There’s nothing quite like shooting a pistol that grips well, is a soft shooter and is extremely well made. What’s even better is when there is a new version of that firearm and I get to shoot it. One of the times that this happened, when all the planets lined up for a review, happened back in September of 2022 when I introduced Springfield Armory’s 1911 DS Prodigy handgun, an entirely new line. Now let me tell you about the newest member of the Prodigy family, the 1911 DS Prodigy 3.5” AOS 9mm.
First things first, at 29.3 ounces, the Prodigy 3.5” is a heavy gun compared to the Hellcat Pros I shoot, which weigh 21 ounces. Heck, the original full size Prodigy with its 5-inch barrel weighs 33 ounces. So, why am I so excited to shoot this little fella? Physics!
A heavier pistol absorbs more recoil energy, which means less felt recoil. This, in turn, reduces muzzle flip, helping me align the sights much faster and acquire the target more quickly. This means there is an opportunity for faster follow-up shots. Basically, this is going to be an easy, pleasant gun to shoot.
What I like about this particular variant of the Prodigy is that Springfield kept the full-length grip module but added a compact slide assembly with a 3.5” bull barrel. I really like the feel of this larger grip and how well the gun balances in my hand when I am shooting the full-size Prodigy. Although having a shorter barrel gives it a smaller footprint, the design still allows for a comfortable grip because of its size.
A slight change between the two pistols is the re-contoured hammer and shortened beavertail. Both of these changes to the original Prodigy seem likely to improve concealability. Although I like a large beavertail, I find the size changes well-designed.
Some other highlights of the Prodigy 3.5” that I find worth mentioning include the following things:
Why choose this variant?
For those who really love the full-size Prodigy’s grip and feel, this is a great alternative for concealed carry. When you’re on the range taking a class, the full size is great for the hundreds of rounds you will shoot. However, its length of 8.5 inches is not easy to conceal. With the shorter barrel, you’re only giving up the length of your sight radius and a slightly increased amount of recoil. Note: Using the same type of handgun to train and carry is always beneficial.
As I expected, the Prodigy 3.5” was enjoyable to shoot at the range. It shoots flat, allowing me to get my sights back on target quickly. This helped me shoot tighter groups, even at a faster pace.
If you’re a fan of Springfield Armory’s Prodigy line, you’ll want to check out the new 3.5” model, especially if you want to use it for concealed carry. If you are a fan of double stack 1911s, you’ll want to check out the full lineup of Prodigy pistols on Springfield Armory’s website.
Michelle Cerino, aka Princess Gunslinger, first entered the firearms industry in 2011 as co-owner, president and trainer at a national training company. She immediately began competing in both 3-Gun and NRA Action Pistol, becoming a sponsored shooter. Michelle is currently a columnist and Managing Editor of Women’s Outdoor News, as well as owner of Pervenio LLC. She also manages social media for Vera Koo and FASTER Saves Lives. Michelle encourages others to step out of the comforts of home and explore. View all posts by Michelle Cerino
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