Value-Packed 2011 Pistols: Comparing Affordable Alternatives to Staccato

The 2011 pistol platform has become synonymous with precision, reliability, and high capacity, traits that are exemplified by the Staccato line of 2011 pistols. Known for their outstanding performance and craftsmanship, Staccato 2011 pistols have carved out a prestigious reputation among shooting enthusiasts and professionals. However, their premium status also comes with a higher price tag, making them less accessible for every budget. This is where other brands like Tisas and Springfield Armory offer competitive, more affordable alternatives without compromising significantly on quality and performance.

The Prestige of Staccato 2011 Pistols

Staccato 2011 pistols are celebrated for their superior build quality and shooting precision. They are a top choice among competitive shooters and law enforcement officers who require the utmost reliability and accuracy from their firearms. The ergonomic design, advanced recoil mitigation, and crisp triggers make Staccato pistols highly sought after in the firearms community. However, these premium features come at a premium price, which can be a barrier for casual shooters or those new to the 2011 platform.

Affordable Alternatives: Tisas and Springfield Armory

For those looking for more budget-friendly options, Tisas and Springfield Armory offer compelling alternatives that still adhere to high standards of quality and performance.

Tisas 1911 Pistols

The Tisas 1911 Carry and Duty Double Stack 9mm models provide robust alternatives for both personal defense and tactical use. While they may not have the same brand recognition as Staccato, Tisas pistols are well-regarded for their durability and reliability. They are significantly more affordable, making them an excellent choice for those who need a functional and effective 2011-style pistol without the high cost.

These pistols are particularly noteworthy for blending traditional 1911 aesthetics with the modern necessity of increased ammunition capacity. The Tisas double stack models, such as the 1911 Carry and 1911 Duty, are engineered to provide robust performance in a range of settings, from personal defense to more demanding tactical situations. Each model features enhanced ergonomics with a wider grip to accommodate the double-stack magazine while maintaining a comfortable grip. Additionally, the Tisas 1911 pistols are equipped with durable components and precise craftsmanship that ensure reliable operation and consistent accuracy, all at a price point that makes 1911-style pistols more accessible to a broader audience.

Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy Handguns

Springfield Armory is another reputable brand that offers 2011 pistols at a more accessible price point. The Prodigy series stands out for its adaptability and high capacity, appealing to both competitive shooters and firearm enthusiasts. These pistols include many of the modern enhancements found in higher-priced models, such as modular grips and optic-ready slides, providing great value.

The use of forged steel in critical components ensures that these pistols can withstand the rigors of heavy use, while precision machining contributes to the excellent fit and finish Springfield is known for. The inclusion of a modular grip system and adjustable trigger allows shooters to customize the feel and response of their pistol to their liking, making the Prodigy not just a tool, but a tailor-fit partner in shooting sports or defensive scenarios. These attributes make the Springfield Prodigy a compelling choice for anyone looking to leverage the advantages of a modern 2011 pistol at a more approachable price point.

2011 vs. 1911 Double Stack

The terms “double stack 1911” and “2011” often come up in discussions about high-capacity pistols, but they refer to distinct concepts within the same evolutionary branch of firearm design. A double stack 1911 retains the classic aesthetics and fundamental mechanics of the original 1911 but modifies the grip to accommodate a double-stack magazine, which increases the ammunition capacity significantly. The 2011 is a more modern reinterpretation that builds upon the double stack design but introduces a modular frame that combines a metal lower (the frame that houses the firing mechanism) with a polymer grip. This modular approach not only allows for further customization and weight reduction but also addresses some ergonomic concerns, making the firearm more adaptable and comfortable for a wider range of users. Both designs aim to provide enhanced capacity and functionality but do so through slightly different engineering paths.

Conclusion

While Staccato remains a gold standard in the realm of 2011 pistols, the high cost can be prohibitive. Brands like Tisas and Springfield Armory present viable Double Stack 1911 alternatives that allow more shooters to experience the benefits of a high-capacity, reliable pistol without breaking the bank. Whether you are a seasoned competitor or a recreational shooter, there are options available at GrabAGun that meet a wide range of needs and budgets.

How to Field Strip a Glock

When it comes to maintaining the reliability and performance of your Glock handgun, field stripping is an essential skill that every owner should master. This straightforward process allows you to disassemble your firearm for routine cleaning and inspection, ensuring that it remains in optimal working condition. It is also the starting point for many upgrades you will want to make to your firearm. 

If you’ve just purchased your first Glock, however, you might not know how to perform a field strip, which is why we’ve laid out the steps you’ll need to take in order to perform this routine function. 

We recommend you practice field stripping your handgun several times after purchase. Practicing will allow you to grow comfortable with the process and become more proficient at it. 

How to Perform a Field Strip

Step 1: Ensure Safety

Before you begin, make sure your Glock is unloaded to prevent any accidental discharge. Simply remove the magazine by pressing the magazine release button, and then pull back the slide to visually and physically check the chamber to ensure it’s empty. 

Many operators like to cock the slide twice and then do a visibility check of the chamber. This is done out of an abundance of caution. 

Once confirmed, release the slide to return it to its forward position.

Step 2: Release the Slide

To field strip your Glock, you need to partially retract the slide. There are a couple of techniques to doing this, but the most common is to hold the pistol in your dominant hand, and with your thumb and fingers, pull the slide back about ½ an inch. This slight retraction can be difficult to master at first, but is crucial for the next step.

Step 3: Pull Down on the Slide Lock

With the slide slightly retracted, use your other hand to pull down on both sides of the slide lock, which is located just above the trigger on both sides of the frame. This action will release the slide from the frame.

Step 4: Remove the Slide

Once the slide lock is pulled down, you can gently push the slide forward and off the frame. Depending on how far forward the slide has released, you may need to pull the trigger to get a full release. Be sure to keep a firm grip on the frame as you remove the slide to prevent it from falling.

Step 5: Remove the Recoil Spring Assembly

With the slide now detached, you can remove the recoil spring assembly. This is the spring located just above the barrel. Carefully compress the assembly forward slightly, then lift it up and out of the slide. Be mindful as the spring is under tension.

Step 6: Remove the Barrel

The final step in field stripping your Glock is to remove the barrel. Simply lift the barrel slightly by the chamber end and slide it forward out of the slide. Your Glock is now field stripped and ready for cleaning and inspection.

Cleaning and Inspection

With your Glock field stripped, you can now proceed to clean and inspect each component. Use a quality gun cleaning solution and tools to remove any dirt, residue, or fouling from the barrel, slide, frame, and recoil spring assembly. Pay special attention to the slide rails on the frame and the corresponding grooves in the slide, as these areas are crucial for smooth operation. Inspect each part for signs of wear or damage, and replace any components as necessary.

Reassembly

To reassemble your Glock, simply reverse the field stripping process. Insert the barrel back into the slide, followed by the recoil spring assembly, ensuring it’s properly seated. Align the slide with the frame rails and slide it back onto the frame. Once the slide is fully retracted, release it to return it to the forward position. Perform a function check by pulling the slide back to ensure it moves freely and locks into place. Finally, reinsert the magazine, and your Glock is ready for use.

Author: Justin Trump

Justin Trump is the managing editor and head honcho of CAT Outdoors, an online firearms hub for gun reviews and information. The son of a Vietnam veteran, he’s an avid gun enthusiast and 2A advocate. He holds two patents for AR-15 cleaning tools. When not managing CAT Outdoors, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, rooting for Michigan sports teams, and serving his church.