DoubleStar is a family-owned firearms manufacturer located in Winchester, Kentucky. Originally known for custom/semi-custom AR15s, today’s DoubleStar lineup now includes short-barreled rifles (SBRs), tactical blades, AR pistols, and the subject of this review, 1911 pistols.
Current 1911s include five models in .45 ACP and one in 10mm. The model I was sent for review is their PHD model—the first pistol in their 1911 lineup—and it is a nicely rendered full-size 1911 designed for close-quarters battle.
The all-steel PHD comes in basic black, via a manganese phosphate/Parkerized finish. When I removed it from the box, there was something subtly different about the feel—in a good way. It took a bit of time to figure out what was making the difference (in fact, it took looking at the specification list on the website). What was imparting the different feel was the mildly rounded butt of the gun.
I don’t like flat 1911 backstraps, even though they are all the rage now. The original Colt 1911 of WWI fame had a flat backstrap, which was later upgraded to a rounded backstrap on the improved 1911A1 .45 prior to WWII. So some 70 years after that change, manufacturers of various 1911s—including Colt—went back to flat backstraps at the behest of competitive shooters. The mildly rounded butt of the DoubleStar PHD frame splits the difference between the two styles in a fashion that should keep both factions happy. The natural feel of the PHD is further enhanced through the use of a Wilson Combat High Ride Beavertail Grip Safety. The thumb safety is an extended style while the slide release is standard—and the only change I would make to this gun, as I prefer extended slide releases to complement an extended thumb safety.
The slide is nicely rendered as well with prominent, wide rear cocking serrations that are easily grasped even with wet hands. The top of the slide has been flattened and serrated to reduce glare. Testing on a sunny day bore that out. The front of the slide features a Browning Hi-Power nose cut that sets it off. The ejection port is lowered and flared. Riding atop of the slide is a set of what I consider to be the very best CQB combat sights—XS Tritium Express Sights (www.xssights.com).
The XS Express Sight system was derived from “Express” sights used on various African dangerous game rifles—particularly the legendary double rifles used by professional hunters to back up their clients in case of a missed shot. The concept is simple: a prominent round bead-type sight is mounted up front, and the rear sight is a shallow “V” trough. The eye is drawn naturally to the bead with the rear sight providing a blurred reference point. There is no faster sighting concept for rifles or handguns.
The PHD came setup perfectly (for me) with the standard-size dot sight with tritium insert, while the rear sight was the plain white strip express “V.” The XS front sight has a white ceramic ring outlining the tritium vial for easy location under normal lighting conditions. I like the selection of the standard-size dot over the big dot since the big dot occludes more of the view of the target than does the standard dot. I also prefer the plain white vertical rear stripe over the vertical tritium stripe insert. In close quarters, under low-level light conditions, all I want to do is see that glowing front dot in a “flash sight picture” in the center of my opponent. I won’t take the time to align a glowing rear post with it, and don’t want to be distracted by it. For precision shooting, all one needs to do is to “make a lollipop” by putting the front dot on the white vertical stripe rear at the center of the “V.” The concept is simple and XS sights are easy to train new shooters on as well.
The 5-inch barrel of the PHD is match-quality stainless steel and is hand fitted. The PHD’s skeletonized trigger is adjustable for a pull weight of between 3.5 to 4.5 pounds, and is quite crisp. The hammer is skeletonized as well.
Magpul MOE grip panels also compliment the overall grip feel. The textured finish is tacky without being uncomfortable. One blued steel eight-round magazine with bumper pad is included.
At the range, the PHD proved to be a superb shooter. My first eight rounds from 30 feet landed in a 3.5-inch group consisting of two three-shot clusters and two other single-shot holes. The XS Express sights align so easily and the PHD points so naturally that tight groups are assured if you do your part. I used two loads from SIG’s Elite Performance line for testing—their 230-grain FMJ ball load and their 185-grain V-Crown JHP load (www.sigammo.com). I ran the V-Crown loading across my chronograph. Factory published ballistics of the V-Crown list a muzzle velocity of 995 feet per second. My chrono test results were pretty close to the published factory ballistics—muzzle velocity of the 185-grain V-Crown from the DoubleStar averaged 964 feet per second, which generates 382 FPE. This is excellent performance for any .45 ACP load.
Recoil of both the FMJ load and the V-Crown load were quite controllable. Both loads fed and cycled flawlessly. From 40 yards, 6-inch groups could be had without too much trouble, although XS Sights are designed to be at their optimum at 15 yards and in with a dead-center hold.
I really liked the DoubleStar PHD, more than I thought I would. I initially thought that this might be “just another” 1911. I was wrong. It is a quality piece with custom touches that will serve the owner quite well. MSRP is $1364.06. Learn more at www.star15.com.
