Description
Long-slide 1911s occupy a pretty specific space in the handgun world, and the Iver Johnson Eagle XL DS fills it well. The "DS" stands for double stack, which is a big deal in the 1911 world since the platform is traditionally single-stack. With 14+1 rounds of .45 ACP on tap, you get the classic 1911 feel and trigger experience with a meaningful capacity upgrade. The 6-inch stainless steel barrel not only adds velocity to your .45 ACP loads but also stretches the sight radius considerably compared to a standard Government Model, which translates to a more precise sight picture and better groups at the range.
Iver Johnson doesn't cut corners on the feature set here. The Eagle XL DS ships with a fully adjustable white-dot rear sight paired with a dovetailed front sight, both sitting on top of the extended slide. The forged steel slide and cast frame are CNC-machined and then hand-fitted to each other, giving the pistol a tight, quality feel that punches above its price class. Front and rear angled slide serrations make racking smooth and positive, and the extended slide top rounds things off visually while giving the adjustable sights a solid platform.
The controls are all competition-friendly. You get an extended thumb safety and slide stop for easy one-handed manipulation, a beavertail grip safety with a memory bump to ensure consistent engagement, and a lowered and flared ejection port that clears brass reliably. The three-hole trigger and skeletonized hammer are tuned at the factory for a clean, consistent break. G10 grips round out the package with a secure, no-slip hold that holds up to long range sessions without beating up your hand.
This is fundamentally a range and target gun. The extra weight up front from the longer slide helps tame .45 ACP muzzle flip, making follow-up shots more manageable than you'd expect from a full-bore .45. It ships with two double-stack magazines, which is a nice touch that gets you straight to the firing line without extra purchases right out of the gate.
Key Specifications
- UPC: 796167791881
- MPN: EAGLEXLDS
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Action: Single-Action Semi-Automatic
- Barrel Length: 6"
- Barrel Material: Stainless Steel
- Capacity: 14+1
- Overall Length: 10.25"
- Weight (Unloaded): 49 oz.
- Frame Material: Steel
- Slide Material: Steel
- Finish: Matte Black
- Grips: G10
- Sights: Fully Adjustable White Dot Rear / Dovetailed Front
- Safety: Beavertail Grip Safety, Extended Thumb Safety, Extended Slide Stop
- Number of Magazines Included: 2
What’s Included
- Iver Johnson Eagle XL DS pistol
- 2 double-stack magazines
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Eagle XL DS different from a standard 1911?
There are two key differences. First, the "DS" designation means this is a double-stack 1911, giving it a 14+1 capacity versus the traditional 7 or 8 rounds. Second, the slide and barrel have been stretched to 6 inches, which extends the sight radius for improved precision and adds front-end weight that helps reduce muzzle flip when shooting.
Is the Iver Johnson Eagle XL DS a good competition pistol?
It's well-suited for steel challenge, IDPA, or casual target shooting where a long-slide .45 ACP is a good fit. The fully adjustable sights, tuned trigger, extended controls, and beveled magazine well are all features you'd normally have to pay extra for on a custom build. It's not a purpose-built race gun, but it brings a lot of competition-oriented features to the table at a reasonable price.
Does the Eagle XL DS require a break-in period?
Like most tightly fitted all-steel 1911 pistols, a short break-in period is normal and expected. Running a couple hundred rounds of quality ball ammo through it early on helps everything settle in and ensures reliable function. This is common across the 1911 platform regardless of manufacturer, and is actually a sign of a properly fitted pistol.
Who manufactures the Iver Johnson Eagle XL DS?
Iver Johnson Arms, based in Rockledge, Florida, imports the Eagle XL DS from Shooters Arms Manufacturing (S.A.M. Inc.) in the Philippines. S.A.M. is a well-regarded manufacturer known for building 1911-platform pistols to close tolerances, and they produce firearms for several US importers.
Will standard 1911 holsters fit the Eagle XL DS?
Most holsters designed for a standard 5-inch Government Model 1911 will not properly fit the Eagle XL DS due to its 6-inch barrel and extended slide. You'll want to look for holsters specifically rated for 1911 long-slide or 6-inch barrel models, or a belt-slide style holster that accommodates variable barrel lengths.
Does the Eagle XL DS accept standard 1911 magazines?
No. Because this is a double-stack model, it uses proprietary double-stack magazines rather than standard single-stack 1911 magazines. The pistol ships with two magazines included, so you're covered to start, but keep in mind that aftermarket mag selection for this specific platform is more limited than for single-stack 1911s.





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