The Charles Daly 1911 series is a line of single-action, semi-automatic pistols built on the proven M1911 platform. Originally manufactured by Armscor in the Philippines and later refined under Chiappa Firearms, the Daly 1911 is available in .45 ACP and 9mm, featuring an 8+1 or 9+1 capacity and a forged 4140 steel frame and slide.
With 5-inch barrels, crisp 5–6 lb triggers, and finish options ranging from blued steel to PVD multi-color coatings, the Charles Daly lineup includes the Field, Superior, and Empire grades — each offering incremental upgrades in finish and features. Weighing around 38 ounces, this full-size 1911 offers classic ergonomics, reliable function, and excellent value for shooters seeking an authentic 1911 experience without premium pricing.
The Charles Daly 1911 occupies a unique niche in the modern handgun world — bridging the gap between classic American design and affordable modern manufacturing. Rooted in John Browning’s iconic 1911 blueprint, the Daly brings a familiar, full-steel .45 ACP experience to a price range that appeals to first-time 1911 owners and seasoned enthusiasts alike.
The Charles Daly name itself dates back to the late 1800s, when the brand imported fine European firearms into the U.S. Over the decades, Daly became synonymous with accessible quality, offering sporting and defensive firearms that honored their classic roots.
Originally produced by Armscor (also behind Rock Island Armory), the Daly 1911 series was later distributed by KBI, Inc., and more recently by Chiappa Firearms in the U.S. While early Philippine-made models had mixed reputations for quality control, modern production under Chiappa has improved machining, metallurgy, and fit considerably.
Today, the Charles Daly 1911 family is offered in three primary trims — Field, Superior, and Empire — catering to everyone from purists to collectors seeking more refined finishes. Whether for range use, home defense, or casual competition, the Daly 1911 delivers classic .45 performance in a cost-effective, well-built package.
Charles Daly 1911 Specifications
| Specification | Charles Daly 1911 (Full-Size) |
|---|---|
| Type | Semi-automatic pistol (full-size 1911) |
| Caliber | .45 ACP (standard), also offered in 9mm |
| Action | Single-action, recoil-operated |
| Magazine Capacity | 8+1 (.45 ACP), 9+1 (9mm) |
| Barrel Length | 5 inches (127 mm) |
| Overall Length | 8.5 inches (216 mm) |
| Height | 5.5 inches |
| Weight (Unloaded) | 38 ounces (1,077 g) |
| Frame/Slide Material | Forged 4140 steel |
| Grip Options | Checkered walnut or rubberized grips |
| Sights | Fixed G.I. or Novak-style dovetailed sights |
| Trigger | Skeletonized or solid curved trigger (~5–6 lb pull) |
| Safety Systems | Grip safety, manual thumb safety, firing pin stop, half-cock notch |
| Finish Options | Blued, black Cerakote, stainless, or multi-color PVD |
| Manufacturer | Charles Daly / Armscor / Chiappa Firearms |
| Production Period | Late 1990s – Present |
Charles Daly 1911 Design & Build Quality
At first glance, the Charles Daly 1911 captures everything shooters love about the classic platform — clean lines, balanced proportions, and all-steel heft. But under closer inspection, the Daly’s modern refinements become clear.
Frame and Materials
Each model is built around a forged 4140 steel frame and slide, not cast. This gives the gun the durability and shooting feel of a higher-end 1911. Finishes vary from traditional blued carbon steel in the Field Grade to corrosion-resistant Cerakote or PVD coatings in the Superior and Empire models.
Ergonomics
The ergonomics are pure 1911 — a comfortable grip angle, high beavertail safety, and checkered panels for traction. The Superior and Empire grades include extended beavertail safeties and skeletonized triggers and hammers for improved comfort and control.
The pistol’s 38-ounce weight helps tame .45 ACP recoil, making it a pleasure to shoot for extended sessions. Owners often note the pistol “points naturally,” requiring little adjustment between draws.
Controls
All controls are standard 1911 configuration — ambidextrous thumb safety on some models, grip safety, and slide stop located for intuitive use. The trigger has a short, crisp travel with a consistent 5–6 lb break and short reset, providing the tactile precision the platform is known for.
Accessories
While the Daly 1911 isn’t optic-ready, it does feature Novak-style dovetails on upgraded models, allowing for easy sight replacement. There’s no rail, keeping the gun true to its classic form.
Fit and finish are surprisingly tight for the price point. Slide-to-frame play is minimal, and machining marks are rare on modern examples.
Charles Daly 1911 Variants & Model Differences
The Charles Daly lineup has evolved into several configurations catering to different shooter needs and aesthetic preferences.
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Field Grade (G.I. Model): Traditional military-style configuration with fixed G.I. sights, blued finish, and walnut grips. A faithful nod to WWII-era 1911s.
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Superior Grade: Adds modern enhancements like an extended beavertail, skeletonized trigger and hammer, and Cerakote or stainless finish. Feeds hollow-points more reliably due to improved throating.
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Empire Grade: A top-tier cosmetic and performance variant with a multi-color PVD finish, premium grips, and precise polishing. Often considered the “showpiece” of the line.
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EFS (Enhanced Field Standard): A slightly upgraded Field variant designed for shooters who want traditional looks with smoother action.
Comparisons
The Daly 1911 is often compared to Rock Island Armory (RIA) and Tisas 1911s. RIA guns share a similar Filipino origin, but the Daly’s finish quality — especially in Superior and Empire grades — often edges them out aesthetically.
Against Springfield Armory’s G.I. model, the Daly offers nearly identical handling with a lighter trigger pull at a lower cost.
Charles Daly 1911 Performance
Accuracy
Accuracy is one of the Daly 1911’s standout qualities in its class. In most hands, it easily holds 2-inch groups at 7–10 yards and 3-inch groups at 25 yards, which is excellent for a sub-$800 1911.
The solid barrel lock-up and tight slide fit contribute to consistent point-of-aim precision.
Recoil and Handling
At 38 ounces, recoil is soft and controllable. The all-steel frame soaks up .45 ACP impulse effectively, allowing for quick follow-up shots. Even newer shooters describe it as “surprisingly comfortable to shoot.”
Reliability
Early Armscor-made Dalys occasionally needed a 200–300 round break-in period, especially when cycling hollow-points.
However, newer Chiappa-produced pistols show consistent reliability with both FMJ and JHP rounds. Out-of-box feeding issues are rare with quality magazines (Wilson Combat, Chip McCormick).
Trigger Performance
The 5–6 lb pull is crisp and predictable, with very little take-up. The break feels clean, not mushy, making it competitive with Springfield and Kimber’s entry models. Reset is audible and tactile, ideal for quick follow-up fire.
User note: “The Charles Daly 1911 earns praise for offering authentic 1911 styling, solid performance, and great price-to-quality ratio. Though not a high-end match gun, the Daly performs reliably and accurately for defensive, recreational, and entry-level use. Later variants—particularly the Superior and Empire models—showcase high build quality and modern finishing touches that give new shooters or collectors an affordable path to owning a well-built 1911.”
Ammunition Compatibility
The Charles Daly 1911 performs best with standard-pressure or mild +P loads, matching the traditional M1911 operating design.
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Best range ammo: Federal American Eagle 230gr FMJ, Winchester White Box 230gr, PMC Bronze
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Defensive loads: Federal HST 230gr JHP, Speer Gold Dot 230gr +P, Hornady Critical Duty 220gr
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9mm variant loads: Performs well with 115–124gr FMJ or JHP rounds
A few owners note that cheaper aftermarket magazines or hollow-points with large cavities can cause feeding hesitation until the pistol is broken in. Polished feed ramps resolve this in most cases.
Use Case Suitability
Concealed Carry
At nearly 2.4 pounds unloaded, the Daly 1911 isn’t a lightweight carry gun, but its slim single-stack frame makes it more concealable than polymer double-stacks. With a quality IWB holster, it’s feasible for those comfortable carrying full-size 1911s.
Home Defense
Excellent choice for home defense. The trigger control, accuracy, and .45 ACP stopping power make it highly capable. Add a nightstand light (or light-mounted version if available), and it performs well under stress.
Competition
While not a match gun, the Daly can hold its own in IDPA or USPSA single-stack divisions. The Superior and Empire models’ refined triggers and tight tolerances give competitive shooters a reliable, affordable option.
Range and Recreation
This is where the Daly truly shines. As a range companion, it’s affordable, durable, and satisfying to shoot — a gun that rewards fundamentals and provides real 1911 feel.
Best Holsters for Charles Daly 1911 Guns
Owning a 1911 means finding a holster that provides comfort, security, and smooth draw. These polymer (Boltaron) holsters are compatible with the Charles Daly 1911 and balance practicality with quality.
Cloak Tuck 3.5 IWB Holster
A comfortable inside-the-waistband design that molds securely to the shooter’s body while evenly distributing the 1911’s weight. Adjustable retention and cant allow for personalized concealment.
Charles Daly 1911 Pros & Cons
Pros:
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Excellent value — delivers 1911 performance at half the price of premium brands
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Forged steel construction, durable and balanced
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Crisp and consistent trigger
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Good accuracy and manageable recoil
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Attractive finishes, especially on Superior and Empire models
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Improved reliability in modern Chiappa-era guns
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Strong ergonomics and authentic 1911 feel
Cons:
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Early production models had quality inconsistencies
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Finish wear visible on blued Field models
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Slight magazine sensitivity (Wilson mags recommended)
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Heavier than polymer pistols for EDC
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Limited aftermarket parts compatibility in some batches
Final Verdict
The Charles Daly 1911 proves that you don’t need to spend over $1,000 to own a well-built, reliable 1911. Combining forged steel construction, solid accuracy, and a crisp trigger, it’s a legitimate full-size .45 ACP option for defense, training, or range use.
Later production models, particularly the Superior and Empire grades, show how far this design has evolved — offering durability, clean machining, and eye-catching finishes that rival pricier competitors.
For new 1911 owners, it’s an outstanding entry point. For experienced shooters, it’s a reliable workhorse that doesn’t mind being run hard.