Iver Johnson Eagle XL DS 45 ACP 6in 14+1 Double-Stack 1911 Matte Black – Rugged Long Slide

Description

The Iver Johnson Eagle XL DS 45 ACP is a full-steel 1911 with a 6-inch barrel and slide and a double-stack frame that holds 14 rounds of .45 ACP plus one in the chamber. It is a big, heavy pistol aimed at the range, competition and woods use rather than concealed carry.

Iver Johnson Eagle XL DS 45 ACP Overview

Iver Johnson is a historic American name, revived by Iver Johnson Arms of Rockledge, Florida, which now offers 1911 pistols and a line of imported shotguns at prices well below the big names. The Eagle XL line stretches the classic Government model to six inches for a longer sight radius and more mass up front. This DS version adds a double-stack frame with a slightly beveled magwell. Unloaded weight is listed at 49 ounces and overall length at 9.75 inches, and two 14-round magazines come in the box.

Sights and Controls

A fully adjustable white-dot rear sight pairs with a white-dot front, giving more precision than the fixed sights on a GI-style gun. Controls follow the modern 1911 recipe: an extended slide stop and thumb safety, a beavertail grip safety with a memory bump, a skeletonized hammer and a three-hole trigger. Front and rear slide serrations and machined front-strap serrations help when hands are wet. G10 grip panels are listed by the distributor, though some catalog photos show the older black grips.

Why Six Inches

A longer slide gives you more sight radius and moves the balance forward, which tames muzzle rise with full-power .45 ACP loads. The trade-off is size: this pistol will not fit most standard 1911 holsters and is hard to hide. If you hunt with a handgun, shoot steel, or just like a heavy, stable gun on the bench, the long slide is worth having.

Capacity and Magazines

The double-stack frame is the main reason to pick this model over a single-stack Eagle. Fourteen rounds of .45 ACP is serious capacity, but the grip is noticeably thicker, so try one if you have small hands. Magazines are specific to this frame and are not interchangeable with standard 1911 single-stack magazines, so buy spares from Iver Johnson. Capacity laws in several states rule this pistol out.

Ammunition

The distributor lists the pistol as rated for .45 ACP +P. Standard 230-grain ball is the best choice for practice, and the weight of the gun makes even hot defensive loads comfortable. Ammo for .45 costs more per round than 9mm, so budget for it if you plan to shoot a lot. Use only factory-new ammunition from reputable makers.

Ownership Notes

Iver Johnson pistols are value-priced and generally well regarded, but they do not carry the resale value or aftermarket depth of Colt or Springfield. Holster options for a 6-inch double stack are limited mostly to custom and competition makers. The matte black finish is practical and easy to touch up.

State Laws and Ownership

Fourteen-round magazines are restricted in states such as New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Massachusetts, Colorado, Illinois and California, and California also requires roster listing. Pennsylvania buyers can take delivery through a dealer with the usual check. Confirm your local rules before you buy.

Specifications

• Maker: Iver Johnson Arms
• Model: Eagle XL DS (EAGLE XL-DS)
• Caliber: .45 ACP (+P rated per distributor)
• Capacity: 14+1, two magazines
• Barrel: 6 in
• Overall length: 9.75 in
• Weight: 49 oz unloaded
• Frame and slide: steel, matte black
• Sights: fully adjustable white-dot rear, white-dot front
• Grips: G10 per distributor
• Controls: extended slide stop and thumb safety, beavertail grip safety, skeletonized hammer, 3-hole trigger
• UPC: 796167791881

Before You Buy

Federal law requires the buyer to be 21 or older to purchase a handgun from a licensed dealer, with ATF Form 4473 and a background check on every transfer. This pistol ships to your local FFL, not to your home.

Who It Is For

The Iver Johnson Eagle XL DS 45 ACP is a great fit for handgun hunters, steel and bullseye shooters, and 1911 fans who want serious .45 capacity in a heavy, soft-shooting long slide.

Buy the Iver Johnson Eagle XL DS 45 ACP at MAG5 Firearms

MAG5 Firearms is a family-owned FFL in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Order the Iver Johnson Eagle XL DS 45 ACP online and ship it to your local FFL dealer, or browse our full selection of firearms for more pistols. For factory details, visit Iver Johnson Arms.