If you had asked me in 1994 if I would consider a double stack 1911 as a carry gun, I would have laughed at you. Back in the mid-’90s, the double stack 1911, like the STI 2011, was mostly relegated to competition, mainly USPSA events. These pistols were full-size guns, often with large compensators and equally large optics attached.
Now, three decades later, the double stack 1911 has greatly expanded its reach from competition to the general shooting community. From training and duty use to recreation and yes, the EDC world, the double stack 1911 has become much more popular.
When Springfield Armory released its line of 1911 DS Prodigy pistols, it initially had three basic models: the full-size 5-inch with the full-size grip module, the medium-size 4.25-inch, also with a full-size grip module, and a compact 3.5-inch model with a shorter grip.
A New Grip Module
Springfield Armory just released a new version of their compact model, the new 1911 DS Prodigy 3.5 AOS. What makes this one different?
The 1911 DS Prodigy 3.5 AOS has all the features of the 1911 DS Prodigy 3.5 Compact AOS, with the addition of a full-size grip module. That accommodates shooters with larger hands or those who just prefer a larger, full-size grip.
What makes the new 1911 DS Prodigy 3.5 AOS a good choice for EDC?
The new Prodigy 3.5 AOS is fitted with a stainless steel 3.5-inch bull barrel finished in black DLC and forged for strength. This shorter barrel length allows easy concealment while delivering optimal accuracy for defensive purposes.
The full-size grip module combined with a shortened beavertail and re-contoured hammer, downsizes the Prodigy 3.5” AOS for EDC. The beavertail and hammer make this pistol more comfortable for EDC carry, while the larger grip makes it more comfortable to shoot, especially for those of you with big mitts. It also adds two rounds of capacity with the flush magazines.
The Prodigy 3.5” AOS features the Agency Optic System along with a tritium front sight post. The AOS system is an added plus to this platform, allowing the shooter to choose their favorite optic while providing a solid mounting platform.
I normally use a micro-dot optic for my EDC pistols. For this test, I went big(ger) with a Trijicon RMR. I wanted to see how the 3.5-inch pistol carried and handled the larger RMR sight.
The captured guide rod adds ease to field stripping and reassembly, making both processes quick and easy.
I’ve done a lot of shooting and training with the three original 1911 DS Prodigy pistols. All were incredibly accuracy and reliable.
Even though I never had an issue with the original 3.5-inch compact model, I found myself shooting the other two models more. When I got this one with the full-size grip module, I was thrilled. I had the features I liked on the compact and the grip module of the other two larger pistols.
Shooting It
I split my range time into two separate sessions. When the temperatures here in the Phoenix area hit 113 to 115 degrees in the shade, things get serious.
My first range session was at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in North Phoenix. I just wanted to get a better feel for the pistol, comparing the Prodigy 3.5” Compact and the new Prodigy 3.5” with the full-size grip module.
As for accuracy, there was absolutely no difference and I didn’t expect any. From the grip module up, it’s the same pistol. The main difference was the feel of that grip module. As someone who’s been shooting the 1911 DS/2011 pistols since the mid-’90s, the full-size grip module under the compact 3.5-inch slide just feels more familiar.
Carrying It
Given that this new Prodigy 3.5” pistol was designed for EDC, I wanted to put it through its paces in that capacity. I dug up a N8 Tactical Executive IWB holster, loaded the pistol and I was off to a quick four-day EDC test.
My biggest concern was that full-size grip module. The short 3.5-inch slide is great, but it’s the grip that prints. Would the full-size module print more than the standard compact grip module? At the end of my four-day test, which extended to a full week, I found that my concerns were unfounded. No matter what shirt I wore, I didn’t notice a difference in printing.
I normally wear loose-fitting button-down shirts, but even while wearing T-shirts or sun hoodies, the new Prodigy 3.5” didn’t really print any more or less than its predecessor.
Zooming Out
After a week of carrying this thing and some very warm range sessions with the new Prodigy 3.5” pistol, I’m hooked. Adding the full-size grip to the shorter slide is a great improvement on this package, and the two extra rounds don’t hurt either. This new Prodigy 3.5” AOS pistol will be exactly the combination of slide length and grip size that lots of people look for an need.
Specifications: 1911 DS Prodigy 3.5″ AOS with Full-Length Grip
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 17+1 (2 magazines)
Barrel Length: 3.5 inches
Overall Length: 7 inches
Height: 5.5 inches
Weight: 29.3 ounces
Optics: AOS multi platform system
Sights: Tritium front
MSRP: $1,582
Hard pass.
Do not forget.
Do not forgive.
Springfield delenda est!
same same.
sure seems like they appear here disproportionately.
could just be perception.