In the great debates of the gun world, the 1911 platform handgun comes up rather often. On the pro side are those who talk about how it’s won two World Wars, and on the con side are those unhappy with the supposedly outdated design and diminished capacity. But what about the advances on the original 1911 design, like the 2011? Is the 2011 truly better than the 1911 due only to its greater capacity, or does the 1911 win based on longevity and proven performance? We’re going to check out the differences between the 1911 and 2011 platforms and consider which one’s better, and why.
When was the 1911 designed, and why?
The 1911 platform handgun was designed by John Moses Browning in the early 1900s for military use. The existing standard issue duty guns included a lot of Colt New Army 1892s chambered in 38 Long Colt, and the United States Army had discovered those to be largely ineffective in combat. Perhaps the greatest example of the issues surrounding those guns and that particular cartridge came during the Moro Rebellion, where the U.S. Cavalry found themselves up against natives who were both incredibly zealous and also dosing themselves with opiates. As a result, the 38 Long Colt wasn’t effective, and Cavalry members died or were injured in the process of attempting to stop the Moros from attacking them.
This resulted in extensive trials, as is the military way, and the 1911 designed by Browning was proclaimed the clear winner of what was available at the time. The new duty gun was chambered in 45 ACP, which was another creation of Browning’s, which offered larger bullet diameter and better overall ballistics. When you think of the 45 ACP as sluggish, remember it was once the height of ballistic technology.
As a result of all this, the 1911 remained in use by the military for decades until advances in technology made it possible to replace it with other handguns. Has it won two World Wars? Not really, but it sounds good on paper.
When was the 2011 designed, and why?
When we talk about the invention of the 2011 platform, we have to get specific because there are double-stack 1911s that aren’t technically called 2011s. However, there was one clear creator of the first double-stack 1911, and it’s the gun that ended up being known as the 2011. That gun was designed by Sandy Strayer and Virgil Tripp to be used as a competition handgun with improved capacity. It was officially launched in 1994. That’s right, the 2011 has probably been around a bit longer than you realized.
Keep in mind that the creation of the 2011 depended on the existing popularity and use of the 1911 by competition shooters. Without that older, established 1911, there wouldn’t be a 2011. In fact, the 2011 came about because it was the natural progression of the 1911, a proven platform capable of fantastic precision and reliable performance. Yes, the 2011 holds more ammo, and it also benefits from modern advancements in technology for its internal workings, but when it comes right down to it it’s literally a 1911 with more ammo in the magazine.
Is the 1911 better than the 2011?
Both the 1911 and the 2011 platforms have something to offer. The 1911 has a slimmer profile which can make it easier for smaller hands to manipulate, but the 2011 has greater capacity which has obvious benefits. Both platforms are reliable, and both have a dedicated following.
The 2011’s capacity edge makes it the clear winner for many shooters, but for traditionalists, that’s not enough to declare it better than the 1911. There’s something to be said for a classic, and the 1911 is certainly that. We wouldn’t call the 1911 “better” than the 2011, but it is factual to state it has a significantly longer history of getting the job done, whatever that may be.
Pros of the 1911 include:
- Easier to conceal due to its slimmer profile.
- Simpler for shooters with smaller hands to grip.
- Proven platform with no modifications, which might make it seem more reliable.
- Offered in calibers other than 45 ACP, so shooters have their choice according to preference.
- Produced in numerous sizes including the 5.0 inch barrel Government and far more compact Officer and Commander models, meaning there are 1911 options for concealed carry.
- Greater variety of 1911-compatible accessories and magazines on the market.
- Typically more affordably priced than the 2011.
- Available with a classic steel form but also made with polymer.
Pros of the 2011 include:
- Increased capacity which benefits both competitors and self-defense-focused gun owners.
- Modern design has some tweaks and nuances for smoother triggers and greater precision on target.
- Because it was first made for competition, it was made in the name of precision.
- Wider size can be a lot more comfortable for shooters with larger hands or longer fingers.
- Fewer magazine changes necessary for competition shooters, defensive handgunners, and hunters.
- Many higher-end and custom options are available that are exceptionally good quality.
1911 versus 2011: Which one wins?
The choice of which platform is better, 1911 or 2011, comes down to purpose. If you’re a competitive shooter, you’re probably going to want the 2011 for a variety of reasons. But if you’re focused on concealed carry, the 1911 offers a better variety of frame sizes which translates to easier concealment. Similarly, there are simply more accessories on the market for the 1911, making it easier to customize and fine-tune according to your personal needs. 1911s also tend to weigh less which is a huge plus for those focused on self-defense. And when it comes to hunting, you’re not going to need the greater capacity of the 2011 unless you’re after something like feral hogs where round count really does matter.
1911s are more budget-friendly, easier to customize, and typically more concealable. So while the 2011 is a fantastic platform that offers a lot of pros, we can’t declare it the winner. This is especially true as an increasing number of 1911s hit the market with slides milled at the factory for optics and hammers and triggers enhanced for superior performance.
The 1911 of today isn’t the same as it was a century ago. Whether you want a classic in 45 ACP or a modern defensive option in 9mm, there’s a 1911 out there for you. Today’s 1911 isn’t limited by caliber, size, or weight (there are even some polymer models out there). If you want a 1911, get a 1911. There’s no replacement for it. Of course, if capacity is king for your needs, you’re going to want that 2011. Just stop and think about the weight on your belt and the issues with printing if you plan to carry it concealed. Because while it’s not impossible to conceal a 2011, it is a bit of a challenge.
In this battle, the classic wins. Do you disagree? Tell us what you think in the comment section.
