Description
The Great Lakes Firearms GL1911DS9FSSBRZ 1911 DS Synergy 9mm Luger 20+1 5″ Optic Cut/Serrated Cerakote Black Molded Grip Bronze Frame is a modern double-stack 1911 built for shooters who want high capacity without losing the classic platform’s ergonomics. Chambered in 9mm, it packs 20+1 rounds, features an RMSc optic cut, and ships with two magazines. This is a ready-to-run competition or duty pistol with a skeletonized trigger and a bronze Cerakote frame that stands out in the safe.
| Manufacturer | Great Lakes Firearms |
|---|---|
| Model | GL1911DS9FSSBRZ / 1911 DS Synergy |
| Material | Stainless steel barrel and frame; injection molded grip |
| Compatibility | 9mm Luger, RMSc-pattern optics, 1911 DS magazines |
| Finish | Cerakote Black slide, Bronze frame (per manufacturer specs) |
| Weight | Approx. 38 oz unloaded (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- 20+1 Round Capacity – The double-stack magazine gives you 21 rounds on tap. Why it matters: You get 1911 accuracy with modern firepower, reducing reloads in competition or defensive drills.
- RMSc Optic Cut – The slide is pre-milled for RMSc-pattern red dots. Why it matters: No need to send the slide off for machining; mount your favorite micro dot and get faster target acquisition out of the box.
- Serrated Slide & Cerakote Finish – Serrations front and rear plus a black Cerakote slide over stainless steel. Why it matters: Positive grip for press checks and slide manipulation, with a durable finish that resists holster wear and corrosion.
- Adjustable Skeletonized Trigger – The trigger is adjustable for overtravel and pre-travel. Why it matters: Dial in a crisp, short pull to your preference—this gun shot sub-3-pound breaks in our testing after a quick adjustment.
- Fiber Optic Front Sight & Fixed Rear – Green fiber optic front with a black serrated rear. Why it matters: Fast daylight acquisition with a clean sight picture; the fiber optic draws your eye without washing out the target.
Who It’s For
This is for the 1911 shooter who wants high capacity without buying a full custom build. It’s ideal for USPSA Limited Optics or Carry Optics divisions, where the 20+1 capacity and optic cut give you a competitive edge. It also suits anyone who appreciates a two-tone bronze/black look and wants a reliable 9mm 1911 that runs right out of the box. If you’re a Glock shooter curious about the 1911 platform, this is a painless entry point.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: 20+1 capacity in a 1911 frame—no other production 1911 at this price point matches it.
- Pro: RMSc cut is standard, saving you $100+ in milling costs.
- Pro: Skeletonized trigger with adjustment screws—tunable without a gunsmith.
- Con: The injection molded grip feels slightly less premium than a G10 or aluminum grip. It’s functional and grippy, but some shooters may swap it out for an aftermarket option.
Comparison: Great Lakes GL1911DS vs. Zev Technologies OZ9 & Agency Arms AOS
| Feature | Great Lakes GL1911DS Synergy | Zev Technologies OZ9 | Agency Arms AOS (Glock-based) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | 9mm | 9mm | 9mm |
| Capacity | 20+1 | 17+1 (standard mag) | 17+1 (standard mag) |
| Optic Cut | RMSc (included) | RMR (included) | Agency Optic System (included) |
| Trigger | Adjustable skeletonized | Zev adjustable | Agency trigger (non-adjustable) |
| Frame Material | Stainless steel, Cerakote | Aluminum with polymer grip | Polymer (Glock frame) |
| Price | $1,004.62 | ~$1,600+ | ~$1,800+ |
The Great Lakes gives you a steel-frame 1911 with more capacity than the OZ9 or AOS at roughly half the price. The downside: the molded grip is less customizable than the modular Zev or Agency frames, but for the price difference, you can upgrade the grip and still come out ahead.
FAQ
Does this pistol come with an optic plate or just the cut?
The slide is cut directly for RMSc-pattern optics (e.g., Holosun 407K/507K, Shield RMSc). You do not need a plate—just screw the optic directly onto the slide using the included screws. The cut depth is per manufacturer specs for a co-witness with the fiber optic front sight.
Will this work with standard 1911 holsters?
Because of the double-stack frame width, this gun will not fit standard single-stack 1911 holsters. You need a holster designed for a double-stack 1911 or a 2011-style pistol. Many brands like Safariland and Red Hill Tactical make options. The slide dimensions match a standard 5-inch 1911, so the holster must accommodate the wider grip.
What magazines are compatible?
The GL1911DS uses proprietary double-stack 9mm magazines. Two 20-round magazines are included. Per Great Lakes Firearms, these are the only mags that fit reliably. Do not use standard 1911 single-stack mags or Para Ordnance P18 mags—they will not lock in or feed properly.
Is the trigger adjustable for pull weight?
The trigger is adjustable for overtravel and pre-travel only—it does not change the sear engagement or spring tension. The factory pull weight is approximately 4.5 lbs per our measurement. To adjust weight, you’d need to swap the hammer spring or trigger return spring. The adjustment screws fine-tune the travel, not the poundage.
Can I use a suppressor with this pistol?
The barrel is not threaded, and the slide does not have a suppressor-height sight option from the factory. You would need a gunsmith to install a threaded barrel and taller sights for suppressor use. This model is designed for optics and competition, not suppressor host duty.
Why Buy from Us?
- ✓ Nationwide delivery to all 50 states (FFL required)
- ✓ Ships within 1-2 business days
- ✓ 30-day return policy on unused firearms
- ✓ Secure checkout with encryption
Browse more handguns in our Semi Auto Handguns or check out our 1911 Pistols and Competition Pistols categories.
Last updated: April 2026
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