Video
Introduction
The Springfield Armory Prodigy 4.25″ Comp is a double-stack 1911 with a compensator, combining the strengths of the traditional 1911 with modern capacity and a ported barrel for the best of both worlds to offer superior performance and reliability.
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Design and Features
Springfield Armory has reconfigured the traditional 1911 around a double-stack magazine, providing 17+1 and 20+1 capacities. The magazine is based on STI or Staccatto pattern and they’ve worked great for me without tuning. The Prodigy 4.25″ Comp features a polymer grip module mounted to a forged steel frame, ensuring durability and a solid feel. The carbon steel slide is Cerakote finished in black. The comp or ported slide and barrel sit in front of the front sight so that all of that crap doesn’t kick up in your vision or all over the tritium front sight.
One of the standout features is the AOS (Agency Optic System) optics mounting system, which is compatible with today’s most popular optics. This system allows for easy attachment and removal of red dots, making the Prodigy both versatile and user-friendly. The Picatinny rail under the barrel is ready for accessories, adding to the gun’s flexibility.
Performance
The performance of the Prodigy 4.25″ Comp is truly remarkable. When tested with Winchester 115 grain target ammo, the accuracy was impressive, with bullets grouping tightly into one ragged hole. This level of precision is due to the match-grade, forged stainless steel bull barrel and the overall quality of the firearm’s construction. We’re going to test this with more ammo on my Ransom rest so stay tuned for that.
The Prodigy includes two magazines: a 17-round flush fit and a 20-round extended mag. Both magazines are of high quality and integrate seamlessly with the firearm.
Usability and Ergonomics of the Springfield Armory Prodigy Comp
Ergonomics have been thoughtfully considered in the design of the Prodigy. The gun features a slightly taller tritium front sight and a black serrated rear sight, which provide a clear sight picture through the mounted red dot. The slide has front and rear serrations for a firm grip during manipulation, and the ambidextrous safety is practical for both right- and left-handed shooters.
The skeletonized trigger, though heavier (pull weight) than some might prefer, myself included, is crisp and reliable, with an estimated pull weight of around 4.5 to 5 pounds. The gun’s weight of 32.5 ounces is probably a little heavy for concealed carry but I’m going to try it out anyway.
Red Dot Optic – Vortex Defender-XL
For this review, I mounted the Vortex Defender-XL Red Dot on the Prodigy. The Vortex Defender-XL features a large 5 MOA dot, a huge window for competition shooters, and intuitive controls. Its durable construction ensures reliability under various conditions, making it an excellent choice for this firearm. The icing on the cake is that Defender-XL uses the Leupold Delta Point Pro mounting footprint. It also has excellent battery life and an easy to change battery that doesn’t require re-zeroing. For more information, you can check out the Vortex Defender-XL here.
Accessories and Additional Features
Springfield Armory includes a soft padded bag for the Prodigy, a welcome alternative to the typical hard plastic cases. Included in the box is a plate with a rear sight already mounted on it should you choose not to run a red dot. The gun also features a Picatinny rail for attaching lights or lasers, enhancing its usability in various scenarios.
Cons
While the Prodigy 4.25″ Comp has many strengths, it does have a few drawbacks. One issue is the witness hole at the top of the barrel, which tends to blow carbon onto the red dot’s window. This can obscure the sight picture and requires regular cleaning to maintain clarity. I have a tig welder and I might just weld that little hole shut. We’ll see.
Additionally, while the trigger would be considered phenomenal compared to a Glock, Springfield XD, or any SIG, it is heavier than I would prefer and possibly the weakest point of the gun if you are comparing it to other double-stack 1911’s and 2011s. A lighter trigger pull would enhance the overall shooting experience and help justify the price point.
Final Thoughts
The Springfield Armory Prodigy 4.25″ Comp is an extremely easy to shoot pistol. The port or comp really makes a difference and the gun stays on target and shoots flat. Make sure you watch for the slow motion portion during the video that I filmed and that is embedded above. I didn’t have a single malfunction of any kind which is how it should be. The accuracy appears to be fantastic and far superior to the plastic Tupperware pistols we’ve all been shooting. I wish the price point was lower (MSRP is $1599) but I still think that this pistol is a bargain compared to what else you can get in the 2011 marketplace.
I’m so impressed with this Springfield Armory Prodigy Comp, that I plan to purchase it for myself. I’ll fix the things I don’t like and I think it would then be comparable to much more expensive guns. Stay tuned for more in-depth accuracy tests and comparisons.
Springfield Armory Prodigy Comp Specifications
- Caliber: 9mm
- Color: Black
- Barrel: 4.25″ Forged Stainless Steel, Match Grade, Bull, 1:16 twist
- Slide: Forged Carbon Steel, Black Cerakote®, Optics-Ready, Integral Compensator
- Frame: Forged Carbon Steel, Black Cerakote®
- Sights: Tritium Front, Black Serrated Rear
- Recoil System: 2 Piece Full Length Guide Rod
- Grips: Polymer
- Magazines: (1) 17-Round, (1) 20-Round
- Weight: 32.5 oz
- Length: 7.8″
- Height: 5.5″
- MSRP: $1,599
Visit Springfield Armory for more information about the Prodigy 4.25″ Comp
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I received my Springfield 4.25 “ Prodigy comp today. I just ordered a Leupold Delta Point Pro red dot on it.
Thanks for this review.
I wonder what J Browning thinks of 1911s being down graded to 9mm when the Hi Power has that covered. IMO the 10mm and .45 are what goes in the bigger platform.
I’m sorry fellas but a true 1911 is a honorable and reliable weapon. The ammo for this weapon is a 45 cal.
Not the lessor 9mm.
In close it’s a discrace for a 1911 to be associated with a 9 mm round.
Compensators do NOT comensate for the gases boiling up into the shooter’s vison. Or the for the bright light shone on the shooter to the opponent’ benefit.
Hopefully they’ll offer the barrel and slide separately for those of us who already own the Prodigy. Otherwise, I’ll have to send mine to DSC Gunworks to get it ported (which I already planned to do).