The Torch

I have shot a lot of 1911/2011 guns and have a lot in my collection. All I can say is...This gun is a head above what's out there! It was so smooth! The slide just glides back and forth with minimal flip. It transitions back to zero and cycles so fast! The trigger is nice and light for quick follow up shots. I put 200 rounds through it with no malfunctions. I can say that I absolutely tore up that target! It was very accurate with tight groupings. This gun is appropriately named! It is absolute fire! ? One of the best out there I am going to do a video next time I go to the range this weekend. I will share my experience. My new favorite!

Absolutely love this pistol. It’s unique and even more impressive in person. The attention to detail,craftsmanship, and finish immediately set it apart from my other custom builds. The feel and balance are exactly what you expect from a premium custom firearm. For their first release into the DS1911 platform, this is a home run.

This is the best double stack 2011 I’ve ever had the pleasure to shoot! With the ported v6 barrel, the trigger weight and built in gas pedals this pistol gets right back on sight alignment instantly. Very impressed in a group that’s already impressive.

As a retired 28-year U.S. Navy SEAL, I’ve spent my career evaluating firearms where reliability, durability, and performance aren’t just desirable—they’re essential. While this review reflects my personal experience and preferences, that background has shaped what I value in a fighting pistol: reliability under adverse conditions, practical accuracy, controllability at speed, and workmanship that stands up to hard use. After putting roughly 1,000 rounds through the Tailored Arms Torch, I can confidently say it has become the highest-performing 2011 in my collection. I’ve owned and shot some of the finest pistols in this category, including the Staccato XC, Taran Tactical Pit Viper, and a Springfield Prodigy that has been extensively upgraded with aftermarket components. Each represents a different approach to the 2011 platform, and each has its strengths. After extensive range time, however, the Tailored Arms Torch has become the pistol I enjoy shooting the most. Build Quality The first thing you notice is the craftsmanship. Every surface is precisely machined, the slide-to-frame fit is exceptionally tight without sacrificing reliability, and every control operates with confidence. The full DLC coating gives the pistol a refined appearance while providing outstanding resistance to wear, scratches, and corrosion. The finish has held up exceptionally well, showing very little wear while remaining easy to clean. The attention to detail is evident throughout the pistol. Nothing feels like an afterthought. Every feature serves a purpose, and the overall fit and finish rivals custom 2011s costing considerably more. V6 Porting The V6 porting is the defining feature of the Torch. Rather than simply reducing recoil, it changes how the pistol behaves during the recoil cycle. Muzzle rise is minimal, dot movement is controlled, and the gun tracks almost perfectly straight back into the target. The result is faster follow-up shots, quicker transitions between targets, and less fatigue during extended shooting sessions. Compared with my Staccato XC, which has long been considered one of the flattest-shooting factory 2011s available, I found the Torch to return to target slightly faster and require less effort to keep the dot centered during rapid strings. The difference compared to my Taran Tactical Pit Viper was even more noticeable. While the Pit Viper is beautifully tuned and incredibly smooth, the Torch simply tracks flatter and feels easier for me to shoot quickly. My Springfield Prodigy has been upgraded with quality aftermarket parts and is a dramatically improved pistol over its factory configuration. The upgrades made it more reliable, smoother, and significantly more enjoyable to shoot. Even so, the Torch operates on another level. The overall balance, recoil impulse, and consistency under speed clearly distinguish it from the upgraded Prodigy. Integrated Gas Pedals One feature that immediately stands out is the integrated gas pedals. Instead of relying on aftermarket thumb rests, Tailored Arms machines them directly into the frame. The ambidextrous design provides a repeatable support-hand index while allowing aggressive forward pressure that further minimizes muzzle rise. Because they’re built into the frame, they add no bulk, don’t require additional hardware, and remain compatible with Torch-specific holsters. It’s one of those features that doesn’t seem essential until you’ve spent time shooting with it. Afterward, it’s difficult to imagine going back to a traditional frame. Dirt Channels The Torch incorporates generously machined dirt channels throughout the slide and frame. This may seem like a small detail until you’ve fired several hundred rounds in a training day. Carbon, fouling, and debris have room to accumulate without interfering with slide movement, allowing the pistol to continue cycling smoothly while maintaining the precise fit expected from a premium custom 2011. Throughout my time with the pistol, it has continued to run smoothly with excellent reliability. The dirt channels are one of those thoughtful design elements you may never notice until you need them, but they contribute to the Torch’s confidence-inspiring performance during extended range sessions. Trigger The trigger is everything you’d expect from a premium custom-built 2011. It breaks cleanly with virtually no creep, minimal overtravel, and an extremely short, tactile reset. Whether shooting controlled pairs or rapid strings, the trigger inspires confidence and allows the shooter to fully take advantage of the pistol’s flat recoil characteristics. Accuracy Mechanical accuracy is exceptional. Slow-fire groups are outstanding, but what impressed me most was how easy the pistol makes shooting accurately at speed. The combination of the V6 porting, integrated gas pedals, and outstanding balance allows the sights to settle almost immediately after every shot, making fast, accurate strings feel effortless. The Staccato XC remains one of the best factory-built compensated 2011s available and has earned its reputation through reliability and shootability. The Taran Tactical Pit Viper is a beautifully fit and tuned pistol with excellent craftsmanship and an outstanding trigger. My upgraded Springfield Prodigy has become an impressive performer after extensive aftermarket work. Even with all of those excellent pistols available, I consistently find myself reaching for the Tailored Arms Torch. For my style of shooting, it tracks flatter, returns to target faster, and gives me greater confidence when pushing speed without sacrificing accuracy. Final Thoughts The Tailored Arms Torch has exceeded my expectations. It combines exceptional craftsmanship with practical engineering that translates into measurable performance on the range. The V6 porting keeps the gun remarkably flat. The integrated ambidextrous gas pedals provide exceptional control without the drawbacks of bolt-on accessories. The DLC coating has proven to be both durable and attractive, while the dirt channels help keep the pistol running cleanly during high round-count sessions. Every pistol in my collection has earned its place, but the Torch has become the one I reach for first. What makes it even more impressive is its value. While it’s certainly a premium pistol, it competes directly with—and in my experience outperforms—2011s that cost significantly more. It punches well above its weight class, delivering a level of performance, refinement, and shootability that rivals or exceeds pistols in a much higher price bracket. For my style of shooting, the Tailored Arms Torch delivers the best combination of speed, control, reliability, and overall performance of any 2011 I’ve owned. It combines innovative engineering with practical features that genuinely improve the shooting experience rather than simply adding cosmetic appeal. If you’re looking for a premium double-stack 9mm that offers exceptional craftsmanship, outstanding reliability, and performance that exceeds its price point, the Tailored Arms Torch deserves a place at the top of your list.

I have been ordering all my fire arms from for the last 4 years , very mindful of helping me get what I am looking for and addressing my specific needs awesome customer service and very helpful !! I could not Be happier!!!

The level of craftsmanship and machining is unreal. This Combat veteran backed weapon is going to change the game. Weather you carry for competition or service duty. I will have no fear protecting my family with this top of the line weapon. It’s all the custom you could have strait from the store. I dare to find something that comes close. Bravo yall this is a home run.

Masterclass platform that runs absolutely perfect. Flawless machinery.

Best pistol I have ever shot! Precision built and built to last! Smoothest functional pistol built straight out of the box. A true piece of art!