Best 2011 Pistols Available

The double-stack 1911, more popularly known as the 2011, is having a moment right now. I don’t think there is a major manufacturer who doesn’t have a 2011 or plans to make one. In addition, a swath of new companies are producing their own spins on the design.

We now have double-stack 1911s in every color under the rainbow to fit nearly every budget. Of course, with this array, quality can vary.

Here are some of the best 2011s in every price category. I can’t list every maker out there because the list would get too long, but these are some of the major players.

Best 2011s by Price

Under $1,000
$1,000 to $2,000
$2,000 to $4,000
$4,000 to $8,000+
Honorable Mention

Under $1,000

EAA Girsan Witness 2311

EAA imports firearms from Turkish manufacturer Girsan, and the EAA Girsan Witness 2311 is their entry into the 2011 market. The price point makes this gun very attractive. I personally have not had good luck with EAA products, but recent reports seem to say their new guns are pretty good.

Rock Island Armory Tac Ultra FS HC

RIA is produced by Armscor in the Philippines and has been making budget firearms for many years. Quality can be hit or miss. Rock Island has a reputation of being a great starting point for customizing a budget 2011 build at an affordable price.

SHOP TAC ULTRA FS HC!

$1,000 to $2,000

Springfield Armory DS Prodigy

Springfield Armory Prodigy 9mm 2011 pistol

When this gun was first announced, there was a lot of buzz around it because of the price point and the fact that it was coming from a reputable manufacturer. Unfortunately, early runs experienced malfunctions.

Now, it seems as if Springfield has fixed its early production issues and is producing an excellent firearm. I’ve had a great experience with my test sample. Hopefully, over time, Springfield will regain the public’s trust on this underrated pistol.

Bul Armory SAS II Tac

Bul Armory is an Israeli firearms manufacturer that makes affordable and reliable double-stack 1911s. They produce great, functional pistols with competition, tactical, and EDC options. The SAS II TAC is built for combat and proven by law enforcement use.

SHOP SAS II TAC!

$2,000 to $4,000

Staccato C2

The king in this price range is Staccato, which really started the resurgence in 2011 popularity. The term 2011 is actually its trademark. Staccato basically perfected the mass production of duty reliable 2011s. These guns set the standard, and more than 1,400 law enforcement agencies have approved Staccatos for duty carry.

On the smaller side, with shortened grips and 3.9-inch barrels, are the C and C2 (shown above). A fantastic step up is the XC, with its 5-inch barrel and integrated compensator geared more toward tactical or competition arenas.

Wilson Combat SFX9

Wilson Combat is one of the OGs of 1911 gunsmiths and basically wrote the book. WC sticks more to the self-defense / CCW side of the aisle. If you are looking for a slim 2011 suitable for carry, you can’t go wrong with a Wilson Combat.

SHOP WILSON COMBAT SFX9!

$4,000 to 8,000+

Nighthawk Custom TRS Comp

Now, Nighthawk does care about its aesthetic. These may be some of the handsomest wide-body 1911s on the planet. With a huge lineup, you’ll probably find something to your taste. Nighthawk doesn’t skimp on function, either, so these guns can be run hard. Lead times can run from 18 to 20 months for a custom job. However, being a big company, they do make ready-built guns that are usually in stock somewhere.

Taran Tactical Innovation ‘John Wick 4’ Pit Viper

Taran Tactical makes guns for John Wick. ‘Nuff said.

SHOP TTI PIT VIPER!

Atlas Gun Works Erebus

The best 2011 I’ve ever shot was the Atlas Gun Works Erebus. It was simply incredible to handle. Atlas has been near the top of the competition circuit for a while now. Its claim to fame is that it is a semi-custom shop that delivers a world-class pistol in under four months. You don’t have as many options as a full custom house, but you don’t have to wait for a year, either.

SVI Infinity Firearms Custom Build

Infinity guns are considered the holy grail of custom 2011s. Infinity only makes custom 2011s, so there are no different models. You select every part, cut, and finish, and Infinity can do anything. As its reputation implies, you will also have to pay, and wait times are long. But if you want to make everyone else at the range jealous, get an Infinity. They are the pinnacle of form and function.

Chambers Custom Professional Series Light Fighter

When it comes to custom 2011 gunsmiths, Joe Chambers is at the top of the heap. His engineering skills and attention to detail are legendary. Chambers Custom guns are about as well-built as possible. These are not wall hangers, though – these are guns meant to be used hard. But they don’t come cheap or fast. His wait time can as long as two years.

Honorable Mention

Dan Wesson DWX

The Dan Wesson DWX line is not, strictly speaking, a 2011, but it takes a lot of inspiration from the 2011. The action is functionally slightly different, but it has a metal frame and single-action straight-pull trigger, so it feels a lot like a 2011. If you always wanted a more reliable, soft-shooting 2011 that takes CZ mags, check out Dan Wesson.