What do you call a double-stack 1911-platform pistol? Is it a 2011 or a 2311? If you are Staccato and Springfield Armory, it’s a 2011, but according to EAA and Oracle, it’s a 2311. Either way, double-stack 1911s are the latest trend in pistols. While not exactly new—double-stack 1911s have been produced off and on for decades—some of the newly introduced models are quite affordable, and that is new. Striker-fire platforms continue to thrive, and the new Armscor/RIA model RIA 5.0 uses an innovative system. At the same time, the KIGER-9C PRO from Anderson is designed for concealed carry and is feature-rich. Beretta is back, too, with tricked-out model 92s and Cheetahs. Finally, Turkish pistol manufacturers continue to produce excellent 1911s and striker-fired models that perform at affordable prices. Here are the particulars.
ANDERSON
Anderson’s KIGER-9C PRO (MSRP $539) is a polymer-frame, striker-fire compact 9mm pistol designed for concealed carry. The polymer frame has acres of texture for a sure grip, an aggressively lightened slide and a flat trigger, and it comes optics-ready. It features a 3.9-inch barrel, 15+1 round capacity, and a 5.5-pound trigger pull. andersonmanufacturing.com
ARMSCOR/ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL
The RIA 5.0 ST (MSRP $999) is a full-size, competition-ready pistol with a patented RVS recoil system that maximizes barrel mass and linear movement for softer felt recoil. This 9mm also has a deeper bore axis for less muzzle flip, a striker-fire trigger, a two-piece modular grip, 17+1 capacity, and comes optics-ready. armscor.com
BERETTA
Beretta’s 92X series now includes the 92Xi (MSRP $949), a single-action-only version of the 92X series of performance-ready pistols
