Tame the Recoil Beast with the Springfield Armory Prodigy Comp 1911 DS

In 2022, Springfield Armory launched its new Prodigy 9mm pistol to a great deal of fanfare. The initial offering in the company’s latest 1911 DS double-stack line of pistols, the Prodigy was optics-ready and came in two sizes, 5 and 4¼ inches. It was an immediate hit and brought a great option to the double-stack 1911 market. Following its warm reception, Springfield Armory continued to focus on improving the model and now releases the Prodigy Comp.

The Springfield Armory Prodigy Comp

With the level of success the gun enjoyed, you would think most companies would just set the cruise and let the sales continue. I mean, why mess with success?

Well, that’s not how things are done at Springfield, and they put their minds to improving the Prodigy. The result of their labor is indeed an improvement. Today they now offer the Springfield Prodigy Comp.

The Prodigy Comp takes the proven 1911 platform and enhances it with double-stack capacity and a performance-driven feature set. Reconfigured around a double-stack magazine, the polymer grip module mounts to a forged steel frame, offering capacities of 17+1 and 20+1.

The AOS-compatible slide and barrel assembly are integrally compensated to reduce muzzle rise, while a Picatinny rail is ready to accept today’s most popular accessories. The Prodigy Comp combines the 1911’s most beloved characteristics with modern capacity for unrivaled performance.

Likewise, the gun is built around solid components. The 5-inch bull barrel on the Prodigy Comp is crafted from forged stainless steel for match-grade accuracy and features an integral compensator. Of course, the compensator is the gun’s new feature and is an excellent addition.

The integral compensator on the Prodigy Comp is discreetly designed, featuring a single port on the top of the hammer-forged slide and barrel. By redirecting gas upwards, it reduces muzzle rise and enhances control allowing for faster and more accurate follow-up shots.

Additionally, the tritium front sight is positioned. However, the gun can also support optics and employs AOS (Agency Optic System) plates that accept today’s most popular optics.

The Prodigy Comp in Hand

I recently received a new Prodigy Comp 5-inch for a closer look. It was every bit as nice as the first Prodigy. The gun simply has a “go-fast” feel about it.

The large, beveled magazine well allows for quick reloading, especially while on the move. I found the molded-in stippling comfortable while still providing a solid grip. In addition, the squared trigger guard has stippling on the front as well.

The trigger on this pistol is almost ridiculously nice. The black, three-hole skeletonized trigger has a curved, serrated face and came in at about a four-pound pull. I would put it on par with some of the finest high-end custom 1911s on the market.

The trigger breaks firmly, with little overtravel and a clean reset. Correspondingly, the safety is placed well.  It works in concert with a grip safety that’s extended and has a memory pad. The fit and finish were good, and the pistol presented a very high-end custom feel and only a portion of the price.

Range Time

The gun was whispering, “Shoot me,” so a range session was set up. I wanted to run a spectrum of ammo during the test, so I chose Federal 147gr American Eagle, Hornady 115gr FTX Critical Defense, and Blazer Brass 115gr FMJ. After a short moment to zero the included RMR, I was off to the races.

Loading the gun was a simple business. The mag is well-made, and loading was fast and easy. Likewise, the gun shined when I chambered a round. The solid serrations in the rear of the slide made racking the slide a breeze.

The gun sat well in my hands with the backstrap that came on the gun. First shots were good, and at 10 yards, I had a nice single-ragged hole made by five rounds. At 15 yards, it turned into a one-and-a-half in slow-fire groups. At 25 yards, it was two and a half inches.

Performance of the Compensated Prodigy

At speed, the gun performed equally well. It was fast and very flat shooting. While I would not classify the Prodigy as heavy, it is a breath heavier than other guns in its class. This slight additional meat on the bone does contribute to recoil management and reducing muzzle rise.

Speaking of muzzle rise, it was almost nonexistent with the new comp. Many people ramble on about various comps, but Springfield has found the magic sauce in this design. It made shooting fast and easy.

While I used the RMR as my aiming tool, the sights sat in the lower third of the optic. If you were to run the gun without an optic, Springfield’s U-Dot sights would serve you well. These sights work extremely well for both fast acquisition and precision aiming in my experience.

While it is difficult to quantify, the gun simply felt good in my hands. It has a very serious, all-about-business feel to it. As I mentioned earlier, it feels like a very high-end pistol, yet Springfield has it priced very competitively at $1,599.

At the end of the day, the pile of brass said it was time to wrap up. While not a durability test by any stretch, the 500 rounds I put through the gun all ran without issue and had zero malfunctions.

I would be hard-pressed to say which ammo performed best, but the 115 gr Hornady seemed to have the best feel. Short of running junk, I don’t think this gun will ever be ammo-sensitive.

An Improved Prodigy

In my opinion, Springfield has indeed improved on the Prodigy. The company is offering it in a 5-inch as well as a 4.25-inch version.

Applications for this gun are twofold in my mind. First, I see it as an excellent EDC weapon. Is it a microblaster? No. But if you are serious about your safety, you learn to dress around a gun.

I also see this as a pistol you will see in the hands of competitors. It is that fast and accurate. Add into the equation the ability to add pretty much any optic you choose, and it brings flexibility to the mix.

I was a fan of the original Prodigy and now have a new love affair with the Prodigy Comp. If you want to get into the double-stack 1911 world but don’t want to break the bank, look long and hard at the new Prodigy Comp. It is absolutely more gun for the money.

For more information, please visit Springfield-Armory.com.

Springfield Armory Prodigy Comp Specs

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Source: www.personaldefenseworld.com