VIDEO: Springfield Armory DS Prodigy 10,000-Round Torture Test

We love punishing guns. If they have to work in competition, on the job or for defensive carry, then they have to work each and every time without fail. So nothing tests those capabilities quite like punishing a gun on the range. A recent Springfield Armory DS Prodigy torture test put 10,000 rounds through the double-stack 1911, to impressive results.

Springfield Armory DS Prodigy Torture Test

Paul Carlson, owner of Safety Solutions Academy, administered the test. He put 10,000 rounds of PMC Bronze, 115-grain ammo, provided by True Shot, through the pistol. The entire test recently ran on Springfield Armory’s The Armor Life.

“The Prodigy just ate up all the ammunition I fed it,” said Carlson. “I never tired of firing 9mm in this full-size pistol — all 10,000 rounds. I cannot recommend the Prodigy enough for anyone looking for a 1911 that adds the benefit of cutting-edge performance features and increased magazine capacity. This one is a proven performer!”

The 1911 DS Prodigy brings a mass produced take on what custom shops have done for decades. We’re talking a polymer grip module paired with a 9mm 1911 slide and barrel. The resulting double-stack pistol, known as a 2011 to many, brings serious magazine capacity for competition shooters. The Prodigy offers 17+1, 20+1 and even a 26+1 capacity via double-stack magazines.

A Big Moment for Double-Stack 9mms?

The problem with 2011 or double-stack 1911s always center on reliability. Traditionally, reliability required tremendous fitting of components and tuning of magazines in these designs. The Springfield Armory DS Prodigy suggests a new era in consistent building and machining, at a fraction of the old custom prices.

The Prodigy also includes an optics-ready format, the AOS (Agency Optic System). The plates come machined from billet steel, each one delivering proper optic height for intuitive sight picture and acquisition, according to Springfield Armory.

Running 10,000 rounds through a gun comprises an awesome test of the build. Doing it in a double-stack 1911 in 9mm marks a big win for Springfield Armory. Knowing it comes in both 5- and 4-inch models, with a retail around $1,699, this one just keeps looking better.

“Paul did an amazing job managing this grueling test of the 1911 DS Prodigy,” said Mike Humphries, editor of The Armory Life. “With every round fired documented on video, Carlson has shown us that the 1911 DS Prodigy has what it takes to burn through 10K rounds and stand ready for more.”