These double-stack pistols blend the best of Browning’s 1911 with expanded capacity and modern features…and there is a 2011 pistol for every budget
text by Mark Houlahan; images by Andy Grossman
Like many things in the world, it only takes a bit of popularity, and perhaps some solid marketing, for something to “go viral” these days. Back in the day, we’d say it “blew up.” But whether you’re Gen X or Gen Z, there’s no denying that the current fascination with the 2011 pistol most certainly falls into this category. While the 2011 may seem like the hot new must-have pistol everyone is talking about, the fact is the 2011 has been around in some form since the early 1980s. Why not pair the fine-shooting and easy trigger pull of the 1911 with a double-stack magazine that could hold twice the rounds of a .45 ACP? That’s exactly what Virgil Tripp dreamed up way back in the early aughts. Originally designed to be an IPSC or USPSA shooter’s dream, Tripp’s design provided extended round counts over that of the normally 7- or 8-round 1911 pistol.
Mind you, these were big, full-size pistols with enhanced magwells, custom grips, optics, and more for competition use. The original 2011 design, while still at the heart of today’s 9mm-based 2011s, is a far cry from what you’ll find in the gun cases at your favorite FFL these days. Yes, today’s 2011s are mostly 9mm. We’ll hold the .45 ACP vs 9mm argument for another day, but suffice to say, with today’s modern defensive cartridges, the 9mm holds its own here. The modern 2011 can certainly still be used for competition, but you’ll find many options with slimmer profiles, light rails, built-in comp barrels and slides, and more for EDC use. The 2011 market today is a broad one, providing something for everyone and every budget.
Just where did the 2011 name come from? Well, Virgil Tripp went on to found STI with Sandy Strayer (Strayer-Tripp International) and develop the modular high-capacity 9mm 1911 pistol we know today, trademarking the term “2011” in the process and patenting the modular grip design. Later, STI would be sold and eventually rebranded as Staccato in 2020. While the patent on the grip design has expired, allowing 2011-style pistol offerings to blossom, Staccato still holds the trademark on the 2011 name. So, while the term “2011” has become a genericized trademark for double-stack 1911s (much like Kleenex has for facial tissues), only Staccato pistols are technically 2011s.
The current 2011 trend has been fueled by that expired patent, providing increased availability, precision manufacturing, and a growing number of manufacturers in the 2011 space that offer everything from a bare bones pistol at a sub-$1,000 price point to custom pistols reaching several thousands of dollars. You’ll even see many law enforcement agencies running 2011s now, and there are models that are designed for concealed carry efficiency as well, providing a 2011 pistol for every need and budget.
So, whether you’re a seasoned 2011 enthusiast or someone looking to jump into the fray, we have a condensed breakdown of the 2011 market by price tier and what you can expect to find in a 2011 pistol at each level with the help of the great folks at Not Just Guns. NJG is based in Michigan and carries a huge inventory of 2011 pistols and accessories, from budget entry-level 2011s to high-end custom models. If you have 2011 questions, they have 2011 answers.
Note that we list MSRP at time of publication with the realization that street prices can vary and will change over time.
Entry-Level Options – Up to $1,500
Best For: New shooters, budget-conscious buyers, or those who are curious about the platform.
While true 2011s used to be prohibitively expensive for the average enthusiast and relegated primarily to competition use, the past few years have seen the emergence of budget-friendly models that offer many of the platform’s core benefits at a more accessible price. This means you can pick one up and evaluate the platform yourself without a major investment. You can always step up to a nicer 2011 if you really fall in love with the platform.
Top Brands at This Price Level
- Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy AOS
- MAC 9 DS/DS Comp/DS Duty/DS-D Comp
- EAA Girsan Witness2311, Witness2311 Match, Witness 2311 Match X, Witness2311 Brat
These pistols may lack the hand-fitting or ultra-tight tolerances of higher-end or custom options, but they deliver solid accuracy, good ergonomics, popular features like rails and optics mounting, along with the distinct feel of a double-stack 1911, often for well under $1,500.
- Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy
Springfield Armory jumped into the 2011 game just a few years ago (2022) with the 1911 DS Prodigy and everyone took notice. This is a double-stack 1911 with all the major features people ask for like a skeletonized hammer, extended ambi safety, a match-grade bull barrel, optic-ready slide (with AOS-Agency Optic System), and, of course, that high-capacity double-stack magazine carrying 15 or 17 rounds, with an optional 20-round or 26-round magazine available. Originally launched in the full size 5-inch barrel option, Springfield now offers the Prodigy in 4.25- and 3.5-inch models and with or without an integral comp.
MSRP: $1,530-$1,683
- MAC 9 DS Comp
Launched in 2024, Military Armament Corp’s MAC 9 DS line has quickly become a budget favorite. Available in four configurations, including the 5-inch MAC 9 DS Duty/MAC 9 DS Duty Comp and the 4.25-inch MAC 9 DS/MAC 9 DS Comp (shown here), this double stack 1911 features a forged steel frame and slide with target crowned bull barrel, skeletonized hammer and trigger, and is optic ready with an AOS mounting plate for RMR included. All MAC 9 DS models also feature slide lightening cuts with serrations, ambi safeties, and flared magwells. Compensated models include a compensated barrel and slide combo with the front sight placed behind the comp port.
MSRP: $1,119 STD/$1,213 COMP
- EAA Girsan Witness2311
Currently, the EEA Corp. Girsan Witness2311 is available in four flavors. There is the original Witness2311 that features a 4.25-inch barrel (option for threaded), Witness2311 Match with a 5-inch bull barrel, Witness2311 Match X with a compensated 5-inch bull barrel (shown here), and the carry-ready Witness2311 Brat with a 3.4-inch bull barrel. All EAA Girsan Witness2311 models include 17-round mags (17/20 on Match and Match X models), forged frame and slide, skeletonized hammer and trigger, RMSc optic-ready, ambi safeties, Cerakote finish, flared magwell, and more. While we’re focusing on 9mm double stacks, we did want to note that the Brat is currently available in .45ACP as well.
MSRP: $769-$1,179
Mid-Tier Options – $1,500 to $3,500
Best For: Serious shooters planning high round counts or competition, law enforcement; EDC users looking for reliability and elevated performance.
Moving into this pricing tier means you are serious about your 2011 needs and interests. Perhaps you’re looking for a new 2011 for competition use or you’re wishing to use a duty-ready and approved pistol for your own personal defense needs. Whatever the reason may be, these mid-tier options provide better features, hand fitting, and mild customization options right from the manufacturer (that can often drive the final price over the $3,000 threshold, but we’re talking the base MSRP of the pistol for this context).
Top Brands at This Price Level
- Staccato P
- Kimber 2K11, 2K11 Target, 2K11 Pro
- Jacob Grey HEX
This tier is where shooters will really get the best balance of reliability, performance, and design for the price without going the full custom route. Staccato is the OG here and has set the benchmark for others to follow.
- Staccato P
While the originator of the 2011 pistol, Staccato is far from resting on its past designs. The Staccato P is currently their lowest price duty-level pistol. Yes, a true duty-level firearm that is approved by over 1,600 agencies for use as their duty weapon that you, too, can own for home defense or as a carry weapon. It features a 4.4-inch bull barrel but is designed with a 5-inch Government length stroke for less muzzle rise and to allow you to get back on target faster. The 4140 steel frame houses a Dawson Precision tool-free recoil system for easy field stripping. Popular features like a skeletonized hammer and trigger, ambi safety levers, optic-ready slide, and more are all signature features of a 2011 that Staccato includes. Seventeen-round mags (2) are standard with optional 20-round mags available.
MSRP: $2,499
- Kimber 2K11
Kimber has made a name for itself in the traditional 1911 market, so it was only a matter of time before they broke into the 2011 space. Their recent announcement of the 2K11 pistol has raised a few eyebrows, placing them solidly between the Turkish 2011 price points and the high-end custom 2011 market. Each Kimber 2K11 is built by a single person (not passed around from station to station) and features a hand-fitted stainless-steel slide, frame, and 5-inch barrel (4.25 on 2K11 Pro models). The grip module is 7075 aluminum (with select models using a carbon fiber-infused grip module) and unique to the Kimber 2K11 is an external extractor. Kimber’s 2K11 also features a tool-free guide rod of their own design for effortless takedown. Like other 2011s, the Kimber options include ambi safeties, skeletonized hammer and trigger, enhanced magwell on select models, fiber optic front sight, and optic-ready slide with RMR adapter plate (other optic plates available separately). Again, while we’re focusing on 9mm variants, we did want to note that the Kimber 2K11 offers both standard and Pro models in .45 ACP as well.
MSRP: $2,125-$2,699
- Jacob Grey HEX
If you’ve not heard of Jacob Grey, before that’s OK. Jacob Gray started as an aerospace-based machine shop, providing high-tolerance CNC machined components for the aerospace and defense markets. It was only natural that founder Jacob Grey, an avid firearms enthusiast already dabbling in custom 1911s, would build his own 2011.
The Jacob Grey HEX is a fully CNC machined masterpiece, using 7075 aircraft grade aluminum for the grip module, frame, slide, beaver tail, and one-piece trigger. Meanwhile, the 4.25-inch bull barrel is manufactured from 416R stainless steel and features porting that aligns with matching machined ports in the slide to reduce muzzle rise. The HEX also features a pinned grip safety and a unique hexagon grip pattern. Like many at this tier, the Jacob Grey HEX uses a tool-less one-piece guide rod. The slide is optic-ready out of the box for RMR pattern optics with additional optic mounting plates available. It is topped by suppressor-height XS day/night sights. The flared magazine well accepts the included two 17-round magazines (10-round for those “special” states). Options include a black DLC-coated barrel or a rose gold barrel and your choice of black, green, or tan frame/grip colors.
MSRP: $3,499
Top Shelf Options– $3,500 and Up
Best For: Collectors, competitors, and those who want the absolute best with customization and no compromises.
At this level, you are investing in art that you can hold in your hands. Everything you’ll find in this realm is custom, hand-fitted, and bespoke. Options galore allow you to customize your 2011 to be a one-of-a-kind showpiece or have just the features you need for competition use. If you’re willing to drop this level of coin on a custom handgun, you’ve more than likely done it before and know what to expect. For those of you who haven’t, if your budget allows, you owe it to yourself to own at least one high-end pistol, and one of these 2011 options certainly fits the bill.
Top Brands at This Price Level
- Nighthawk Customs Double Agent
- Staccato XC
- Phoenix Trinity EXO PRO by Not Just Guns
These pistols aren’t just tools — they’re investments. Built to perform under pressure and impress on the range or at the match, they often include features like titanium nitride barrels, ported slides, hand-stippled grips, and match-grade triggers.
- Nighthawk Customs Double Agent
The Double Agent by Nighthawk Customs is designed using Commander-size frame specs with a slim and short aluminum grip module for maximum concealability. Yes, the Double Agent wants to be your custom carry piece. Besides the shorter grip module, there is a revised beavertail and skeletonized hammer to further reduce printing when carrying concealed. The Double Agent, like all Nighthawk Customs firearms, is hand-fitted, including the frame, slide, and barrel, and is assembled with hand-beveled edges by a single in-house gunsmith. The pistol is a collaboration between Nighthawk Customs and Agency Arms, using Agency’s double-action slide treatment, custom trigger, and more. The Double Agent ships with two 16-round magazines for best concealment, but Nighthawk’s 17- and 20-round magazines will work as well. A Tritium front sight and a Heinie Straight Eight rear sight or optional quick change IOS (interchangeable optics system) rear optic mount, round out the key features.
MSRP: $5,899
- Staccato XC
The Staccato pistol world is diverse. We’ve already mentioned the duty-ready Staccato P in our mid-tier options and now we have the Staccato XC at the top of the pile. The XC is designed from the ground up for competition use thanks to its cleaner-breaking and lighter 2.5-lb. trigger pull. The XC also features a compensated barrel and lightened slide, both helping to reduce felt recoil and muzzle rise for faster follow-up shots. Of course, the XC features the standard skeletonized hammer and trigger known across most 2011 models. Standard sights include a fiber optic front sight with a red dot-ready rear sight system. The included red dot kit supports all the big-name optics like Trijicon, SRO, Delta Point Pro, Holosun, and more. The Staccato XC ships with two 17-round magazines and accepts Staccato’s 20-round magazine option.
MSRP: $4,299
- Phoenix Trinity EXO PRO by Not Just Guns
At this level, you’ll come across some extremely well-made and hand-fitted 2011 pistols, such as those from the folks at Phoenix Trinity; however, it isn’t uncommon at this tier to find boutique builders and collaborations where the base firearm is taken to the next level. This is the case with the Phoenix Trinity EXO PRO from Not Just Guns.
Starting with its excellent H-Series 2011, PT worked with the folks at Not Just Guns, collaborating on features, colors, and design to really build a collector-grade statement piece. From the 4.780-inch black DLC-coated compensated barrel (with PT’s link-less barrel system) to the full steel frame with aluminum grip module, everything is precisely fitted to create a superior, flat-shooting pistol. The silver DLC-coated slide features unique geometric shapes along with a co-witness optic cut with fiber optic front sight. Everything is CNC machined from aerospace grade bar or plate stock. You’ll find the standard ambi safety setup and skeletonized hammer, along with a smooth yet crisp 2.5-lb. trigger. The grip module features a flared magwell and accepts the two MBX Defender 19-round magazines shipped with the pistol.
MSRP: $5,999
Final Thoughts
The 2011 pistol market is blowing up for a reason. The typical 2011 combines the timeless ergonomics of John Moses Browning’s original 1911 with the cutting-edge performance and features of the modern 2011 platform. Whether you’re looking to up your home defense options with a Springfield Prodigy, grabbing a Staccato P for your department-approved duty pistol, or are commissioning a full-blown Pheonix Trinity EXO PRO from Not Just Guns as your next collector piece, there’s a 2011 out there that will fit your needs and budget.
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