Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
The Springfield Armory 1911 10‑8 Performance Master Class occupies the rarely addressed space between high‑end production pistols and full custom 1911 builds.
A Hybrid Custom‑Production Philosophy
Springfield Armory built the 10‑8 Performance Master Class as a collaborative project with Hilton Yam of 10‑8 Performance, a retired FBI Special Agent and longtime SWAT firearms instructor. Rather than mass‑producing another upgraded 1911, Springfield approached this model as a hybrid build.
Each pistol begins with hand‑selected forged carbon‑steel frames and slides, which remain matched throughout the fitting process. Springfield precisely fits and blends major components before final assembly. The result lands above traditional production guns while stopping short of the wait times and cost associated with true custom shop pistols.
At $2,099 MSRP, the Master Class sits at the high end of production pricing, but well below most semi‑custom and custom 1911 offerings with comparable features.
Ergonomics and Subtle Control Details
One of the more understated features is the 10‑8 abbreviated slide serration pattern. Rather than running serrations the full length of the slide, Springfield limits them to functional zones. This provides positive purchase for manipulations while avoiding unnecessary abrasion as the slide cycles near the shooter’s support‑hand thumb.
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Springfield pairs that with a solid aluminum flat‑face trigger, designed for consistent finger placement and predictable control. The trigger incorporates a fixed stainless overtravel stop and a precision‑fit bow, aimed at reliability over adjustability.
Bull Barrel and Reverse Recoil System
The Master Class uses a forged stainless steel, 5‑inch bull barrel with a DLC finish. Unlike traditional bushing‑equipped barrels, the bull profile adds mass and rigidity at lockup. This can improve consistency and reduce barrel movement during cycling.
Springfield couples that barrel with a 10‑8 Performance reverse recoil spring plug. The reverse plug allows tool‑free disassembly and eliminates the traditional GI plug that can become a failure point under hard use. It also supports the bull‑barrel configuration without adding complexity.
Modern Optics Without Compromise
Springfield machines the slide for the Agency Optic System (AOS), developed with Agency Arms. AOS uses interchangeable plates that fit RMR, Shield, DeltaPoint Pro, and Docter footprints.
Each plate includes an integrated rear sight, allowing for a functional co‑witness and preserving a usable iron‑sight picture regardless of optic choice. Pistols ship with a cover plate featuring an integrated rear sight, along with a coupon for the buyer’s preferred optic plate.
Where It Lands
The 1911 10‑8 Performance Master Class is not positioned as a competition race gun, nor as a collector‑only piece. Instead, it reflects decades of professional end‑user experience distilled into a duty‑grade 1911 that arrives ready to run.
It offers the refinement and component selection often associated with custom builds, while retaining the availability, consistency, and warranty support of a production gun.
Springfield Armory 1911 10‑8 Performance Master Class Specs
- Manufacturer: Springfield Armory
- Model: 1911 10‑8 Performance Master Class
- Calibers: 9mm Luger / .45 ACP
- Action: Single‑action, semi‑automatic
- Frame: Forged carbon steel, Picatinny‑rail
- Slide: Forged carbon steel
- Barrel: 5 in forged stainless steel bull barrel, DLC finish
- Recoil System: Reverse recoil spring plug
- Trigger: Solid aluminum flat‑face
- Sights: Agency Optic System (AOS) with integrated rear sights
- Grips: 10‑8 Performance VZ G‑10
- Frontstrap: 20 LPI checkering
- Capacity: 9‑round (9mm) / 8‑round (.45 ACP)
- Weight: ~43 oz
- MSRP: $2,099
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Levi is an avid hunter, and an increasingly avid shooter. He strives to make delicious and simple recipes from the game he kills. He makes a living as a professional photographer and writer. Check out his work.
I got to get up close & personal with this model while at this last SHOT Show. It is fine! It’s got some nice upgrades while still keeping it within a reasonable & “reachable” price range. A great stepping stone for someone that’s always looking to upgrade his current 1911. A nice stop along the way to the custom shop! I’ve got several custom 1911s & “2011s”, as well as other double-stack 1911s. This Master Class will be would be an awesome upgrade for fans that just can’t justify a custom one—for whatever the reason. It is what it is & what it’s made to be—an upgrade to the basic 1911s made by other ‘smiths at big name, high quality companies, as well as Springfield itself.
Hand-selected ? Only the frame ? All other components are just off the assembly line ?
Bull barrel setup : This can improve consistency and reduce barrel movement during cycling. Does it actually improve anything on this pistol ? Or it’s just a possibility that it could ?
Poor article .
I have a full race gun from the early 90’s when Les Bear was showing Springfield how to build customs and it cost more than this model that has 90% of the features. This is one beautiful 1911….
Yet another $1k+ 9mm 1911. That market is -BEYOND- saturated. If they’re not going to make it in unique calibers, like 10mm or even .40, there’s literally no point in building the gun.