The 2011
The 2011 is a modernized double-stack version of the iconic 1911, and it happens to be trending in the handgun arena. While the argument can be made that the 1911 is an antiquated design, the ergonomics make it an easy handgun to shoot well.
Aesthetically, it may resemble the 112-year-old design, but Springfield has turned this “relic” into a competitor on a modern scale. The major advantage of the 2011 is its double-stack nature, and the Prodigy takes it a step further and increases the capacity by using 9mm.
While .45 ACP is the classic 1911 cartridge, 9mm has established itself as the king of the market. Lighter recoil impulses, higher capacity, and more affordable ammo prices make the competition-centered blueprint’s move to a more popular cartridge a sensible adjustment.
With the thicker double-stack grip, the 9mm Prodigy features a flush-fit 17-round capacity along with an extended 20-round magazine option.
Related: Springfield Armory Goes 2011 with New Prodigy Double Stack 1911s
Design Features
Paired with the lower-recoiling round, several schematics that aid in recoil management and rapid shooting. A fine sandpaper-like texturing on the grip panels enables the shooter to maintain a secure purchase, all while not being too coarse to avoid rubbing the hands raw.
The 5-inch barrel is bulled, using extra weight in the surplus space in the slide that would normally accommodate the .45-caliber diameter. This heavy barrel keeps the muzzle down during shooting. In keeping with modern trends, the handgun features a tac rail, front cocking serrations, and an optics-cut slide. This model is affixed with the 3.5-MOA Hex Dragonfly.
Now if you’re like me, and the world of pistol optics is still new to you, the handgun has a great set of iron sights. The irons co-witness with the optic and feature a green fiber-optic front insert and a blacked-out rear.
The single-action 1911 trigger is a hard thing to screw up, and Springfield accomplished a very good trigger break with the Prodigy. While the Staccato and Wilson Combat might still be better, the Prodigy can hold its own on the range. There is a clear wall, the break is very light and crisp, and the reset is short and audible – everything I could want in a trigger.
The safety is ambidextrous; however, the slide release is only mounted on the left side of the gun, making it more of a right-handed shooter.
Performance
Starting off, there is a caveat to the performance of this handgun. This is the second Prodigy I received from Springfield. The first had some serious issues with ejection. The gun would barely get the brass out of the chamber, and it would stovepipe and basically deposit all the spent brass at your feet.
I sent the handgun back to Springfield, and the company sent me a newer one to replace it. I shot around 700 rounds through the second Prodigy without a single issue.
I am no expert shooter. I subscribe to the belief that most guns are capable of higher feats of accuracy than I am as a shooter. The big question is whether the handgun offers any excuse not to be as accurate as I am capable of being.
Other than an issue with the optic that we’ll discuss next, the handgun was a pleasure to shoot. The recoil impulse is easy to control, and you can rip off shots and re-acquire the target between shots with relative ease. I shot some spinning and moving targets, and they were easy to track with the Prodigy. There is nothing more satisfying than knocking down steel targets.
Taking the optic out of the equation, and with some more training and range time on the platform, I feel that I could perform at a high level with this handgun.
Optic System
One design flaw that I felt impeded accuracy is the overall placement and performance of the optic. I will say, this handgun can be bought and operated without an optic. However, for a handgun that is expected to be a modern performer at a high level, there is an expectation that an optic will be a good fit for the gun.
Firstly, the 3.5 MOA dot is too small. I realize that most pistol optic MOAs float around 3; however, practical pistol shooting should be quick and easy to acquire. I think a 6-8 MOA dot is better suited to do that faster. While my MOA dot size preference is subjective, what is not subjective is the design principle in the placement of the optic in reference to the loaded chamber indicator.
The second issue is a design flaw. Right at the top of the chamber, there is a round hole that gives visual access to see if a round is chambered. Unfortunately, the Hex red dot is mounted right over that indicator, and the angle of the hood perfectly places it in the path of chamber debris.
After about two or three magazines, that hole sprays the lens with carbon, making it just about impossible to pick up the dot. If you plan on shooting for long periods of time, you will have to wipe off the lens after every couple of magazines.
I will be the first to admit that I am not a great pistol optic shooter, but this system design did not instill confidence.
Value
So where does the Prodigy fit in the market? As I mentioned before, it sits in the same operating space as premium handguns such as the Staccato and Wilson Combat lines. While those brands may be a tad more polished and sport a higher perceived quality, the Springfield Prodigy can be anywhere from $700 to $1,800 cheaper than the leading name brands going after the same 2011 competition concept.
Sometimes it is hard to see a $1,400-plus handgun as a budget option, but in this space, it’s a price point more on the affordable side.
Pros & Cons
