1911 and 2011 are both reliable and powerful pistols. 1911 is the iconic gun associated with the US military from the First World War. 2011 is a relatively newer handgun. It is an offshoot from 1911 with features that meet the needs of modern shooters. A comparison of 1911 vs. 2011 shows you several differences that make the two pistols unique. It is important to understand them if you want to make the right purchasing decision.
We'll compare the two pistols in this blog comprehensively so can decide which handgun will be your best investment.
An Overview of 1911
For the longest time (over seven decades), the Colt1911 has been the standard handgun for American military professionals. The handgun designer John Moses Browning was the architect behind the model. Throughout the two World Wars, the Korean and the Vietnam War, Marines and soldiers in the US used 1911 as their trusted sidearm carry to fight and win. 1911 turned out to be a highly powerful weapon for military professionals. It had a dependable and strong round with a higher capacity than other handguns at that time. These features made it ideal to be used at close quarters. 1911 was the gun that the fighters used when they were in the trenches during the Great War.
Grip safety and slide lock safety were two other major features that made 1911 unique. Grip safety arose first. It was deactivated automatically when the user gripped their gun. The slide's movement was also stopped with the slide lock safety. These features prevented accidental firing. It is important to mention that 1911 had and still has a heavy-duty build. So, its role as a bludgeoning weapon also made it popular. After the wars, the pistol underwent a sea of changes. There were modifications in its sights, trigger design, relief cuts, and mainspring housing. Still, its position as one of the best pistol models in the US has been undeniable.
1911 Vs 2011 - A Comparison of Features
Take a look at the features of both 1911 and 2011 to understand how they differ.
Capacity
The major difference between 1911 vs 2011 is in their capacities. The iconic 1911 has a single-stack magazine. It holds seven to eight rounds of 45 ACP ammo. In contrast, 2011 is a double-stack frame gun. Its capacity to hold ammo is greater than the single-stack 1911. When STI, now known as Staccato, took over the design of the classic 1911, the gun became a high-capacity wide-body pistol that is now 2011. The Staccato XL today is a full-sized 2011 pistol that can pack many rounds with magazines included in it. These magazines have 17 and 20-round capacity. Thus, it makes 2022 best for competition shooters.
Grip Frame Modularity of 1911 Vs 2011
2011 is more modularly made than 1911. You can remove and change the grip frame of 2011, while 1911 offers less room for customization on this front. You can replace only the grip panels of 1911. It comes as a single piece.
The 2011 build varies significantly as its grip frame attaches to the subframe. The grip frame has the grip, magazine well, and trigger guard. The major examples of 2011 that show grip frame modularity are the Staccato P, BUL SAS II, and Springfield Armory Prodigy. So, if you want to choose a pistol between 1911 and 2011 that can be tailored to your exclusive needs, 2011 will be the more appropriate option.
Size of the Pistols
Size is another key differentiator between 1911 and 2011 pistols. 2011 pistols have a wider frame, which contrasts with the thinner profile of 1911. 2011 pistols are bulkier or bigger because of the double-stack magazine.
The length of a Caliber .45, M1911 is 8.5 in (216 mm). The barrel length in the Government model is 5.03 inches, while in the Commander model, it is 4.25 in. However, you can find many 2011 models for concealed carry. Staccato Compact 2011 models have 4-4.25" barrels, and Staccato CS or Compact size comes with a 4.25" barrel. They weigh under 23 oz.
Concealability
The design features, dimensions, and weights of both pistols are very different. The classic 1911 has a slimmer profile because of the single-stack magazine. So, concealing it is easier than in 2011, which features a double-stack magazine. The pistol's grip can have more rounds and so, its grip is wider than 1911.
The overall dimensions of 2011 are larger than 1911, making concealability a bit challenging. It is more appropriate for home defense and open carry. However, if concealability matters to you, it's better to opt for a compact 2011 and use a high-quality holster customized to your pistol's frame. It will aid in adequate concealment.
Differences in Trigger
The original 1911 had a curved trigger. But over the years, flat triggers in the pistols have emerged and most of them are used by competitive shooters. 1911's flat trigger is wider and has a straighter shape than 2011. The idea behind a flat trigger is that regardless of where your finger is on the trigger bow, the pull will feel the same. 1911's flat trigger gave soldiers a comfortable and consistent feel.
2011's trigger is curved and narrower than its 1911 counterpart. The design offers an ergonomic area for your finger to rest on. Thus, it leads to a consistent finger placement on every trigger pull.
Keep in mind that 2011 now has many variants with different designs, such as the trigger of Red Dirt USA 2011. It has Speed Tuned Trigger and flat-faced hex screw instead of pretravel tabs on the trigger bow. So, the user can speedily tune the pretravel of their trigger according to their preference.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both 2011 and 1911 are single-action pistols with their own unique advantages. Differences in the grip, size, and magazine capacity make them distinct and should be considered when making a decision. Overall, 2011 is a modern and upgraded variation of 1911 and is good for concealed-carry. However, it is also more expensive than 1911. It will be best to find a model that caters to your needs and allows you to perform your duties well.
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