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HomeVideos1911The Iconic Pit Viper 2011 Pistol From Taran Tactical

The Iconic Pit Viper 2011 Pistol From Taran Tactical

· January 26th, 2024 · 1911

This video examines the Taran Tactical Innovations Pit Viper, a custom widebody 1911/2011 pistol featured in John Wick 4. It focuses on design details, shooting ergonomics, and the themed accessory package.

Video Summary

Read the full transcript

Overview of the Pit Viper 2011 Pistol

The video introduces the 5-inch barrel Taran Tactical Innovations Pit Viper, a fully custom widebody 1911, also known as a 2011. The pistol is highlighted for its role in the John Wick films and its association with Keanu Reeves, which helped popularize it in the gun community. The Pit Viper combines the reliability of the 2011 platform with Taran Tactical’s design approach and distinctive Hollywood styling. The discussion frames the pistol as an iconic, recognizable handgun with a strong connection to John Wick 4, then transitions into a detailed examination of its components, starting from the muzzle and working back through the rest of the firearm.

Compensator, Barrel, and DLC Coating

Attention turns to the front of the Pit Viper, focusing on the large, upward-firing single-port compensator that is fully attached to the barrel. The barrel is described as match grade and coated in DLC, clarified as diamond-like carbon, a high-end coating used extensively on this pistol, including internal parts and the hammer. The compensator is designed to help the pistol shoot flat by directing gas upward. Small notches on each side of the compensator are noted, along with the way its angular profile flows into the frame’s large Picatinny rail with a single crossbar slot, a feature compared in style to the Sand Viper.

Slide Design, Sights, and Serrations

The front sight is a large green fiber optic unit fixed directly to the barrel, so it moves less during recoil. Around it are precisely machined front slide serrations with a stepped texture that makes racking the slide easy and contributes to a very smooth cycling feel. The slide features distinctive cutouts on both sides and on top, echoing the angles of the front and rear serrations for a consistent visual theme. As the slide moves rearward, more of the bronze-finished barrel is exposed, along with Taran Tactical logos on the slide and magwell. At the rear, there is an adjustable ghost-profile rear sight surrounded by matching rear slide serrations with the same step-down texturing for added grip.

Hammer, Safeties, and Trigger Performance

The rear of the pistol includes a skeletonized “light speed” hammer, paired with a match grade disconnector and a titanium hammer strut. Below the hammer is an extended, ergonomic beavertail grip safety, and above the grip area are ambidextrous thumb safeties. The trigger guard is all metal, with squared-off texturing on its front and a matching pattern on the bottom that ties into the grip texture. The trigger pull is described as approximately 1.75 to 2.25 pounds, with a small amount of take-up, a very distinct wall, and a crisp break. The reset is short, soft, and predictable, allowing rapid, controlled follow-up shots and making it easy to send rounds downrange quickly and accurately.

Grip, Mag Release, and Flared Magwell

The grip features a traditional full-wrap stipple on the front and sides, providing consistent traction. On the back of the grip, the same squared-off texturing seen on the front of the trigger guard is used, creating a unified feel. The magazine release is relatively large and slightly extended, with light texturing that makes it easy to locate and actuate without being abrasive. At the bottom, Taran Tactical includes a generously flared magwell that guides magazines into place and simplifies reloads, even when not looking directly at the pistol. The magwell also carries Taran Tactical branding, reinforcing the custom nature of the build.

Box Contents and John Wick Accessories

The presentation box for this Pit Viper bundle is described as having two layers. The upper layer contains a replica of the Blood Oath marker from John Wick 2, a John Wick 2 bloody pencil prop, and two gold coins, all referencing the film series. The video notes that the pencil should be treated safely and not used inappropriately, underscoring that these are themed accessories. These items are positioned as part of a cohesive John Wick package that complements the pistol’s on-screen reputation. The lower layer of the box holds additional magazines, rounding out the contents included with this particular Pit Viper setup.

Magazines and Closing Thoughts

Beneath the accessory layer, the box includes three extra magazines, with a fourth magazine already inserted in the Pit Viper, for a total of four magazines. This provides ample capacity for extended range sessions. The video closes by reiterating the Pit Viper’s status as a highly recognizable Hollywood handgun and noting the appeal of the included accessories and magazines as part of the overall package. Viewers are invited to share any personal experiences with the Pit Viper and to mention favorite scenes from the John Wick movies in the comments. The presentation ends with a brief sign-off and no additional technical claims beyond what has been described.

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