Christensen Arms has introduced the A-Series aluminum-framed 1911s for 2017, some of the lightest and most affordable pistols in the company’s catalog.
Think Christensen Arms and shooters typically conjure up visions of ultra-light rifles.
The Utah company’s innovative use of carbon fiber in the construction of barrels, stocks and rifles has set them apart. But in the shadow of the gunmaker’s long guns is an equally impressive family of pistols.
Christensen Arms has applied its unique materials know-how to churn out a slew of inventive 1911s, always with a focus on their strength, lightness and aesthetics. Stainless steel, titanium, carbon fiber and even Damascus steel have been machined and formed to create the venerable semi-automatic pistol.
The company added another material to the docket in 2017, introducing its first line of aluminum-framed handguns. In addition to being some of the lightest pistols in Christensen’s catalog, the 7+1 capacity .45 ACP and 9+1 9mm A-Series 1911s are also among the most affordable.
Before the introduction of the 4-inch barreled A4, 5-inch barreled A5 and threaded-barreled A5-TR, shooters would have to shell out nearly $3,000 to get into most of the company’s pistol models. Christensen has vastly expanded its handgun market, with each iteration of its aluminum series coming in under $2,000.
The A-Series frame is machined from 7075 aluminum, a zinc alloy commonly used for producing the upper and lower receivers of AR-15s. The high-strength aluminum keeps pistols whisper light, with the A5 tipping the scales at 2.2 pounds, the A5-TR at 2.4 pounds and A4 at 2 pounds. The compact pistol is actually the lightest in Christensen Arms’ catalog.
The stainless steel slides of the A-Series — available in black finish or polished steel — are newly designed and hand fit to their frames. The gun features a tunable match-grade trigger, and Christensen Arms isn’t shy about boasting about the pistol’s smoothness of operation and accuracy. The company guarantees a 5-shot, 2-inch group from 25 yards.
Christensen opted for rugged G10 grips, aggressively texturing them to facilitate a solid, positive purchase. The company has further ensured a stable grip on the pistols by checkering the front strap. And for a dash of a customized look, it has also outfitted the guns with a skeletonized trigger and hammer.
The A5-TR has a few extra accoutrements, including suppressor sights and a tactical rail below the barrel. The .45 ACP has a .578×28 thread, while the 9mm has a 1/2×28 thread.
All of the pistols are manufactured at Christensen Arms’ Gunnison, Utah facility, and each has a MSRP of $1,995.
A4 Specs
Calibers: .45 ACP, 9mm
Frame Material: Aluminum
Slide Material: Stainless Steel
Capacity: 7+1 .45 ACP, 9+1 9mm
Barrel Length: 4 in.
Weight: 2 lbs.
Sights: Raised Night Sights
MSRP: $1,995
A5 Specs
Calibers: .45 ACP, 9mm
Frame Material: Aluminum
Slide Material: Stainless Steel
Capacity: 7+1 .45 ACP, 9+1 9mm
Barrel Length: 5 in.
Weight: 2.2 lbs.
Sights: Raised Night Sights
MSRP: $1,995
A5-TR Specs
Calibers: .45 ACP, 9mm
Frame Material: Aluminum
Slide Material: Stainless Steel
Capacity: 7+1 .45 ACP, 9+1 9mm
Barrel Length: 5 in.
Weight: 2.4 lbs.
Sights: Suppressor Sights
Thread Pitch: .578×28 .45 ACP, 1/2×28 9mm
MSRP: $1,995
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