Steve and I were perusing the products at the IO inc. booth. Most of you are aware that IO makes and imports AK rifles as well as the M16-A1 clone that Steve wrote about.

Well IO is now coming out with their first big bore handgun the “Viper”, which happens to be a 1911. This is a commander size 1911 with an external extractor and chamber cut which looks very much like the Sig 1911’s. The slide has a scallop treatment on the front and back to aid in racking the slide or using the front scallops to allow a chamber check. I found it does provide plenty of traction for operating the pistol. The thumb safety is also ambidextrous. Also included are Novak like night sights.

While somewhat departing from the norm in the commander size it is also railed for laser or light use. The grips, magwell and mainspring housing all have the same color treatment. The grips have the double diamond made in G-10. Even though the magwell is steel they were able to maintain the color treatment. The finish is a matte black. For a loaded 1911 pistol the price is very good at an MSRP of $569.00