Citadel 1911 5 Min Review #45ACP

Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because we're diving into the delightful world of the Citadel 5-inch 1911 in .45 ACP! This isn't just a review; it's a love letter to a classic, a nostalgic trip down memory lane, and a five-minute sprint through the paces of a pistol that holds a special place in my heart (and my holster).

The Vitals: A Quick Glance at the Specs

First, let's get the boring-but-important stuff out of the way. Think of it as the nutritional information on your favorite snack—you gotta know what you're getting into.

Model: Citadel 1911-A1

Caliber: .45 ACP

Capacity: 8+1 rounds (because we all love that extra one)

Barrel Length: 5 inches (the classic, the one and only)

Overall Length: 8.5 inches

Weight: 2.4 lbs (a nice, reassuring heft)

Frame/Slide: Forged Steel (this thing is built like a tank)

Sights: Novak style (simple, effective, and gets the job done)

Grips: Checkered Wood (because nothing says "I'm a classy shooter" like a good set of wood grips)

The Five-Minute Fun-ctional Review

Now, for the main event! My five-minute range and review of the Citadel 1911. The mission? To see if this pistol still lives up to the memories and, most importantly, to answer the burning question: "Would I buy one?"

Round 1: The First Impression. Picking up the Citadel 1911 is like shaking hands with an old friend. The weight is just right, the grips feel natural, and it sits in my hand with a familiar comfort. The slide cycles smoothly, and the trigger pull is crisp and clean—a perfect "surprise!" with every shot.

Round 2: The Action. I ran a few magazines through it, and I'm happy to report that the Citadel performed flawlessly. No stovepipes, no misfires, just the satisfying "bang" of a well-made .45. The recoil is manageable, and the follow-up shots are quick and on target. This isn't a race gun, but it's a reliable workhorse that you can count on.

Round 3: The Accuracy. At a standard pistol range of 7-10 yards, the Citadel is surprisingly accurate. The Novak-style sights are easy to acquire, and the shots land where I want them to. It's not a bullseye target pistol, but for a "fun day at the range" or a home defense scenario, it's more than capable.

The Verdict: Would I Buy One?

And now, for the big reveal! The question that has been on everyone's mind since the beginning of this review. Drumroll, please...

Yes, I would absolutely buy a Citadel 5-inch 1911 in .45 ACP again.

Why? Because my very first 1911 was a Citadel, and it was a gateway drug to a lifelong love of the platform. It was reliable, it was affordable, and it taught me tons of information about the 1911. It's a good "first 1911" for someone looking to get into the platform without breaking the bank. It's a no-frills, all-business pistol that just works.

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