The most non biased no BS review on this pistol and outstanding production you'll see on YT. Take notes big name youtubers. This is how a real review should be
I really liked Chris and his reviews but he lost me with his shameless coffee cup / firearm giveaway. I can't and won't watch him any further. I know, it seems small, but he gave in to the crowd.
Really appreciate your method of review on this pistol. This pistol has received a lot of attention lately and it's great to see it's strengths and weaknesses through the course of a thousand rounds. We'll see how Springfield responds as more of the flaws are revealed in the consumer market and the improvements they implement.
Another solidly candid review. I certainly appreciate how you make good use of your “down time” while reloading to explain certain “hows” and “whys” with your techniques. Keep up the great work!
I was a little traumatized by your concise and comprehensive style, I’m retired and spend too much time watching gun reviews and have become more and more tolerant of the goofball reviews that are rampant on the YT. My current range gun is a Shadow 2 but I have begun to covet the 2011 system and was considering this offering. I’m very familiar with Staccato (I’ve own a STI Trojan 45 acp for many years) and was focused on the P as an alternative. The front sight falling off and the extensive or even excessive break in for the Springfield really convinced me the save up 6or7 more Benjamins and get the Staccato. Solid review!
Ray I always appreciate your evaluation on any product and the jury’s still out on this pistol , I have several Springfield 1911’s that function flawlessly so there’s no hate from me on their products
Ray, Awesome and a no B.S. honest review of the Springfield 1911 Prodigy DS 9mm pistol!!! Outstanding tips and tips for running any CCW. I've been watching this pistol since it hit the market with interest!!! I have a rule, never buy a 1st year production firearm no matter what brand. Reasons... This allows time for the bugs to be worked out. It also allows time to see if the manufacturer will stand behind its products and offer services to rectify the issues. Personally, I have had an issue with another Springfield pistol and had outstanding customer service with Springfield Armoy. They basically rebuilt my pistol and turn around time was 3 weeks. Once had to start over and run 1K through it to be sure it was good to go as a CCW. I found this video to be very interesting and informative video. Well done brother as always!!! Stay Safe and Watch your Six Brother!!! God Bless and God Bless America 🇺🇸 🙏 Let Freedom Ring 🇺🇸 🔔
I finally got the call today my gun is in and I can't wait to go get it. I'm a huge Springfield 1911 fan and I've been waiting for years for them to release a 2011 so I had to buy one. The mixed reviews has me a little nervous but I already have a few 2011's so this was more of a want not a need and I'll tweek what I need to if it's not running right. Great video as always keepem coming brother!!!
Great REAL WORLD review. I am looking at this platform but don't need a $3000.00 pistol for my lifestyle. I have the Springfield XDM Elite and love it. My EDC is the Glock 30S, can't get away from it for my lifestyle. I carry on my farm, in woods and around my small town. The Glock 30S is simply practical for me. Carrying a DS 1911 ??? Not sure I need that. For the record, I carried a Meu Soc 1911 before my transition to the Glock 30S, in 2012. Enjoyed your review better than most. Your real and straight to the point. I appreciate that! Earned my subscription and thanks for your WORK!!!! Semper Fi
Crazy, Ive never thought of the "1000 round rule" before, Ive always brought my firearms to the range, thinking its all good and dandy, but makes total sense
I’m bummed out so many folks have had issue with this pistol. Mine has been very solid thus far through 300 rounds (2 malfunctions in the first mag, none since). I cleaned, lubed and worked the action a lot before and between shooting sessions. It’s my first Springfield and I’ve been really impressed so far by this pistol. Very accurate, very fast shooting, solid trigger.
@@TheParaxore Just not in this class of weapon. A double stack 1911 has to be maintained, yes. Every 5k rounds or so. And it has to chamber practically everything, everytime. If it doesn't, it's a piece of shit like the prodigy. BUL Armory gets it right, Staccato gets it right and both aren't that much more expensive if you look what a top tier double stack 1911 is gonna cost you.
Funny enough, despite the known reliability of HK, when I first got my HK P30L, which is what I daily carry, I got through the 500 round break in period using 124 grain 9mm and not the typical 115 stuff that people like to use at the range. When I first brought it to the range, I was using 115gr ammo and I noticed it was ejecting the shells very lethargically and I had a couple FTE's, but the second I switched to 124gr it ran flawlessly. Now that I'm over the 1000 round mark, it'll feed 115gr ammo all day with no problems at all.
i just got one yesterday and am through about 150-170 rounds the initial break in. already got a red dot on the way and am looking for an aiwb holster. first 90 or so, three failures next 80 or so, failure to feed 80-90 percent of the time i just cleaned it in hopes that will be enough.
Great review. Love your unbiased objectivity. Thanks for the information on a pistol I am very interested in. I still lean more towards the Bul armory direct competitor pistol. I don't own one, but Bul is starting to really light up my radar.
I can appreciate this review 1000 rounds is exactly what viewers need to see before putting cash on a pistol, and so we have front sight issues,not the end of the world but should not happen, this is the second time I've seen the front sight issues but overall a good running pistol if that's what you want. For me my choice in this price range The BUL SAS ll Ultralight I believe is a better choice, but that's me.
Not gonna lie, I’ve been considering buy this as an introduction to the 2011 style pistols but after seeing multiple videos and reports of the issues it has along with the front sight issue in this review I’ll be spending my money on the staccato. Thanks for the good review and helping me decide on what platform to go with
Thank You Sir! I am grateful that you share some tips along the way! I forgot to mention that I own/cherish a SA 03A3 rifle from the Civilian Marksmanship Program sale. 👍🇺🇸 #22aday
So....GREAT REVIEW!!!! LOVE YOUR CHANNEL. I actually just purchased this pistol about a month ago. This pistol has been out for a hot min at this point. I knew the issues that the community spoke of. I'm currently sitting at about 800 rounds through the gun, with no issues. NON....but I purchased this platform as an entry weapons system to IDPA and IPSC. I'm a plastic fantastic guru. Shooting GSSF, as it's the best platform to get into as a new boot. I love that you said that you would t carry a 2011 style gun. Neither would I. But, I thank you for the review. I would also say, fellas, if you have these issues, send the gun back to springfield. THEY WILL FIX IT FOR FREE!!! DO NOT SPEND THE MONEY AT YOIR LOCAL INDOOR RANGE GUNSMITH!!!!! I would never tell someone to carry a Staccato. They are beautiful, they are smooth, but they have double stack tendencies that you don't want to encounter in a real world scenario.
The new cameras were a great investment. Much improved picture clarity and audio! To think you made it this far using an iPhone speaks volumes to the quality of your content though
I watched another gun reviewer on this I'm this pistol, he only had problems with the magazines that came with it, when he used Staccato mags it was fine. Great video Ray
I have the 5” Prodigy and it’s running great. I did change the recoil spring before shooting it to a 12# recoil spring. So far ran 650 rounds of Winchester, Federal, Remington and Browning with only one FTE (From Winchester). I did oil and clean as well before shooting it for the first time. I also decided to change out the disconnector because there was a drag. I changed it to the Wilson combat disconnector and I did notice a significant improvement but every now and then I do feel a drag after racking it manually a bunch of times. I would say the next step would be tuning the sear if I want it completely drag free. However, from old 1911 timers from forums that have experience with 1911s, they say that disconnector drag goes away if I keep shooting 🤷🏻♂️. I do enjoy the gun a lot and glad I bought it the only expensive part to add on is the guide rod replaced with a Dawson precision tool less guide rod. I wish Springfield never used that guide rod that needs a tool 😕. Just wanted to offer my experience with the Spring Field Prodigy 5”.
I want to get the 5", but I know most of the problems are coming from the 5. I was planning on replacing the recoil spring and disconector, but hadn't considered the guide rod. Do you think replacing thr rod is a must?
Thank you for sharing your experience. I wish I would have had a 5” to review as all of my other pistols are 5” models. I did have a follow up to 2011’s and Double stack 9’s in general.
@@levirobin934 It’s not a must but for me I wanted it because I don’t want to have a hex wrench on me every time if I need to take the slide down and fix something. Also, I heard someone had the Springfield two piece guide rod unscrew itself while shooting.
Wow! I'm awaiting my carry permit from here inside the great (cough cough) state of MD. I'm thinking of buying a Glock for EDC. I will most definitely put 1K rounds through it before EDC commences. Thanks for the heads up Ray!!! Much appreciated!! That 'one shot wonder' comment definitely got my attention.
I appreciate honest reviews on many brands. I’ve only done 200-300 round break in shots with my pistols before carrying.Think I’ll up that. I also wonder how much heat effects a firearm during a break in like this video.
I picked up a 4.25" out of the box I had 3 fail to feeds. However all three failures occurred with the 17 round mag. I was also using the 20 round and two 26 round mags. The gun performed flawlessly with the other 3 mags. I ran 300 rounds in total I definitely noticed the slid having a slight snag when I took it out of the box but after about 100 rounds it smoothed right out. Now it slides like butter. I also found some unfinished edges on the 17rd mag that was causing the feeding problem so I will file them down and give it another shot. Over all I am very happy with the Prodigy DS. I just wish they would hurry and make more optic plates available.
Going to agree on the "if you maintain it and pay attention it should be a good" part of the deal. Bummed about your front sight issue, that is concerning. One thing I would say, the slide release SHOULD work on the gun, that should be considered a malfunction of the gun. A properly sprung 1911/2011 should not have an issue with this. Many times magazine tension or recoil spring tension are not enough. Per Hilton Yam's evaluation of his, the recoil spring weight was not sufficient and had hangups because of this. I personally messed with one recently and was able to cause the gun to get stuck closing on the disconnect when empty. This is a very clear sign of too light of a spring, and its likely why yours did this. On a proper fitted and built gun, it should close 100% of the time. Excellent video! I have really enjoyed watching these!
1800 plus rounds on mine. Usually do 200 rounds per range trip. 1 jam on the first magazine shot. likely my fault. Cleaned after 500 rounds and not a single issue so far but on the first magazine . I did have to locktite the rear site after my first range session. Love the prodigy i have the 4.25
It’s not my only EDC. But the Pistol I carry most is my 2011. Ray’s recoil control is impressive in fast forward! My favorite part of this video. I believe money is best spent at the range not on the firearm. Buy a quality weapon but leave yourself $ to spend time at the range with it.
Unpopular opinions: I personally think you should always look your gun into the holster in case there happens to be any debris or clothing that could catch the trigger. Second, Ray I've always loved your channel because you have been an in depth person. I personally shrink away from channels when the presenter changes for the money/veiw count. I'm referring to the music and fancy videowork that seems to take the place of real content in so many other channels that started small. Please stay yourself. Thank you, really have liked the channel
The new equipment makes a noticeable difference in the video quality & formatting. Very nice. Your grip is so stable -- usually the videos have shown you from over the shoulder, not really able to see your grip during repeat shots. You mentioned not preferring double-stack 1911 format pistols for carry. With your excellent pistol skills you can be very accurate with a smaller, snappier pistol. My guess is that the inherent stability of a 1911/2011 format is why people want to carry them, instead of smaller pistols. I'm no wizard, but I'd guess that front sight drift is likely from the heat. They could fix it by oversizing the sight shoe and cryo-fitting it, or heating the slide to that temperature where you saw drift, and then setting it. Like a barrel on a BCM upper.
Thanks for the comment Sean! I was raised shooting 1911’s. Literally at 12 my first pistol was a 1911. Those were always pretty reliable but they were very well worn. What I have seen with 2011’s is that they really need time to break in so that everything has a chance to wear in together. I have a follow up video coming out showing some of my Infinity’s, Akai’s, STi’s, Atlas, etc. they ALL have to be broken in before they are reliable. Even so, they need a strict cleaning schedule or they will fail as well. That is why I don’t carry them for self defense.
@@XRING You are welcome. Sounds like Campagnolo derailleurs & shifters from the 70s and 80s, a bit balky until they wore in. This Prodigy seems pretty impressive, but when I think about metal frame/chassis pistols at the same price, I'm tempted by some other options in CZ 75 derived models. I guess the trigger's not quite the same as 1911 triggers though. Thank you Ray!
@@SmackedInATL Is the Staccato P that much bigger than a C2? As I wish to carry sometimes and no gun shops near me have them. The C2 grip looks too short? Any insight is greatly appreciated. Visually I prefer the P: more balanced.
@@BaddFrogg777 The P has a longer grip and bigger magwell, which can be removed but you need a different pin length to make the grip work after removing the magwell. They are on Staccato's site.
Great video! Thanks for the info. The front sight can be peened on the bottom side to ensure proper tension and fitment. A decent gunsmith should be able to fix that fairly easily. It’s a fairly common issue on 1911’s.
I LOVE my Springfield EMP4 but it's not cut for any kind of optics and has no rail. I love it so much that I don't want to alter it so I'm thinking of getting one of these. Thanks for the good review. I love the all metal guns - not a big polymer fan....
nothing better than an unbiased review! unlike a few others that claim to be "HONEST" that read all the BULLSHITT on the internet before reviewing this gun! will buy one even after watching the few reviews that hated the gun! Yes, the "FEW"! I'm 68 and one of my favorite guns is a U.S. Postal service! (most kids won't understand that!!
I’m glad they came out with this pistol and I hope Ruger and Smith do the same in short order. Springfield has had some issues with new firearms as well as other manufacturers with some firearms. And it’s a production pistol not a custom hence the price I’m sure things will be improved with this pistol in the future. Great review.
@@KonaLife not to mention their customer service is ass... atleast used to be. Id buy any Sig, Springfield, Dan Wesson, or even Rock Island before buying a Kimber. They're overpriced cuz they look cool and used to be built to a high standard.
I need to admit I was totally interested in this side arm when I watched the first videos that hit RU-vid. Now, after watching as many videos as I can, it appears they need to work out some issues before I would pick one up.
I have a Springfield XD that is 19 years old and has never once failed to feed or anything it’s been perfect. I trust that gun. So I bought a Hellcat, I have about 1000 rounds through it and it has never had an issue either and I have shot monarch ammo though it as well, and if anyone has used monarch ammo they know how nasty that stuff is. Still no failures.
Then there are every glock, CZ, and M&P pistol I have owned at 1/3 price that had 0 malfunctions of any type and no sights falling off with well over 1000 rds.
Would love to see a review of the BUL Armory 1911 or 2011. The price is between the Springfield and the Stacatto, but in my opinion feels better than both.
Just curious, are the mags sticking on reloads? I notice you do a little twitch when you drop the mags occasionally. I would hope they drop free... 1000 rounds is a reasonable function test. Les Baer 1911s need a 500 rd. break in but they are tight out of the box.
i am really wanting a double stack 1911. i am debating between the Prodidy & Cosaint Arms cos 21. the cos 21 is $2300. i would like to have the Bull Armory tac 4.25 but they are not in stock anywhere.. my only complaint with the Prodigy is the fact that the rmr plate isn't going to be available till October at the earliest. i think that most double stack 1911s or 2011s need a break in period & require more maintenance that alot of people will be willing to do.
Excellent, thorough, and fun review. The S/A PRODIGY has come down in price. Now $1,200 to $1,300. Plus, EGW parts, Dawson Precision parts=$250 and it is a custom gun. Use snap caps and run the action 50x/day for a week or so. While well lubricated. And you can save $500 to $1,000 over a STACCATO P. The Trigger-Arc is $4,000 and the ATLAS 2011 are $5,000 to $6,000. For a (9mm) Handgun??? PEACE. SPRINGFIELD ARMORY has fixed the common issues for the PRODIGY after AUGUST 2023. Plus it has lifetime warranty. Get extra spare magazines from STACCATO.
For real 1200-1400 for a pistol and it has issues? No way. This thing reminds me of a taurus pt45 pistol I purchased. No matter what i did it just kept having problems. At least it was just 250 bucks.
Great video! Typical 1911/2011 platform. Staccato, Prodigy, what have you. It typically needs to be cleaned often and always oiled very well. It’s complex to field strip and reassemble. It’s nothing but a super sexy show gun. Against popular opinion I’d never trust these platforms as my EDC. If you want EDC reliability out of the box Sig, Walther, H&K, FN, Glock and a few others take the easy W in my humble opinion. Thousands of rounds by millions of users with zero issues.
Love how you just threw the last mag onto the floor. Can't believe you heated the slide to the point of expansion so that the front sight fell out. I'm gonna have to watch out for that with my xd.
@X-RING Enjoyed the video! With this gun being out for a while now and the amount of issues that come up, I wouldn't consider it. Sure, there are shops that offer fixes, or there's the factory for R/R.. Considering time and expense just to get it "right" I'd save up, as hard as it is...😂....and go to the Stacatto P Duo. Actually I'm going to stick with my current piles-o-junk and spend money on more ammo...and Jeep parts.
The 5' has way more issues but I have seen quite a few videos were both guns the 5' & 4.25 have issues. I think Springfield really dropped the ball with all these issues because they would've really own the 2011/1911 DS market if they would of been reliable.
Agreed. I had 143 failures straight outta of the box. This was a rush production to catch up in the market and flopped on their face. Their Q&C has gone down.
Yeah I would never personally carry 2011 either . I'm definitely interested in the Prodigy. I'll probably wait until next year when the bugs are worked out
I carry an XDM Elite compact 10mm.. I can't do 1,000rd EDC test.. it's damn near $1 per round Lol. Great video, I imagine the drifting front sight most likely is due to the heat of the slide. Probably not something you'll encounter with most single stack 1911's due to limited capacity but with the double stack 19-2011's it probably would be a good idea to have a screwed in sight.. Maybe they'll fix it for V2 Lol. Still love the gun, I want one.
