Top 5 Double Stack 1911 Pistols

What Makes A Great Double Stack 1911 / 2011 Pistol?

Unlike most modern semi-autos, the 1911 platform has both a manual safety and a grip safety which must be disengaged before the pistol can be fired. Many shooters undertake the additional training required to shoot these handguns effectively because the 1911 has a reputation for precision, largely due to its instinctive point of aim and phenomenal trigger pull.

The double-stack variant (or 2011) retains these features, but utilizes a wider grip and magazine design to expand the capacity of the firearm. A quality 2011 must have an excellent trigger and controls that are easy to actuate - plus the ability to accept at least a 17-round magazine without negatively impacting performance. Here are our picks for the best 2011s you can buy today.

Classic Summary
The double stack 1911 (or 2011) is one of the most accurate sidearms available to shooters today, with a great trigger and decent capacity.
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  • Introducing budget models as well as high-end guns
  • Classic designs and tactical models with optics compatibility
  • The perfect 1911 pistol for EDC in 2024

Top 5 Double Stack 1911s In 2024

Historically, 2011 pistols have carried a hefty price tag. But with the recent surge in popularity, there are a number of new production double stack 1911 pistols - several of which may be purchased for well under $2,000. These pistols have most of the same features as their custom counterparts, but offer a much better value to shooters of all experience levels.

Rock Island 1911 TAC Ultra

The 1911 Tac Ultra is a double stack 1911 chambered in 9mm, with an adjustable rear sight and a flared magwell. This pistol features forward and rear slide serrations, a Picatinny accessory rail, and textured G10 grips that ensure a positive master grip on the firearm.

Girsan Witness 2311

For a budget-friendly yet versatile 2011-style pistol, the Girsan Witness 2311 ships with a flared magwell and optics-ready slide, as well as an ambidextrous thumb safety and extended beavertail grip safety. In our opinion, it's a solid entry-level option for shooters looking to try a double stack 9mm 1911 without investing thousands of dollars up front.

Springfield Armory Prodigy 1911

Springfield is regarded as one of the best manufacturers of affordable 1911 pistols on the market, and the Prodigy is their entry into the double stack market. Despite a few minor hiccups at launch, we enjoyed our time shooting the pistol and are happy to offer it bundled with the Hex Dragonfly red dot.

TriStar SPS Pantera

Deftly blending elegance and precision, the TriStar SPS Pantera is as sleek as it is shootable. A steel frame and slide absorb felt recoil, plus the lightweight polymer trigger allows for rapid follow-up shots. The SPS Pantera feels great in the hand and the magwell saves precious seconds during rapid reloads.

Wilson Combat EDC X9L

Wilson Combat. If the name didn't already speak for itself, then the supreme quality of the EDC X9L would immediately become apparent upon handling the pistol. The tough yet lightweight aluminum-frame 2011 pistol features excellent ergonomics and grip texturing, and ships with a carry magwell that is optimized for EDC. Though it is by far the most expensive option on our list, this handgun is arguably worth it and more.

Selecting The Right 1911 Pistol For You

Whether you're leaning towards a double stack 2011 or a traditional single stack 1911, caliber is another important consideration that directly affects capacity as well as combat efficacy. Watch our video to discover the benefits of 9mm 1911s vs. the benefits of a classic .45 ACP model.

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