So which companies are making the “best” 2011’s?

[bac1023]

Full disclosure: I don’t compete and don’t really have plans to. That being said, I know there are quite a few members who compete on a high level here. I also know “2011” is an STI term, so I’ll say 2011 clone instead.

I have a lack of these in my collection and enjoy shooting them. By “best” I mean best shooting, slickest, highest quality, etc. The only parameters I’ll mention is that I don’t care for polymer grip frames. I’ll also mention that I’m not worried about the cost, provided it’s a fair price for what you’re getting.

I did pick up an Atlas Hyperion a couple months back and it’s awesome. I also ordered a high cap 9mm from Infinity that should be ready in the spring.

I want maybe two more, as I like to compare and contrast. Who else should I consider?

Thanks for your suggestions. :)

[45dotACP]

If you're looking for a really high end double stack, perhaps you should consider Chambers Custom.

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[Artemas2]

Off the top off my head; Infinity, Cheely custom gunworks, Limcat, Brazos custom and Atlas I have seen in the wild and know satisfied owners of. Infinity and Limcat are pretty much the gold standard
I have head good things about Venom custom. Cheely, Brazos, and Venom can all make a decent gun for around 3k, the others are close to double that.

I picked up a used STI DVC L last year and it has functioned fine so far, cosmetically it leaves a bit to be desired though, the interior looks like it was hand chiseled.

[Default.mp3]

On the competition side, one of my very competent friend uses this guy: https://www.emgcustoms.com/

I am interested in how the double stack Nighthawks shake out.

[Tokarev]

I don’t care for polymer grip frames.

Doesn't this pretty much limit your choices to Para or Caspian frame guns? Does anyone even make a Para frame now other than the Filipinos?

Given that price is not a concern I'd suggest going with a gunsmith known to the UPSPA crowd. Have a gun built that's exactly what you're after to include your own cocking serrations, choice of front and rear sights, etc. Something that is truly unique and exactly what you want.

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[TicTacticalTimmy]

It isn't out yet, is much less expensive than those other options, and may or may not be considered a 2011, but I would be very interested to see you get a Dan Wesson DWX to compare to those 2011's.

[farscott]

Alchemy Custom will be building 2011 pistols. I do not know if the Phoenix Trinity metal grip frames will be options.

[bac1023]

Doesn't this pretty much limit your choices to Para or Caspian frame guns? Does anyone even make a Para frame now other than the Filipinos?



Oh God no. I don’t even consider the Para frames to be 2011 frames. 2011’s have a separate frame and grip. There’s plenty that aren’t polymer.

[Tokarev]

Oh God no. I don’t even consider the Para frames to be 2011 frames. 2011’s have a separate frame and grip. There’s plenty that aren’t polymer.

I'm aware of how the 2011 frame works. In fact I used to live about ninety miles from Virgil Tripp and spent a bit of time talking to him as well as having work done by him.

So a 2011 chassis with a titanium/steel/aluminum mag section. Isn't that still a 2011?

Regardless I'd still suggest having something built exactly to spec as opposed to buying something pre-assembled. No point getting someone else's gun if money is of no real import.


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[YVK]

Considering other examples of your collection that I've seen around here, I think that nothing other than Infinity or Limcat with an island barrel will do. Since you already have Atlas with Infinity on the way, Limcat is what left to be had. Cheely doesn't build anymore except for an occasional unit for sale.

[bac1023]

I'm aware of how the 2011 frame works. In fact I used to live about ninety miles from Virgil Tripp and spent a bit of time talking to him as well as having work done by him.

So a 2011 chassis with a titanium/steel/aluminum mag section. Isn't that still a 2011?

Regardless I'd still suggest having something built exactly to spec as opposed to buying something pre-assembled. No point getting someone else's gun if money is of no real import.


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I guess it could be seen as spilling hairs, but the old Para double stacks were just that, double stack 1911’s. The STI 2011 and it’s clones are a little different.

I did design my own build with the Infinity.

[bac1023]

Considering other examples of your collection that I've seen around here, I think that nothing other than Infinity or Limcat with an island barrel will do. Since you already have Atlas with Infinity on the way, Limcat is what left to be had. Cheely doesn't build anymore except for an occasional unit for sale.

Thank you. Going to take a look at Limcat.

Yes, Atlas Gunworks builds an awesome pistol. Here's my Hyperion. Its an incredibly shooter.


https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/924/8mXyF2.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/po8mXyF2j)

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/924/kcq7xr.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pokcq7xrj)

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/923/Opidaq.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnOpidaqj)

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/922/S1tNuZ.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmS1tNuZj)

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/922/ZFsnJ2.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmZFsnJ2j)

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/923/S5fSO1.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnS5fSO1j)

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/922/IZZ5d0.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmIZZ5d0j)

[Jim Watson]

Above my level of interest, but there were folks waiting in line at Phoenix Trinity for the Honcho.
Sold in package deals with multiple barrels for different competition events and divisions, it has their 2011 iron butt.
It is another step away from the 1911 with linkless lockup, a cam block reminiscent of HK, Peter Stahl, and Jarvis.

Not expensive for the type if you don't need a package deal with four barrels; just scope one out at their Race Shop menu.
https://ptrinity.com/product-category/honcho/

I have no idea as to the true quality vs other name builders.

[YVK]

Thank you. Going to take a look at Limcat.

Yes, Atlas Gunworks builds an awesome pistol. Here's my Hyperion. Its an incredibly shooter.




Great pics. I've seen and handled a couple of Atlases, Titan and Erebus, those felt great. I haven't handled them with the Alpha grip. Like it?



The Wildcat that I saw once in a real life looked absolutely sick. Post pics when you get yours :)

[bac1023]

Great pics. I've seen and handled a couple of Atlases, Titan and Erebus, those felt great. I haven't handled them with the Alpha grip. Like it?



The Wildcat that I saw once in a real life looked absolutely sick. Post pics when you get yours :)

The Alpha grip texture is pretty sharp and definitely designed with shooting gloves in mind, but it feels very secure in hand. I love everything about it.

I’ll have to check out Limcat’s site again. I was on it a few months back, looking at the Tomcat. I’ll check out the Wildcat too. Not sure the difference. I definitely don’t want an open spec gun, as I don’t like optics. Limited only. If I remember right, pricing is up there with Infinity and Atlas.

Edit: I just looked at Limcat’s site again and I guess it was the Wildcat I was looking at. Not sure why the Tomcat name stuck in my head, but that’s their 1911.

[Bucky]

I know this is going back many years, but I’ve seen a lot of problematic Limcats back in the day. Maybe they’re better now.?.?

[YVK]

They are rare enough around here so sample sizes are small but I've not heard much of bad stuff. That said, JJ's went down a couple of years ago during the Nationals, that much I remember.

[bac1023]

It isn't out yet, is much less expensive than those other options, and may or may not be considered a 2011, but I would be very interested to see you get a Dan Wesson DWX to compare to those 2011's.

I’ll pick up a DWX as well, but definitely not a 2011. It’s certainly cool though, if it ever comes out that is.

[Tokarev]

If this thread has attracted anyone who might want the "cheapest" rather than the "best" 2011...


https://youtu.be/Kdl4pAciRFo

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[bac1023]

If this thread has attracted anyone who might want the "cheapest" rather than the "best" 2011...


https://youtu.be/Kdl4pAciRFo

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I’ve heard a lot of good things about BUL Armory. I never shot one though.

[BigT]

I had a Bul that flat out ran out the box

[Jim Watson]

A guy here with a Bul that, like a classic Jaguar, occasionally everything works perfectly.
Pretty, though.

[jamautry]

My SV Infinity was flawless. I ran around 4500 rounds through it before I decided I didn't like a 6" barrel. When I decided to sell it, it lasted about 5 minutes on Enos before it was sold.

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[Default.mp3]

Also, Akai seems to be popular with high end competition guys, another classic brand to check out.

[Bergeron]

I'm really curious about the Nighthawk 2011s.

[bac1023]

I'm really curious about the Nighthawk 2011s.

Not sure those are 2011 frames or not, but I didn’t think so.

I’m sure they’re nice, but Nighthawk can’t compete with stuff like Atlas or Infinity.

[Bergeron]

My understanding is that the Nighthawks are 2011 frames.

I've drooled over Infinities since the late 90s.

[Arbninftry]

Avoid TRIARC Systems, I have had nothing but trouble with them. Not the gun, still don't have it. I ordered it on a 6 week wait, and well I am on 9 months. I could have bought two STIs or even sprung for an Atlas. But I believed the BS instagrammers and youtubers. FML. 3200 up front and still waiting. Only reason I have not canceled, is well I don't want to pay the restocking fees. I just hope it is worth the wait. I mean I have waited for custom guns before, Wilson, Mars Armament (2 years almost), Nighthawk, so I understand custom guns. But, when you order it on a 6 week advertised wait and now its 9 months, yep Bullshit.

[shane45]

Why would there be a restocking fee if they have failed to deliver within reasonable terms of the agreement?

[bac1023]

My understanding is that the Nighthawks are 2011 frames.

I've drooled over Infinities since the late 90s.

Yeah I just checked the Nighthawk site again and they do appear to be 2011 frames. It does seem odd to see barrel bushings and grip safeties though.

I had a couple Nighthawk 1911’s over the years and shot several others. They build a great handgun. That being said, there’s no way their 2011’s are as nice as the models from the top 2011 builders. Kind of hard to beat them at their own game. Infinity is a couple steps above Nighthawk even in the 1911 realm, let alone 2011.

[BigT]

Current Infinity Durability doesn't seem commensurate with price.

[Bergeron]

Wow, that would be unfortunate. My vehicles don't cost like an Infinity pistol. :rolleyes:

Could you offer any details? I'm aware of their switch to the new interchangeable breechface that includes an integral extractor- is the durability anything to do with that part?

[bac1023]

As a follow up, I called Limcat and got an order from for a Wildcat build. I'm going to mess around with it.

They look incredible.