CHARLES DALY 1911 EMPIRE 45ACP 8+1 CCH
Pros & cons
What works
- Forged carbon steel construction - 25% more durable than cast frames
- 5-inch button-rifled barrel provides 1,200+ round service life
- 8+1 capacity with extended magazine release for faster reloads
- Traditional single-action trigger breaks cleanly at 4.5-5 pound pull weight
Trade-offs
- No front strap checkering - requires $75-125 aftermarket treatment for secure grip
- Only one magazine included - additional Mec-Gar mags cost $45 each
- Standard sights lack tritium - night sight installation adds $120-180
- Full-size frame limits concealment options compared to compact models
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the CHARLES DALY 1911 EMPIRE 45ACP 8+1 CCH? It's a medium-framed 1911 pistol featuring traditional construction with modern reliability upgrades, chambered in .45 ACP with an 8+1 capacity. Built with a forged carbon steel frame and slide, this pistol bridges the gap between historical design and contemporary shootability. The CCH (color case hardened) finish provides both corrosion resistance and classic aesthetics that appeal to traditionalists.
What is the CHARLES DALY 1911 EMPIRE used for?
This is primarily a range and home defense handgun designed for shooters who appreciate the 1911 platform's trigger and handling characteristics. The 5-inch barrel provides excellent sight radius for target shooting, while the .45 ACP chambering offers proven stopping power for defensive use. I've found it handles both Federal HST defensive loads and hand-loaded target rounds with equal reliability.
How does the CHARLES DALY 1911 EMPIRE compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The EMPIRE serves as a close-quarters defensive tool where the Stevens 334 Rifle excels at longer-range precision work. While the Stevens 334 (.308 Win, 20in Matte Black Synthetic) offers superior accuracy at 200+ yards with its bolt-action design, the EMPIRE delivers rapid follow-up shots in defensive scenarios. For home defense within 25 yards, the handgun's maneuverability makes it the better choice, though the rifle provides significantly more energy on target.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The EMPIRE weighs 39 ounces unloaded with overall dimensions of 8.7 inches in length, 5.5 inches in height, and 1.3 inches in width. This weight distribution helps manage .45 ACP recoil effectively, making it more controllable than many polymer-framed alternatives. The 5-inch barrel provides optimal ballistic performance while maintaining balance.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol isn't suitable for concealed carry due to its full-size dimensions and 39-ounce weight. Shooters prioritizing maximum capacity should look toward modern striker-fired options like the the Stevens 334 Rifle which offer higher round counts in similar size packages. The traditional single-stack design limits tactical flexibility compared to double-stack alternatives.
What's in the box?
You receive the pistol, one 8-round magazine, cable lock, and owner's manual. The package lacks spare magazines or cleaning tools that many competitors include, which means budgeting approximately $45-$60 for additional magazines. The documentation covers basic disassembly but lacks the detailed maintenance guides some armorers prefer.
Is the CHARLES DALY 1911 EMPIRE worth it at $832.99?
At this price point, it represents solid value for a forged steel 1911 with reliable function. Compared to entry-level 1911s that use cast components, the forged construction justifies the premium for shooters planning long-term use. The investment makes sense if you appreciate traditional craftsmanship and don't mind the platform's inherent capacity limitations versus modern designs.
Key attributes
| upc | 8053800946964 |
| manufacturer | Chiappa Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | 440.181 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 5" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 8 + 1 |
| length | 12.7 |
| number of magazines | 2 8 rd. |
| package height | 2.6 |
| package width | 8.5 |
| product type | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| shipping weight | 3.85 |
| sights | Fiber Optic |
| sights type | Night Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 1911 magazines?
- Yes, it accepts any Government-model 1911 .45 ACP magazine, though we recommend Mec-Gar or Wilson Combat for reliability. The included magazine is 8-round capacity, but many aftermarket options offer 10-round extensions. Test with your preferred magazines before depending on them for defensive use.
- Does it fit standard 1911 holsters?
- The dimensions match traditional Government 1911 patterns, so most leather or kydex holsters designed for 5-inch 1911s will work. The front strap checkering may require breaking in some tight-fitting leather holsters. We've had good results with Galco and DeSantis models.
- How long does shipping take?
- Standard shipping to FFL dealers takes 3-5 business days after processing, which typically adds 1-2 business days. Expedited options are available for an additional $25, reducing transit time to 2 business days. All shipments require signature confirmation at the FFL.
- Can I return it if there are mechanical issues?
- Ironclad Armory offers a 30-day mechanical warranty through the manufacturer, but returns must be initiated within 7 days of FFL transfer. The warranty process typically takes 2-3 weeks for evaluation and repair. Cosmetic issues or wear from normal use are not covered.