If you follow the modern 2011/double-stack 1911 space, you’ve probably noticed a new logo popping up on dealer shelves and social feeds: Cardinal Arms. Based in Mooresville, North Carolina (aka “Race City”), Cardinal is positioning itself as a boutique, American-made pistol maker with a tight initial lineup and a clear focus on performance, fit, and finish.

What they build

Cardinal’s launch revolves around the G2 series: full-size, 9mm, double-stack 1911 pistols with a 5" bull barrel, steel frame, billet steel slide, aluminum grip, ambi safety, and black DLC finish. Think classic 1911 ergonomics and trigger, updated for capacity, durability, and optics. Expect checkered slide serrations, a checkered/flat slide top, and a tactical magwell for quick reloads—specs that point to hard use in classes and confident manipulation under stress.

Why shooters are paying attention

1) Purpose-built for shootability. The 5" bull barrel and steel frame help the gun track flat and return to sights quickly, while the aluminum grip delivers traction without hot spots.
2) Optics-ready from the start. RMR/SRO-footprint options and “dot-first” setups mean you can mount your preferred optic without compromises.
3) Materials and finish that make sense. Billet steel slides, DLC finish, assertive serrations—chosen for durability and positive control, not flash.
4) “Built here” ethos. Small-batch, American assembly with an emphasis on consistency.

Real-world reception

Early buzz centers on reliability, flat shooting, and machining quality—the essentials that matter when you’re investing in a premium double-stack 1911.

Where to find them

Purchase through Blackstone Shooting Sports. For current availability, G2 variants, and transfer details, contact Blackstone Shooting Sports directly. Their staff can confirm in-stock models, talk through configuration differences, and coordinate purchase and pickup through the store and range team.

Who they’re for

• Training & class junkies who run high round counts and want a pistol that stays consistent as it heats up.

• Competition-curious shooters looking for a platform that rewards fundamentals with fast sight return and a crisp trigger.

• Home/range duty users who prefer a full-size “shoots like a cheat code” pistol and value optics-ready setups.

Quick spec snapshot (G2 5")

• Platform: Double-stack 1911 (2011-style), 9mm

• Barrel: 5" bull

• Frame/slide: Steel frame, billet steel slide

• Grip: Aluminum

• Finish: Black DLC

• Controls: Ambi safety, tactical magwell

• Top end: Optics-ready (RMR/SRO footprint)

• Serrations: Checkered front/rear; diagonal top checkering

Bottom line

Cardinal Arms enters the premium double-stack 1911 lane with a focused flagship—the G2 5"—that checks the right boxes: steel where it matters, optics-ready slides, aggressive yet usable serrations, and small-batch fit/finish. If you’re shopping in this category, handle one side-by-side at Blackstone Shooting Sports and see how it tracks, resets, and feels under recoil.