Thinking Man's Corner

Article By: Leo H.

I have always liked the 1911. In fact, the first semi-automatic handgun I ever bought was a Colt Mk. IV, Series 70, Government Model, purchased from a Western Auto store in 1976 for the grand sum of $250.00 (I wish I could say I still had it… but, at some point, someone made me an offer I could not refuse and away it went). At the time, all my experience in handgun shooting had been with a revolver. A fledgling interest in competitive shooting had led me to NRA Police Pistol Competition (PPC). That interest led to wondering why the 1911 was dominant at Camp Perry and not used in PPC matches. Following my initial attempts at accuracy with said 1911, I came to recognize that an out of the box 1911, in my hands, was no where near as accurate as the Colt Python I carried on duty and shot the local PPC matches with.

Research (the reading of many, many magazine articles – no internet at the time) led to the conclusion that weapon modifications needed to enhance accuracy would include a target barrel, tightened slide-to-frame fitting, a custom trigger job (from somebody who knew what they were doing), adjustable sights, checkering, a flat mainspring housing, a polished feed ramp, ejection port work, a tuned extractor, and better magazines, at a minimum… all these refinements costing much more than the pistol itself… did I mention the only way I could afford the gun in the first place was to buy it through layaway… over three months. Thus, when the offer I could not refuse came along, I did not think very long before letting my first Colt slide out the door.

However, my interest in the 1911 never went away. From the beginning, I liked the way it fit my hand… the way it just seemed to aim itself… the crisp trigger press… just the general feel of the gun in my hand. Over the years, I have bought quite a few 1911’s and still have several favorites.  I even went so far as to convince the administration of the agency where I was employed to permit individual carrying of the 1911 as a duty weapon once weapon specific training was successfully completed. And now, there is consideration by the command structure of the departmental SWAT team of that same agency to move from the currently issued Glock 17 to a Staccato 2011. While I like the idea of change when it is needed… I wondered if such a move would be of any benefit and following an internet search which led to many, many rabbit holes and discussion with several of my peers… I make the following observations and formulate an opinion.

First, I wondered if there was a factual reason the team was interested in changing weapons or was the primary interest comprised of the ever important “tacticool” component. The response seemed to hinge on the impression most tier-one teams use a 1911 variant of some sort and the belief Staccato prioritizes hand-fitted precision for superior accuracy, while Glock focuses on mass-produced reliability for general duty use. While, to my knowledge, the team has never encountered a precision-based handgun issue at distance while on a callout… the concept of generating greater accuracy through equipment and training should always be a consideration… in my humble opinion.

Do tier-one teams find they require the accuracy created by custom fitting? It would seem so. A brief Google search (not saying Google searches never result in bad info) provided the following information:

• FBI Hostage Rescue Team permits customized 1911s for precision shots
• LAPD SWAT, historically, has authorized several versions of the 1911 and recently has converted to the Staccato P – 2011 pistol
• U.S. Marshals SOG allows 1911s for high-risk operations
• DEA SRT permits 1911s for CQB raids
• Secret Service CAT/ATF SRT permits limited use of 1911s by experienced operators

These agencies all recognize the need for weapon modification to be considered “mission ready.” Modifications: Ambidextrous safety, beavertail grip, firing pin block, polished feed ramp, tuned extractor, quality textured grips, extended magazine release, accessory rails, PMO ready, and suppressor-height night sights, to name a few. A high-quality weapon manufactured in today’s times should meet each of these requirements without the need for future gunsmithing.

Within the distances normally encountered during a SWAT response, is precision accuracy (1.5 inch grouping at 25-yards) with a handgun really a thing?

As the handgun is usually a secondary weapon during tactical operations, it could be argued a weapon which offers significantly greater accuracy would be better utilized by responding street level officers as they will arrive to many tactical calls well before responding SWAT personnel. It is generally accepted that the human head provides an effective impact area around six inches in diameter when viewed from the front and the sides when one considers shot placement intended to end a violent encounter. The same six inches provides a tactical point of aim in the upper chest which presents the heart, major blood vessels, the spinal column, and portions of each lung (depending upon bullet placement) within that circle. If we, too, accept this concept; a duty handgun should then provide the capability to accurately strike within this circle if fired twenty-five yards and in. Of course, the operator must possess the skill and ability to make each of those shots, as well.

A duty issue Glock 17, straight from the box, generally has a trigger pull weight from 5.5 to 7 pounds which leads to a larger grouping of shots when utilizing the stock 4.49-inch barrel at fifteen plus yards. It is generally expected to shoot groups of 2.5 to 6 inches at twenty-five yards. The polymer frame produces 10-15% higher felt recoil than would the heavier 2011 which could impact the timing of required follow-up shots. However, statistics show the Glock to be sufficient for 90% of departmental handgun needs in a reliable and cost-efficient package.

On the other hand, the Staccato P (I mention this choice as it is what the team is considering), with its 3.5 to 5 pound single-action trigger, can provide 10-20% higher hit rates in rapid-fire drills. Its five-inch bull barrel is designed to reduce muzzle rise and improve accuracy. The weapon is capable of shooting 1.5-inch groups out to 25 yards and beyond. The ergonomic design and modular grips improve control resulting in a reduced felt recoil of 10-30%. On the down side, the weapon is somewhat costly and reliable function requires following a stringent maintenance program.

 With the Staccato P weighing in with a suggested retail of $2485.99, is the bang worth the buck?

We can increase the accuracy of our Glock 17 by purchasing a Glock 34 for around $700.00. This first stage of enhancement gives us a 5.31 inch barrel and a well-balanced slide. With some modification, the Glock 17 or 34 can obtain the 25-yard 1.5 inch groups that come stock with the Staccato P. Of course, we lose whatever advantage a longer sight radius would have given us if we choose to use a pistol mounted optic and we still must work on the trigger and address point ability issues to get there. The purchase of match barrels, honed triggers, and optimized frames is a must. While processes may vary, you are still talking about a significant expense (Glock 34 MOS – $700, basic frame modifications – $450, Apex trigger – $150, Match barrel – $250, serrations/undercuts – $150… Bringing your total to around: $1700.00 – $2000.00 per pistol – Staying with the Glock 17 drops 700.00 from the price tag… slide modifications to permit direct mounting of an optic would add to the price tag). The down side here would be the fact all this work is done by hand… one gun at a time.

My Opinion

1911/2011 variants offer potential enhancements in trigger quality and precision shooting capability. It is quite possible, when weighed against logistical issues and cost factors, you would be hard pressed to find a significant reason to switch to a Staccato P (or other similarly priced 2011 variant) when either a modified Glock 17 or Glock 34 can achieve comparable accuracy and control at a fraction of the cost and with a reduced maintenance burden. Exceptions may apply if the team frequently encounters scenarios requiring sub-2-inch groups at 15-25 yards… where the Staccato would be the best choice.

All that being said… I still like 1911s and would probably like 2011s if I could afford one.

“I would NOT recommend a 1911 for a first handgun. A cheap one will likely not be reliable, and an expensive one will make you not want anything else” – Shane Reyno on Reddit

Semper Optimum!