An upgrade to the M1 pistol. Parts component quality has improved greatly, and the pistol now features a safety which doubles as a slide and trigger lock. The hammer has been upgraded as well. It also can be fired as a double-action weapon. The slide profile has been reduced, and the magazine release switch has been moved to a position with easier access to the thumb. The frame has been made more flush to the slide itself. Despite the extensive changes, components such as the magazines, recoil spring, and barrel are the same.

The M1A1 continue to use the .45 Pilotmario cartridge, although variants in 10mm Pilotmario, 9mm Pilotmario, 7.62mm Sicario (7.62x21), .22 Long Rifle, and .22 Short are also available both for military orders and civilian private purchase. The .45 and 10mm variants have 8-round magazines, where the 9mm and 7.62mm variants have 9-round magazines, and the .22 Long Rifle and .22 Short variants have 10-round magazines.

The exception for this come in the form of the the M1A1T, which has an 8-round magazine of .22 Long Rifle, and features a gas system to simulate the recoil of a full-power M1A1 pistol. This allows recruits to familizarize themselves with the recoil of a full-power M1A1, while employing cheaper .22 Long Rifle cartridges.