10-8 Performance Lab, Episode 86: Springfield Armory Prodigy 5”, Upgraded

[@Jj-1924]

Grabbed a Prodigy 4.25” 2 weeks ago, sent it back to Springfield 1 week ago. 300 ish rds out of box of 1000 failed plunk test. Live rds were getting stuck (out of battery) bad enough to cause me to slam the rear sight into a table to extract. Slide to frame fit was audibly loose. Disassembly of the guide rod (per manual) marred both sides of the slide rails, due to being over tightened at factory. Lack of QC was surprising. My solution, grabbed the last Stacc P from Ranier Arms. I heard it said that the Prodigy was the best piece of marketing for Staccato to come out in years, I found this to be true. Really appreciate your content, keep up the great work.

[@JC-cv3up]

Mine worked fine

[@gabrielcollazo6835]

Yup this harbour freight staccato is the best marketing to get a c2/p

[@azcompetitiveshooter]

got the 4.25 prodigy, failure to fully chamber occasionally. bought a bunch of wilson parts to get rid of all the mim parts, pin block, sear, disconnector, sear spring, extractor, fit them in, and now it runs 100%, 2k plus rounds now, no more issues

[@MDpolo]

I had so many problems with the 5 inch that it is on its way back to Springfield. Thank you very much for the informative content that you produce. New sub. Cheers!

[@M1911jln]

Hilton, thanks so much for answering the question I asked about the cost to upgrade this gun. It appears to me that it makes more sense to bite the bullet and just get a Staccato P instead.

[@damond.edwards3]

I'm thinking the exact same thing!

[@jayday545]

I think it partly depends on how the grip feels between the 2. I know you can customize that but A lot of my choice is that feel. Then upgrading and changing parts is just part of the process.

[@Shell4520]

Don’t rain on our parade that a major manufacturer came out with a 2011. Lol

[@stevec9957]

Had one, ran like crap, sold it. Bought a C2, nuf said.

[@R_Arizona]

I should have since my 4.25" had 143 failure to feed in a row straight out of the box. Springfield's quality control is severely lacking. It should not be this bad.

[@Dlust88]

Nice. I was waiting for a page for the prodigy compatible parts. Thanks for all the leg work!

[@k1ngdomdefense]

Good video. I figured that if you added in what your labor cost would be. The price would match a Staccato C2 or P. I'm glad that I exchanged the Prodigy in my layaway for a C2.

[@alu.304]

Good call.

[@TheRancor53]

The irony is that with Hilton’s magic this runs better long term than a Staccato 😂

[@alu.304]

@@TheRancor53 "irony" that a 1911/2011 'Smith of Hilton's pedigree/knowledge can take a budget minded price point double stack and turn it into a serviceable firearm???🙄

[@TheRancor53]

@@alu.304 With those parts, I would actually think it runs better than a stock Staccato. My point exactly ;)

[@alu.304]

@@TheRancor53 so you could have just bought a Staccato P or C2 instead of a budget gun and have to drop another $1200 to get it "maybe" up to Staccato quality. My point made👍 Oh, and Hilton isn't working on your gun. He's "retired".

[@ziggy71963]

Thanks - Staccato seems to be the way. I appreciate you helping to head off my impulse to buy before I had all the information.

[@kentmillett1871]

Thanks for your hard work and honest review!!

[@ghostwolf4354]

You should thank Springfield for your increased viewership, too; I never would have found your site if I wasn't researching the Prodigy. After all that research... let's just say my Staccato is waiting for me at my local dealer for when I return home Saturday. I'm subscribed to your channel now, though, so I guess maybe I should buy a Springfield hat or keychain to thank them. We know I won't be buying a Prodigy...

[@robbywallace655]

Thank you for another prodigy videos. I am really enjoying all of these!

[@christiandulaney1638]

I just found your channel recently. I really like your approach and style. The level of gunsmithing you demonstrated with modifying this Prodigy is remarkable. Hats off!

[@jaceprovo]

Thanks so much for this in depth rework. It takes a real gunsmith to do this. And most gun smiths are really armorers. This is beyond their capabilities.

[@HogLaw-k6k]

Great video - Enjoyable, informative and thanks for sharing!

[@AvantiusMaximus]

Thanks for the update. I found your channel after I already bought a Prodigy. I don't mind making it a project gun, but as it stands, it's basically a range gun. I'd rather have something I can rely on right out of the box.

[@rmitch131]

I think the Staccato is the way to go especially after watching both of your videos. Buy once cry once. Great video as always Hilton. Thanks for all the great information!

[@jeremyw4408]

Not to mention you’d have Staccato’s lifetime warranty…

[@rmitch131]

@@jeremyw4408 very true!

[@JC-hd4rj]

Fair enough, though SA has a lifetime warranty also.

[@OldManStrength2112]

Yep, there's no good reason to waste time and money on a "Prodigy"

[@JC-hd4rj]

Unless you enjoy the art of tinkering. Watching Hilton work his magic is truly an art form that is disappearing. In the end reliable polymer guns, high end 2011s, and now even budget 2011s have their place. Consumers have more choices now. Polymer guns can get a little boring at times, but they’re great. At least now there is a “budget”, relatively speaking, 2011. And my hat’s off to Staccato for showing what hand fitting and using non-MIM is worth when you price it out by comparison with the Prodigy. All to the good. I think Hilton just made us all smarter and probably schooled SA a bit too. Bravo Zulu!

[@damagedgoods62]

Good Gouge...Good Hilton, lol. Thanks for all this effort. I'm in the market for one of these guns, but more specifically the 4.25" model. This is super helpful. It'll probably result in me being a customer for some of your parts as well. I cut my teeth on the 1911 in the early 80's in the USMC. Our DA platoons had the vaunted SOC MEU 1911's hand built for us by the match armorers at Weapons Training Battalion that were phenomenal. I became a striker fire convert as the years passed by for all the practical and obvious reasons. I'm being lured back into my first love's path with the new Springfield offerings. The saga continues! Thanks for the content. 👍👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@paulbrownwhpd]

As always, excellent video and info!

[@brianpeals8019]

Thank you for the integrity in your videos. As much as I enjoy having different firearms, watching this and being within 500 of a Staccato I may just go that route again, Or maybe something totally different. Thanks again this was the video I was looking for and I will be awaiting a similar one for the 4.25. B Safe

[@230grainball]

Excellent video.

[@goyofoyo]

Hilton you are the man!

[@RatelLaw]

Thank you for sharing all your research.

[@robgarrett1781]

Detailed and objective. Thanks

[@octanejimmy]

Thanks for the videos. I just ordered a Cross Breed CCW holster and noticed other companies are getting more availability. Cant wait for the 4.24 video as thats what I own. I also picked up one of your slide catches. Thanks for the parts.

[@QuickStrikes84]

Thank you for your video. It really puts into perspective value wise of a staccato. Been hearing that they are overpriced. But I know 1911's/2011's need lots of hand fitting.

[@ava9oh1282000]

excellent video. thank you very much.

[@SL10VIC84]

My life goal is to be as bad ass as Hilton! Lol. Love your channel man!

[@robertdavid4058]

Well done, thanks for the effort.

[@kellymouton7242]

Love your in depth work, thanks for everything!

[@asianagent38]

cant wait to see what youll do to the 4 inch version

[@jrf5418]

Great review and advice. Dos you guys re work the Prodigy just like the one you profiled here? Thanks.

[@williamstringer2846]

Outstanding information. Thank you for what you do.

[@asianagent38]

i picked up the 4 in a few days ago and first 100 rounds i didnt have any issues. I do want to add a comp to it soon if theres a company that does it

[@amstaffer1]

I’ll wait a while till they get the bugs out , nice video .

[@jeffoakes7971]

Joined your Patreon, can't seem to get to the Prodigy stuff.

[@jaredandrews379]

Sweet action!!

[@8BloodyKnuckles]

I love my T-Series L3D RDS holsters. I run them with my Glocks. If I throw a TLR-1 on the 5” 1911 DS, it will allow the pistol to fit and lock up. There’s forward and backward play but I’m still waiting to be able to mount my RMR on it. Wonder if that will reduce the slop. I wouldn’t use this particular holster for anything other than range use at the moment. I’m waiting for the Staccato/Blackhawk 2011 holster to come in. Thank you for the videos on what you did to improve on the pistol, and for catching and correcting the issue with the X300. Be safe. Take care.

[@georgesmith7632]

Nicely done Hilton, enjoyed your review! Appreciate the plug on EGW parts. Only thing I will add is the middle leaf on a colt sear spring is a bit Long for the location in this gun. Would probably shorten .050 and be sure to round it so it slides on the disco. This is not the gun for a long sear spring. Your Slide stop at .2000 will improve the lock up as well. Best, geo

[@joehenry1524]

The 5” prodigy fit in my ghost hybrid race holster from my STI

[@DavidJosephBoth]

That prodigy look better than the P. IMHO. And i like the P a lot. But springfield made that prodigy look classy and sleek.

[@Orcus1030]

Question. If you find an example with an acceptable trigger, it sounds like fixing the two piece guide rod, the disconnector, tuning the extractor, and springs are really the only parts you need to swap to make it reliable. Yes? That would be considerably cheaper.

[@4mrholsterco981]

My plan will be to replace the disconnector and recoil spring immediately and go from there, based off videos I’ve watched they seem to be the two biggest issues. We shall see how that goes. The example I had in my hands felt undersprung as far as the recoil spring goes.

[@shirolee]

Amazing amazing info!!!

[@rrnonya5472]

Nice reviews, well done. As always, you get what you pay for, I assume the spring is the biggest fix you can apply just for basic reliability.

[@shannonmarcantel7993]

I think Joe Chambers said replacing all MIM parts with mid grade quality, tuning, labor etc would be in the $1200-$1300 neighborhood. Sounds like you’re falling in the same ballpark. Seems to be a good base to work off of if you do have issues with the stock gun.

[@buncha5651]

Buy a Staccato and save $ .

[@CorwinBos]

Great info. I appreciate your thoughts and have been waiting for some input from a smith on what can/should be better. Im of thought of buying the gun and tinkering on it as I find its deficiencies. I think a set of springs and some detailed polishing would go a ways in getting it running better. Then as you find things you dont like, fit and replace them.

[@fauxtool952]

really informative. I would love to send you mine to fix

[@williamstringer2846]

Mr Yam, do you know of a upgrade for the grip safety on the Staccato P?

[@hopewilliams6705]

Changing the grip with let's say a cheely grip if it's compatible to have a magwell

[@matthewvolpe7515]

Thanks for a great review. Could you share purchase info for the slide stop lever, please?

[@108Performance]

Links in description!

[@whatwouldlewdo]

Is that slide stop extended enough to hit with your dominant hand, or do you still have to release it with your support hand ? In the video it looks like you were still using your support hand.

[@walcrow7319]

Hilton.....What's the replacement for the damn 2 piece guide rod for the 4.25 inch model??? The Nighthawk Everlast does not work as it has a 1/4 inch guide rod and flat recoil spring and the reverse plug does not fit.

[@panioloprep8126]

Do you have a current choice for a trigger. Cheely isnt listing one

[@JC-hd4rj]

Yes!!

[@davidpettriess9286]

Have you heard of the stealth arms 1911 that takes Glock mags?

[@spacemarin04]

So i have the Prodigy 5inch and comparing to my buddies older STI the recoil spring seems way lighter in the STI. Would it cause issues if i tried dropping the spring weight from 9# to a lower one?

[@WillMunck]

I'd love to see your breakdown of some of the Sig 1911's with their non standard components.

[@richardsteele6776]

I’m confused why Springfield Armory would release a high end pistol with a Landry list of problems. The other Springfield Armory pistols that I own work reliably.

[@Daze513]

Only “problem” with mine is thumb safety float. Is this addressed in your patreon? Other than that mine has run about 500rds no issues. Will still put in a 11 lbs Wilson recoil spring, and tighten the extractor for my own assurance.

[@108Performance]

Yes we cover every 1911 topic under the sun.

[@aaronwells519]

As far as aesthetics the 10-8 spurred hammer is my favorite 10-8 part. Lol😂

[@mr2scroll538]

Yes new video

[@kruptwilson6257]

Love to have a Cheely trigger for my Trojan, but cant get them in Australia

[@mikeplant2401]

I would like to know if there are any metal mainspring housings out there that would fit the prodigy. Mine cracked at the cap pin.

[@Tacticalapeman]

Seeing all these comments on “might as well buy a stacatto” yeah you can. The way I see it some ppl like Camaro’s some people like Mustangs. You mod the car to make it sound cool or faster. Everyone has their preferences. I have both guns I like both 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@sidanx7887]

Got a new patron sub here

[@jonirokets]

Do you think that only changing the recoil spring will solve the reliability issue of the slide hanging on the disconnector?

[@108Performance]

It *hides* the issue, it doesn't solve it.

[@travisdeathrage295]

Great video! Do you have a link for the Wolff springs you put in the Prodigy? Wolffs website has a lot of options and I wouldn’t want to buy the wrong springs.

[@k04s4]

Wish I never bought my sa prodigy! Forgot Staccato comes with 3 magazines vs 2 and good range bag.

[@mr2scroll538]

Huge price difference can't even compare.

[@k04s4]

@@mr2scroll538 how $1500 plus $1200 in parts/labor to upgrade gun, didn't you see the video.

[@daleinwv]

I agree

[@crw7450]

Hilton - your thoughts on the ejector length or breaking the hard edges on the bottom of the ejector where rounds have potential to make contact with it?

[@fauxtool952]

Wow the staccato almost seems reasonable including your labor

[@iwilrage]

Love mine

[@SanSabaSongbird]

Springfield 1911s are the way to go if you do the work yourself. Me likey.

[@dk-bo5si]

Will there be parts available for spring guide rod and the reverse spring plug for 4.25 model in future?

[@108Performance]

Anything is possible

[@felixpalencia4547]

Hi. Do you do other people guns?

[@yumagunner6894]

What off the shelf commander size 1911 single stack 9mm. Would you suggest that doesnt have mim parts Thx.

[@108Performance]

I don't recommend any off the shelf 1911s in the manner that one might recommend a Glock etc for being ready to go out of the box. That said, Dan Wesson is the only real player at production level with no MIM small parts.

[@MrThatcher8]

Thanks for the video. Could you talk about the magazines? Completely stock, my 5” prodigy had issues with the factory duramags, but ran staccato magazines with no malfunctions. What magazines were you using during testing?

[@matthewperry293]

What’s the sights dimensions I’m wanting to use your low mount sights

[@BoxerBullies]

Any plans on 10-8 baseplates for the Duramag or 4.25 guide rod solution?

[@108Performance]

We'll see how the gun fares in the market, stay tuned!

[@KevinNiven]

Good info!

[@pgg0024]

I'd like to see long term wear with this. Will it hold up or will we see premature wear.

[@alu.304]

As Hilton said, they are starting with a solid frame, slide, and barrel. As in all (most) Springfield 11's, you are at least getting that. Internals are trash👍

[@jaywalker4020]

Has anyone tried to fit a magwell to these yet?

[@108Performance]

Cover it in previous videos.

[@rjracing9917]

Great video and thanks for the info! Quick question, will a “drop in” 9mm 1911 trigger kit fit this gun?

[@westtexas3041]

No, it will not work. The trigger bow for a 1911 is made to go around a single stack magazine. You will have to get one for a 2011 that will go around the circumference of the double stack magazine.

[@robertparis5680]

Now, imagine if they actually worked from the factory, I'm taking acceptable trigger and reliable. That would still be a serious game changer. Hopefully they fix all the issues and get it running properly.

[@michaell397]

Due to the parts and work needed to come up to n ear Staccato performance, Seems the Similar product from Bul is looking better and better. Most are under the impression that the Bull is just another copy, partly due to Staccato's lock on the term/name 2011. Few actually know that the Bul was first. We just weren't aware of its existence here in the States for quite some time. Many who have has the opportunity to experience both claim that the Bul offering is of higher fit and finish than that of the Staccato offerings. Would love to see you review same and view on the differences. KnifeMaker/Retired

[@108Performance]

Bul is imported from Israel and is a production grade gun using MIM small parts and a unique mag, so it is in the market bracket of the Prodigy. It does not precede the Staccato as Bul M-5 was released in 1994 and CMC frame kit came out early 1992. Bul was rebranded many times here in US but was not successful.

[@DRay-or4tc]

Bingo. My best guess was by replacing MIM/Cast parts with Tool Steel, and paying a Smith for Labor- you’re at Staccato money, but with questionable barrel fit fro SA. If one is capable of parts replacement you will save a few hundred bucks over Staccato P price. However, unless one is just dying for a project my question is; why bother?

[@lawrencemasi1046]

Holy Crap and I just bought one…I feel taken advantage of. I’m just a range shooter 😢

[@lawrencemasi1046]

I don’t know how to fix all this…

[@JayJay-qi9pk]

I like staccato but man Triarc 2011’s are another level of art. But obviously they’re also much more.

[@108Performance]

I like science and engineering over art.

[@alfonsobrena]

What is the estimate cost of the parts and labor?

[@alfonsobrena]

I should of wait until the end of the video :(

[@thomaslopez2427]

Could you please tell me exactly which trigger you put in your gun?

[@108Performance]

Watch video

[@XX-166]

I wonder what the cost would be to send mine to you and have some of these things done to sharpen its ability to perform.

[@108Performance]

Sorry, but I don't provide gunsmithing services.

[@JC-hd4rj]

How about another paid for amateur smithing class/tutorial? On the road (North Carolina) or virtually? Where we follow your lead and work on our guns.

[@JC-hd4rj]

Maybe in time (with Springfield’s competitive pricing attracting more folks to 2011/1911s) there’ll be enough newbies like us who need to learn how to get affordable MIM guns to run right or too our liking (trigger weights, etc.)

[@108Performance]

@@JC-hd4rj That’s what we’re doing on Patreon.

[@bigkeef-778]

it sucks to buy a brand new gun and pretty much do a complete rebuild ! My 4.25 seems to be running like a champ

[@paulgoss7596]

costs for parts & labor?

[@blacktalon7030]

How much would the investment be for a regular customer to get their stock Prodigy to this level?

[@108Performance]

It’s in the video

[@robbiefletcher2066]

Time for a Staccto P 5”

[@russell1265]

Wow you rebuilt the gun

[@solarflare1008]

Major modifications here make me think twice before get this new one. Great video.

[@mikedicksbig]

Or you can just send it back to Springfield and have their gunsmiths go thru the gun if you are having issues. Springfield has outstanding customer support and great gunsmiths along with a lifetime guarantee. Total cost to you zero dollars.

[@izaiah9241]

@@mikedicksbig gunsmiths can’t be that great if they can’t make the gun work correctly the first time

[@leftyo9589]

@@izaiah9241 the guys fixing them arent the same ones putting them together.

[@ipscjoe]

People complain about the cost of 2011's then someone makes a "budget" gun and they BITCH that the difference in price came from the cast parts.........Add up what GOOD billet parts cost these days and that's where the money went in the price....might as well buy a good gun to begin with.....

[@daleinwv]

Mine is trash, 5 inch does nothing but failure to feed, even found that is chewing up the sides of the guide rod

[@steelersbrad]

I would love to know which parts were to resolve reliability issues versus making it feel the way you like. I found the weak spring and "catchy" disconnector to be the 2 main problems. I only had 3 or 4 failures to battery after a simple cleaning and zero after upgrading the the recoil spring to a WC 10#.

[@108Performance]

The video is pretty explicit about what was done and why.

[@johnnyh4666]

Or….buy a Prodigy and become a Patreon member and learn the ins and outs of 2011/1911’s with one of the premier gun genies there is.

[@cryptidtacticalauxiliary]

THANK YOU SIR…I NOW FEEL ONLY ‘SLIGHTLY’ #;*+^/‘D AND CAN SEE A LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL ON GETTING THIS FIREARM CORRECT…AGAIN…THANK YOU SIR…I’LL JOIN/PURCHASE ALL YOUR CHANNELS ‘GOODIES’…THIS CHANNEL TRUELY DESERVES TO PROSPER….