Firearm: Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy 4.25-inch AOS (MSRP: $1,499)
We’re taking another look at the Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy AOS with 4.25-inch barrel for today’s kit, as it’s one of the more affordable double-stack 1911-style pistols out there. It’s squarely in the middle of the pack, with imports coming in slightly less expensive and versions from specialty manufacturers like Wilson Combat, Nighthawk Custom and others priced higher. While, again, we stress that the cost of a firearm should never be the only factor, it certainly is a factor in today’s economy, so having an option somewhere in the middle is a welcome one indeed.
Sizewise, the Prodigy falls somewhere between the Glock G17 and G19 for comparison. With the 4.25-inch barrel, it has an overall length of 7.8 inches. Height is 5.5 inches, which encompasses a grip that allows the shooter’s hand to get a full grip and accommodates a flush-fitting 17-round magazine. Weight, owing to the steel frame, is heavier than most polymer-frame pistols, at 32.5 ounces for the unloaded handgun. For those used to full-size M&P, FN509 or similar handguns, the Prodigy won’t be challenging to carry.
The Prodigy comes with the Agency Arms AOS optics mounting system, where a cut is milled into the back of the pistol’s slide, and a series of plates, complete with co-witnessing rear sights, are available to match a wide variety of optic footprints. It’s a two-stage system, where the plate needs to be attached to the slide, then the optic mounted to the plate, so properly torquing everything down and periodically checking to see nothing has moved is imperative. It’s a solid, uniform system for adding optics, and Springfield Armory offers a wide variety of plates for different footprints.
In the end, it boils down to preference: Some prefer the smoother trigger of the 1911 in addition to how controllable a steel-frame 1911 in 9 mm can be under recoil, and for those discerning shooters, the Prodigy is an excellent, affordable example of such a firearm. Add in the ease with which you can add a red-dot sight, combined with sturdy metal magazines with capacity up to 26 rounds and it’s an excellent option for an everyday carry pistol on many levels.
Holster: Falco Holsters CX11 custom hand-carved leather holster (MSRP: $399.95)
We’ve gone a little extravagant with the holster in today’s kit, thanks to the folks at Falco Holsters. The company offers a full line of kydex and leather holsters for both inside- and outside-the-waistband carry, and has recently released a new line of highly customized, handcarved holsters for select handguns. The CX11 holster we have today is constructed from premium Italian leather and features a forward cant and a thumb break retention strap.
The CX11 series of holsters includes an intricate, hand-carved floral pattern that harkens to the heyday of premium leather holsters. Each is handcrafted and hand-tooled by a single artisan to produce a truly unique way of carrying your favorite firearm. Options are available for both right- and left-handed shooters, in both dark brown and the tan we have today.
For a limited time, Falco Holsters will be giving away a Springfield Armory DS Prodigy 5-inch 9 mm pistol with a CX11 floral-pattern holster. Information on the giveaway, which runs through February 15, 2025, can be found on the Falco Holsters website here: Falco Holsters’ 35th Anniversary Giveaway: Win Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy & Hand-Engraved Holster CX11 | Falco
Accessory: Buck Knives Alpha Hunter fixed-blade knife (MSRP: $72.99)
Rounding out today’s kit is the Alpha Hunter Select fixed-blade knife from Buck Knives. There’s something about a 1911-pattern firearm in a leather holster that just calls out for a simple, but elegant fixed-blade knife. Buck’s Alpha Hunter Select offers a 3 5/8-inch, 420HC steel drop-point blade with glass-filled nylon scales that have Buck’s Versaflex inlays for greater purchase.
The hollow-ground blade makes this knife a great choice for a variety of cutting chores, while the nylon and leather sheath offers weather-resistance and a retention strap to keep things in place. Two color options are available, and the Alpha Hunter Select is made in the U.S. and carries Buck’s lifetime warranty.
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