Taurus PT1911

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
Weight 38 ounces
Length 51⁄2 in
Barrel length 5 in
Width 11⁄2 in
Height 5.45 in
Caliber .45 ACP, 9mm
Action semi-automatic, single action
Feed system 7, 8 or 10 round magazine

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.

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

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

Variants

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

  1. ↑ Smith, Clint "Too Tough Taurus",American Handgunner, November/December 2007, p.52-55; 84.
  2. ↑ http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=59&category=pistol PT1911 page on Taurus USA web site
  3. ↑ Clapp, Wiley "More Bang For Your Buck",The American Rifleman, August 2006, p.44-47; 69.

External links