The 1911 is an all-around, all-American pistol that’s been proven on and off the battlefield for well over a century. Everyone wants a handgun with that iconic silhouette in their collection. 

While the design hasn't changed much since John Browning’s patent was issued back on Feb. 14, 1911, modern manufacturing processes, materials, and features make some versions a little better than others. Here are our picks for the best 1911s available today.

Ed Brown Evo

With well over 50 years in business, Ed Brown Products touts that details make the difference, and that’s evident in every gun the company produces – especially the EVO series. Meticulously manufactured in small batches, the EVO series has several models to choose from. All models include a 4-inch slide, which is substantially thinned for weight reduction, and a single-stack frame. 

• Caliber: 9mm
• Barrel Length: 4 inches
• Overall Length: 7.5 inches
• Magazine Capacity: 9 rounds
   

Colt Gold Cup

Said to be one of the finest shooting semi-auto 1911s in the world, Colt’s Gold Cup has set the standard for competition shooting. With several calibers to choose from, you’ll be on target quickly with its adjustable Bomar-style rear sight and red fiber-optic front. The Gold Cup features a Series 70 wide target trigger and is competition-ready right out of the box. It's also versatile enough for everyday carry, target shooting, or home defense. 
 

Related Review: Colt Gold Cup Still Looking Good Decades Later
 

• Caliber: .45 ACP, 9mm, .38 Super +P
• Barrel Length: 5 inches
• Overall Length: 8.5 inches
• Magazine Capacity: 8 or 9 rounds, depending on caliber

Kimber 2K11

The Kimber 2K11 is a double-stack, high-capacity 1911 variant delivering the features customers want in a production 1911. Crafted from rugged 7075 aluminum-alloy grip module and hand-fit with Kimber’s proprietary stainless-steel slide, it also features a patent-pending tool-less guide rod. The 2K11 is optics-ready and currently chambered in 9mm as well as .45 ACP. 
 

Related Review of the New Kimber 2K11 Double-Stack 1911
 

• Caliber: 9mm or .45 ACP
• Barrel Length: 5 inches
• Overall Length: 8.6 inches
• Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds (9mm)/13 rounds (.45 ACP)
   

Springfield Armory Emissary

The Springfield Emissary bridges the gap between defensive and custom pistols. With its forged steel barrel, slide, and frame, the Emissary is rugged yet refined. A few distinct features include the slide, which has a “Tri-Top” cut, a squared trigger guard, the bull barrel with a heavy profile to deliver maximum accuracy, and Springfield’s U-Dot sights. The Emissary blends form and function into one great defensive-minded package. 
 

Related Review: Black Thunder – The Springfield Armory 1911 Emissary .45 ACP
 

• Caliber: 9mm or .45 ACP
• Barrel Length: 4.25 inches
• Overall Length: 8.4 inches
• Magazine Capacity: 9 rounds (9mm), 8 rounds (.45 ACP)

Les Baer Custom

We couldn’t make a list of the best 1911s without including something from Les Baer Custom. For almost 40 years, Les Baer has been a leader in custom 1911s, combining cutting-edge, state-of-the-art engineering with old-world craftsmanship. Because Les Baer knows handgun owners have different preferences and needs, the company offers over 50 models of their 1911, ensuring one will be right for you. 

Options include 5-inch and 6-inch barrel choices and slides, as well as multiple chamberings. Premium firearms come with premium prices, but when they’re tailored to your needs, they’re worth the price. (That's the Les Baer Ultimate Tactical Carry pictured above.)

• Caliber: .45 ACP, 9mm, 10mm, .38 Super, 40 S&W
• Barrel Length: 5 or 6 inches
• Overall Length: Varies by model
• Magazine Capacity: Varies by chambering 

Wilson Combat CQB Elite

If you’re looking for premium performance and refinement in a 1911, look no further than the Wilson Combat CQB Elite. Meticulously handcrafted with attention to every detail, it’s tailored for professional use as well as “discerning enthusiasts,” according to Wilson. With its G10 grips and smooth, crisp trigger, you’ll notice the excellent ergonomics as soon as you find your firing grip. Chambering options include .45 ACP and 10mm as well as 9mm.
 

Related: Wilson Combat CQB – Functional Beauty in a 1911 Format
 

• Caliber: .45 ACP, 10 mm, 9mm
• Barrel Length: 5 inches
• Overall Length: 8.7 inches
• Magazine Capacity: Varies by chambering