Description
The Iver Johnson 1911 A1 Water Moccasin .45 ACP 5″ 8+1 is a Series 70 single-action 1911 built with a forged steel slide and a cast frame, CNC machined and hand-fitted for tight tolerances out of the box. It keeps period-correct controls but adds modern ergonomics like a beavertail, flat serrated mainspring housing, and a finger relief cut near the trigger guard. This pistol ships with one magazine, a safety lock, manual, and a hard plastic lockable case.
| Manufacturer | Iver Johnson Arms |
|---|---|
| Model | 1911 A1 Water Moccasin |
| Material | Forged steel slide, cast frame (CNC machined) |
| Compatibility | .45 ACP, standard 1911 magazines and parts |
| Finish | Black steel barrel, blued slide and frame (per manufacturer specs) |
| Weight | Approx. 39 oz (empty, per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Series 70 Single-Action Trigger — Why it matters: You get a crisp, consistent break without the extra firing pin block parts, which means a cleaner trigger pull for more accurate shots.
- Forged Steel Slide & Cast Frame — Why it matters: The forged slide handles the .45 ACP recoil cycle with less flex, while the cast frame keeps cost down without sacrificing lockup when hand-fitted.
- Beavertail Grip Safety — Why it matters: It prevents hammer bite and gives you a higher, more comfortable grip, reducing muzzle flip during rapid fire.
- Flat Serrated Steel Mainspring Housing — Why it matters: The serrations keep the pistol locked in your palm under recoil, and the flat profile helps with a more natural thumb-forward grip.
- Finger Relief Cut Near Trigger Guard — Why it matters: It lets you choke up higher on the frame for better trigger reach and recoil control, especially for shooters with smaller hands.
Who It’s For
This 1911 is for the shooter who wants a no-frills, reliable .45 ACP that honors the original design but doesn’t ignore modern ergonomics. It fits range shooters, competition newbies, and anyone building a collection of American-made 1911s. If you prefer a Series 70 trigger and don’t need a rail or optics cut, this pistol gives you a solid foundation.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Hand-fitted slide-to-frame fit gives tight lockup for better accuracy potential than most entry-level 1911s.
- Pro: Period-correct controls (no extended thumb safety or oversized mag release) keep the classic 1911 feel.
- Con: The cast frame may not hold up as well under high-round-count competition use compared to a fully forged frame; per manufacturer specs, it’s designed for standard pressure loads and moderate use.
Comparison vs. Competitors
| Feature | Iver Johnson Water Moccasin | Lone Wolf Distributors Timber Wolf 1911 | JSD Supply 1911 Kit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frame Material | Cast steel (CNC machined) | Forged steel | 80% cast frame (unfinished) |
| Trigger | Series 70, single-action | Series 70, single-action | Series 70, single-action |
| Beavertail | Yes, included | Yes, included | Not included (aftermarket) |
| Finger Relief Cut | Yes | No | No |
| Price | $700.55 | $850+ | $400+ (requires finishing) |
| Ready to Shoot | Yes, out of box | Yes, out of box | No, requires assembly and finishing |
FAQ
Does the Iver Johnson 1911 A1 Water Moccasin use standard 1911 magazines?
Yes. It accepts any standard 1911 .45 ACP magazine, including 7-round and 8-round variants. The factory magazine is an 8-round.
Is this pistol safe to carry with a round in the chamber?
Yes. The Series 70 trigger system includes a thumb safety and grip safety. The hard plastic case is lockable, and the pistol ships with a safety lock. Always follow safe handling rules.
What is the barrel twist rate on the Water Moccasin?
Per manufacturer specs, the 5″ barrel uses a 1:16″ twist rate, standard for .45 ACP 1911s, optimized for 185-230 grain bullets.
Can I mount a red dot on this 1911?
No. The Water Moccasin comes with standard iron sights and no optics cut. You would need to send the slide to a gunsmith for milling.
Call to Action
Add the Iver Johnson 1911 A1 Water Moccasin .45 ACP 5″ 8+1 to your cart or build out your 1911 collection with more semi-auto handguns. Check our 1911 parts and 1911 magazines to complete the setup.
✓ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states) ✓ Ships 1-2 business days ✓ 30-day returns ✓ Secure checkout
Last updated: April 2026
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.