Guns Out TV's Top 5 2011 Pistols

Intro and John Keys’ 2011 Background

The video opens with Kai from Classic Firearms welcoming John Keys from Guns Out TV. John explains that Guns Out TV focuses on gun reviews, training, and shooting experiences. Early in the channel’s life, they produced a detailed side‑by‑side review of the Staccato C2 and Staccato P, including the brand’s history and its rebranding from STI to Staccato. That review led to Guns Out TV becoming the first influencers to receive an official factory tour at Staccato, which helped spark broader influencer interest in the brand. John notes he does not claim to be a 2011 expert, but considers himself a Staccato aficionado and owns all the V2 Staccato models from the CS up to the XL. He emphasizes how much he enjoys shooting 2011 pistols, especially Staccatos.

Defining 1911 vs 2011 Platforms

Before diving into the list, they clarify the difference between 1911 and 2011 pistols. A traditional 1911 is described as a single‑stack .45 ACP with roughly 7–8‑round magazine capacity, represented on the table by a Tisas M1911A1‑style government model. In contrast, a 2011 is essentially a double‑stack evolution of the 1911 concept. Staccato coined the 2011 name, and its pistols offer significantly higher capacity, often 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, or more rounds in 9mm, depending on the magazine. When comparing the two side by side, the grip width immediately reveals single‑stack versus double‑stack construction, even though the overall profiles look similar. They stress that while the platforms share lineage, they are not the same design.

Kimber 2K11 Target as #5 Pick

John’s number five 2011 pick is the Kimber 2K11 Target, a recent entry into the 2011 market. He notes that this choice may surprise viewers because he only recently acquired the pistol and is still preparing a full review, but he has already put a substantial number of rounds through it. He characterizes the 2K11 Target as Kimber’s high‑performance, competition‑ready yet duty‑capable 2011 offering. For him, it earns a place in the top five because it delivers strong performance and value right out of the box at its price point, allowing a shooter to be “in the game” immediately. Kai mentions he has only seen photos online but agrees it looks distinctive compared to many other 2011s.

Value, Features, and Pricing of the Kimber 2K11

They expand on what sets the Kimber 2K11 Target apart. John highlights its futuristic slide cuts and windows, clean fitment, and a copper‑style two‑tone finish that stands out from other Kimber models. He compares the grip texture and feel to older Taran Tactical grips, such as on the Sand Viper, and notes that the pistol shoots like a finely tuned 2011. While he does not claim it outperforms high‑end brands like Atlas, Infinity, or the Staccato XL, he believes it competes well with pistols such as the Staccato P and other 4.4–4.5‑inch 2011s. Street price for a 2K11 Target without an optic is described as roughly $2,700–$2,800. Out of the box it includes a flat trigger, aluminum grip, flared competition magwell, two 20‑round magazines, and one 17‑round magazine, minimizing the need for aftermarket work or Cerakote to achieve both performance and aesthetics.

Atlas Erebus as #4 Pick

John’s number four pick is the Atlas Erebus. He describes Atlas pistols as hand‑fitted 2011s that are known for exceptional build quality and very flat shooting characteristics. Many Atlas pistols he has shot were tuned as race guns, often featuring oversized gas pedals, large magwells, and prominent cocking levers. He likens those setups to F1 race cars in terms of specialization. The Erebus, however, strikes him as more of a hybrid, bridging duty use and competition capability, which adds versatility and value. He estimates the Erebus starting price around the $4,000–$5,000 range and feels it is worth the cost for shooters who appreciate that level of refinement. Kai notes he has little hands‑on experience with Atlas but recognizes their strong reputation and plans to try them at an upcoming range day.

Staccato Lineup and the P Ultra Concept

As the list moves forward, John introduces his number three slot: a custom Staccato P Ultra. He explains that the standard Staccato P is likely the most recognized model in the Staccato lineup, sitting in the middle between the CS, C, and C2 on the compact side and the XC and XL on the larger end. The P is duty‑rated and widely owned. John’s P Ultra is based on the Staccato P Limited, which uses a full aluminum frame and a Dawson compensator. With the compensator installed, the effective slide length extends beyond that of a Staccato XL, changing the pistol’s overall balance and recoil behavior. He positions this P Ultra as a unique, one‑of‑one configuration that blends the familiar duty‑oriented P with enhanced performance features derived from the Limited model.