| Image | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | Springfield 1911 DS Prodigy Comp | Check Price |
One reason I’m not a huge fan of 1911s is their typically low capacity compared to modern striker-fired pistols. However, once you incorporate a double-stack magazine such as this one, my interest level increases instantly.
When the original DS Prodigy was released a couple of years back, Springfield was nice enough to send me one to review. Long story short, I loved it. So when the opportunity popped up to review the compensated Prodigy, I threw my hand up.
A big thank you to Springfield for sending this one out. Without partnerships like theirs, getting these reviews out would be very difficult!
Features
You’ve probably heard the saying, “If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.” That doesn’t mean you can’t take something that isn’t broken and add a feature or two. That’s exactly what Springfield did with the new Prodigy Comp.
Integral Compensator
The original Prodigy already provided a flat-shooting and low-recoiling experience, but Springfield’s addition of the integral compensator has improved it even more.
A matching 0.43”x0.33” port can be found on the barrel and slide, which helps direct the gasses upwards. This means less muzzle rise, which helps keep you on target and gives you faster and more accurate follow-up shots.
Additionally, since the compensator is not an add-on like those that attach to a threaded barrel, you can still use all of your current Prodigy holsters. Win/win.
Agency Optic System (AOS)
If you’re not using an optic these days, you’re a step behind the competition. It seems everyone has one, and naturally, you’ll want your pistol to be able to host as many different ones as possible.
With the new Agency Optic System (AOS), you can mount many of the most popular optics from manufacturers like Holosun, Trijicon, and EOTECH. However, it’s important to note that the optic plates are not universal, meaning you’ll have to ensure you purchase the correct plate for your intended optic.
Since they aren’t cheap, I recommend taking a look at the A12B and A14B first, as they cover many of the best optics. Regardless of which optic you go with, make sure to verify that it is compatible with the plate.
Ergonomic Grip & Controls
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Springfield’s Adaptive Grip Texture is one of my favorites in the industry. When pressure is applied, it locks in phenomenally into your hand, and without pressure, it provides a smoother-than-expected surface to reduce snagging on clothes when carrying.
To go along with the comfort of the grip, you’ll also find a large ambidextrous safety that makes manipulating it extremely quick and easy. The trigger guard undercut helps you achieve a high grip if you’d like to, which adds to the ergonomics. It’s a very comfortable pistol to shoot, to say the least.
20+1 Capacity
Typically, when you hear “1911 capacity,” you probably think of around ten or fewer rounds. After all, that’s one of the reasons I’m not a huge 1911 fan. Well, that is definitely not the case with this 1911…hence the name DS (double stack) Prodigy.
The Prodigy Comp comes with a 17 and a 20-round magazine, and there is even a 26-round mag available separately. With those kind of numbers you are far from a “typical 1911”.
How We Tested
Having lost track of how many rounds I put through my original Prodigy, I wasn’t overly concerned with putting a ton through the Prodigy Comp to verify the reliability. However, I did WANT to put a lot of rounds quickly through the Prodigy Comp since I enjoyed shooting it so much.
So far, I’ve put 400 rounds through it without a single hiccup. The majority of the ammo has been 115-grain Magtech FMJs and 124-grain Blazer Brass FMJs. I also put some 115-grain Hornady Critical Defense FTXs through it to make sure it liked the defensive ammo. Of course, it did.
I always like to preface my accuracy, reminding you that I am NOT a competition shooter. I do get to shoot a lot, but plenty can outshoot me.
I was already happy with my groupings in the first magazine. It could have been because I was already familiar with the Prodigy in general, but regardless, this one is extremely smooth.
Given that the Prodigy weighs 33 ounces, has a 5-inch match-grade barrel, and now has the recently added ported slide/barrel combination, it makes it hard to not be accurate.
The skeletonized trigger has a light and consistent pull, with a crisp break and short reset. It felt a smidge heavier than I expected, but not even close to the point of it being a complaint, more so just a note.
I’ve only been shooting this gun within 25 yards so far, but I’ve been maintaining above-average groupings for my skill set and expect them to get better.
Where To Buy The Springfield 1911 DS Prodigy Comp
Specifications
| Caliber | 9mm |
| Capacity | 20+1, 17+1 |
| Barrel Length | 5 Inches |
| Barrel Material | Forged Stainless Steel |
| Slide & Frame Material | Forged Carbon Steel |
| Overall Length | 8.5 Inches |
| Height | 5.5 Inches |
| Weight | 33 Ounces |
Pros & Cons
- Accurate and reliable
- Integral compensator
- High capacity (20+1 rounds)
- Match-grade bull barrel
- Upgraded optics-ready slide
- Accessory rail
- Adaptive Grip Texture
- You’ll need to purchase spare optic plate(s) depending on which optics you want to run, and they aren’t cheap
Score Card
Reliability (10/10)
400 rounds with no malfunctions. Check.
Customization (9/10)
With a full-size accessory rail and the new Agency Optic System, you have many options to accessorize it with.
Appearance (9/10)
The all-black and tactical aesthetic look great.
Value (8.5/10)
Given the feature set and performance, it’s hard to beat at this price.
Accessories
Holosun 507Comp
With all of the technology and innovation Holosun has been bringing to the market, the value in many of its offerings is hard to deny.
The Prodigy has all the makings to be one of the more accurate pistols in your collection, and the 507Comp, with its large window and multiple reticle options, will help it be even more accurate.
It features a side-loading battery, Shake Awake technology, and several brightness settings (which include two for night vision). There isn’t much the 507Comp doesn’t offer, except for solar backup, but most of the competition does not either.
Conclusion
This is one of those guns that makes me rethink getting into shooting 1911s/2011s more. I’ve had an absolute blast with the Prodigy Comp and look forward to shooting many more rounds down range with it.
Since the Prodigy Comp has only a small $100 increase in MSRP to the original, it’s a no-brainer if you’re about to purchase your first one.
As always, stay safe, train hard, and have fun.
