night vision front sight. Initial reliability issues were noted with aftermarket magazines (KCI, Metar), but the factory Savage magazines and Chip McCormick Power Mag functioned flawlessly. Accuracy is reported as good, with the reviewer suggesting minor sight adjustments might be needed. The dual recoil spring system is a unique feature, though its impact on recoil management was deemed less flat than some competitors.

Quick Summary

The Savage 1911 in .45 ACP features durable billet parts, a crisp trigger with no creep, and good G10 grips. While initial tests showed magazine compatibility issues with aftermarket brands like KCI, it ran flawlessly with factory Savage and Chip McCormick magazines, demonstrating good accuracy and fit.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Savage 1911
  2. 00:27Fit and Finish Analysis
  3. 00:46Billet vs. MIM Parts & Price Point
  4. 01:41Trigger and Grip Assessment
  5. 02:15Beaver Tail, Ambi Safeties & Frame Serrations
  6. 02:53Sights and Hammer Details
  7. 03:22First Shots & Initial Malfunctions
  8. 03:53Dual Recoil Spring System Explained
  9. 04:22Magazine Compatibility Testing (KCI, Metar)
  10. 05:06Magazine Compatibility Testing (Savage Factory)
  11. 05:44Magazine Compatibility Testing (Chip McCormick)
  12. 06:22Shooting Impressions & Feel
  13. 06:51Accuracy Testing at 20 Yards
  14. 07:33Recoil Comparison & Spring System Impact
  15. 08:09Accuracy and Handling Summary
  16. 09:08Overall Fitment and Build Quality
  17. 09:18Comparison to Kimber and Springfield
  18. 09:44Final Recommendation

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the Savage 1911 pistol?

The Savage 1911 features billet parts for durability, a crisp trigger with no creep, G10 grips, adjustable Novac sights with a night vision front sight, an extended beaver tail, and ambidextrous safeties. It also has a unique dual recoil spring system.

Did the Savage 1911 have any reliability issues?

Initially, the Savage 1911 experienced failures to feed with KCI and Metar aftermarket magazines. However, it ran flawlessly with the factory Savage magazines and a Chip McCormick Power Mag, suggesting magazine compatibility is key.

How accurate is the Savage 1911?

The Savage 1911 is reported to be accurate, with groups from 20 yards falling within a B8 size circle. The reviewer found it easy to achieve accuracy with the pistol.

What is the build quality of the Savage 1911 compared to other 1911s?

The Savage 1911 boasts excellent fit and finish, with a tight slide-to-frame fit comparable to higher-end models. It uses billet parts instead of MIM, contributing to its perceived superior build quality over many competitors, including most Kimbers.

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