Staccato P Review: Our Range Results

Staccato pistols have gotten a lot of attention lately, and we here at Gun University (well, some of us) are among those who have a big interest. In this article, on behalf of Gun University, I will walk you through my post-evaluation thoughts. Read on for the GU Staccato P review.

So, I reviewed this gun last year and thought I had a good handle on it. But after spending more time with it and putting a few hundred rounds through it, I’ve had a change of heart. Keep reading to find out what’s different in this updated Staccato P review.

Staccato P: Some Background

As a self-taught freelance sharpshooter with a passion for precision shooting, I find the evolution of firearms fascinating, especially when it merges tradition with innovation. Take, for instance, the 2011 pistol, a modern marvel built upon the timeless legacy of the 1911. Brands like Staccato (formerly STI) have masterfully crafted 1911-style pistols chambered for the 9mm Parabellum cartridge, enhancing the iconic design with contemporary advancements.

The modern 2011 pistol design allows shooters to utilize the extremely reliable 1911 design while adding the advantage of higher carry capacity by double stacking the smaller 9mm cartridges.

In addition to those benefits, it also gives 1911 enthusiasts another carry option; one that keeps the same function and operation they are used to.

A good way to describe the Staccato P (indeed many 2011s) would be to say that it keeps all the best features of the older designs while incorporating many new and better ones.

Staccato P Features

1 1911 Controls

The same grip and controls as the familiar 1911.

2 Double stack mags

Seventeen round magazines provide more shooting and less reloading.

3 Bull Barrel

A heavy profile barrel provides accurate shooting.

4 Optics Ready

Red dot sight is easily added by installing an optics baseplate.

5 Steel/Aluminum/Polymer frame

The hybrid frame can be chosen in either aluminum or steel and polymer.

6 Customizable

Staccato’s custom selections allow extra logo’s to be laser-engraved.

7 DLC Coating

Diamond like coating to protect the pistol.

8 Dawson Precision tool-less guide-rod

The tool-less guide rod allows field stripping without tools.

9 Picatinny accessory rail

To mount your favorite weapon light under the front.

Models and Variations of the Staccato P

Staccato pistols are available in several models; today we are looking at what is considered to be the “duty” model. This duty pistol is used by many LEOs and has been approved for service by more than 650 agencies. There are also the CS and C2 models that are specifically designed for concealed carry. Lastly, there are the competition models, the XC and XL, made with competitive shooters in mind. They offer a compensated muzzle, longer barrel, and slide.

Many of these models allow custom laser engraving by the factory, too.

You can have them in any color you want as long as it’s black.

Staccato P –  Our Take

I was excited to get this pistol to the range, I am fairly inexperienced with 1911/2011 pistols but the gun nut in me wasn’t going to let that get in the way. I grabbed the Staccato and a few boxes of ammunition and headed to the range.

I had a large box of some Winchester USA handgun 124 grain ammunition, as well as some Winchester USA handgun 115 fmj’s to shoot through the pistol. The Staccato had come with three 17-round magazines, and I intended on doing some reloading exercises to put that flared magwell to use.

The first thing I noticed about this pistol is the one thing I would change about the weapon – the position of the slide release, which in my opinion, impacts shootability. The slide release is a bit of a reach for my thumb. It’s far forward that it’s almost impossible for me to drop the slide on a fresh mag without breaking your grip. Granted, this may not be a big concern for those with long fingers, but I’d want to change it. Perhaps an extended slide release would better fit me.

Other than that, the shootability of this pistol was immaculate. The trigger breaks very cleanly; I almost felt like I wished it was a bit lighter, but it makes sense for a pistol that is aimed at the service/duty market. It has a very short travel and a crisp reset, too. It’s just a great trigger. Speaking of the trigger guard, it’s slightly undercut, which lets you get a higher grip on the gun. This improves control and reduces muzzle flip, making for a more secure and comfortable grip. This design really helped me with accuracy and handling of this gun.

The slide on the Staccato P feels like it glides on bearings, and the sights line up perfectly with the grip angle. I liked the extended beavertail grip safety on the Staccato P. It not only helps prevent hammer bite but also makes sure the pistol can only be fired when you have a proper grip.

I cranked through all my ammunition in what seemed like entirely too soon. The smooth cycling of the pistol was matched with quick and seamless reloads. The metal magazines slide effortlessly through the polymer grip module, and the flare at the bottom makes it easy to stab your next magazine into place. During my testing, I fired several hundred rounds without a single malfunction; this should come as no surprise for a pistol of this high quality. Shooting rapid mag dumps or slow strings made no difference to the Staccato P.

I noticed how the Staccato P handles so smoothly and has less felt recoil. Its design keeps the recoil system’s captive spring area small, which makes the recoil smoother and keeps the sight picture steady, especially with the 4.4-inch barrel.

A big part of its smooth handling is the recoil spring, which is designed specifically for the Staccato P with the ICE Compensator. It works with the 4.4-inch Tool-Less Guide Rod. I suggest that you replace the recoil spring every 5000 rounds to keep it running perfectly.

I am a sucker for red dots on pistols; I would have really liked to get one mounted on this pistol to see if it helped my shooting (I’m pretty sure it would). I found the Staccato P quite accurate with standard fiber optic sights. Hitting my point of aim came easily when I lined up the sights right. The heavy barrel and the gun’s overall weight seemed to aid in keeping it steady through shot strings.

After my first trip to the range with the pistol, I took it apart to see how dirty it had gotten. It was still surprisingly clean, but nonetheless I gave it a wipe down and added some fresh lubrication on all the right points. I was quite surprised by how simple the pistol was inside, there were far fewer parts than I expected to find. The simplicity surely is responsible for the reliability of the design, and you won’t find me complaining about it.

After a good range trip to get familiar with the pistol, I also carried it around for a few days to see how it worked as a CCW. One thing I love about the colder months is the ability to carry full-size pistols like this one, and it was a great feeling to have it on my hip.

After spending a week or two with the Staccato, I quickly wondered how I could manage to keep it. In almost no time, I had become one of those 1911 weenies that I’d so often laughed at.

Staccato P Pros and Cons 

Staccato P – FAQs

Is the Staccato P suitable for duty use?

The Staccato P is a go-to choice for duty among law enforcement agencies. It’s trusted to perform reliably, even in the roughest situations, which is why it’s so popular with law enforcement pros. Its full-size frame, generous magazine capacity, and enhanced ergonomics compared to the old-school 1911 make it a solid pick for duty work.

Does the Staccato P come with iron sights?

Yes, it does. You’ll find Dawson Precision fiber optic front sights and Staccato 2011 T.A.S. II rear sights right out of the box. Plus, there are various sight options available for the Staccato P, including tactical height tritium rear and tritium front sights that fit the cover plate.

Does the Staccato P feature a thumb safety?

Yes, the Staccato P comes with a thumb safety, just like its traditional 1911 predecessors. This thumb safety adds an extra layer of safety, ensuring the pistol won’t fire unless you intentionally disengage it.

Does the firing pin system of the Staccato P require any specific care or attention?

Yes, like any firearm, the firing pin system of the Staccato P needs regular maintenance to keep it safe and reliable. You should make it a habit to clean and lubricate the firing pin channel periodically to prevent issues caused by dirt, debris, or primer residue buildup. Also, be sure to inspect the firing pin and its spring for any signs of wear or damage, especially if you’re using the firearm frequently.

Recommended Staccato P Ammo

I shot both 124-grain ball ammunition and 115-grain ammunition through the pistol. Both seemed to work well, but the 124s seemed to shoot a little better in my testing. For carry ammunition, I prefer the Hornady American Gunner 124 grain XTP, but some other options are listed below (and likewise some range/training options).

Staccato P Accessories

There are a few things I’d use for my own Staccato, including:

Red Dot Sight (RDS)

A good pistol like this deserves a good red dot; I would get one like the Trijicon RMR.

Adapter Plate

An adaptor plate is a must to mount your red dot properly to the Staccato P.

Weapon Light

A good weapon light is also a great (some would say vital) accessory for a pistol like this; I use a Surefire X300 and have never needed another.

Quality Holster

A good holster is a must for a good pistol, and for shooting it well. I would absolutely recommend the Safariland Model 6360RDS.

One More Thing…

Even though you’ll have a weapon-mounted light aboard, you should always have a good flashlight.

But wait, there’s more… Below are some additional options and ideas.

Staccato P Accessories

1. Optics Mount		Required for RDS Available for Delta Point Pro, HS 407K, SIG Romeo, and more Don’t permanently alter the weapon	Check price
2. Gun Co C2 Cadre Compensator		1 chamber design/vertical ports Works with both the P and C2 1/2″x28 thread	Check price
3. Streamlight TLR-2		Flashlight/red laser combo 1,000 lumen output 283m beam range	Check price
4. Paragon Optic Cleaning Lens Cleaner		Clean your optics and weapon light lens 5ml Weapon Light Cleaner 10ml Optic Lens Cleaner Micro Fiber Cloth	Check price
5. The first half of “Eyes and Ears”		Proper eye protection is critical and should always be worn Ballistic rated, not just sunglasses	Compare top eyepro
6. The second half of “Eyes and Ears”		Ear protection is also critical. Protect your hearing! Many styles (some stackable) are available	Compare best earpro
7. Appropriate cleaning kit		For cleaning, care, and maintenance Not all kits are created equal	Compare top kits
8. Dark Angel D.A.R.K. Trauma Kit		You should always have medical gear when shooting (any gun) External Tourniquet for easy access Pull handle for rapid deployment Vacuumed sealed insert to keep your contents protected Kit content scalability	Check price
9. Handgun Master Cleaning Station		Fits .22 to .45 as well as some oddball cartridges. Wide range o Fits .22 to .45 as well as some oddball cartridges. Wide range of tools for maintenance and cleaning. Big work area but stores small. Tools for maintenance and cleaning. Big work area but stores small.	Check price
10. Suitable biometric safe		Biometric scanners are a plus but only one 0ption Securing an off-body handgun is paramount	Compare biometric safes

Staccato P Maintenance

A reliable handgun requires regular maintenance and cleaning, but you have to know how to break it down in order to do so. Take a watch at this:

Suggested Resources For You And Your Staccato

• Staccato cleaning and maintenance
• Staccato “Home Page”
• Staccato HQ on the move