13 Best Double Stack 1911s (2011s) of 2026, Tested

The 1911 is one of the longest-serving pistols in military history, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement. Usually, the 1911 is limited to eight rounds in a magazine, give or take, but double-stack 1911s can quickly double that number.

Over the past few years, double-stack 1911s have significantly impacted the industry, often utilizing the 9mm round. Staccato does it best; if you can afford one, the Staccato P is my number one recommendation.

However, not everyone can afford to spend $2,500 on a pistol, which is where the Springfield Prodigy comes in.

I was lucky enough to test these firearms for this article and had a great time. Many of my friends even use Staccato Ps for concealed carry, while others have opted for other options on this list, so I get to play with them often.

I can achieve fantastic accuracy with them. They feel great in the hand, and the weight helps keep the muzzle down and on target.

Whichever one you choose, any option on this list will probably be the most accurate pistol in your collection.

Keep reading to discover which double-stack 1911s we recommend and what makes them so appealing.

A double stack 1911 is a 1911-pattern pistol with a staggered, double-column magazine. Depending on the model and caliber, you typically get 13-21 rounds compared to roughly 7-10 in a traditional single-stack 1911.

A 2011 originally referred to a double-stack design with a metal frame and separate polymer grip module, as you’d find on the Staccato P. A traditional-style 1911, like the Rock Island Armory TAC Ultra FS HC, uses a one-piece steel frame with separate grip panels.

The 2011 moniker is used loosely for double-stack 1911s. If you want a deeper breakdown, take a look at our 1911 vs. 2011 comparison.

Here is the short list so you can compare caliber, capacity, and price before you jump into the reviews.

Model	Best for	Caliber	Capacity	Barrel	Weight	Magazine type	MSRP
Staccato P	Overall	9mm	17+1 / 20+1	4.4”	33oz	STI Staccato-Pattern / 2011-Pattern	$2, 499
Springfield Prodigy	Value	9mm	17+1/ 20+1	5”	33oz	STI Staccato / 2011-Pattern	$1, 530
Tisas Carry 9 DS FF	Budget	9mm	17+1	4.25”	32.5 oz	Checkmate / STI Staccato pattern	$955.99
Kimber 2K11 .45	.45 ACP	.45 ACP	13+1	5”	40.1oz	Checkmate	$2,245
Kimber DS Warrior OR 10mm	10mm	10mm	15+1/18+1	5”	33oz	Checkmate	$1,299
Staccato HD P4	Duty/Modern	9mm	18+1	4.0”	32oz	Glock 17-Pattern	$2,499
Atlas Gunworks Artemis	Competition	9mm	20+1	4.6”	39oz	2011-Pattern	No MSRP (dealers from $7,900)
Stealth Arms Platypus	Customization	9mm	17+1	5”	32oz	Glock or Sig Sauer-pattern	$1,400
Kimber 2K11 Comp	Feature-Packed	9mm	20+1	5”	35.6oz	Checkmate	$2,399
BUL Armory SAS II TAC 4.25	Premium Value	9mm	20+1	4.25”	29.6-32oz	Proprietary magazines	$2,250
Jacob Grey TWC	Boutique/Refined	9mm	17+1	4.25”	30oz	Checkmate / 2011-Pattern	Discontinued
Vudoo Priest	Semi-Custom	9mm	19+1 / 22+1	5”	40.3-41.1oz	STI/Staccato-Pattern	From $3,295
Fowler Vanta 9	Luxury/High-End	9mm	17+1 / 20+1	5”	43oz	2011-Pattern	$6,000

Best Overall – Staccato P

Delivering duty-driven performance for competitive shooters and professionals alike.

Specifications

Caliber	9mm
Capacity	17+1 / 20+1
Weight	33oz
Overall Length	8.1”
Barrel Length	4.4”
Magazine Type	STI Staccato-Pattern / 2011-Pattern
MSRP	$2, 499

Pros & Cons

I got my hands on the Staccato P at the start of my 2011 journey and, after 500 rounds, I can wholeheartedly say that the balance, control, and reliability are why so many law enforcement agencies and carry-optic shooters swear by the platform.

Depending on the configuration, which in my experience was a stainless steel barrel and Trijicon RMR, printing a 2-inch group under rapid fire made it feel like a comped gun. Recoil was minimal, and the dot fell back where it began.

It’s not the prettiest by any means, but it’s duty-driven and easy to make follow-up shots. They are trusted by law enforcement personnel every day and are still at home in open-class competitions.

Here is our full review of the Staccato P.

Best for: Those who want the OG 2011.

Skip it if: You want a more competition-focused firearm.

Best Value – Springfield Prodigy

2011 performance without the hefty price tag.

Specifications

Caliber	9mm
Capacity	17+1/ 20+1
Weight	33oz
Overall Length	8.5”
Barrel Length	5”
Magazine Type	STI Staccato / 2011-Pattern
MSRP	$1, 530

Pros & Cons

With 1,300 rounds through the Prodigy to date with two user-error malfunctions, part of me cannot justify the price difference between it and a Staccato.

It does not feel nearly as nice or shoot with as much ease as a Staccato, but for those who want to enter the 2011 world without selling a kidney, the Prodigy may be your pick. It shoots well, especially once you do the Red Dirt trigger and Evolution Gun Works ignition kit.

Compared to the Staccato P, it’s not far off, and it fits Atlas magazines for those who want more rounds downrange between reloads.

Here’s our full breakdown of the Springfield Prodigy.

Best for: Those who like to tinker in pursuit of a great pistol.

Skip it if: You don’t mind spending the extra dough for a better firearm.

Best Budget – Tisas Carry 9 DS

It’s a budget 1911, but it gets the job done.

Specifications

Caliber	9mm
Capacity	17+1
Weight	32.5oz
Overall Length	7.9”
Barrel Length	4.25”
Magazine Type	Checkmate / STI Staccato pattern
MSRP	$955.99

Pros & Cons

Turkish-made firearms get a bad rap, and not always without reason. But the Tisas (MAC) Carry 9 gives you what you pay for and then some, especially after the recommended break-in period. Luckily, I used a friend’s, and the Carry 9 was already well broken in by the time I got my hands on it.

It’s not going to win any contests, and there are far better pistols out there with the 2011 moniker, but it’s cheap, and I only had five malfunctions with the 400 rounds I put through it.

If you’re planning to own one, I’d recommend a Red Dirt trigger upgrade as well as the Brazos trigger group.

But if you want a more trustworthy pistol, I’d recommend the Prodigy.

Best for: Those who want the cheapest entry into the 2011 world.

Skip it if: You want to rely on it out of the box.

Best .45 ACP – Kimber 2K11 in .45 ACP

A welcomed revision of a timeless classic.

Specifications

Caliber	.45 ACP
Capacity	13+1
Weight	40.9oz
Overall Length	8.7”
Barrel Length	5”
Magazine Type	Checkmate
MSRP	$2,245

Pros & Cons

Double-stack .45 ACP 1911s are hard to come by, but luckily for me, I have friends who have an affinity for all things 1911. The Kimber 2K11 came into a move-and-shoot, and I had the chance to sling around 220 rounds through it on the course and at the static range.

The recoil was extremely manageable, and while it is wider than most being a double-stack .45, the grip felt great, and the quality put it well beyond the Rock Island Armory Tac FS. Both are great guns, but the Kimber 2K11 is definitely in a tier of its own.

Best for: Lovers of the classic .45 ACP.

Skip it if: You don’t think your hands can accommodate the grip.

Best 10mm – Kimber DS Warrior

10mm stopping power with style.

Specifications

Caliber	10mm
Capacity	15+1 / 18+1
Weight	33oz
Overall Length	8.7”
Barrel Length	5”
Magazine Type	Checkmate
MSRP	$1,299

Pros & Cons

The Kimber Warrior in 10mm does not disappoint. I used 100 rounds of Magtech 180 grain through the 5”. While I suffered one user-induced malfunction, the pistol itself was definitely the best double-stack 10mm I’ve shot. Shooting slow fire, I was able to shoot 2MOA groupings.

The Kimber DS Warrior’s weight definitely made a difference in my ability to make quicker shots. The trigger isn’t the crispiest (I prefer the Red Dirt MJD Grip St), but these are not thousands of dollars like other 1911s, so it’s expected.

The finish, look, and feel of the Warrior DS are high quality, and the price point cannot be beaten for what you get.

Best for: Woodland protection with style.

Skip it if: You don’t want to carry a showpiece in the woods.

Best Duty/Modern – Staccato HD P4

An improvement to a winning system.

Specifications

Caliber	9mm
Capacity	18+1
Weight	32oz
Overall Length	7.6”
Barrel Length	4”
Magazine Type	Glock 17-Pattern
MSRP	$2,499

Pros & Cons

The Staccato HD remains one of my favorites for one major reason: the ability to accept Glock magazines. I’ve put around 700 rounds through the Staccato HD and have never suffered from any malfunctions or catastrophic failures.

Recoil is minimal, the weight is balanced, and the red dot falls back on target without effort. That same balance helped with any grip breakdown while I laid down magazine after magazine.

That combination of control, accuracy, and reliability, plus the ability to accept much cheaper Glock magazines, makes it my top pick for duty use. I would recommend an Infinity HD adjustable trigger for a better feel.

Best for: Those who own Glocks and favor dependability over looks.

Skip it if: You want a better trigger for your money.

Best Competition – Atlas Gunworks Artemis

For those who want the best competition gun in a 1911 platform.

Specifications

Caliber	9mm
Capacity	20+1
Weight	39oz
Overall Length	8.5”
Barrel Length	4.6”
Magazine Type	2011-Pattern
MSRP	No MSRP (dealers from $7,900)

Pros & Cons

The competition gun’s competition gun. Racking the slide is baby oil on glass, and printing in the same hole makes you feel like you’re missing your target. I got my hands on it through a friend who shoots USPSA open class, and I understood how the tool could make a better shooter.

He’s generous, allowing me to shoot 500 rounds through it in a night. Quite frankly, I was lost in the sauce of how smooth a pistol can be. A trigger tuned to 2.5 pounds, the fit in the hand, and how easy it is to shoot took me away.

Best for: True competition shooters and those who want the best of the best.

Skip it if: This would be your first 2011. You won’t appreciate it.

Best Customization – Stealth Arms Platypus

You’ll never see the same gun twice.

Specifications

Caliber	9mm
Capacity	17+1
Weight	32oz
Overall Length	7.8-8.6”
Barrel Length	5”
Magazine Type	Glock or Sig Sauer-Pattern
MSRP	$1,400

Pros & Cons

The Stealth Arms Platypus offers dozens of Cerakote and parts options. Everything from the grip, magwell, barrel, optics cut, and the finish of every external component. This makes the Platypus the de facto champion of customization.

If you own a Sig P320 or Glock 17-style magazine, those will also fit right in, making it more cost-effective as well.

The same friend with the Atlas Artemis allowed me to take his Crowd Pleaser V1 configured Platypus through 300 rounds, and I suffered no malfunctions while being able to put a 2MOA group on paper.

Best for: When you want a one-of-one that you can pass down.

Skip it if: You don’t want to wait a long time for a custom pistol.

Best Feature-Packed – Kimber 2K11 Comp

All the things you want with pizzazz.

Specifications

Caliber	9mm
Capacity	20+1
Weight	35.6oz
Overall Length	7.7-8.5”
Barrel Length	5”
Magazine Type	Checkmate
MSRP	$2,399

Pros & Cons

Integrated compensator, match-grade trigger at 3-4 pounds, picatinny rail for lights, and one of the best grips on this list from the factory. The Kimber 2K11 Comp has everything you’d want from the factory with no extra thought needed.

Using 150 rounds of Fiocchi 115-grain, it was a breeze to practice shot groupings with this pistol. The grip sticks to your hand like a flytrap and will not move, which would be great for competitors. Compared to the Staccato P, which is similarly priced, I’d take this grip any day of the week.

Best for: A 2011 that can work in competition and from the appendix.

Skip it if: You want a more duty-focused 2011.

Best Premium Value – BUL Armory SAS II TAC 4.25

Great value in many shapes and sizes.

Specifications

Caliber	9mm
Capacity	20+1
Weight	29.6- 32 oz
Overall Length	7.8”
Barrel Length	4.25”
Magazine Type	Proprietary
MSRP	$2,250

Pros & Cons

The Bul Armory SAS II Tac was a big surprise after sending 300 rounds through it. With no malfunctions and consistency that matches 2011s of a higher price, it was a no-brainer. Add that you get four magazines and a hugely flared magazine well with a far better trigger than the Prodigy from the factory, and you see why it’s a better value.

I would not place it above the Staccato’s trigger, balance, or consistency, but it does far more than other 1911s for the price, and it also looks more premium as well.

Best for: Those who want more quality for their buck.

Skip it if: You don’t want a huge magazine well.

Best Boutique/Refined – Jacob Grey TWC (Discontinued)

The Omega of 2011s.

Specifications

Caliber	9mm
Capacity	17+1
Weight	30oz
Overall Length	7.7”
Barrel Length	4.25”
Magazine Type	Checkmate / 2011-Pattern
MSRP	Discontinued

Pros & Cons

Jacob Grey 2011s are some of the best machined, wonderfully finished, and beautifully fit on the market, hence the “Boutique” winner’s spot.

Jacob Grey no longer makes the TWC, so you’ll need to find one on the used market.

When they came to our range, we put over 700 rounds through it between all of us without a single error. Our editor had the same experience when he got his hands on a TWC.

All while printing 2-inch-2.3-inch groups at 15-20 feet. Not many pistols as refined as this one, especially for the price, are as capable. It looks like a mantelpiece while shooting better than most guns on this list.

It’s smooth as glass and looks perfect on the nightstand.

Best for: Those who want a “piece”, like a watchpiece.

Skip it if: You want a 2011 that you don’t mind abusing.

Best Semi-Custom – Vudoo Priest

Highly custom and worth the wait.

Specifications

Caliber	9mm
Capacity	19+1 / 22+1
Weight	40.3- 41.1 oz
Overall Length	7.9-8.7”
Barrel Length	5”
Magazine Type	STI/Staccato-Pattern
MSRP	From $3,295

Pros & Cons

Another high-end but highly customizable shooter is the Vudoo Priest, which allows you to spec everything from the length of the dust cover to the width of the magazine well, and everything in between.

You can expect to wait quite a while (eight months to a year) for your custom build, but after putting a few hundred rounds through a slightly customized Priest with zero issues, I can only imagine how a fully customized variant will perform.

Mine had an aluminum grip and a co-witnessed RMR, which made shooting it all the easier.

Best for: Those who want a bespoke 2011.

Skip it if: You don’t want to wait forever for your build.

Best Luxury/High-End – Fowler Vanta 9

You’d want to wear your Rolex with it.

Specifications

Caliber	9mm
Capacity	17+1 / 20+1
Weight	43oz
Overall Length	8.7”
Barrel Length	5”
Magazine Type	2011-Pattern
MSRP	$6,000

Pros & Cons

The Fowler Vanta 9 is the 2011 of 2011s. Expensive, but once you have one, you know you’ve arrived. For the money, you get a masterfully built pistol that shoots like a racegun, made with the best materials money can buy. You truly won’t find another company that does it better.

I have 100 rounds through one, but I’ve seen the Vanta 9 go through hundreds of rounds without a single failure, and it’s just as smooth as an Artemis. You will be waiting quite a bit for your custom order, but out of every firearm on this list, this one is most worth the wait.

Best for: Those who want the highest-quality 2011.

Skip it if: You don’t want to flinch every time you hit it.

This list is for those who love and appreciate the 1911 platform but want additional capacity. If you don’t love the platform, this article isn’t for you, and I say that because 1911s (or 2011s) are costly.

And if you don’t want one that badly to pay the going price for one, it will be hard to justify it later.

These 1911s are rugged, accurate, versatile, and offer way more than other pistols on the market. And let’s not forget how attractive they are.

Whether you want to use it as a concealed carry gun or outshoot your friends on the range, there’s a 1911 out there for you. And the customization options are endless.

So again, if you love the 1911 and want one with additional capacity for EDC, the range, home defense, or any other area where you’ll need a true and accurate pistol, this list is for you.

1911s and 2011s are expensive. So when choosing these picks, we couldn’t focus too much on price since there is a fine line between good and bad ones, and usually that line is price.

Some may say that their $500 1911 is the best, but they only use it once a month on the range. It would likely not hold up in the field if it were getting heavily used, so I didn’t mention those ones.

Durability, minimal failures, features, and high magazine capacities were paramount in choosing these pistols. Often, people think a low price and no failures out of 100 rounds in an indoor range make a good firearm, but that’s not always true.

So, these firearms had to perform, and they had to perform well. I used cheap-range ammo and some of the best ammo to shoot hundreds of rounds through these to ensure they wouldn’t give out when you needed them the most.

Choosing a 1911 is like choosing any other firearm. If you want to carry it, buy one smaller. If you’re using it to compete, buy one built for competition. And if you’re using it for home defense, buy one more suited to combat applications, like a Staccato.

Sure, you can buy a Staccato, but some may be better off with a Springfield Prodigy.

So think about it, what are you going to use it for? Indeed, you don’t need a $3,000 pistol for home defense; that’s just not wise. You can buy a high-end AR-15 for that price and be way better suited for the task.

You should run drills and work on your skills. In that case, you can benefit from the Staccato. It is used by law enforcement personnel, after all, who constantly rely on their firearm to get them home at night.

Now, I don’t recommend you ditch your Glock for a 1911. Every firearm has a time and place. 1911s are great if you don’t mind the extra weight that comes with them, but Glocks have been a favorite of many due to their flexibility and lightweight capabilities.

Another fine example is if you’re going to be in the backwoods either hiking or hunting.

Which would you rather have with you? A 9mm Staccato or a 10mm Kimber DS Warrior? I’d go with the 10mm because the 9mm is meant for self-defense against human targets, whereas the 10mm is more versatile.

You can use 10mm on a bear and put an aggressor down.

So it’s all up to you.

To find the suitable 1911, consider how much capacity you want and which accessories you’ll want to add.

In a word, novelty. In two words, novelty and craftsmanship.

Enthusiasts of the double-stack 1911s cherish them for reasons akin to their admiration for the classic model.

The hallmark of this firearm is its single action-only trigger, renowned for its lightness and crispness, complemented by a distinctly firm reset. These handguns typically operate with a seamless smoothness and exhibit incredible precision, especially in the hands of skilled marksmen.

Their accuracy and fluid operation facilitate ease of control, enabling shooters to consistently and effectively hit their targets with minimal difficulty.

The double-stack variant of the M1911, affectionately known as the ‘fat bottom,’ enhances this experience by allowing for extended shooting sessions due to its larger magazine capacity.

Another aspect that sets the 1911 apart is its potential for personalization and gunsmithing.

Unlike a Glock, which has limited customization options, the M1911 is often described as a blank slate, open to many modifications.

Glocks are often used for combat and defensive purposes. They were made to be inexpensive, but 1911s were not.

This versatility is a significant factor in the 1911’s premium cost. Crafting these guns is a complex task, and enthusiasts greatly value the distinctive designs and individualized features that various manufacturers incorporate into their semi-custom production models.

As you can see, the more features you get and the more the community trusts a pistol, the more you will pay. This goes for everything in the firearms industry, from pistols to shotguns and rifles.

Let’s not forget how well-balanced these pistols are. You can take a Staccato or Springfield Prodigy and use it as a competition gun, and you can also use them for self-defense or good ol’ plinking on the range.

They’re versatile in that way.

Many pistols were considered when making this list. One example was the Girsan Witness, which is close in price to the Springfield Prodigy but not in performance and features.

It doesn’t feature a bull barrel or suppressor-height sights to co-witness your red dot and doesn’t have a 26-round option.

So, I opted for the Springfield Prodigy instead. The Girsan is a fine firearm, just not what I recommend for someone looking for the best double-stack 1911 at that price point. You can quickly get something better for a couple of dollars more.

These picks offer the best at every price point, from features to performance. I can wholeheartedly recommend them to you- otherwise, they wouldn’t be here.

So, if you’re looking for the best double-stack 1911 on the market, look no further. This list is all you need.

Photos won’t tell you how a pistol sits in your hand. If you can swing it, hold a couple of these at a local gun store before you order anything.

Be good and take care.