Dark Forge Reaper
The Reaper is Dark Forge’s full-size flagship: a 5-inch 9mm double-stack 1911 built around a patent-pending monolithic compensated bull barrel — the compensator is machined as part of the barrel rather than threaded on. The current production Ported Reaper adds barrel ports to the integral comp, which Dark Forge pairs with a “disco” feed-ramp cut and polished internals. Dark Forge calls it a statement piece for shooters who demand peak performance from their everyday carry.
Inside Safariland’s review of the Reaper summed it up in four words: “The gun just runs fast.” The reviewer called it “a very flat-shooting pistol,” averaged a 1.03-second Bill Drill, printed roughly half-inch groups at 10 yards and 1-1/8-inch groups at 25 yards from a rest, and noted that it passes the small-hand test. The Reaper rides a patent-pending billet aluminum grip module with a fixed, non-functional grip safety, ambidextrous thumb safeties, oversized magazine and slide releases, a stainless flared magwell, a flat 2 to 2.5 lb trigger and an ultra-low direct-mount RMR/SRO cut — all in DLC black with bronze PVD accents. It ships in a hard case with three 2011 magazines.
Cajun Gun And Gear is the only authorized Dark Forge dealer in Louisiana. Reaper pistols in stock are listed below; if none are showing, call 337.999.0373 and we will order one.
Dark Forge Reaper Specs
| Caliber | 9mm |
|---|---|
| Platform | Dark Forge 1911DS (double-stack 1911 / 2011-style) |
| Barrel | 5" monolithic compensated bull barrel (patent pending); current production ported and comped |
| Frame and slide | Machined from billet steel; dealer listings describe a reinforced tri-top slide and wide tactical-rail frame |
| Grip module | Billet aluminum (patent pending) with non-functional fixed grip safety; accepts 2011 magazines |
| Trigger | Flat black, 2–2.5 lb |
| Safeties | Ambidextrous thumb safeties; pinned grip safety |
| Optic cut | Ultra-low RMR/SRO direct mount (no plates) |
| Magwell | Stainless steel |
| Capacity | 20+ rounds depending on magazine length (our listings show 21-round magazines); 10-round for restricted states |
| Controls | Oversized magazine release and slide release; front serrations; full-length rail |
| Feed ramp | “Disco” ramp cut |
| Finish | DLC black with PVD bronze accents |
| In the box | Hard case and three 2011 magazines |
| Warranty | 1-year muzzle-to-magwell (Dark Forge pays 2-day shipping both ways), then limited lifetime |
Specifications are from Dark Forge’s published product pages and dealer listings and can change without notice; Dark Forge does not publish weights or dimensions. Confirm the exact configuration on the product listing or call 337.999.0373.
Who the Reaper is for
Shooters who want a compensated 2011 with the comp built into the barrel and nothing to work loose, and who are not shopping on price. If you would rather have ports without a compensator in a slightly shorter gun, the Wraith is Dark Forge’s 4.6-inch V6-ported pistol. An unported second barrel and aftermarket porting are available from Dark Forge for either model.
Reaper versions
The original Reaper 5" Comped used the monolithic compensated barrel without ports; Dark Forge has since replaced it on its site with the Ported Reaper 5" Comped, which adds barrel ports. Both share the same frame, grip, trigger and finish, and both can run Dark Forge’s unported “LO” second barrel.
Dark Forge Reaper FAQ
What is a monolithic compensated barrel?
A one-piece bull barrel with the compensator machined integrally rather than threaded on. Dark Forge’s design is patent pending; the current Ported Reaper adds ports to that comp’d barrel.
Is the Reaper ported, compensated or both?
Current production is both. The original Reaper was compensated only; the Ported Reaper 5" Comped adds barrel ports.
How many rounds does the Reaper hold?
It uses standard 2011 magazines and ships with three. Capacity depends on magazine length — 20, 21 or 22 rounds have all been shipped — and our current listings show 21-round magazines; 10-round magazines are supplied for restricted states.
What optics fit the Dark Forge Reaper?
Trijicon RMR and SRO footprints mount directly to the slide with no plate. The cut is very low; an SRO overhangs slightly and uses 4-40 screws, and there is no RMSc option.
Does the Reaper come with iron sights?
No. Dark Forge pistols are built for a direct-mount red dot and ship without iron sights.
Will the Reaper fit my holster?
It has a full-length rail, which keeps it out of some molded holsters built for shorter dust covers. Bring your holster by the shop or ask us before you buy one.
Is the Reaper in stock at Cajun Gun And Gear?
Any Reaper listed below is in our Lafayette shop today. If nothing is listed, call 337.999.0373 and we will order one — we are the only authorized Dark Forge dealer in Louisiana and Dark Forge does not sell pistols direct.
What is the Dark Forge warranty on the Reaper?
A one-year muzzle-to-magwell warranty that covers everything except over-pressure from improper ammunition, with Dark Forge paying two-day shipping both ways, followed by a limited lifetime warranty on manufacturer defects and premature wear. Register the serial number with proof of purchase.
Buy Dark Forge in Louisiana
Cajun Gun And Gear is the only authorized Dark Forge dealer in the state of Louisiana. Dark Forge does not sell pistols direct, so a dealer is the only way to get a Reaper or Wraith. Our shop is at 108 Youngsville Hwy, Lafayette, LA 70508 (Mon–Fri 9–6, Sat 10–2). Stock is limited and moves fast; either model can be ordered when it is not on the shelf — call 337.999.0373 or stop in. Out-of-state buyers: we ship to your local FFL.
Also see: Wraith, or all Dark Forge pistols.