Updated again: I bought the 2k11 Pro Royal, arrived today
Update II:
I bought the 2k11 Pro Royal…as the title suggests. You only live once. I’m gonna shoot the heck out of it until I either can’t get on board or come to love it.
Got a bunch of 124 gr to reload for it when I get time.
Gonna shoot it with irons first then probably put an RMR or ACRO on it if I get a tickle for a red dot.
Update:
Was able to shoot staccato CS, Kimber 2k11 pro, also handled an oracle arms 2311 and watchtower (can’t remember the model).
Slide to frame felt better on the Kimber. I liked the grip feel better on the Staccato. However, the staccato grip was a bit too short. I liked the trigger pull on the Kimber better (maybe a pound lighter, smoother, and crisp) but I did not like the flat trigger. The Oracle felt “okay” but didn’t wow me enough to change my opinion of “Kimber vs Staccato”.
The take away was that neither convinced me buy. Neither felt better in the hand nor pointed better than my DWX compact (which I carry almost exclusively, it splits time with the GP100 10mm when I’m feeling cool). All that kept going through my head was, $2k dollars in 9mm components and range time would be better spent on the DWX.
I’m a little disappointed because like cigars, 2011s look cool but I just can’t get on board it seems. I’ve lusted for a couple years and I just can’t find the right one.
It’s got me wondering if going a nice CZ shadow route wouldn’t be a bit more to my liking.
Least my single actions revolvers aren’t letting me down
Also, I much preferred the U notch on the Kimber sights. But that is 100% subjective. Most all my firearms have a factory or aftermarket u notch. It’s just faster for me.
With all this said. I put a ridiculously low offer on a Kimber Pro eclipse that was on consignment. Never shot. We’ll see what happens. Bottom line is if I can’t put in a curved trigger and begin to enjoy it I’ll be able to resell it for a bit of cash.
The culprit that’s ruined other semi-autos for me. As it sits in the bedside safe. No matter how I grab this gun, out the safe, off a table, from a holster, vertical, horizontal, it always points naturally for me. Sights lined straight up and ready to go.
OP:
Staccato or what? Platypus?
I wanna make this my next purchase.This message has been edited. Last edited by: OttoSig,
Nine years to retirement! Just waiting!
April 10, 2026, 01:16 AM
MacGyver
Staccato seems to be the favorite and many say it’s the way to go. I don’t disagree. I’d maybe just say wait for a nice used one and save some money.
The Platypus is popular for its use of Glock mags, but the Staccato magazine (not sure if they or someone else invented it) seems to have caught on as a sort of standard for 2011s.
The Springfield Prodigy had some issues when it was released, but it is pretty reasonably priced and I generally hear good things about it. They use the same type of mag as Staccato.
I’m sure someone more knowledgeable on 2011s will chime in soon. I can recognize patterns in the market quickly and reliably, but I’m not an expert on 2011s by any means.
April 10, 2026, 06:03 AM
DanH
Best way in for the money is the Kimber DS Warrior. I haven't seen any reliability issues and 3 of the 4 calibers they promised (9mm, 10mm, 38 Super) are out on the market. That will give you a less expensive entry point to find out if you like the platform or not.
April 10, 2026, 06:54 AM
VictimNoMore
I went with the 4.25” Springfield Prodigy to scratch that itch, and it has been a solid experience. Shot a few matches with it, no hiccups. A little big for a carry weapon, but I do that from time to time.
--------------------------- My hovercraft is full of eels.
April 10, 2026, 03:00 PM
YooperSigs
When I go to get my feet wet, 2011 wise, it will be with the compact Prodigy.
End of Earth: 2 Miles Upper Peninsula: 4 Miles
April 10, 2026, 07:25 PM
bac1023
Otto,
Go with a Staccato. The Platypus is a decent pistol, but a bit different than a 2011.
I don’t recommend the Prodigy at all.
April 10, 2026, 07:34 PM
MacGyver
quote:
Originally posted by bac1023: The Platypus is a bit different than a 2011.
I agree with this. I had the same opinion about the DWX from Dan Wesson.
I’m assuming you’re referring mainly to the two-piece receiver of a “true” 2011 pistol.
April 10, 2026, 08:26 PM
bac1023
quote:
Originally posted by MacGyver:
quote:
Originally posted by bac1023: The Platypus is a bit different than a 2011.
I agree with this. I had the same opinion about the DWX from Dan Wesson.
I’m assuming you’re referring mainly to the two-piece receiver of a “true” 2011 pistol.
That and the fact that they don’t run 2011 magazines. It’s a different feel. Even Staccato’s HD line feels different from their 2011’s.
April 11, 2026, 12:52 PM
DanH
Not running 2011 mags isn't a downside unless you're using 45/10mm/38 Super. They're still expensive and still crappy compared to every other magazine out there. It's one of the reasons I love the Bul Armory guns more. I can also get 20 round flush fit 9mm/38 Super mags from MecGar for $45ish from Greg Cote.
I would like to try the MecGar 2011 magazines to see if I can shake 9mm rounds out of the mags, have rounds spill out if they hit the floor, or choke a MagLula.
April 11, 2026, 04:27 PM
OttoSig
Talking to my local guy about Kimber and Staccato options. Going to the local gun store tomorrow on my day off to fondle what I can find then I am going to get him to order what feels the best.
If they got em for rent at one of the local ranges I’ll try to shoot both.
Nine years to retirement! Just waiting!
April 11, 2026, 04:55 PM
Houndog
Don't own and haven't shot the Staccato, so I can't really give you a head to head comparison. I believe the Platypus is considerably cheaper. The fact that it takes Glock mags was a big plus for me (I have ton). I got the competition trigger (under 3 lbs.) which I think will be lighter than the Staccato. Really like the mounting system of the Platypus, which allows you to put an optical site down low. The "prickle" grip is excellent - probably better than what's available on the Staccato. It's nice that you can customize, although I just opted for the basic black. Ultimately, it's up to you and would probably be best if you could at least handle both.
April 11, 2026, 05:04 PM
bac1023
Not running 2011 magazines is perfectly fine if you don’t want a 2011. I’ve shot all the “2011-style” pistols that take Glock mags and P320 mags and many are nice. They’re just different. That includes those from Staccato.
April 11, 2026, 05:09 PM
bac1023
quote:
Originally posted by OttoSig: Talking to my local guy about Kimber and Staccato options. Going to the local gun store tomorrow on my day off to fondle what I can find then I am going to get him to order what feels the best.
If they got em for rent at one of the local ranges I’ll try to shoot both.
I’m not a Kimber guy at all, but I’ll give credit where it’s due. The 2K11 is a good option for a lower cost 2011. Kimber has improved of late.
They aren’t Staccato, but not bad and less money.
April 11, 2026, 05:51 PM
OttoSig
Always liked the moderate aesthetics of Kimber 1911s. Not so much their crazier stuff. But never would buy a 1911 from them for a couple reasons. But been hearing good things about their 2k11 and some have the right balance of class and new styling in my opinion.
Nine years to retirement! Just waiting!
April 12, 2026, 05:58 AM
valkyrie1
I’m happy with my Bul-Armory TAC….
April 12, 2026, 06:27 AM
DanH
quote:
Originally posted by valkyrie1: I’m happy with my Bul-Armory TAC….
Yep. If you want to Buy Once/Cry Once, either the Bul Armory EDC or TAC is the way to go. Government length guns are a little hard to find, but Bul has been doing a great job of keeping Commander size guns in stock.
Three places to get Bul Armory is from their US Webstore, Blackstone Shooting Sports in NC, and Scottsdale Tactical in AZ. Not sure if I'd get in trouble linking, but you won't get stuck in a Gunbroker auction where pricing goes higher than MSRP.
The difference between the two is the EDC has 3 magazines and a aluminum frame while the TAC has 4 mags and a steel frame. EDC Pro and TAC Pro will add V8 porting to either.
April 12, 2026, 03:01 PM
OttoSig
Updated OP
Nine years to retirement! Just waiting!
April 12, 2026, 03:21 PM
oddball
I have a Staccato P I bought 4 years ago, and it is one of my favorite pistols to shoot. Significantly longer grip and longer slide/barrel than the compact CS you tried. I have never regretted the purchase. But then, I love the 1911 SA platform.
"I’m not going to read Time Magazine, I’m not going to read Newsweek, I’m not going to read any of these magazines; I mean, because they have too much to lose by printing the truth"- Bob Dylan, 1965
April 12, 2026, 03:50 PM
.38supersig
Yeah, I can say that an old STI is my go to pistol to have fun with.