You might have heard of the term “2011” recently when the Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy was released. We spoke about this exciting pistol when it debuted on September 1st last month, but what really is a 2011 pistol? While most people think a 2011 pistol is a relatively new firearm, it is a thought or design that has been around for 40+ years. The premise of what a 2011 should be is it is a 1911-style pistol that is both modular and high-capacity. This thought and platform we know today was pioneered by two men named Strayer-Tripp who eventually went on to form the most popular 2011 company we know today in STI, Inc (Strayer-Tripp International, Inc). That iconic company was then recently re-branded to be known as more simply: Staccato.

The basis of all these high-capacity 1911 models (that have come to be known as 2011s), is that you have a lot of rounds available to you, the tight tolerances that the 1911/2011 platform afford you create superior accuracy, and the lower frame is modular so it can be crafted and fit to your liking. While some may think the name “2011” refers to the year 2011, it does not. It is simply a model name STI used to refer to a “21st-century design of a 1911” and the gun industry bit on the idea; the name stuck.

Now, it finally brings us back full circle to the Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy. Springfield Armory has a reputation for making supremely high-quality 1911 pistols, so it was a very easy transition to start manufacturing a 2011 model like the 191 DS Prodigy. It boasts a heavy bull barrel that does not require a barrel bushing. With the thick-walled barrel and fewer components needed, the slide-to-barrel fit on the 1911 DS Prodigy is superb! Then, when you look at the frame, it is a modular polymer design so it can be stippled to anyone’s exacting preferences for dexterity and feel. Finally, a modern 2011 handgun would not be complete if it could not accept everyone’s favorite micro red dot optics. The Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy comes in either an optics-ready model or an optics-equipped model with a Hex Dragonfly mounted on top. If you want to add your own favorite “X, Y, Z” brand micro red dot you can do that as well through the AOS Plate system (Agency Optic System).

For people who might be in love with the history, nostalgia, and accuracy of a 1911, it would be an easy switch to give the newer 2011 platform a try in something like the Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy. I have shot one myself and am absolutely marveled by it. All things to consider! Until next time, continually check out our blog, join our newsletter, and watch the website for new and exciting updates! As always, let us know all your thoughts in the Comments below. We love it when you participate in our articles and keep the conversation going!