In the world of 1911s, there are really three types of guns: affordably-priced guns with loose fitment and questionable reliability, classics with great tolerances and good performance, and higher-end models with aesthetic appeal and modern options. If the latter is your preference, then the Cosaint Arms COS21 DS (double stack) in 10mm is definitely your type of gun. This is an impressively designed gun built to exact specifications. We’re going to explain why it’s worth the price point and what its various features are.
What is the Cosaint Arms COS21 DS?
Cosaint — pronounced Co-sent and translated from Gaelic as protect or defend — manufactures custom-made 1911s. That means their COS21 line includes various sizes of 1911s with different calibers. It’s really a choose-your-own-1911-adventure type of system. This particular COS21 is a commander-sized model with double-stack capacity. Options offered by Cosaint Arms include chamberings in 9mm, 45 ACP, 40 Smith & Wesson, and 10mm, depending on size. Sizes of guns range from the more compact Officer to the Commander to the Government. Gun owners can choose from a variety of custom Cerakote finishes as well.
Officially, this Commander model is listed on the company’s site as the DFTTMX (Double Stack Flat Top Tactical Commander/Mid-Size). However, it’s known as the Cosaint Arms COS21 DS, including in their press releases. So if you’re perusing the manufacturer’s website, take note of the specific sizes under the “COS21 Products” header.
Cosaint Arms COS21 DS Specs
This gun is chambered in 10mm, although the company does offer it in other calibers. It’s a Commander-sized model, meaning it’s full-size and has a 4.25-inch barrel. This model uses a bull barrel. It has an overall length of 8.0 inches, a width of 1.375 inches, and a height with factory iron sights of 5.5 inches. Overall weight is right around 34 ounces when empty. Because it’s a double-stack, a magazine loaded with 10mm does add some heft to it, but it’s not an unwelcome weight.
The COS21 DS ships with a competition adjustable Bomar rear sight and a fiber optic front sight. Angled serrations are placed at the back and front of the slide, making it easy to manipulate using whatever method you prefer. If you do intend to rack it from the front take care to do so safely and using proper technique. This gun does have an accessory rail in front of the trigger guard for easy addition of aftermarket accessories, such as a good weapon-mounted light. This is an optional feature that can be selected. The trigger guard is square but with a rounded edge so it facilitates a firm grip comfortably.
Grips are heavily stippled and aggressive, which is important for shooting with wet or otherwise slippery hands. The beavertail safety is extended as well, which is another noteworthy part of a good, high grip. Cosaint uses a skeletonized flat-face trigger and skeletonized hammer, the latter of which has ridges over the uppermost side where your finger contacts it. The external thumb safety is ambidextrous which is fantastic for shooting mirror, or if you’re left-handed. As for the magazine release, it’s one-sided and ridged for a good gripping surface during operation.
This Commander-sized COS21 DS shipped with two MBX magazines with a capacity of 16 +1. These are the flush fit mags, but if you want to use extended magazines you can increase capacity even more. With a fully loaded mag, the weight of the gun is still fine for carry, hunting, or range use.
How does the Cosaint Arms COS21 DS shoot?
Although this is a beautifully crafted 1911, it’s also a gun that’s designed to be used. As a Commander-sized gun, it has a full-sized frame that fits nicely in my hands. The grip stippling is quite aggressive, but that’s a plus because it helps you keep such a solid grip on the gun. A broad variety of loads have been used in this gun, including Nosler Match 10mm 180-grain JHP, Winchester Silvertip 10mm 175-grain JHP, Federal Punch 10mm 200-grain JHP, and Sinterfire Special Duty Self-Defense 10mm 125 grain HP Frangible. Throughout extensive use, the gun has experienced no failures. And that isn’t because it’s kept in pristine condition, either. This is a 1911 you can run dirty and apply lube as needed.
The COS21 DS in 10mm is an incredibly flat-shooting gun, especially for a bigger bore pistol. This translates to fantastic accuracy on target. At closer ranges, shooting drills such as the playing card drill from a distance of five yards, this gun produces tight, single-hole, five-shot groups. Of course, the COS21 DS is quite effective at greater distances as well. At 25 yards, shooting from the bench, the gun produces groups averaging around two inches with slow, careful fire. At 50 yards — and 100 yards — you can ring steel as long as you’re familiar with the gun and ammo.
This is the Commander version so it does have that slightly shorter barrel of 4.25 inches rather than the Government 5.0 inches, but it’s still a capable handgun hunting option. Whether you’re chasing feral hogs, coyotes, or deer, the COS21 DS can get it done (and with style).
As a carry gun, this pistol works well. Thanks to its shorter barrel it’s easier to conceal than many guns, and the weight isn’t so excessive as to be a problem. It checks all the boxes for a carry gun, including reliable cycling, accuracy on target, and rapid target acquisition (including for follow-up shots). This is an immaculately designed handgun that’s a pleasure to shoot.
Should you get a COS21 DS?
If you’re interested in a pistol that’s precise and reliable then yes, the COS21 DS is the gun for you. It’s true that a gun like this requires a greater investment, but it’s worth it. Of course, that investment might mean you don’t want to use it as your daily carry because if you’re ever forced to use it to defend yourself, it’s going to be taken by law enforcement as evidence. Whether or not you ever get the gun back tends to be a matter of chance. On the other hand, considering its precision and reliability, it’s a great candidate for carry use.
Thanks to the customization options of the Cosaint Arms ordering process, you can get just about whatever double-stack 1911 you want. This includes a vast array of finishes, threaded barrels, accessory rails, and more. The ability to select the features you need is fantastic, and Cosaint Arms makes it easy. It’s rare that a gun comes along that a shooter has absolutely no complaints or issues with, but this is the one. The COS21 DS in 10mm is a great gun and highly recommended.
