2011 vs 1911. What's the difference between the two, what's the same and what is best for me?
Posted by Blackstone Shooting Sports on Aug 13th 2025
When it comes to iconic handguns, few names carry as much weight as the 1911 and 2011 platforms. Both are revered in the shooting community for their design, performance, and history, but they serve slightly different purposes and appeal to different shooters. If you’ve been curious about the differences between these two pistols—and why the 2011 is rapidly becoming the more popular choice—this guide breaks it all down.
The 1911: A Timeless Classic
The 1911 pistol, designed by John Browning and adopted by the U.S. military in (you guessed it) 1911, is one of the most proven and respected sidearms in history. Known for its slim profile, crisp single-action trigger, and .45 ACP chambering, it has served military, law enforcement, and civilian shooters for over a century.
Key Features of the 1911:
-
Caliber: Traditionally chambered in .45 ACP (though modern versions also come in 9mm, 10mm, and more).
-
Capacity: Typically 7–8 rounds in a single-stack magazine.
-
Design: All-steel frame, slim grip, and a robust but heavy build.
-
Strengths: Incredibly reliable when maintained, excellent trigger, and unmatched historical pedigree.
The 1911’s appeal lies in its heritage, craftsmanship, and proven track record. It remains a favorite among collectors, enthusiasts, and those who appreciate its simple, classic design.
The 2011: A Modern Evolution
The 2011 takes the foundational design of the 1911 and reimagines it for modern shooters. Developed by STI (now Staccato), the 2011 is essentially a double-stack 1911—combining the crisp trigger and ergonomics of the original with higher capacity and modern materials.
Key Features of the 2011:
-
Caliber: Most commonly chambered in 9mm, though other calibers exist.
-
Capacity: Double-stack magazines allow for 15–20+ rounds.
-
Design: Modular frame (steel with polymer grip module) for reduced weight and improved balance.
-
Strengths: High capacity, softer recoil (especially in 9mm), excellent accuracy, and rapid follow-up shots.
The 2011 is popular with competitive shooters, law enforcement professionals, and serious enthusiasts. Its increased capacity, combined with the same crisp trigger pull shooters love from the 1911, makes it a high-performance option for today’s demands.
Head-to-Head Comparison
|
Feature
|
1911
|
2011
|
|
Capacity
|
7–8 rounds (single-stack)
|
15–20+ rounds (double-stack)
|
|
Caliber
|
Traditionally .45 ACP
|
Primarily 9mm (lighter recoil)
|
|
Weight
|
All-steel, heavier build
|
Steel/polymer hybrid, lighter
|
|
Grip
|
Slim, classic feel
|
Wider, modular, more ergonomic
|
|
Use Case
|
Tradition, collectors, carry
|
Competition, duty, tactical use
|
|
Popularity
|
Timeless but niche
|
Rapidly growing and mainstream
|
Why the 2011 is More Popular Today
While the 1911 will always have a loyal following, the 2011 is the platform of choice for modern shooters. With higher capacity, reduced recoil, and modular design, it meets the needs of today’s competitive and defensive shooting communities. Law enforcement agencies and elite units are increasingly adopting the 2011 for duty use, and civilian shooters are drawn to its balance of performance and shootability.
The 1911 remains unmatched in tradition and elegance, but the 2011 delivers the performance most shooters demand in 2025. It’s the natural evolution of a legend—keeping everything we love about the original while updating it for the modern era.
Final Thoughts
If you’re deciding between the two, it comes down to heritage vs. modern performance. The 1911 is a beautiful piece of history with a proven track record, while the 2011 is a forward-looking platform that’s quickly becoming the industry standard.
At the end of the day, you can’t go wrong with either—but if you’re looking for capacity, speed, and versatility, the 2011 is hard to beat.
Shop 2011 Pistols at Blackstone Shooting Sports
At Blackstone, we stock a wide range of 2011 pistols, including the most sought-after models from Staccato and other premium manufacturers. These handguns don’t stay on the shelves long, and for good reason—they combine the best of the 1911 heritage with the performance modern shooters demand.
Browse our in-stock 2011 pistols today and see why this platform is taking over ranges, competitions, and duty holsters everywhere.