Bitten by the double stack 1911 bug...Talk me into or out of a Prodigy.

Damn_Yankee

Damn_Yankee

"Now go away, or I shall taunt you a second time"
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A friend has an STI Eagle in .40 and another guy that was shooting with us had his Prodigy. I had a chance to shoot them both this past weekend an couldn't get enough. I liked the shooting experience with the 9mm Prodigy a little better probably due the lighter caliber. Which is good because I couldn't afford an STI/Staccato anyway. Even the Prodigy is currently out my reach since I spent my gun budget recently on that Bul Armory 9mm 1911. Now I'm trying to decide what I could part with to get my hands on a Prodigy.
 
I ordered a holster with the optic cut and a cpl 26 rnd mags and I dont even have the gun yet. I dry fired one a cpl times at LGS. Its a big gun and the factory trigger at least on that one was terrrible. Like the safety was on.
 
Damn_Yankee said:
This would actually be a defensive pistol. Not for carry but nightstand HD duties. And some giggles.
I've had a few CZ's, the P01, P07, SP01, & P10C.
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There is nothing unique to the Prodigy that makes it better as a nightstand pistol and there can be an argument made there are pistols at half the cost that would a do a better job.
“2011’s” are especially good as range toys and competition guns but IMO not a great night stand gun-namely manual safety, light, low under travel trigger and potential reliability issues (mostly magazine related).
If you like it get it and enjoy if for what it is!
 
I picked up a used RIA something-something 9mm double stack 2011-style gun and I'm very happy with it. Mine's the 22TCM combo for added grins.
This one hasn't stopped (yet) for any reason other than out-of-spec ammo.
 
On a serious note… for some reason the prodigy is one that has jumped to the top of my list very recently. For a 1911DS, the price is on point. It felt good in the hand and it’s easily upgraded (and still less than other options). I have a good feeling I will end up with one soon. My only decision dilemma at this point is deciding if I want the 4.5” or 5”.

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Springfield MIM is GTG. I’ve put thousands of rounds through their 1911’s.

I’ve got a Prodigy 4.25. Only “1911” I have left.

I’ve fit a lot of parts to 1911’s, but I’m not a 1911 “smith”. I made an attempt to replace all the internals with Wilson Bulletproof parts. It wouldn’t run.

Don’t try that plan unless you have a 1911 smith who can make it work.

All that said, if it’s going to be a nightstand gun, get a Glock.

I use mine as a match blaster and it runs great. Flat trigger with a 10-8 slide stop that’s easier to manipulate than the stock one.
IMG_2718.jpeg
 
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I would put hands on one before committing. I wanted one but when I held it in my hands I didn't care for being unable to reach the slide stop or mag release without breaking my grip.

Otherwise it's a good price point if you want a 2011 to play with. Not sure about a HD gun. my nightstand gun is a SP-01 Tactical.
 
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The 10-8 slide stop protrudes just far enough to be better able to easily release it (the stock one sucked), but even with my XL sized hands, I use my support thumb to release it, same as any other 1911s I’ve owned.
 
It won't be a Staccato... 🤣 My C2 Duo is one of my favorite pistols to shoot.

There is a certain "something" to the 2011 series in 9mm that is just fun.

I wouldn't be unhappy to pick up a Prodigy
 
NCMedic said:
It won't be a Staccato... 🤣 My C2 Duo is one of my favorite pistols to shoot.

There is a certain "something" to the 2011 series in 9mm that is just fun.

I wouldn't be unhappy to pick up a Prodigy
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I think you get what you pay for with a Staccato. Way more trained hands are on those guns before shipping than Prodigies.

And they are lighter than Prodigies. Moah bettuh for carry.

But for match shooting I like the weight of the Prodigy
 
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I may be inclined to part with my Staccato C2...on my way home from work tonight an idiot ran a red light and I barely missed him but plowed over a tree and into a brick wall of house on the corner of the intersection. I was able to get bumper pulled out enough with tow strap to drive it home but it's gonna need some work--possibly replaced--so I probably need to free up some funds. I only carry liability on my Yukon so out of pocket it goes. I'd be open to some partial trade(s) if you're able to work anything out.
 
Poseidon69 said:
I may be inclined to part with my Staccato C2...on my way home from work tonight an idiot ran a red light and I barely missed him but plowed over a tree and into a brick wall of house on the corner of the intersection. I was able to get bumper pulled out enough with tow strap to drive it home but it's gonna need some work--possibly replaced--so I probably need to free up some funds. I only carry liability on my Yukon so out of pocket it goes. I'd be open to some partial trade(s) if you're able to work anything out.
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That sucks. I hate that happened to you and I’m glad you’re not hurt. I understand completely about the out of pocket cost. My wife had to have some dental work done that was apparently missed by her previous dentist who recently retired. He was old school and missed a couple issues that the new one caught. We had to pay for a couple big dollar procedures last month and possibly another in the next couple. So I currently don’t have any extra cash either. I only have two pistols I’d let go right now that, combined would probably get me in the 1300 neighborhood.
I’m sure you’d probably have no problem selling that C2 though.
 
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Handled one of these Tisas at Fuquay the other day:
tisasusa.com

1911 Night Stalker Double Stack SF 9MM

tisasusa.com tisasusa.com

Seemed pretty decent, although the plastic grip felt very cheap to me and wasn't very aggressive. Not surprised at this price point.
I have no use for TB or suppressor sights, so I would look at this one:

tisasusa.com

1911 Duty Double Stack 9MM

tisasusa.com tisasusa.com

People seem to like Tisas for the money. I'd buy a Shadow2 for 9mm, personally. If I were shooting it for fun.
For home defense my preference would be a G17 (or similar) with a red dot and a light.
I do like shooting 2011's, but have seen mixed results with inexpensive (and even expensive) 9mm 1911's and 2011's.
Any 2011 9mm purchase I made would be with the idea that I might have to take it to someone like Tommy guns to make it perfect.

Just my opinion.
 
NKD said:
Handled one of these Tisas at Fuquay the other day:
tisasusa.com

1911 Night Stalker Double Stack SF 9MM

tisasusa.com tisasusa.com

Seemed pretty decent, although the plastic grip felt very cheap to me and wasn't very aggressive. Not surprised at this price point.
I have no use for TB or suppressor sights, so I would look at this one:

tisasusa.com

1911 Duty Double Stack 9MM

tisasusa.com tisasusa.com

People seem to like Tisas for the money. I'd buy a Shadow2 for 9mm, personally. If I were shooting it for fun.
For home defense my preference would be a G17 (or similar) with a red dot and a light.
I do like shooting 2011's, but have seen mixed results with inexpensive (and even expensive) 9mm 1911's and 2011's.
Any 2011 9mm purchase I made would be with the idea that I might have to take it to someone like Tommy guns to make it perfect.

Just my opinion.
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I definitely appreciate your opinion and experiences as well as the others posted here. I have VERY limited experience with DS 1911's and this thread has been a big help. I'll probably look at other options since I don't really want to spend more money and time to make an already pricey investment reliable enough for my stated purpose.
 
I Shot a Tisas 9mm double stack tonight, it was
NKD said:
Handled one of these Tisas at Fuquay the other day:
tisasusa.com

1911 Night Stalker Double Stack SF 9MM

tisasusa.com tisasusa.com
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I shot a buddie's brand-new Tisas Night-Stalker last night at practice. The grips are proprietary, but they are comfortable and grippy enough to handle 9mm. It was very accurate and had almost zero felt recoil. Trigger felt light, in the 3-lb range and not mushy at all. It had a rail and a threaded barrel. The sights are decent but my eyes are bad so I'm not a good judge. The rear notch is extra wide which makes it better for quick shots than slow aimed fire.

I liked it, but not more than I like my RIA 9mm/22TCM combo that I bought used for $200 less than these sell for.
 
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Frack N Cylons said:
Is this for competition or giggles?

Have you shot any CZs?
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Would a CZ Shadow 2 be a good choice for HD and range fun? I see mixed opinions on the Shadow 2 for anything but range and competition because it doesn't have a firing pin block. But 1911's don't have one either, correct?
 
Damn_Yankee said:
Would a CZ Shadow 2 be a good choice for HD and range fun? I see mixed opinions on the Shadow 2 for anything but range and competition because it doesn't have a firing pin block. But 1911's don't have one either, correct?
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I don’t have any experience with the Shadow 2 but I’d rock it.

@NKD knows more about them.
 
Frack N Cylons said:
I don’t have any experience with the Shadow 2 but I’d rock it.

@NKD knows more about them.
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While looking into the Shadow 2 a bit, I found I would have to manually lower the hammer, once I chamber a round, in order to be in DA mode. Not sure I really want to be doing that.
 
Frack N Cylons said:
@NKD knows more about them.
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Lol, I think it’s the only CZ model I haven’t owned!
But have shot many and think it’s the best gun for the money you can buy.. for competition and training.
I wouldn’t hesitate to use a shadow 2 with a light for home use. You have to decock one every stage in competition, so you do get used to it.
That said, it’s ideal for what it is designed for: competition and range use from an OWB holster. Like ALL Shadows.
They are not ideal tactical guns despite IG-operators putting lights optics anti aircraft and camo on them.

I personally use a Glock 19 or P10F with a light for home. Just my non-expert opinions.
 
Unless Springfield has fixed the issue, the disconnector sits a little high in the Prodigy 4.25. Letting the slide slowly down, it would hang at times. I had the slide slightly ramped where the disconnector runs to break the 90-degree contact. I also put a Nighthawk disconnector in the gun. The Prodigy has become one of my favorite guns. I have a Holosun 509T optic mounted, and a TLR 7 light. I am seriously thinking about getting the 5" Prodigy.
 
I got the two 26rnd mags and the optic cut holster. Now to order the gun. Any problems I have out of the box SA is going to fix. If no problems and it needs a trigger, supposedly there are drop ins available. As much as a 1911 trigger can be a drop in. Failing that, I 'll call Tommy Guns.
 
jimmyjames8 said:
If no problems and it needs a trigger, supposedly there are drop ins available. As much as a 1911 trigger can be a drop in.
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Fitting the trigger in mine was not difficult. There were at least two brands of flat triggers available with several options each when I bought the Cheely Gunworks trigger that Hilton Yam (10-8 Performance) was running last year. But the Cheely website no longer shows their triggers.

Atlas is another flat trigger option. The Cheely trigger is pictured. I also highly recommend the 10-8 Slide stop (pictured). It looks exactly like the stock stop, but it protrudes slightly farther out, and is easier to manipulate than the stock slide stop.
IMG_2718.jpeg
 
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Damn_Yankee said:
A friend has an STI Eagle in .40 and another guy that was shooting with us had his Prodigy. I had a chance to shoot them both this past weekend an couldn't get enough. I liked the shooting experience with the 9mm Prodigy a little better probably due the lighter caliber. Which is good because I couldn't afford an STI/Staccato anyway. Even the Prodigy is currently out my reach since I spent my gun budget recently on that Bul Armory 9mm 1911. Now I'm trying to decide what I could part with to get my hands on a Prodigy.
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Save your money and get a staccato. I find that when I want a certain style of gun it is best to get the best quality of that style or something extremely close. Something you'll feel good about owning, shooting, showing your friends or defending your life with. You might as well get a sig p226 before you get a prodigy. People that I know that owned a prodigy wanted to sell quickly. I've never shot one and don't care to. I've owned staccato p and c2. Sold both because they don't carry well and I hate rear grip safeties especially staccato rear grip safety. I'd like my c2 back thou. I'd pin the rear grip safety down. Hope this helps.
 
I’ve owned a fair number 1911’s from Wilson down to RIA, and a Prodigy. While it is true they had teething pains right out of the gate, a quick trip back to SA resolved the issues. Completely.

The Prodigy is heavier than the Stacatto, and while I think the Staccato is likely worth every penny, I prefer the heavier Prodigy for match shooting.

I wouldn’t judge it if you haven’t shot one, especially one that runs, like mine.
 
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yeah might as well get a sig p226

lolz
 
fieldgrade said:
Fitting the trigger in mine was not difficult. There were at least two brands of flat triggers available with several options each when I bought the Cheely Gunworks trigger that Hilton Yam (10-8 Performance) was running last year. But the Cheely website no longer shows their triggers.

Atlas is another flat trigger option. The Cheely trigger is pictured. I also highly recommend the 10-8 Slide stop (pictured). It looks exactly like the stock stop, but it protrudes slightly farther out, and is easier to manipulate than the stock slide stop.
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Fusion Firearms offers an assortment of 1911 and 2011 triggers as well. I have tried the Flat K trigger in the Tisas Commander and it fits perfectly. I have yet to try the 2011 style pictured below.
Fusion2011-triggers.PNG
 
My Prodigy is great and easily my favorite handgun. I compete with it in USPSA LO. Still using all factory internals except for the extractor (replaced with Wilson Combat) and FP and related springs.

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But my nightstand gun is a Walther PDP. And the reason why is reliability (and that fantastic grip ergo). I'm ok with the occasional malfunction at a match. But not at home when things go bump in the night. My PDP works dirty AF and un-lubricated. My Prodigy (and many other 2011s) would choke at the mere thought of that.
 
jimmyjames8 said:
I got the two 26rnd mags and the optic cut holster. Now to order the gun. Any problems I have out of the box SA is going to fix. If no problems and it needs a trigger, supposedly there are drop ins available. As much as a 1911 trigger can be a drop in. Failing that, I 'll call Tommy Guns.
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I should have said fire control parts, everything from strut, main spring, hammer, trigger, etc. Ordered my Prodigy from KYGUNCO yesterday and a 1200 rnd case of Rem 9mm from Birelli. Cheaper than I can load it with new brass.
 
Got my Prodigy with Dragonfly red dot which did not come installed. Getting the existing iron sight rear plate off was a PITA. Had to use some penetrating oil and beat on it with a nylon faced tapper hammer. Ran 50 rnds Rem bulk 115 ball with no hiccups. Ran 50 rnds Fed GM Action Pistol with one failure to feed. Trigger pull is getting lighter with use. Front lense gets smoked up bad in 50 rnds. Almost unusable at 100rnds but cleans up easy. Grip when using thumb safety as "gas pedal" is uncomfortable and I have large hands. Small and medium hands will have a tough time with this dbl stack. Have not been able to get the two piece recoil spring guide rod apart. Took many turns of the elevation screw (up) on red dot to get on paper. A taller red dot is in order for competition as this one is more suited to concealed carry.
 
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