APF / Arsenal Second Century 1911 .45 ACP 5″ 14rd
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the APF/Arsenal Second Century 1911 .45 ACP 5” 14rd? It is a Title II firearm, specifically a mechanically-linked, dual-barrel 1911-style pistol that must be registered as an NFA-controlled Any Other Weapon (AOW) or Short-Barreled Rifle (SBR) if configured with certain accessory equipment. This pistol is not an experimental or prototype item but a production firearm designed by Arsenal Firearms of Italy and imported by APF, representing one of the very few commercially viable multi-barrel handgun platforms to reach the U.S. market since the 1994 Federal Assault Weapons Ban altered the classification guidelines for such designs.
What is the APF/Arsenal Second Century used for?
This pistol is used primarily for collection, technical demonstration, and for shooters who operate under federal Special Occupational Tax (SOT) licenses where its unique configuration can be legally showcased or deployed in specialized training scenarios. Its dual barrels and actions, firing in sequence with each trigger pull, provide a distinctive technical study in recoil mitigation and mechanical timing, far removed from standard double-stack or high-capacity competition 1911s. It is not a practical daily carry or duty firearm due to its NFA status, its 4.6 lb unloaded weight, and its operational complexity requiring an understanding of federal transfer procedures via a Form 4.
How does the APF/Arsenal Second Century compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The APF/Arsenal Second Century is a vastly different mechanical and regulatory proposition compared to a traditional bolt-action rifle like the Stevens 334. The Second Century exists within the Title II/NFA framework, requiring registration and a $200 tax stamp, while the Stevens 334 is a standard Title I long gun available over-the-counter with a standard background check. Mechanically, the Second Century is an exercise in parallel 1911 actions, while the Stevens 334 is defined by its 20-inch carbon steel barrel and controlled-round feed bolt—the Second Century is for regulatory enthusiasts and collectors, while the Stevens 334 is a field-ready hunting implement.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Second Century weighs 4 pounds, 9.6 ounces (2,083 grams) unloaded—a direct consequence of its dual-steel-frame construction—and measures 8.7 inches in length, 6.2 inches in height, and 2.3 inches in width at its widest point across the dual slide/frame assembly. The 5-inch barrels are cold hammer-forged and chrome-lined, with a 1:16 right-hand twist rate, contributing to the overall heft. This makes it over 2.5 pounds heavier than a standard Colt Government Model and significantly thicker, comparable to holding two standard 1911 pistols side-by-side in a permanent fixture.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is not for the first-time 1911 buyer, the shooter unfamiliar with NFA processes, or anyone seeking a lightweight, practical defensive or competition handgun. The regulatory burden, the specialized knowledge required to maintain two linked 1911 actions, and the sheer mass of the platform disqualify it for casual use. If your interest lies in traditional shotgun sports with straightforward mechanics, your capital is better spent on a proven over/under like the Stevens 555 Sporting.
What's in the box?
Included are two 7-round stainless steel magazines—one for each chambered barrel—for a total combined on-board capacity of 14 rounds of .45 ACP, plus an Allen key set for grip panel removal, a detailed NFA compliance manual specific to this model, and a factory test target shot from a 25-yard fixture. You will not find a standard pistol case; it ships in a fitted, locking hardwood presentation box with foam cutouts, designed specifically for this configuration. There are no spare parts kits or interchangeable backstraps—this is a complete, serialized unit as received.
Is the APF/Arsenal Second Century worth it at $5,986.99?
At nearly six thousand dollars, its value is determined entirely by your position in the NFA/collector ecosystem—as a functional curiosity and a complex piece of firearms engineering with documented Italian proof marks, it commands its price, which includes the importer's markup for handling the unique Form 6 import documentation. It is objectively not cost-effective compared to buying two high-end custom 1911s, but for the technical collector who appreciates the mechanical solution to achieving a double-tap from a single trigger pull, the price reflects its extreme niche status and the regulatory compliance costs embedded in its sourcing.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Dual 5-inch chrome-lined barrels fire sequentially — provides a unique technical study in felt recoil and mechanical timing.
- Includes two 7-round stainless magazines for a 14-round total capacity — uses proven 1911 magazine geometry.
- Constructed from forged steel frames and slides — offers a combined, unloaded weight of 4.6 lbs for exceptional stability.
- Features Italian proof marks and a fitted hardwood presentation case — confirms its status as a documented, imported collectible.
Trade-offs
- Requires NFA registration as an AOW or SBR — adds a $200 tax stamp and a 9-month average wait time to the $5,986.99 purchase price.
- Weighs 4.6 lbs unloaded — over 2.5 lbs heavier than a standard 1911, making it unsuitable for any practical carry.
- Uses proprietary grip panels and requires custom holsters — adds $90-$150 and 4-6 weeks of lead time for essential accessories.
Key attributes
| upc | 810126490346 |
| manufacturer | Arsenal Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | AFA1-45-BK-14 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| sights | 3 Dot |
| safety | Thumb Safety |
| model | Second Century |
| barrel length | 5" |
| color | Black |
| capacity | 14 |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 1911 grips?
- No, the Second Century uses its own proprietary wood grip panels due to the significantly wider frame footprint where the two 1911 frames are joined. The mounting screw spacing is 35mm wider than a standard single-frame 1911, and the panel contour is specific to the combined width of 2.3 inches. You cannot retrofit aftermarket grips from brands like VZ Grips or Hogue without custom machining.
- Does this work with a standard 1911 holster?
- Absolutely not. The Second Century's dual-slide profile, measuring 2.3 inches at its widest point, will not fit any production holster designed for a single-frame 1911. You will require a custom-made holster from a specialist like KT-Mech or a local kydex presser who can work from the exact dimensions. Plan for a lead time of 4-6 weeks and an additional cost of $90-$150 for a suitable duty or range holster.
- How long does the NFA transfer take?
- As an NFA item, the transfer to an individual on a Form 4 is currently running an average of 9 months through the National Firearms Act Division of the ATF. This is after the item is shipped from our inventory to your chosen SOT dealer, who will then initiate the paperwork. The process for a trust or corporate entity may differ slightly, but you should budget for this extended timeline before taking possession.
- Can I return it if it’s not what I expected?
- No. Due to its status as a serialized, Title II NFA firearm, all sales are final once the ATF Form 3 (dealer-to-dealer) or Form 4 (to you) is submitted. You cannot legally ship this firearm back to us without initiating another NFA transfer. We strongly recommend consulting our detailed compliance guide and ensuring you understand the item's configuration, weight, and legal status before purchase.
- Does this work with a .45 ACP suppressor?
- Yes, technically—both 5-inch barrels are threaded ½-28 TPI, which is an uncommon but serviceable thread pitch for .45 caliber. However, you must purchase two identical pistol-rated suppressors (like a SilencerCo Osprey 45K or a Rugged Obsidian 45) and have them mounted simultaneously, as the barrels fire in sequence. This requires two registered NFA devices and proper alignment checks by a qualified gunsmith, adding thousands to the overall system cost.