Tokyo Marui's M1911A1
Marui's U.S. Army Government Model
Custom Masterpiece at Q-ARMORY

As is our custom, we usually emphasize the technical aspects and discuss the aesthetic components as secondary. Then provide a customized option of the gun last. So getting the obvious taken care of, here's the first impression of this classic war hero's pistol.

The parkerized gray finish of the plastic frame and slide are excellent quality though very light. Weight is evenly distributed with the aluminum portion of the hammer, internals and the 26 round single stack magazine capacity. Aluminum trigger and grip safeties work crisply - though some may consider to be too light when holstering. The Marui hopup adjustment (for flatline trajectory adjustment) is identical to its predecessors and may be accessed after disassembling the slide. The old-school blade sights are customary to the traditional 1911 design never to be compared to a racing gun. Mag release button is reliable and owes this to a stiffer spring. Grips are mock checkered wood with lead inserts, another aspect of improving overall weight.

In the same tradition as the Sig226 and HiCapA series, Marui has plowed forward and continues to do so with their tried and true gas-blowback pistols.

Utilizing the stationary piston mechanics and blow-forward loading nozzle, gas pressure is significantly retained for a consistent output of power and BB velocity. Structurally the trigger and hammer as well as their associated spring housings are dependable. The feather-light trigger lends itself to and excellent design of sear and hammer catch and release points which lends itself to the short trigger design.

Using the 2 stage hammer and sear design, the M1911A1 is by far reliable using 134a gas. Boasting the high 200's and an average of 300fps via .20g Excel precision BBs via TOP gas (122 type), there's no doubt the potential for this handgun to become your choice sidearm is here.

The fun really begins when we researched what available parts exist in the aftermarket arena. Selecting the majority of Japanese CNC'd parts and Q ingenuity and machining skills, a finely built and fully upgraded version is birthed.

If you've followed our past reviews on gas pistols, you'll surely know that PDI, NineBall, Guarder, and our own parts combined make for a extraordinary result. So we have once again chosen to build a full metal version in this condition. Not withholding anything, the results are as follows:

Japanese companies have produced some solid components using both steel and aluminum with newly released anodized and polished precision inner barrels. Breaking away from tradition in style we modified to fit and installed parts onto a nicely casted parkerized style slide and frame set. Fittings have never been simple for matching select parts from two or more manufacturers, but our skilled craft in pistol work usually are quite successful as in this case.

Using a gunsmith's mill, polishing wheel, and a few precision tools for creating .001mm tolerances a glass-like finish for slide and frame components was achieved; always a crucial factor to allow for crisp blowback action and racking of slide. Getting rid of as much friction in the system is the goal to ensure uninhibited blowback and consistent muzzle velocity.

Replacement beyond the body of the pistol included: a stainless steel full length recoil guide, enhanced spring set, steel delta hammer, delrin pistonhead and seal, 6.05 palsonite finished inner barrel, and fork adjustment. Further installations include a high-performance valve, steel trigger, steel outer barrel, and a six inch 6.05mm precision barrel with silencer attachment thread result in greater power of 350fps (+/- 10fps) using Top gas.

Pure beauty with a "what's not to like" result was had to create an experience to die for!

Cycling an all metal version of the pistol puts the original to shame. The shear weight alone is so satisfying that a "must-have" emotion overwhelms the handler. By increasing the recoil compression a more realistic and satisfying slide cycling is achieved with all the firm metallic sounds you've desired in any gas pistol. Unlike many lower quality brands where hollow or "echoing" type of metal clinks are heard, you won't experience this with the Q custom M1911A1. Firing results (shown in comparative table below) demonstrate the increase in shot grouping. Most of us agree that velocity is secondary to accuracy, and it is this middle ground of closing distance time and hitting your target that must be balanced for a characteristically reliable gun. With an alarming dead-on accuracy of 100feet, it is beyond a secondary weapon! And like Q's impressive customized HiCapA5.1, the M1911A1 also produces incredible hopup assisted distances of up to 200feet.

Don't be fooled by any counterfeit of the original Marui, we're positive that results will not be on par. Choosing the right parts and a skilled technician are key to your investment for years of enjoyment and reliability. Check out our Upgrades: Gas Guns page to order your own custom 1911.