My Impressions
The Prodigy series from Springfield Armory combines the best 1911 features with a high-capacity magazine and a wraparound polymer grip module. Add a match-grade bull barrel, and the result is a lean, mean shooting machine! No wonder Ballistic Magazine’s 2022 reader’s choice award for “Best 1911” went to the Prodigy.
Springfield Prodigy: A 2011 With More Bang for Your Buck
This mini Prodigy is just the ticket for discreet carry. Prior models are available with 4.25 or 5-inch barrels, and this smaller version complements its full-size siblings but saves weight and space. It is nicely concealable.
I love what Springfield Armory has done with the 1911 platform. Many features combine to make this tiny Prodigy seem big. The wraparound grip has a sandpaper feel that stays put in my hands. Despite its small size, I feel in control of the pistol. The one-piece polymer grip is highly impact-resistant while increasing contact with my hands. The forward trigger guard is similarly textured for a confident grip.
Features
The Prodigy’s controls are designed to improve handling. The extended ambidextrous beavertail safety easily clicks off prior to shooting and protects my hand from hammer bite. My medium-size hand easily reaches the extended magazine release, which is reversible for lefties. Springfield Armory has wisely retained the grip safety. I do not notice it when I shoot, but I’m glad it is there if the gun is accidentally dropped or incorrectly handled.
The Prodigy comes with U-notch open sights. Simple and reliable, they serve to aim in close-quarters scenarios. I like the front sight. Its white circle-dot pattern is easy for my eye to pick up within the rear notch. The rear slide top is removable to accept any optic you wish to install, and several slide inserts come with the pistol.
Slide serrations at front and rear make racking the slide a snap. The skeletonized trigger and hammer reduce weight, of course, but they look cool, too. The trigger is mildly curved and serrated. It breaks under 6 pounds. Despite the pistol’s small size, there is a 1.5-inch Picatinny rail forward of the trigger guard for adding your flashlight or laser.
One major drawback to a .45 ACP compact 1911 is the low magazine capacity. Not so with the small Prodigy – the double-stack steel magazine holds 15 rounds of 9mm, plus one in the chamber. The pistol grip is a bit wider, but I find it manageable. Two of these quality magazines are included.
Related: Springfield Adds Comp Version to Prodigy Pistol Lineup
I like a metal gun. The Prodigy slide and frame are made from forged carbon steel. Yes, it is heavier than polymer, but it has a well-balanced solid feel that makes it controllable. Topped off with a deep black Cerakote finish, the Prodigy is attractive and tough.
The Original
It is easy to see the similarities of between this smaller version and the full-sized 5-inch bull barrel Prodigy. Controls are identical, as Springfield Armory engineered the same overall features into the compact package. I like the full-size Prodigy for its shooting characteristics. Its longer barrel and slide combine to enable more accurate shot placement. It points well and requires less attention to control trigger break.
However, I cannot easily conceal a 5-inch bull barrel handgun. No matter where I try to holster it, it is a lump under my shirt or jacket. The big Prodigy is ideal for its intended purpose of competition shooting or duty carry. The 3.5-inch Prodigy is vastly easier to holster and conceal, saving at least 4 ounces of weight to boot.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Overall Length: 7 inches
- Height: 5 inches
- Width: 1.25 inches
- Weight: 1 pound, 12 ounces
- Barrel: 3.5 inches, match-grade bull barrel
- Sight Radius: 5 inches
- Sights: U-notch rear adjustable for windage, white dot front
- Trigger: Semi-curved, serrated, and skeletonized; 5 pounds, 13 ounces
- Magazine Release: Extended and reversible
- Magazine: Steel 15-round double stack to single feed; two provided
- Safety: Extended and ambidextrous
- Picatinny Rail: 1.5 inches
- Grip: Wraparound one-piece high-strength polymer
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Material: Forged carbon steel slide and frame, Cerakote black finish
SHOOTING TEST
I loaded my Arizona desert shooting spot with 2-liter root beer targets and steel plates set at 7 yards and a bit beyond. The Prodigy was loaded for testing with PMC Bronze 124-grain FMJ and 115-grain JHP, my favorites.
I like the way the gun feels when I aim. The sandpaper-style grips and trigger guard aid in my sight control and trigger pull, and the 2-liter jugs are no match for the short Prodigy at 7 yards. The open sights are precise. Despite my old eyes, they enable me to connect on the small soda cans regularly.
The trigger is single stage but heavy. I am accustomed to a much lighter target trigger, but I understand that Springfield must consider the average shooter’s abilities. The trigger is manageable with practice. Reset is minimal, and I like the crisp single-stage break.
The ambidextrous safety bites my right finger when disengaged. Pushing it down pinches my skin a bit, which is distracting. I believe this could be remedied by a minor grip re-design. Otherwise, all controls function well, as shown by my hits on liquid targets and steel. The 3.5-inch bull barrel adds a bit of weight and stability, which is helpful as the short sight radius and barrel make this a challenging pistol to shoot.
I must aim carefully and take advantage of the well-designed grip to hit my target. Rushing the shot will lead to misses or a pull to the left on steel. The Prodigy’s combination of grips, trigger, heavy match barrel, and sights make it much easier to control than most compact pistols. The safety comes off easily, and the grip safety works without thinking about it.
Most importantly, there were no jams, failures to feed, or misfires during my test. It is easy to conceal in my leather belt holster and draws without a snag. The gun is reliable, and I would stake my life on it!
PROS & CONS
