Taurus PT1911
The Taurus PT1911 is a clone of the US Military model 1911 single-action recoil operated semi-automatic pistol. It was designed and manufactured by Taurus in Porto Alegre Brazil, and distributed in the US by Taurus USA. Announced at the 2005 Shot Show, it was released to the consumer market in the fall of 2005.
Taurus PT1911 | |
---|---|
Type | Semi-automatic pistol |
Place of origin | Brazil |
Service history | |
In service | 2005 – present |
Production history | |
Manufacturer | Forjas Taurus S/A |
Variants | B, B1, B3, SS, SS1, AL, ALR, DT |
Specifications | |
Mass | 38 ounces |
Length | 81⁄2 in |
Barrel length | 5 in |
Width | 11⁄2 in |
Height | 5.45 in |
Caliber | 9x19mm Parabellum .45 ACP |
Action | semi-automatic, single action |
Feed system | 7, 8 or 10 round magazine |
The PT1911 differs from its many competitors in the 1911-style market in that the basic model offers a package of features found on top-end models from more expensive semi-custom pistol manufacturers such as Springfield Armory, Para-Ordnance, and Kimber Manufacturing at a significantly lower cost.[1]
Featuring a forged steel frame and slide, the PT1911 was originally marketed with a blued carbon steel finish, but as of late 2007 a stainless steel version was released. The standard PT1911 is hand-fit in the Taurus factory and includes popular combat and competition custom features such as a "Beavertail" grip safety with memory groove, extended ambidextrous thumb safety and slide stop controls, lowered and flared ejection port, frame checkering, and other niceties unusual for a pistol of its price range.[2]
Specifications
- length: 8 ½ in
- width: 1 ½ in
- height: 5.45 in
- weight: 38 oz for B, BHW and DT, (32 oz for B3), (39.4 oz for B1), (33 oz for AL), (33.6 oz for ALR)
- trigger pull: 3–5 lb
- .45 ACP caliber and 9mm
- 5 in 1:16 twist, 6 groove barrel
- single action
- semi-automatic
- trigger actuated ‘California spec’ firing pin drop safety
- 8 round detachable steel single-column magazine (9-round magazine for the 9mm version)
- blued carbon steel or satin stainless steel finish
Features
* Custom fitted slide with serrations front and rear | * Custom fitted close-tolerance barrel and bushing |
* Polished feed ramp & barrel throat | * Full length recoil spring guide rod |
* Ventilated trigger | * Target hammer |
* Lowered and flared ejection port | * Beveled magazine well |
* Extended ambidextrous thumb safety | * Oversized slide and magazine releases |
* 30 LPI checkering on flat mainspring housing, trigger guard and frontstrap | * Heinie 'Straight-8' sight system, changed to Novak three dot sights in late 2008; luminous night sights also available |
* Double diamond pattern plastic stocks | * Taurus Security System Gun lock |
* Beavertail grip safety with memory pad | * Custom internal extractor |
Included accessories
- 2 eight-round magazines
- barrel bushing wrench
- sight adj. screw Allen wrench
- 2 safety lock keys
- manual
- padded plastic storage box
Variants
- PT1911B - Blued forged steel basic version (originally sold w/ 2 magazines)
- PT1911B1 - Blued carbon steel with Picatinny rail
- PT1911B3 - Blued carbon steel 'Compact' concealed carry model styled after the Colt CCO (Concealed carry officer) pistol.
- PT1911B-BHW - Blued carbon steel with Bull's Head Walnuttm grips
- PT1911SS - Stainless steel basic version
- PT1911SS1 - Stainless steel with Picatinny rail
- PT1911SS-BHW - Stainless steel with Bull's Head Walnuttm grips
- PT1911AL - Aluminium frame and blued carbon steel slide
- PT1911ALR - Aluminium frame and blued carbon steel slide, with Picatinny rail. Pistol slide is marked as PT 1911 AR.
- PT1911DT - DuoTone blued carbon steel frame with mirror finish steel slide
- PT1911FS - Blued forged steel basic version (sold w/ single magazine)
Accuracy results
In an article[3] in the August 2006 edition of American Rifleman magazine, the following accuracy results (five shot groups at 25 yards) were documented at:
Ammunition | Velocity (ft/s) | Energy (ft·lbf) | Avg. group size (in) |
---|---|---|---|
Hornaday 200 gr XTP/JHP | 949 | 400 | 1.75 |
Black Hills 230 gr JHP | 854 | 373 | 1.55 |
Federal Gold Medal 230 gr FMJ | 798 | 325 | 1.65 |
Remington Golden Sabre 230 gr JHP | 845 | 365 | 1.76 |
References
- Smith, Clint "Too Tough Taurus",American Handgunner, November/December 2007, p.52-55; 84.
- http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=59&category=pistol PT1911 page on Taurus USA web site
- Clapp, Wiley "More Bang For Your Buck",The American Rifleman, August 2006, p.44-47; 69.