Staccato P Endurance Report: 20,000 Spherical Lengthy-Time period Check

A couple of years in the past, an organization identified primarily to aggressive shooters as STI underwent a change in possession and emerged as Staccato. STI earned its title within the aggressive pistol area with their 2011 collection of pistols. A 2011 is basically a slicked up 1911 with huge magazines, made for these chasing the utmost in efficiency in sensible competitions, notably in USPSA/IPSC and 3-gun. Nonetheless, recognizing the restricted measurement of the aggressive pistol market relative to the broader firearm panorama, the corporate determined to broaden into hid carry and obligation pistols, giving rise to the Staccato P as its do-all mannequin. (Employees author Tyler Freel additionally did an in-depth assessment of the Staccato P that’s value testing.)

As somebody who has lengthy favored Glocks and has a good period of time with single-stack 1911s, I had determined to offer the 2011-pattern pistols a attempt, hoping for the improved accuracy and efficiency the pistol is understood for. Whereas I by no means felt a urgent want for a 2011, my curiosity in firearms had led me to discover different polymer and striker-fired choices earlier than realizing they didn’t provide sufficient to maneuver me away from the Glock platform. Throughout the pandemic I offered some gear and used these funds to dive into the 2011 world. I opted for the Staccato P because it appeared to be precisely what I wished. Although the provides have been constrained I ended up monitoring one down by way of Gunbroker. (One be aware: I bought my pistol in 2020 in an iron-sight solely configuration. Staccato has since standardized the P mannequin with their optic minimize.)

• Caliber: 9mm
• Capability: 17+1 or 20+1
• Motion: Single-action, hammer-fired
• Barrel: 4.4-inch, bull profile, stainless-steel
• Dimensions: 8.1 inches (L) x 5.8 inches (H) x 1.3 inches (W)(grip)
• Weight: 37 ounces (with empty 17-round journal) (measured)
• Body: 4140 billet metal (aluminum fashions obtainable)
• Slide: 4140 billet metal
• Optics: Reduce for optic, makes use of Dawson Precision optic system
• Controls: Proper-handed slide cease, magazine catch, ambidextrous security levers
• End: Black DLC
• Grip: Polymer grip module, laser-etched stipple texture
• Sights: Dawson Precision fiber-optic entrance, serrated black square-notch rear (drift adjustable)
• Set off: 1911-style single-action, curved shoe, 4 kilos, 2 ounces (measured)
• MSRP: $2,499

As soon as I had the pistol in hand, I couldn’t resist making a number of tweaks. Whereas I sometimes advocate taking pictures a brand new pistol as-is, my expertise allowed me to rapidly pinpoint what I wished to change. One notable change when STI grew to become Staccato was the introduction of the Gen 2 polymer grip for the 2011 platform, boasting a bolstered journal latch space and a special texture. I opted to modify to the older-style Gen 1 grip with Xtreme Shooters’ Dragon Scale texture, a function seen on a number of earlier STI fashions. Having dealt with each variations, I merely most well-liked the texture of the older grip.

I additionally swapped the sights, choosing a slimmer entrance blade from Dawson Precision (.090” vast in comparison with the .125” vast inventory sight) and a narrower rear notch from Brazos Precision. These modifications have been to squeeze out a bit extra precision for notably difficult targets. Moreover, I changed the inventory set off on the Staccato with the shorter, metallic X-Line Vario by Geppert (imported by Atlas Gunworks). Whereas the inventory set off was completely high-quality for normal taking pictures, I discovered it barely too lengthy for my liking when taking pictures with only one hand. The brand new set off has been distinctive, and I’ve grown to understand its width and really feel.

Staccato P Endurance By The Numbers

I picked up my Staccato P in April of 2020. For this pistol I made a decision to be as meticulous in my document holding as I’d with a precision rifle, and it took till September of 2022 to achieve the 20,000 spherical mark. Listed below are a number of stats from that point:

• Most Rounds in a Day: 1,071
• Most rounds fired with out cleansing: 2,852
• Common rounds fired between cleanings: 1,216
• Gun induced malfunctions: 5 traced to at least one drawback journal, one to a really soiled and dry pistol, and one to a broke extractor at roughly 19,500 rounds.
• 18 Matches together with Run-n-Weapons, Sniper Challenges, Fuel Gun, and Workforce Matches
• Farthest Hit on Goal: 360 yards on full-size IPSC torso with 125-grain Hornady HAP
• Different Upkeep: I did substitute the recoil spring at 10,484 rounds as preventative upkeep.

General Impressions of the Staccato P 2011

Staccato P High quality

I’ve had the privilege of proudly owning, dealing with, and taking pictures a various array of pistols, starting from beautiful hand-built masterpieces with premium value tags to, frankly, subpar bargain-basement choices. Staccato firmly occupies a premium area of interest within the manufacturing pistol market. Whereas customization choices could also be considerably restricted from the manufacturing unit, their pistols boast a powerful spec sheet that might pique the curiosity of each aggressive and defensive shooters.

In the case of match and really feel, the precision is clear—the bull barrel matches snugly, the ambidextrous safeties are thoughtfully designed with a definite, assured on/off motion, and the slide-to-frame match is tight with out being too tight. Not a touch of lingering tooling marks or careless machining may be discovered, and the end is persistently and expertly utilized. In essence, for a pistol within the $2,000 vary, it affords so much.

Staccato P Accuracy

One in every of my major issues in selecting a 2011 is the platform’s inherent precision functionality. The Staccato P, with its barrel match, ergonomic design, and crisp single-action set off, not solely boasts mechanical precision but additionally empowers the shooter to effortlessly faucet into that stage of efficiency. Whereas I don’t depend on a Ransom Relaxation or favor bench-rested taking pictures, my accuracy benchmarks revolve round B-8 speedy hearth bullseye facilities, 8-inch metal plates, and USPSA cardboard goal scoring rings, examined at numerous speeds and distances.

In abstract, the Staccato P persistently outperforms my polymer pistols when it comes to precision, notably past 20 yards. Whereas reaching excessive 90s or perhaps a excellent rating on a B-8 goal with 10 photographs at 25 yards might sound difficult with different handguns, the Staccato makes it really feel attainable with correct deal with the iron sights. Furthermore, executing first-round hits throughout walk-back drills from 50 to 60 yards on 8-inch metal plates is a typical incidence. Lastly, making hits past 100 yards on full-size torso targets is comparatively easy. From a sensible taking pictures perspective, the Staccato P’s accuracy capabilities usually surpass my very own abilities.

Staccato P Reliability

Whereas accuracy is undoubtedly necessary, a pistol’s performance is paramount in my opinion; in any other case, it’s merely a paperweight. Adapting the 1911/2011 sample pistols from their authentic .45 ACP design to 9mm required some refinement, particularly regarding magazines. When STI launched their Gen 2 (and now Gen 3) magazines, which required no intensive tuning, my curiosity within the pistol grew considerably. I had no need to trouble with intensive journal upkeep. The design additionally incorporates different considerate enhancements, together with a ramped barrel, a shorter, optimized barrel/slide size, and appropriately calibrated spring weights, all of which contribute to the reliability of those 9mm variants.

Ammo Choice

All through my taking pictures experiences, I predominantly used numerous 124/125-grain projectiles, with a specific desire for Hornady’s 125 grain HAP, 124 grain FMJ, and Brazos’ Bullets 124-grain coated bullets, all loaded over Hodgdon’s Titegroup or Hodgdon CFE Pistol powder. I’ve additionally experimented with every little thing from 95-grain plated bullets to 147-grain carry ammunition and even frangible rounds. I gained’t declare the pistol at all times carried out flawlessly, as a result of it didn’t. Nonetheless, the uncommon malfunctions I encountered have been sometimes traced again to a selected journal (marking your mags is a useful apply) or ammunition-related points, notably with rapidly loaded apply rounds that hadn’t undergone chamber checking.

At across the 19,500 spherical mark the extractor did break in half. On a 2011/1911, the extractor is a component that requires some gunsmith consideration to suit to the precise pistol. To the credit score of Staccato’s customer support, they have been fast to get the pistol again to me in simply a few weeks. I requested for a spare extractor fitted to the gun to maintain helpful for a few of my adventures, of which was included within the field.

Dunked in Mud

My worst reliability expertise with the Staccato P was an uncommon scenario throughout a run-and-gun occasion the place I unintentionally immersed the pistol in thick mud. Regardless of my finest efforts to clear it, the Staccato struggled to reset the set off by itself. I eliminated the slide and flushed issues with water to cycle it, but I nonetheless needed to manually reset the set off by pulling it ahead with each different shot. This understandably impacted my match efficiency, however I persevered with none stage disqualifications. Upon thorough disassembly at dwelling, I found particles accumulation between the set off bars and the body, creating important resistance and stopping the set off from resetting. In equity, the gun was in such a muddy state that the majority firearms would have confronted comparable challenges.

Setting apart the muddy ordeal, it’s value noting that the 2011 platform, together with the Staccato and comparable fashions, calls for barely extra care and a focus in comparison with one thing like a Glock. Whereas I’ve fired almost 3,000 rounds with out cleansing (however with some lubrication), the pistol does profit from a little bit of lubrication each few hundred rounds. Given the quite a few metallic elements involved, because the gun accumulates dust and dries out, you’ll be able to really feel the extra resistance to its in any other case clean operation.

Enhanced Gen 2 Magazines

Magazines have traditionally posed a big problem for the 2011 platform, usually necessitating tuning by a gunsmith or expert person to match a selected pistol. Nonetheless, the introduction of Staccato’s up to date 9mm magazines has revolutionized the platform for customers, making 2011’s—from the standpoint of reliability—much less of a race-car and extra of a daily-driver. The enhancements to the journal embody a change within the physique form and never requiring a spacer for the shorter 9mm rounds. Moreover, enhancements to the follower, spring and baseplate have all discovered their manner into the Gen 2 and now Gen 3 magazines. I’ve amassed a wide range of these magazines, starting from 17- to 26-round capability, they usually have all confirmed exceptionally dependable, even when subjected to dust, moisture, and impacts on the bottom. Even in gentle of their larger value ($69.99 for a 20-round journal) in comparison with extra frequent polymer magazines, they’re value it.

By way of upkeep, I sometimes disassemble the magazines for a wipe-down each 2,500 rounds or following publicity to important moisture. Just one journal spring confirmed minor indicators of corrosion after getting soaked and left uncleaned for a number of days.

Staccato’s customary end is a Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coating. Regardless of being rained-on, snowed-on and sweat-on, I’ve not had any corrosion points. Via 1000’s of kydex and Safariland retention-holster displays the end has held up very effectively. I like weapons with some put on because it means they’ve been liked on…nevertheless it’s been troublesome to make put on present up on the DLC handled metallic elements.

Staccato P Viability For On a regular basis Carry

I’ve experimented with carrying the Staccato P as a hid carry pistol. However there’s no denying that with a 4.4-inch barrel, metal body and a topped-off 17-round journal it’s a beefy gun. In summer season clothes it may be particularly troublesome to hide. The additional layers typical in winter make it much less of a chore. I’ve had the Staccato P in my Hill Folks Gear Runner’s Package Bag on lengthy runs/hikes, and whereas it matches, it’s nonetheless a giant and heavy gun to strap in your chest. I’d advocate testing the Staccato C2 or newly-released Staccato CS when you’re fascinated about a smaller/lighter carrying 2011 pistol.

Staccato P Endurance Check Abstract

It didn’t take lengthy after getting it for the Staccato P to turn into my most well-liked pistol for leisure taking pictures and aggressive use. Whereas my trusty Glocks nonetheless have their place, the Staccato P has remodeled me right into a 2011 fanatic. This design caters to these chasing superior efficiency. Capturing the Staccato P is a pleasure; it affords outstanding precision whereas additionally permitting for lightning-fast photographs on track. Admittedly, reaching this stage of efficiency calls for a bit extra care and upkeep, akin to sustaining a race automobile versus a every day driver. As Ken Hackathorn has famous, “In the event you deal with your gun such as you deal with your lawnmower, get a Glock.” Nonetheless, for many who really worth their pistol and its capabilities, the Staccato P is a compelling selection.