On July 27, we’ll be hosting Staccato Day featuring a free Staccato 2011 pistol shooting demo. To build excitement and inform newcomers, we’ve decided to delve into the brand and its remarkable pistols. If you’re curious about Staccato and want to deepen your knowledge, keep reading.
From STI to Staccato
Newcomers to the world of firearms, and Staccato handguns specifically, might not know about the company’s rich history. While the Staccato brand emerged in 2020, the company itself has been around for decades. It all started with STI, founded by gunsmith Virgil Tripp in the late 1980s. Over the years, the company went through several ownership changes and became popular in competitive shooting circles with its pistols inspired by John Browning’s legendary 1911.
The rebranding to Staccato reflected the company’s evolving identity. Before officially becoming Staccato, they introduced a line of defense pistols, signaling a shift towards duty and personal defense-oriented firearms.
The launch of the 2011 platform was a game-changer, combining the beloved features of the 1911 with modern advancements. This resulted in a handgun that is incredibly reliable, durable, and easy to shoot well.
1911 vs. Staccato 2011
Let’s dive into the differences between the classic 1911 and the modern Staccato 2011. The 1911 pistol has been around since, well, 1911, when it was designed by John Browning. This legend of a gun is renowned for its solid one-piece frame, great ergonomics, safety features, and an easy-to-operate single-action trigger. These features make the 1911s reliable and straightforward. However, if you compare the 1911 to modern pistols, you’ll see downsides like limited capacity and customizability.
Now, imagine taking everything you love about the 1911 – the ergonomics, the precision, the iconic design – and throwing in a bunch of modern upgrades. This is the Staccato pistol.
The 2011 has a modular grip that can be detached from the frame, which makes it more versatile and easier to customize.
One of the biggest game-changers? The double-stack magazines. Sure, this makes the grip a bit wider, but it’s a trade-off many are happy to live with. This design innovation means you can enjoy the shootability of a 1911 but with significantly more firepower.
Also, the Staccato 2011 comes chambered in 9mm, a lighter caliber compared to the traditional .45 ACP of the 1911. This shift makes for a smoother shooting experience with less recoil, which is ideal for both competitive and practical shooting.
Staccato 2011 Pistol Line-Up
Let’s take a closer look at the Staccato 2011 pistol line-up. Here’s a quick rundown:
Staccato CS
The Staccato CS is the most compact and lightest member of the Staccato family. With a 3.5″ barrel and a newly designed grip that fits a variety of hand sizes, it’s incredibly easy to conceal and shoot. It also features a patented recoil spring guide system that you can remove and install without any tools during maintenance.
Staccato C
Next up is the Staccato C, which brings all the features of its smaller sibling, the CS, but with a bit more versatility. Its 4″ bull barrel and aluminum frame lend a robust feel while still being compact. Available with either a 15-round compact grip or a full-size 17-round grip, this model can be your go-to for both concealed carry and duty use. The Staccato C also features the Toolless Recoil System.
Staccato C2
For those who want a balanced blend of capacity and concealability, the Staccato C2 is the answer. This compact double-stack pistol boasts a 3.9-inch barrel and is available in both 9mm (with a 16-round capacity) and .45 ACP (with a 12-round capacity). Unlike the other Cs, it doesn’t feature a tool-less recoil system.
Staccato P
Moving on to the Staccato P, the workhorse of the Staccato line-up. Trusted by over a thousand law enforcement agencies, this is your go-to full-size, double-stack pistol for duty and self-defense. It boasts a 4.4-inch barrel and weighs 29 ounces. Available in 9mm or .45 ACP, the Staccato P features a 20-round or 14-round capacity, respectively.
Staccato XC
If you’re into competition shooting, the Staccato XC is the one for you. This competition-ready pistol features a 5-inch bull barrel and is available in both 9mm (21rd capacity) and .45 ACP (14rd capacity). With features like an integrated compensated barrel and balanced trigger, this gun is all about delivering flat, fast shooting.
Staccato XL
Lastly, the Staccato XL is all about extreme performance. With tons of experience in USPSA, 3-Gun, and Tactical Games, this is the ultimate competitor. It features a light, fast-cycling slide, and a long sight radius, making it a blast to shoot. The optic-ready design comes with mounting plates for various red dots, making it competition-ready out of the box.
So why should you care? Simply put, the Staccato 2011s offer modern advancements while still paying homage to the timeless 1911 design. If you haven’t tried one yet, why not come down to GRITR Range on Staccato Day? You can test out these fantastic pistols and see for yourself why they’re trusted by pros.