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Editor’s Selection (All-Round)

Atlas Gunworks Athena

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Greatest for Competitors

Staccato XL

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Nice Purchase

Springfield Prodigy

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For pistol shooters, there are extra choices than ever to fit your fashion of taking pictures or fill a spot in your assortment. Nevertheless, if you wish to shoot quick and precisely, look no additional than a double-stack 1911, extra generally often known as a 2011-pattern pistol. This sort of handgun is a product of the 80s and 90s, combining a slicked-up 1911 with massive magazines—and was born from the need to realize the utmost in efficiency in sensible pistol competitions. 

In the present day, this pistol design is in a renaissance, discovering a house past the aggressive scene as an Instagram-worthy vary pistol or severe defensive device. In mild of this resurgence, I spent a number of months placing hundreds of rounds by a spectrum of double-stack 1911 and 2011 handguns—every part from entry-level blasters to hand-built masterpieces.

Double-stack 1911s and 2011 Pistols Examined

How I Examined Double-Stack 1911s and 2011s 

The creator taking pictures the Springfield Prodigy. Scott Einsmann

So how do you take a look at weapons which are speculated to be quicker and extra correct than every part else on the market? Shoot it for accuracy additional than regular and push it exhausting chasing velocity. 

However that’s not the one purpose this was a difficult discipline of weapons to guage. The very fact is all these weapons are actually good. I used to be stunned on the stage of accuracy and velocity all these 2011 pistols might obtain.

So it actually got here right down to wonderful factors of differentiation when it comes to options, workmanship, and ergonomics. Relying in your finances and wishes, nevertheless, you received’t go incorrect with any of those. 

Capturing For Accuracy

Each pistol adopted the identical accuracy protocol as we utilized in our 2023 gun take a look at, taking pictures from a standing place with assist from a tripod topped with a sandbag. However as a substitute of taking pictures at 15 yards, I pushed the targets to 25 yards. All accuracy testing was accomplished with the included manufacturing facility journal.

Timed Drills

I carried out varied drills, together with Invoice drills, El Presidentes, doubles, goal transition arrays, and different ability workout routines, with every pistol. These drills gave me beneficial insights into sight monitoring, handiness, operation of controls, and an total really feel for every firearm. Moreover, I shot from each robust and weak sides. This put a highlight on the pistols’ shootability and reliability underneath totally different situations.

Swapping Magazines

I additionally swapped magazines among the many pistols. I ran every pistol with magazines from totally different producers, together with Staccato, Atlas, MBX, Checkmate, and Duramag. I discovered that if the magazines match, they cycled and shot effectively in every of the weapons. The one limitations we discovered have been in just a few situations, the prolonged base plate would stretch too excessive and make contact with a big journal effectively. The repair to this is able to be swapping base plates or submitting them down to suit, or simply going with longer magazines. 

Capturing Totally different Varieties of  Ammo

The creator shot ammo from Lehigh, Federal, Remington, Winchester, Hornady, Speer, and CCI. Sean Murphy

I fed the weapons a wide range of ammunition, starting from 100-grain Lehigh defensive rounds to Federal, Remington, Winchester, and CCI Blazer blasting ammo within the 115- to 124-grain vary. Defensive hundreds from Hornady and Speer have been additionally included within the evaluation.

This complete strategy aimed to offer a radical and goal evaluation of the pistols’ capabilities when it comes to each accuracy and velocity.

The Greatest 2011 Pistols: Evaluations and Suggestions

Editor’s Selection (All-Round): Atlas Gunworks Athena

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Takeaway: Atlas Gunworks Athena stands out as a flexible providing with a give attention to aggressive and motion taking pictures. The hand-built development, optimized elements, and precision make it a high performer, notably in USPSA’s new Restricted Optics division.

Key Options

Motion: Single-action, semi-auto
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Weight: 2 kilos 6 ounces (with Sig Romeo 3 Max, no journal)
Barrel: 4.5 inches
Size: 8.25 inches
End: DLC
Set off pull weight: 1.75 kilos
Security: Ambidextrous
Magwell: Sure
Common of all ammo, 25-yard group sizes (5-shots): 1.64 inches
Most correct ammunition examined: Speer G2 Gold Dot 147 grain, 1.16 inches
Journal Included: Atlas Gunworks
Value: $5,600

Atlas Gunworks has carved out a singular area of interest for themselves within the 2011 market. As a substitute of letting clients select particular elements, finishes, and different choices, they’re providing hand-built, optimized/purpose-driven spec weapons to allow them to get extra weapons in buyer palms. As well as, additionally they promote a unbelievable sequence of magazines for any 2011 buyer.

The Athena is right for competing in USPSA Restricted Optics. Sean Murphy

The Atlas Athena is a flexible providing, designed to excel in varied purposes, from aggressive taking pictures to obligation use. The complete steel development lends a stable really feel to the hand, with a well-fitted grip that options revolutionary paneling choices for personalization. Out of the field, the pistol was configured the best way I’d arrange a match gun, with a large security, Sig Romeo3 Max, inert grip security, and a sub-2-pound set off. This configuration is right for the USPSA’s new Restricted Optics division.

When dealing with and taking pictures the Atlas, the slide cycles like it’s on ball bearings. Every thing locks up tight, the controls have a optimistic and satisfying really feel, and the aggressive texture on the grip works with even moist palms. On the vary, the Athena delivered the tightest common teams, making it probably the most exact of the take a look at. 

In my Atlas Athena, Federal’s 115-grain Syntec ammunition shot exceptionally effectively, particularly for a budget-friendly load. This mixture proved able to making tight photographs, at velocity, with ease. Whereas the Atlas could also be costly, it’s a powerful pistol and doesn’t depart something to be desired when it comes to efficiency and high quality. 

Editor’s Selection (Private Safety): Nighthawk Customized TRS Commander

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Takeaway: The TRS Commander impressed me with its flawless execution, distinctive performance, and aesthetics. Nighthawk’s consideration to element and steadiness between kind and performance make it a top-tier selection for each vary and carry.

Key Options

Motion: Single-action, semi-auto
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Weight: 2 kilos 6 ounces (with RMR, no journal)
Set off: 4 kilos 10 ounces
Barrel: 4.25 inches
Size: 7.75 inches
End: Battleworn Bronze
Set off pull weight: 3.25 kilos
Security: Ambidextrous
Magwell: No
Common of all ammo, 25-yard group sizes (5-shots): 1.81 inches
Most correct ammunition examined: Hornady 115gr Essential Protection, 1.29 inches
Journal Included: Staccato G3
Value: $5,219

Following Nighthawk Customized’s current success in our 1911 Gun Take a look at, I had excessive expectations for the TRS Commander. After quite a few vary classes I had little question that Nighthawk produces distinctive pistols. The TRS Commander embodies perfection in its performance, tactile expertise, and aesthetics. Even underneath meticulous scrutiny, I discovered no flaws. Nighthawk’s unparalleled consideration to element is obvious, from the peerlessly executed flush-cut and countersunk barrel on the entrance of the slide to the seamless mix of each edge and nook.

The flush-cut and countersunk barrel. Sean Murphy
The grip texture is right for hid carry. Sean Murphy

The controls exhibit the perfect “really feel,” hanging an ideal steadiness between resistance and smoothness. The included pink dot and iron sights have been impeccably regulated at 25 yards, straight out of the field. By way of taking pictures efficiency, the TRS Commander excels throughout all ammunition sorts, delivering a median group dimension of 1.81 inches. Curiously, lighter ammunition (100 to 115 grains) tended to provide barely tighter teams.

Whereas the TRS Commander is an impressive vary pistol, it’s effectively configured effectively as a top-tier carry pistol, too. The grip strikes a pleasant steadiness between being grippy and clothing-friendly. With a 4.25-inch barrel, it balanced effectively in my palms and within the holster. In case you have the finances to take a position, the Nighthawk TRS Commander is a unbelievable selection.

Greatest For Competitors (tie): Staccato XL

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Takeaway: The Staccato XL, a race-ready pistol, exemplifies the model’s dedication to reimagining the 2011 platform. With an extended barrel, a tuned match set off, and impeccable match and end, the XL is a standout selection for velocity shooters.

Key Options

Motion: Single-action, semi-auto
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Weight: 2 kilos 6 ounces (no journal)
Barrel: 5.4 inches
Size: 8.875 inches
End: DLC
Set off pull weight: 2.25 kilos
Security: Ambidextrous
Magwell: Sure
Common of all ammo, 25-yard group sizes (5-shots): 1.74 inches
Most correct ammunition examined: Hornady 135 grain Essential Obligation, 0.89 inches
Journal Included: Staccato G3
Value: $3,599

The XL is a race-ready pistol. Sean Murphy
The creator’s finest group with the Staccato XL. Sean Murphy

The 2011 renaissance we at present take pleasure in has lots to do with the work Staccato put into reimagining the platform. They expanded the viewers for the 2011 past the hardcore rivals that have been the unique fanatics. They developed fashions that attraction to those that carry weapons for obligation, self-defense, and basic vary work. 

The Staccato P is the do-anything choice, which we have now reviewed a number of occasions, together with one I ran for greater than 20,000 rounds. We’ve additionally seemed on the Staccato CS, their EDC mannequin. For this round-up, I shot the Staccato XL, which is a 5.4-inch barreled mannequin that hearkens again the corporate’s roots. 

With an MSRP within the mid $3K vary, the XL is billed as Staccato’s race-ready pistol. The longer sight radius lends itself effectively to make use of with iron sights, permitting for a extra refined sight image. This specific pistol within the take a look at is my pistol, which has a thinner entrance sight and rear blade hooked up for even higher precision, in addition to a change to a shorter set off shoe to go well with my preferences. Every thing else was left inventory, as it’s a very well-equipped choice. 

The match and end on the XL is great, with clear strains, damaged edges, and a terrific DLC end (I additionally opted for a DLC-coated barrel with this instance). A part of making the pistol competitively prepared, the XL incorporates a 2.5-pound tuned match set off in comparison with the 4- to 5-pound instance within the P mannequin. Between the lighter set off and longer sight radius, the XL was straightforward to shoot effectively. I shot the tightest group of the take a look at with it, a 0.89-inch 5-shot group at 25 yards with Hornady’s 135-grain Essential Obligation 9mm load. 

The feel of Staccato’s Tactical Grip gives a pleasant steadiness of stickiness within the palms however isn’t sharp or snaggy. For the velocity shooter, the Staccato XL is able to operating with the most effective. The additional-long and heavier bull barrel and slide contribute to minimal sight disruption. And the sunshine set off’s crisp breaks makes it straightforward to place a number of rounds onto targets massive and small with ease. Staccato could have modified the 2011 recreation, but it surely hasn’t forgotten its roots with the XL mannequin. 

Greatest For Competitors (tie): Masterpiece Arms DS9 Hybrid

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Takeaway: The Masterpiece Arms DS9 Hybrid brings precision hot-rod engineering into the aggressive pistol area. With a give attention to velocity and distinctive management, the DS9 Hybrid delivers excellent efficiency in motion pistol video games, and basic vary use.

Key Options

Motion: Single-action, semi-auto
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Weight: 2 kilos 10 ounces (no journal)
Barrel: 5.0 inches
Size: 8.75 inches
End: Nitride
Set off pull weight: 2.0 kilos
Security: Ambidextrous
Magwell: Sure
Common of all ammo, 25-yard group sizes (5-shots): 1.84 inches
Most correct ammunition examined: Wilson Ammunition Reman 135gr, 1.29 inches
Journal Included: MBX
Value: $3,599

The DS9 is suitable with irons and pink dots. Sean Murphy

Masterpiece Arms (aka MPA) began within the gun enterprise providing just a few easy weapons based mostly off of the MAC-10 submachine gun household, however has become a precision hot-rod store over the previous decade. Famend within the precision rifle neighborhood, MPA chassis are among the many hottest decisions on the Precision Rifle Collection circuit. Beneath the management of Phil Cashin and his group, MPA is acknowledged for its fast evolution of designs, persistently addressing the precise wants of shooters. A pair years again, they made a major transfer into the aggressive pistol area by the acquisition of CK Arms.

Every DS9 is hand-built and tuned at MPA. That is adopted by rigorous testing and inspection earlier than it goes to the client. The lineup has varied choices, with the DS9 Hybrid standing out for its high-level workmanship and flexibility. This mannequin options the Accuracy X Sight Base, designed for versatility with compatibility for each iron sights and pink dot sights, providing configurability to satisfy the shooter’s preferences. The Hybrid is well-suited for a spread of purposes, excelling in motion pistol video games, obligation situations, and basic vary use.

The DS9 Hybrid’s magwell. Sean Murphy

Sporting a 5-inch barrel, a full steel grip, full-length mud cowl and magwell, the DS9 Hybrid makes a powerful assertion with its dimension and heft. The set off, averaging a good 2 kilos of whole pull weight, enhances the pistol’s responsiveness. Notably, the MPA DS9 displays distinctive velocity, able to delivering 3 to 4 photographs heading in the right direction within the time it takes for another fashions to fireplace two. When deliberately firing greater spherical depend strings, the MPA DS9 virtually appears like a submachine gun, attributable to how straightforward it’s to regulate the pistol and manipulate the set off.

I’ve a few critiques relating to the MPA pistol, primarily targeted on the end and set off shoe match. The tri-topped slide displays some sharpness on the edges, notably noticeable within the entrance slide serrations. Moreover, the set off shoe shows a noticeable quantity of up-and-down play within the grip slot. Though this doesn’t result in malfunctions or operational points, it’s noticeable.

Whereas the MPA DS9 could not boast the identical aesthetic perfection because the Atlas or Nighthawk, it excels as a performer. For these in search of a aggressive pistol, MPA offers a number of choices tailor-made to varied video games and divisions, guaranteeing top-notch efficiency.

Vudoo Gunworks Priest

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Takeaway: The Vudoo Gunworks Priest is an instance of the expansion of the market, with an organization recognized for difficult the established order, introducing a succesful pistol that has loads of worth for its worth. With distinctive milling, an optic-ready design, and considerate enhancements, the Priest gives a compelling bundle for aggressive taking pictures and vary enjoyment.

Key Options

Motion: Single-action, semi-auto
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Weight: 2 kilos 9 ounces (with Trijicon SRO, no journal)
Barrel: 5.0 inches
Size: 8.75 inches
End: Black Cerakote
Set off pull weight: 3.0 kilos
Security: Ambidextrous
Magwell: Sure
Common of all ammo, 25-yard group sizes (5-shots): 2.05 inches
Most correct ammunition examined: Speer G2 Gold Dot 147 grain, 1.25 inches
Journal Included: MBX
Value: $3,305

The Priest has an prolonged/enlarged journal launch. Sean Murphy

Vudoo Gunworks, recognized for its work in supercharging the precision rimfire rifle market, has expanded its repertoire by difficult the established order within the realm of 1911 pistols. My first encounter with the Vudoo pistol line was on the 2022 Precision Rifle Expo in Texas, the place the Mobius, a single-stack variant, and their .22 LR providing have been showcased. 

Nevertheless it wasn’t till this yr that I acquired my palms on their flagship pistol—the Priest—which is a double-stack 9mm.

Priced at $3,305 MSRP, the Priest just isn’t a finances choice, however its out-of-the-box options makes it a compelling choice. I’d go as far as to name it a terrific worth. What you get with this pistol when it comes to the characteristic set and workmanship might simply justify one other $1,000 on the worth tag. The slide displays distinctive milling impressed by the unique Authorities sample weapons, however with sides and ornamental milling that align with Twenty first-century aesthetics.

The pattern I examined was optic-ready, that includes an enlarged platform and minimize within the slide for mounting optics. The pistol’s grip is billed as Vudoo’s Hybrid Aluminum, which I discovered gives an aggressive texture with out being abrasive on the palms. Further enhancements, comparable to a flush-fit slide cease on the suitable facet, an prolonged/enlarged journal launch, and a spacious journal effectively, eradicate the necessity for aftermarket upgrades.

By way of efficiency, the Vudoo Priest delivers a easy recoil impulse and I discovered it straightforward to shoot rapidly with all of the ammunition I examined. It’s competition-ready out of the field—however to confirm that opinion I took it to a number of matches the place it excelled.

Wilson Fight SFX9

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Takeaway: Wilson Fight’s SFX9 is a scaled-down double-stack 1911 variant, mixing refinement with a carry-friendly design. With a crisp set off, wonderful match and end, and sensible options, the SFX9 balances dimension and efficiency.

Key Options

Motion: Single-action, semi-auto
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Weight: 1 kilos 11 ounces (no journal)
Barrel: 4.0 inches
Size: 7.375 inches
End: DLC Slide/Anodized Body
Set off pull weight: 3.5 kilos
Security: Single-side
Magwell: No
Common of all ammo, 25-yard group sizes (5-shots): 1.97 inches
Most correct ammunition examined: Wilson Ammunition Reman 135gr, 1.21 inches
Journal Included: Wilson SFX 15rd
Value: $3,210

The Wilson SFX9 averaged a 2-inch group at 25 yards. Sea

Technically, this entry from Wilson Fight just isn’t a real 2011 sample pistol. However we included it because it matches on this group extra naturally than into different classes. The SFX9 is a scaled-down double-stack 1911 variant that balances effectively in 9mm. This smaller pistol has just a few parts that distinquish it from a typical 2011, particularly the distinctive design of the journal, the stable single-piece body, and the exterior extractor. The pattern I examined wore iron sights and is configured extra like a carry gun than a race pistol. 

Match and end for the Wilson SFX9 was wonderful, as one would anticipate of a customized pistol. The serrations on the slide and body match, creating surfaces straightforward to seize with out eradicating pores and skin. The entire steel work is great, with a good end. As would even be anticipated, the set off was crisp and clear, breaking at a carry-appropriate 3.5-pound pull weight. 

When taking pictures the Wilson it took a little bit of effort to coax the most effective accuracy from its iron sights. Even so, throughout all the 115- to 147-grain ammunition, the Wilson averaged just below 2 inches at 25 yards. Do you have to go for an SFX9, Wilson’s remanufactured 135-grain load delivered distinctive accuracy. Not solely is it a terrific carry gun, however I’ve seen the SFX9 at just a few sniper competitions being utilized by rivals on the lookout for a lighter/smaller pistol when rucking miles and miles. Comparatively, the SFX9 with a 4.0-inch barrel is about the identical dimension as a Glock 19, however considerably extra refined. 

Nice Purchase: Springfield Prodigy 4.25 inch AOS w/ Hex Dragonfly

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Takeaway: Springfield Prodigy 4.25 inch AOS is reasonably priced but succesful, bringing the 2011 design to a broader viewers. With improved reliability and a wide range of options, the Prodigy is a working man’s 2011 pistol.

Key Options

Motion: Single-action, semi-auto
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Weight: 2 kilos 3 ounces (with Hex Dragonfly, no journal)
Barrel: 4.25 inches
Size: 7.75 inches
End: Black Cerakote
Set off pull weight: 4.75 kilos
Security: Ambidextrous
Magwell: No
Common of all ammo, 25-yard group sizes (5-shots): 2.05 inches
Most correct ammunition examined: Hornady Customized 124-grain XTP, 1.23 inches
Journal Included: Duramag
Value: $1,699 (with Hex Dragonfly)

In our roundup of 2011s, there have been many very good however very costly pistols. Traditionally, 2011s carried a excessive worth level as a result of they have been normally constructed by a gunsmith or they weren’t mass-produced with the identical economies of scale that different designs take pleasure in. Within the fall of 2022, Springfield Armory launched the Prodigy which is a extra reasonably priced 2011 design for the plenty. With an MSRP of the bottom pistol at $1,499, Springfield made waves and created an attainable choice for extra shooters. The actual query most shoppers have is, how does it stack as much as weapons costing double—and in some instances even 4 occasions as a lot?

Springfield did their homework on their 1911DS (double stack) choice. For lots of us, myself included, we felt that given Springfield’s historical past with constructing 1911s that it was solely a matter of time earlier than they entered the 2011 realm. 

Out of the field, the Prodigy is an efficient trying pistol with options that verify loads of bins. 

Early reviews on the Springfield Prodigy indicated it had some reliability and biking issues, however Springfield did make a few tweaks and has been buzzing alongside since. Employees Author Tyler Freel wrote a thousand-round evaluation of the 4.25-inch mannequin virtually a yr in the past, shortly after these tweaks have been made.

Our instance for this roundup shot very effectively, digesting every part thrown at it. For this roundup, I acquired the pistol with a Hex Dragonfly mini red-dot sight. Fairly frankly, the pink dot was probably the most disappointing factor with the gun, providing vital curvature to the lens and a small window. As for the remainder of the pistol, it shot exceedingly effectively with the sphere of ammunition. The Prodigy delivered a stable efficiency with a median of two-inch teams at 25 yards throughout all the ammunition examined.

One other notable characteristic on the gun is the grip, which feels just a little wider within the hand than the opposite extra contoured choices examined. The serrations of the slide have been effectively accomplished, the perimeters weren’t fastidiously eliminated like on the customized weapons, however there was sufficient end work accomplished to maintain the pistol from being sharp. Concerning the set off, the pattern I examined measured 4.75 kilos however was straightforward to shoot effectively regardless of the upper weight. 

With the Prodigy, Springfield has accomplished what it does finest within the 1911 world, create a working man’s choice that’s nice to shoot. There have been just a few teething points with the primary manufacturing run of weapons, however Springfield has labored out these kinks and our current instance ran fairly effectively. Whether or not you desire a extra reasonably priced 2011, or a terrific base gun to improve later, the Springfield Prodigy is a stable choice.

Girsan 2311

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Takeaway: The Girsan 2311 is an entry-level choice, making the 2011 sample extra accessible. Whereas missing some refinement, the 2311 gives important options at a fraction of the worth, and is a cost-effective double-stack 1911.

Key Options

Motion: Single-action, semi-auto
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Weight: 1 kilos 12 ounces (with EAA FAR-DOT, no journal)
Barrel: 4.25 inches
Size: 8.06 inches
End: Painted
Set off pull weight: 5.5 kilos
Security: Ambidextrous
Magwell: Sure
Common of all ammo, 25-yard group sizes (5-shots): 2.52 inches
Most correct ammunition examined: Wilson Ammunition Reman 135-grain, 1.64 inches
Journal Included: Checkmate
MSRP: $999

Once we started the method of gathering pattern 2011-type pistols for our roundup, the Girsan 2311 had been introduced however the pistols weren’t within the nation but. We have been lucky to get one of many early weapons so as to add to our lineup. With an MSRP of $999, the Girsan is probably the most economical of the bunch. Made in Turkey, Girsan has been within the firearms enterprise for 30 years. The 2311 launch supplied probably the most economical choice to date for shooters. 

Aesthetically, the 2311 just isn’t as refined as the opposite weapons, with a painted black end and primary polymer grip. Characteristic-wise although, it has ambidextrous security levers, outsized journal effectively, ahead slide serrations, prolonged controls, and a light-weight rail. It additionally got here with an EAA FAR-DOT pink dot sight that did want some zeroing. All thought-about, the Girsan has most of the options that the costlier choices have however at a fraction of the worth. 

So what’s the distinction between a $3,000 to $5,000 pistol and the Girsan? The Girsan is a primary choice that works, however doesn’t have the hand-fitted components and workmanship of the opposite weapons. The set off as examined got here in round 5.5 kilos, with just a little grit within the takeup—although it did break crisply. Throughout my taking pictures, the 2311 was capable of wrangle a 2.5 inch common for accuracy at 25 yards. The underside line, the Girsan 2311 works as an entry-level choice for somebody eager to check out a 2011.

Select a 2011

When trying to determine the most effective 2011 pistol on your wants, contemplate the next seven standards.

Supposed Use/Software: With the plethora of choices accessible, defining the aim of your 2011 selection ought to be your first motion. Given the choices to select from, understanding if the pistol will function a self-defense, competitors, or basic vary use pistol will assist slim down the sphere.
Value: Set up a finances on your buy, factoring in any extra prices for equipment or modifications. Discover a steadiness between options and price that meets your necessities.
Barrel Size: The barrel size of a pistol just isn’t as vital for ballistic functions as it’s with rifles, however barrel size is vital relying on how you’re carrying/utilizing the pistol. Longer barrels provide higher precision with iron-sights, whereas the prolonged size isn’t as vital if utilizing red-dot optics. Shorter barrels have a tendency to hide or carry higher and might also cycle quicker relying on the use and ammunition. 
Body Materials: Metal frames provide sturdiness and take in extra recoil however with a weight penalty, whereas aluminum frames cut back weight however could sacrifice some sturdiness.
Grip Materials: Steel grips present added weight and a few distinctive textures not potential with plastic grips. Polymer grips cut back weight and are usually cheaper, whereas additionally providing simpler customization if you’re helpful with a Dremel or prefer to stipple grips.
Sighting System: Resolve between conventional iron sights or optics-ready configurations based mostly in your choice. Some choices may be made for optics solely, whereas others provide the pliability to modify between iron sights and red-dots with ease. 
Customization Stage: Are you pleased with the established order of a manufacturing pistol, or would you like one thing particularly tuned to your preferences? With 2011s, there are alternatives throughout this complete spectrum.

Origin of the 2011 Pistol

Any severe pistolero ought to have some familiarity with the 1911 sample of pistol. Adopted by the U.S. Military in 1911 because it’s issued sidearm, the 1911 has a storied historical past, serving in a pair of world wars, preventing on either side with lawmen and gangsters, successful at Nationwide Match-level bullseye competitions and enjoying an integral function within the evolution of recent defensive and aggressive taking pictures disciplines. 

Over time, the platform developed. One vital change within the late Eighties was the introduction of double-stack 1911 variants, which gave rivals an enormous benefit over single-stack pistols. Notable designs emerged from Para Ordnance, Caspian, and the collaboration of Virgil Tripp and Sandy Strayer (with some assist from Chip McCormick) which turned often known as STI. The Tripp/Strayer design, patented in 1994 because the “2011,” featured a body with a modular polymer grip system able to accepting these double-stack magazines. Very like different format wars, one would grow to be king and the STI design prevails at present.

The Trendy 2011 Pistol

Quick ahead thirty years, and we discover the 2011 and different double-stack 1911 derivatives being amongst the newest “it” weapons for a number of causes. The expiration of the 2011 patent in 2016 opened the aggressive panorama, and coincided with a lot of new gun homeowners and fanatics, a lot of whom have been on the lookout for reasonably priced performance-enhancing pistols.

This introduced a brand new wave of entrepreneurs and producers into the gun enterprise. From entry-level decisions just like the Springfield Prodigy and Girson 2311, to hand-built manufacturing and customized choices from Atlas Gunworks and Nighthawk Customized, the market has expanded to cowl a spectrum of budgets and options to match buyer needs or wants.

A big growth occurred just a few years in the past when the aggressive shooting-focused STI underwent new possession and rebranded as Staccato. This shift in objective redirected the main target in direction of defensive, duty-grade, and general-shooting pistols. Whereas quite a few customized outlets produce double-stack 1911s, Staccato has performed a pivotal function in making this style extra accessible to a wider viewers.

2011 Pistols Versus Double-Stack 1911s

The time period “2011” has generally been used as a shorthand reference for double-stack 1911s, but it surely’s vital to notice the precise traits outlined earlier. Though the 2011 patent has expired, Staccato holds a trademark for the identify. To keep away from confusion, shoppers may use the time period “2011” generically, whereas producers could go for the extra particular and correct “double-stack 1911.”

Magazines for 2011 Pistols and Double-Stack 1911s

Magazines are an vital issue for reliability. Sean Murphy

Reliability in any semi-automatic firearm depends on the ammunition feed supply, and in handguns that’s the journal. Pistol designs have achieved greatness or abysmal failure based mostly on the accompanying journal design. Famend firearms professional Ken Hackathorn aptly mentioned, “Anybody can design a firearm, nice designers could make dependable magazines.”

Each single-stack and double-stack 9mm 1911s have traditionally struggled with journal points because of the total size of the 9mm cartridge being a good quantity shorter than the unique .45 ACP. Whereas the .45 ACP sometimes measures 1.275 inches in total size, the 9mm, at its longest most size in keeping with SAAMI, is just one.169 inches. Although this fraction of an inch doesn’t sound like lots, it makes a major distinction when making an attempt to place rounds and feed from the journal right into a chamber. It’s price noting that almost all different designs scale the 9mm and .45 ACP choices to account for this, whereas the 1911/2011 keep a continuing dimension.

The 2011 sample has been round for a number of many years, but it surely was recognized to be persnickety with journal reliability. In my view, the current meteoric rise in reputation has been enabled by enhancements to the journal. Traditionally, the first-generation designs of double-stack 1911 magazines, together with the STI sample, required a visit to a gunsmith for tuning to the precise gun, in addition to common upkeep to maintain peak efficiency. 

For aggressive shooters, it meant treating your race gun like a race automobile and doing the upkeep to get the efficiency. Nevertheless, the arrival of ultra-reliable polymer pistols just like the varied Glock fashions has shifted client perceptions in regards to the necessity of standard cleansing.

STI’s introduction of the second-generation journal design performed a pivotal function in bettering reliability. Presently, Staccato gives a good higher third-generation journal recognized for its reliability, and different respected choices can be found from Atlas Gunworks and MBX magazines.

2011 Pistol Journal Size: 126mm vs 140mm vs 170mm 

When looking for magazines for 9mm chambered 2011s, you could encounter lengths as a substitute of capacities. This dimension specification corresponds to USPSA/IPSC total size necessities, explaining why magazines are sometimes listed on this method. Some producers, comparable to Atlas and MBX, provide magazines with a skinny follower that forestalls the slide from locking again however present most capability. Alternatively, choosing one much less spherical of capability permits the slide to lock again with a special follower design. Staccato magazines, then again, come commonplace with a follower designed to lock the slide to the rear. Varied ground plate choices additional improve capability.

Usually talking, the next lengths equate to the next capacities:

126mm: 17 rounds of 9mm, flush-fitting
140mm: 20 to 21 rounds of 9mm, protrudes barely from the grip
170mm: 25 to 26 rounds of 9mm, the massive stick journal

Last Ideas on 2011 Pistols and 1911 Double-Stacks

The world of double-stack 1911s has skilled a outstanding resurgence and has developed past being a specialised aggressive pistol. This explosive progress of curiosity is one more chapter within the storied historical past of the 1911 and 2011 households of pistols. The double-stack 1911 originated with pistols from Para Ordnance, Caspian, and the famend collaboration between Virgil Tripp and Sandy Strayer, ensuing within the iconic STI 2011.

This evolution continues at present, with producers like Staccato, Atlas Gunworks, Nighthawk Customized, Masterpiece Arms, Vudoo Gunworks, Wilson Fight, Springfield Armory, and Girsan providing a spectrum of choices catering to varied budgets and preferences.

With the varied choices accessible, there’s a double-stack 1911 for each fanatic and almost each finances, whether or not you’re a aggressive shooter, a self-defense advocate, or just somebody who appreciates the craftsmanship and efficiency of those iconic pistols.