Springfield Armory Double-Stack Prodigy 9mm 1911: First Look

Everyone loves a good 1911. They’re known for crisp triggers, smooth operation and lots of customization, but they’ve always been hindered by magazine capacity. That’s where the double-stacks enter the arena. Most people think of STI Staccato, Nighthawk Custom and Dan Wesson when it comes to double-stack 1911s, but now Springfield Armory has entered the market with the all-new DS Prodigy AOS double-stack.

Quick Look

Springfield Armory is already well-known for 1911s. They offer many different models, and they’re well-established in their quality, features and shootability. The new Prodigy 1911s maintain that reputation, and they even enhance it.

There are four models being initially offered in either a 4.25- or 5-inch barrel with additional options to include a HEX Dragonfly red-dot sight out of the box. The barrels are forged stainless steel with an 11-degree crown for true match-grade precision, and they also boast an ambi safety and a skeletonized hammer. As expected, there is an accessory rail for lights and lasers, and the aggressive forward and rear slide serrations make it easy to manipulate the prodigy.

Both the slide and frame are forged carbon steel with a black Cerakote finish that gives the gun a sleek look. For the grip, the Prodigy uses Springfield’s Adaptive Grip Texture (AGT), which provides a secure fit in the hand. Capacity is what makes the Prodigy truly exciting. Both models include one 17-round and one 20-round magazine in the box, but a 26-round magazine is also available from the Springfield Armory website.

Optics Ready

Springfield worked with Agency Arms to create the Agency Optic System (AOS), which is a plate system designed specifically for the double-stack 1911. The plates are optimized for ideal red-dot sight height for most red dots available today. The Prodigy ships with a plate for the HEX Dragonfly, but Springfield Armory does offer other plates on the website.

For irons, the Prodigy uses suppressor-height sights with a U-notch rear sight and a fiber optic front. I had the chance to briefly shoot the Prodigy along with other Handguns staff at a recent industry event, and everyone walked away impressed. The front sight was easy to pick up, and it was even easier to shoot with a red dot mounted. Maintaining a grip on both models was easy with Springfield’s unique Adaptive Grip Texture. Even with sweaty hands, there was no slipping while shooting.

So, what will a Prodigy set you back? The base models, either 4.25 inch or 5 inch, have an MSRP of $1,499. Upgrading to a model with an included HEX Dragonfly red dot will bring the MSRP to $1,699. It seems like a pricy gun, but it’s far more affordable than practically every other double-stack 1911 on the market today. Springfield Armory has packed a ton of great features into the all-new Prodigy line, and there is a lot of potential in many disciplines of shooting for these guns. There is still a lot to break down in the new Springfield Armory Prodigy 1911s, so keep an eye out for a complete in-depth review in an upcoming issue of Handguns magazine.