Introduction
The 1911. It’s an iconic firearm, a piece of history, and a testament to timeless design. The crisp lines, the familiar manual of arms, and the .45 ACP cartridge have captivated shooters for over a century. But the allure of a classic often comes with a hefty price tag. Enter the EAA Untouchable 1911, a pistol aiming to bring this legendary firearm to a wider audience. But does this budget-friendly offering deliver the performance and quality expected of a 1911? This review delves into the details, assessing the EAA Untouchable 1911 across various factors. We’ll explore its specifications, build quality, shooting experience, value for money, and ultimately, whether it deserves a place in your collection.
Specifications and Features
The EAA Untouchable 1911, while aiming for affordability, does adhere to the core principles of the design. It’s a single-action, semi-automatic pistol built with the classic 1911 design. To give a quick overview of the core characteristics, here’s a breakdown, although we won’t be using a table format:
The EAA Untouchable is offered in multiple calibers, but let’s focus on the .45 ACP variant, the true heart of the 1911 experience. This model typically holds a magazine capacity of a standard number of rounds, reflecting the traditional design. The barrel length contributes to the overall balance and feel, providing a good sight radius for accurate shooting. The overall length maintains the classic dimensions of the 1911, ensuring compatibility with most holsters and accessories designed for this platform.
The frame, often constructed from steel, provides a solid base and contributes to the pistol’s weight, aiding in recoil absorption. The slide, also generally made of steel, houses the firing mechanism and the barrel. The sights are often the standard three-dot configuration, offering a clear and readily visible sight picture for quick target acquisition. The trigger, a critical component of the 1911, offers a crisp break and a positive reset. The manual thumb safety and grip safety are standard features, providing a safe carry option.
Exploring the details further, let’s examine the key features more closely. The frame and slide are often finished in a blued or matte black, offering a degree of corrosion resistance and giving the pistol a classic appearance. The grips, typically made of polymer or wood, provide the shooter with a comfortable and secure grip. The sights, usually featuring three white dots, make acquiring the target simple, particularly in low-light conditions. The trigger, offering a clean break, will influence the shooter’s accuracy and ease of control. Finally, the safety features, a defining aspect of the 1911, require the shooter to consciously engage the safety to make it ready for use.
Build Quality and Aesthetics
First impressions are crucial, and the EAA Untouchable, in our experience, presents a mixed bag. While the overall design adheres to the classic lines, the build quality may not be on par with higher-end 1911s. The materials, while functional, might feel less premium than those found on more expensive models. This is the tradeoff for achieving a lower price point.
The finish can vary depending on the specific model, but it’s generally functional and will protect the steel from the elements. It’s important to note that the finish might be more susceptible to wear and tear compared to the hardier finishes found on more expensive guns.
The fit and finish, the attention to detail in how the parts come together, is where the Untouchable may show some compromises. The slide-to-frame fit might not be as tight as a custom-built 1911, which can affect accuracy and long-term durability. The alignment of the components, while generally adequate, might not be perfect, something that can impact the overall shooting experience.
Aesthetically, the EAA Untouchable, is recognizable as a 1911. The design is classic, and it features the iconic features of this pistol, the shape of the frame, slide, and the grip angles that are instantly recognizable. It may not have the intricate details or custom touches found on high-end 1911s, but it’s an undeniably attractive firearm to many. The EAA Untouchable’s overall look is functional, no-nonsense, and appealing to those who appreciate the classic lines.
Shooting Experience
The ultimate test of any firearm lies in its performance at the range. During the testing of the EAA Untouchable, we used a variety of .45 ACP ammunition, including target rounds and defensive loads. The range conditions included various weather conditions, giving a diverse experience with the pistol.
Accuracy is a key factor in evaluating any handgun. The EAA Untouchable’s accuracy proved to be adequate. Group sizes at typical handgun ranges were acceptable, allowing the shooter to hit the target consistently. However, it may not be as accurate as some high-end 1911s known for their precision.
Recoil management is critical with the .45 ACP. The EAA Untouchable’s weight helps absorb recoil, making the gun manageable, but it will have more recoil than lighter-weight calibers. The ergonomics, particularly the grip design, also contribute to control, allowing for quick follow-up shots.
Reliability is a critical component for any pistol. The pistol generally performed well, however, there were instances where the pistol experienced malfunctions such as a failure to feed. These issues were usually resolved with proper maintenance and the right ammunition.
The ergonomics and handling of the EAA Untouchable are reasonably good. The grip size is comfortable for many shooters, and the controls are easy to operate. The manual safety and slide release function smoothly.
Pros and Cons
The EAA Untouchable 1911, like any firearm, has its strengths and weaknesses. Let’s break them down:
Pros
- Affordability: The most significant advantage is the price. The EAA Untouchable offers a relatively inexpensive entry point to the 1911 platform.
- Features: It includes essential 1911 features like a beavertail grip safety and the standard manual safety.
- Accuracy (for the price): The pistol is accurate enough for self-defense and recreational shooting.
- Classic Design: The pistol offers the timeless styling of the 1911.
Cons
- Build Quality: Build quality may not be as refined as in more expensive options.
- Finish: The finish may be more susceptible to wear and tear.
- Reliability: Reliability, while generally good, may have occasional issues with certain ammunition or magazines.
- Trigger: The trigger might not be as crisp as some higher-end models.
Value for Money
Evaluating the value of the EAA Untouchable requires a comparison with other 1911 pistols in the same price range. This is often a very important question. There are numerous budget-friendly 1911s in the market, and the EAA Untouchable needs to hold its own. Some competitors may offer slightly better build quality or more features.
When considering the price, one needs to determine if the features and the performance match the price. The EAA Untouchable offers the basic 1911 design and functionality at a price that is quite competitive.
Overall, the EAA Untouchable offers reasonable value for its price. It’s a way for new shooters to get an affordable option.
Final Verdict and Recommendation
After thorough testing and evaluation, the EAA Untouchable 1911 offers a compelling package for those seeking an entry point into the world of 1911s.
This pistol has a reasonable overall rating considering its price point. The advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
The EAA Untouchable is an excellent option for:
- Budget-conscious shooters: The price allows many to enter the 1911 platform.
- New shooters: Easy to use for new shooters.
- Those looking for a range gun: The EAA is a good option for someone who is wanting to train with the 1911.
The EAA Untouchable is recommended, with the understanding that you get what you pay for. It’s not a custom-built gun, but it’s a capable and affordable option that delivers the essence of the 1911 experience.
In conclusion, the EAA Untouchable 1911 is a solid choice, but it’s essential to consider your budget and expectations. If you’re looking for an affordable introduction to the 1911 platform, this pistol is definitely worth considering.
