Magnum Research 1911 U Model

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Classic Compact .45 ACP Protection

Being a cop means you’re the latest in a long line of officers who have literally put their lives on the line to protect citizens and get your job done. In spite of today’s technology, and the fact you may like to think of yourself as being above historical precedent — you’re wrong. We are what we were, and what cops were is exactly the same as what cops are today — that final demarcation point between what’s good and evil. People still rely on you to keep them safe, just as they did 100 or 200 years ago. You may use a computer today, but I find it ironic you still use a firearm using gunpowder to propel a lead bullet to stop a bad guy.

Think about that for a minute … After 200 years, we still don’t have a better way to get that final job done.

But we’ve used technology to make sure that final solution is generally efficient, user-friendly and effective. And frankly, the fact the Magnum Research 1911 U Model relies on a long line of historically significant designs and ideas to help you get your job done simply makes it even more important. While a piece of plastic and metal can accomplish the job, there’s merit in a classic design that still lives — because it still works.

History Alive

Some may decry the 1911 to be an archaic design that should’ve been retired decades ago. If that is, indeed, the case, why has the military only recently ordered thousands of a certain 1911 design from a major maker? If the design is out of date, why do tens of thousands of cops rely on the 1911 to keep them safe today, and to help them police their beats?

The answer is simple. It’s because a single-action, cocked and locked 1911, especially in .45 ACP, is a serious attention-getter. And something like the Magnum Research compact model we tested takes the concept to the most modern level.

Chances are good if you’re a 1911 aficionado I’m preaching to the choir here. I’ll wager you have a 5″ 1911, and maybe a Commander-sized gun and just might be wishing for something a bit more concealable, something you could easily carry as a backup or off-duty gun. And that’s exactly why the Magnum Research DE1911U exists.

With a 3″ barrel, this impeccably made 1911 design (made in Israel), offers almost custom performance in a “factory” gun. Frankly, we were all impressed with the quality of manufacture, attention to fit and finish and the fact this small .45 ACP ran like the wind with every load we put through it. It needed a firm wrist, but this sort of thing always does.

Why This?

Simple, actually. A single-action trigger, big-bore, single-stack auto is not only historically significant — it’s still effective. If your main duty gun is a single-stack 1911, it only makes perfect sense your backup or off-duty gun uses the same manual of arms. Why train twice when you can train once?

We’re fortunate here, in that we see a wide cross-section of both factory and custom 1911 pistols come across our desks. In spite of that, this compact 1911 really got our attention. Kahr Arms (the parent company of Magnum Research) has established themselves as virtually “owning” the small frame “pocket pistol” market when it comes to 9mm, .40 and .45 models. Adding Magnum Research (long known for their cutting edge designs and high quality engineering and workmanship), has enhanced Kahr’s market share, and for good reason. Let me explain.

You can buy a basic 1911 and add $1,000 worth of upgrades, or you can buy a “factory” model with the upgrades already done. But the hitch is finding the right factory model. Something to keep in mind about factory models is they’re generally engineered to work correctly using the parts designed as a unit, built by experienced craftsmen from known sources. Think of it like this: Can you build a hot rod that might run? Sure — and think custom 1911 at the same time. But would a factory car likely be more reliable and take you across country without breakdown? Yes. Think: good quality factory 1911. I’ll be the first to say a high-quality, custom gun would be just as effective. But alas … that same gun would likely set you back $3,000 or more.

Shooting

Tests showed this short-barreled 1911 to be reliable and accurate. While some may like to tout 25-yard groups, a more realistic 15-yard target revealed one-ragged-hole groups using Black Hills and Federal Personal Defense ammo. This is a real shooter and any of us here at COP would trust our lives to this gun. Those Israelis know how to build quality!

The Magnum Research Desert Eagle 1911 U Model retails for a very affordable $946, and that’s with essentially custom features. The aluminum frame (one of my favorite ideas in a 1911), adjustable rear sight, extended safety, skeletonized hammer, extended mag release, full-length guide rod and bushingless barrel are only a few of the high performance features offered.

At only 25.8 ounces and “Series 70” design, the Magnum Research 3″ 1911 U Model is classic and cutting edge at the same time. And how good is that? Very good.

The Kahr Arms Connection

You may not realize, but Kahr Arms is the parent company of Magnum Research and you benefit from this by having this remarkable choice of cocked and locked vs. Kahr’s DAO mode. Kahr also created the factory semi-auto pocket pistol about 20 years ago with their 9mm and it’s because of their vision we now see so many manufacturers riding this wave of popularity.

If you’re not comfortable carrying a cocked and locked .45, then you’re sure to find the new CT45 interesting. I’d call this more of a full-size gun (4″ barrel and overall length is 6.57″), but it has all the attributes of their pocket pistols. Its slim grip and profile make it ideal for duty carry — especially those of you who are smaller stature. The CT45 is part of Kahr’s “Value Series” and it nearly mirrors the look of those in their premium series (think TP45). The only thing I see you giving up with this gun is an extra magazine, packaging and handwork on the slide.

What you’re getting is all the same engineering and quality of their pricier lines, but at a price no cop in his right mind would gripe about. I took the time to shoot about 200 rounds through it and found it every bit as accurate as a P45 we have on hand. MSRP is $449 making it an incredible value.
By Roy & Suzi Huntington

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