Over the past few years, everyone has been jumping on the double-stack, 1911-style pistol trend. And to be fair, that makes sense. The platform has gained popularity (mainly thanks to the efforts of Staccato, but that’s for a future article), so it’s understandable. Especially now, when companies are trying to innovate and develop new ideas.
What’s interesting is that we’re seeing companies that don’t traditionally manufacture 1911s or handguns at all, for that matter, entering this market — the latest being VKTR Industries. VKTR is known for its high-end AR-15 rifles and accessories. Their latest offering is the Vanguard line of double-stack 1911 handguns, starting with the VKP Pro.
SPECS
This handgun is ready out of the box for duty, defense, and everyday carry, and is suitable for competition. The VKP is 100% designed, manufactured, and assembled in the United States with all US-sourced components.
The standard specs for the VKP Pro are as follows:
- Model(s): VKP Pro
- Caliber: 9x19mm
- Capacity: 16, 20
- Sights: XS Sights, suppressor height
- Optic Cut: Plate System (ships with three plates: ACRO, RMR, & DPP)
- Barrel Length: 4.40”
- Overall Length: 6.9”
- Width at Grip: N/A
- Height: N/A
- Finishes: Armor Black, FDE, Sniper Grey, Green
- Weight: 3.5 lbs./56 oz.
- Price: $3,999.00
FEATURES
VKTR Industries’ VKP Pro debuts as the flagship of the Vanguard Series, built in the US with American-made components. This double-stack 1911 is crafted for duty, competition, and general shooting, combining durability with ergonomic feel—just like any quality pistol of this kind should.
Tight manufacturing tolerances ensure it’s ready to go right out of the box. At the same time, a 416 stainless steel frame, fully machined steel controls with no MIM parts, and a reinforced polymer grip emphasize its durability. The approximately 3.5-pound combat match trigger provides a clean break and solid reset.
Ready for optics from day one, the VKP Pro comes with Acro, RMR, and DPP plates with integrated BUIS, plus four Atlas magazines—two 16-rounders and two 20-rounders—coated in Armorlube for lasting protection.
Zooming Out
Overall, the Vanguard VKP Pro checks all the boxes a pistol of this caliber should. To me, this type of pistol is in the semi-custom arena, and currently has a 4-6 month lead time. However, at $3,999.99, I’m not sure what it does to separate itself from what is becoming a really crowded market with prices ranging from very affordable to down payment on a nice house in Ohio. As always, time will tell.
