Springfield Armory 1911-A1 Ultra Compact Loaded .45 ACP – 3.5" Stainless, Forged IMBEL Frame, Match-Grade Bull Barrel
This discontinued Ultra Compact Loaded model blends full-size 1911 features with an officer-length frame and a 3.5-inch bushingless bull barrel. Built on a forged IMBEL frame finished by Springfield Armory in Geneseo, Illinois, it offers match-grade accuracy in a carry-friendly package. Factory upgrades such as Novak-style three-dot sights, a skeletonized trigger and hammer, and an extended beavertail grip safety set it apart for shooters who want compact dimensions without giving up .45 ACP performance.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good – Shows some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good – Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Rifling: Good – Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: Light scratches and small blemishes are visible on the slide and frame. The rear sight is drifted slightly but remains secure.
What’s Included
- Springfield Armory 1911-A1 Ultra Compact Loaded pistol
- One 7-round Wilson Combat steel magazine
The forged stainless frame and slide originate from IMBEL, a respected Brazilian military contractor, before final assembly and finishing in the USA. This combination is prized for strength and long-term durability.
The 3.5-inch match-grade bull barrel is stainless, bushingless, and fitted tight to the slide, helping maintain accuracy while reducing recoil flip in a compact format.
Springfield’s Loaded package adds practical enhancements: low-profile combat sights, rear cocking serrations, a lowered and flared ejection port, and an extended beavertail with memory bump for consistent grip.
The single-action system features a skeletonized three-hole aluminum trigger tuned to approximately 5 lb, paired with a lightened commander-style hammer for a crisp break and quick lock time.
Discontinued in the late 1990s, this Ultra Compact variant is sought after by 1911 enthusiasts who value forged construction, carry size, and factory performance upgrades in a .45 ACP platform.