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6 Best Double Stack 1911s [All Budgets]

Ever wished 1911s came with more rounds? Well, we have some recommendations for you with a list of double stack 1911s that will pump up your round count.

Run of the mill 1911s…I can’t say I love them.

I like them, but, let’s be real, they offer few advantages for the hefty weight and low capacity.

Three 1911s
Three 1911s

My little Sig Sauer P365 holds more rounds and is less than half the size. 

This conversation changes whenever someone brings up double stack 1911s, though. Now that is a gun I can get behind.

The single-action trigger combined with a butt-ton of ammo in an all-metal frame is a great idea to me. 

Staccato Double XC
Soo pretty

Double stack 1911s are a niche weapon compared to striker-fired plastic fantastics. Even compared to normal 1911s, they are rare.

However, we’ve gathered the best of the best in the double-stack 1911 realm. 

But before we dive into which models we think you should add to your wish list, we’ll talk about why you would even consider a double stack 1911.

So let’s get to it!

Table of Contents

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Why a Double Stack 1911

The biggest reason to get a double stack 1911 is because more bullets are better than fewer bullets, right?

Call it my machine gunner mentality, but I like having lots of rounds when the option is available to me. 

Popular 9mm Ammo
Popular 9mm Ammo

Double stack 1911s can hold anywhere from 13 to 21 rounds compared to your normal 1911s 7 to 10 rounds. That’s a Grand Canyon-sized difference in capacity. 

1911 Magazines Group Shot 2
So many mag changes, so few bullets!

Now, you can say, well, other guns do that! Glocks, FNs, Walthers, you know all those big brand companies that produce striker-fired, polymer-frame pistols. 

That’s true, but outside of CZ, who does it with a metal frame?

Metal frames mean more weight. More weight means less recoil.

The Glock 17 is the original double-stack 9mm from the Austrian manufacturer.
Plastic is great and all but it’s certainly not as solid feeling as a good ole metal gun.

1911s are well known for their outstanding ergonomics. Everything is placed in the right position for easy access. 

Let’s not forget that sweet single-action trigger system. The single-action 1911 trigger is hard to beat, and the short pull and short reset make it oh so nice. 

The wide grip may turn some off, especially if you are used to a classic 1911 grip or have small hands. To me, it’s just more 1911 to love.  

So now that I have you convinced you need one of these in your life, let’s talk about some of my favorite models.

Best Double Stack 1911s

1. Staccato P

STI was the company that really made double stacks a “thing.” STI recently rebranded to Staccato, but the company is still building fantastic guns.

The Staccato P makes the list as one of the most approved for duty use double stacks 1911s out there. 

Meet the Staccato P

The Staccato P series was adopted by the US Marshal’s Special Operation Group. The gun is approved for use by Las Vegas Metro, the Texas Rangers, and over 280 police agencies across the country. 

Adorned with a 4.4-inch barrel and full-sized frame, the Staccato P is exceptionally handy. The all-metal frame eats up 9mm recoil like it’s nothing.

Capacity wise the gun includes two 17-round magazines and one 20-round magazine

Staccato Wheel
Just a few of Staccato’s offerings!

Shooting a Staccato P is like shooting a dream.

It’s soft, easy to control, and the trigger is absolutely incredible.

It’s very easy to see why John Wick chose a Staccato for the third Wick flick. The Staccato P packs all the features of a 1911 you know and love with a Glock 17 capacity. 

John Wick's Staccato (STI) Combat Master 2011
John Wick’s Staccato (STI) Combat Master 2011

The Staccato P comes in both optics-ready models as well as standard iron sight options.

Staccato’s optics-ready models utilize a plate system to work with several popular mini red dot options, including Trijicon, Holosun, and Leupold.

Don’t forget the Picatinny rail for adding all the lights and lasers you love. 

A mix of classic 1911 design and ultra-modern features makes the Staccato P the gun to beat for duty and tactical roles. 

2099
at Staccato

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

Looking for the extreme competition Staccato guns? Look no further than the XC and XL versions.

Staccato XC XL
Staccato XC & XL

You won’t believe how little the slide moves up and down even in rapid fire and with factory ammo. Check out some slow motion here.

We have a full-on review and video of them in action.

Oh…but it’s going to cost you!

4299
at Staccato

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons
3399
at Staccato

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

Looking for their tinier versions made for carry…check out our full review of the C and C2 versions.

Staccato C and C2
Staccato C and C2

2. Rock Island Armory TAC Ultra Threaded 10mm

The MSRPs of the guns on this list are rather high — incredibly high, in fact.

They are priced high enough to drive many away from the concept.

Yet, Rock Island Armory is coming to save the day with their affordable line of double-stack 1911s in varying calibers. 

 Rock Island Armory TAC Ultra Threaded
Rock Island Armory TAC Ultra Threaded

The absolute sweetest variant is the TAC Ultra Threaded 10mm.

This slick-looking blaster features a full-length rail, a 5.5-inch fluted and threaded barrel, G-10 grips, and an aggressive style that is all its own. Plus, it comes in everyone’s favorite round, the 10mm

The 10mm is a potent cartridge with a lot of power behind it.

In the TAC Ultra Threaded double stack 1911, you get 16 rounds of 10mm per magazine.

Popping a can on is ultra simple with the threaded barrel, and 10mm subsonic rounds exist. 

Rock Island Armory TAC Ultra Threaded
Look at that sexy thing!

Alternatively, a compensator allows for more control over the mighty 10mm. Lots of powerful 10mm loads exist, and taming them is often challenging. A comp can help! 

The TAC Ultra threaded is built on a series 70 design for a crisp trigger pull and satisfying reset.

Additionally, the TAC Ultra threaded packs a low-profile adjustable rear sight and a high visibility front sight.

The TAC Ultra threaded 10mm is a hefty 2.7-pounds unloaded. As you’d expect, that weight helps keep the gun controllable. 

Rock Island Armory TAC Ultra Threaded
Not only is it thicc — it’s affordable!

The Rock Island Armory series presents an affordable option for those looking to dive feet first into double stack 1911s. 

If you want a modern but within reach design, the TAC Ultra Threaded 10mm is a great route to take. 

899
at Palmetto State Armory

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

Have you tried the Rock Island Armory TAC Ultra? If so, tell us how you liked it by giving it a rating below.

Readers' Ratings

5.00/5 (599)

Your Rating?

3. Nighthawk TRS Comp 

The Nighthawk TRS Comp was the first Nighthawk to work around a double stack frame.

Nighthawk tended to stick to traditional 1911s, but the TRS Comp was a welcome departure.

TRS stands for Tactical Ready Series, and predictably, Comp stands for compensator. 

Nighthawk TRS Comp
Nighthawk TRS Comp

The compensator is something special. It’s based on the Firehawk comp and integral to the frame and barrel.

Comps typically add some length to your gun, but this design keeps the length of a government slide with an integrated compensator. The compensator does not reciprocate with the slide. 

Since the front sight is attached to the compensator, it doesn’t move. Tracking the front sight of your gun has never been easier with this setup.

Nighthawk TRS Commander (left) and TRS Comp (right)
Nighthawk TRS Commander (left) and TRS Comp (right)

An 18K gold bead makes up the front sights, and it’s highly visible in near all lighting conditions. 

Plus, gold on a gun is always baller. 

I love gold

As a fan of the Firehawk, I’m an instant fan of the TRS Comp. The compensator design is truly brilliant and delivers an excellent degree of control.

Shooting it feels almost unnaturally easy, and the advantage is evident. 

A 9mm 1911 is already easy to control. Make it a wider, heavier-bodied design and add a comp, and you get a real kitten at the range.

The TRS Comp packs 17 rounds of 9mm, Heinie rear sights, a slab side design, and a unique dimpled grip system. 

Nighthawk’s slick TRS Comp is perfect for a wide variety of roles. Home defense, competition, or just showing off at the range. 

4599
at Primary Arms

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

4. Chambers Custom PHAT WMG R Model

Chambers Custom is likely the smallest shop on this list, but that’s far from a bad thing.

Small shops are often innovative shops, and the crew at Chambers Custom proves that with each design.

PHAT WMG is a mouthful and sounds like early 90s slang, but it’s an acronym. 

phat lil kim
No, no. Not like that.

PHAT WMG stands for Pretty Hot and Tempting Working Man’s Gun.

Joe Chambers builds these guns on his 2019 wide body frame. This frame design is one of the innovative features Chambers has developed. 

Chambers Custom PHAT WMG R Model
Chambers Custom PHAT WMG R Model

Chambers makes geometry changes to the classic 1911 double stack magazine frame.

I’m not gonna have you doing the math, but these geometry changes make for a longer-lasting gun that’s soft shooting and more reliable overall.

The PHAT WMG comes in either 9mm or .38 Super. 

Its R Model is optics-ready and features the sexy slab side design that I personally adore.

Chambers Custom PHAT WMG R Model
And the other side!

A rail allows for mounting lights, and a unique iron sight system co-witnesses with your optic of choice. Chambers Customs hand bevels the frame slide, and it presents a unique look you won’t see anywhere else. 

The PHAT WMG is a true custom gun outfitted with Chamber Custom parts almost exclusively. You get all the custom features you could desire.

Chambers Custom produces some outstanding 1911s, and the 2019 wide-body frame is tough to beat.

The end result is a superbly accurate, reliable, and easy shooting system for the most discerning of shooters. 

6250
at Chambers Custom Pistol

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

5. Wilson Combat eXperior Compact Double Stack

All the guns on this list have been full-sized models. So, let’s toss in a compact variant.

A Government sized 1911 is a hefty piece for concealed carry, but the Wilson Combat eXperior Compact Double Stack gives you a shorter and easier-to-carry option. 

Wilson Combat eXperior Compact Double Stack
Wilson Combat eXperior Compact Double Stack

The eXperior compact comes in both 9mm and .45 ACP options. I’m personally gonna roll with 9mm if I had to choose.

The compact version features a 4-inch barrel and an unloaded weight of 30.5-ounces. The eXperior system uses the EDC 9 magazine that Wilson developed for their modern carry pistol. 

You get 15 rounds of 9mm, and 18 round magazines are also available.

The eXperior compact is outfitted with a WC concealment hammer, carry cuts, and an accuracy guarantee of 1.5-inches at 25-yards. That’s quite the claim for such a little gun. 

Wilson Combat eXperior Compact Double Stack
A little bit of a different finish for that old-school feel.

Wilson Combat developed the TRAK texture and its lives on the eXperior compact as well. This sunburst-style grip gives you a nice tight grip that delivers a comfortable but aggressive grip texture. 

What you can’t see is the WAVE frame rail clearance cuts.

These Wilson Combat proprietary cuts are designed to add a boost to reliability. They hold lubrication and allow the weapon to function when it’s full of dirt, sand, and carbon. 

Wilson Combat eXperior Compact Double Stack Grip
Wilson Combat eXperior Compact Double Stack Grip

As far as carry guns go, this might be one of the more effective and efficient options for shooters in the double-stack 1911 realm.

Wilson Combat has proven to be winners in the 1911 realm, and the eXperior compact gives you double-stack capacity in a compact platform. 

2999
at GunPrime

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

6. Dan Wesson DWX 

Wildcards are most often my favorite gun to include on these lists, and this wildcard is one of my favorites of all time. 

The Dan Wesson DWX captured my heart and imagination from the moment I set eyes on it.

Dan Wesson is now owned by CZ (as I type this, CZ owns Colt now, too,) and this alliance allows for some neat products. 

Dan Wesson DWX
Dan Wesson DWX

The DWX is a combination of Dan Wesson’s innovative 1911 resigns outfitted to a CZ 75 frame.

Both guns are flagship firearms that are legendary in their own right. CZ and Dan Wesson’s DWX is not technically a 1911, but it’s technically not not a 1911. 

15- to 18-round magazines are standard in the CZ 75 realm, and the DWX makes use of this double-stack design.

As good as 1911 ergonomics are, the CZ 75’s are better. The DWX fits your hand like a well-worn glove. 

Firing the Dan Wesson DWX (Hunting Life)
Firing the Dan Wesson DWX (Hunting Life)

On the inside, the gun uses a locked-breech barrel instead of the 1911 link system — this design simplifies disassembly for maintenance purposes. 

The top of the gun is all 1911. A slab slide 1911 slide mates perfectly with the CZ 75 frame and allows for a railed option.

The gun comes as both a full-sized and compact model, with the full-sized using P09 magazines, and the compact opting for CZ 75 compact mags. 

In terms of action, it’s all 1911. 

Dan Wesson DWX
Ain’t she pretty?

1911s are known for their single action only design with crisp triggers and short resets, and that’s at play here as well.

Dan Wesson and CZ’s little baby is a helluva sweet shooter that makes use of the best parts of two legendary platforms. 

(Plus, unlike other double-stack 1911s, the mags are affordable.) 

1707
at Brownells

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

Conclusion

Double stack 1911s are interesting firearms and exist in a somewhat niche category.

For the longest time, they were relegated to competition guns and rarely saw action beyond that realm. Since then, the industry and has grown, and double-stack 1911s are seeing acceptance in all realms. 

Colt M1911 from 1917
We’ve come a long way from the M1911!

Shooters who like the 1911 for its awesome trigger and ergonomics will enjoy the slightly wider double stacks, and the extra capacity — bringing the 1911 into a more modern world. Although some may think changing John Browning’s design is sacrilege… 

However, I bet they have modern sights, serrations, and grips on their 1911s anyway. 

What say you? Are you a fan of double-stack 1911s? Let us know below. If these are too rich for your blood, check out the Best 1911 Pistols for the Money for some more affordable options!

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19 Leave a Reply

  • Commenter Avatar
    Saul Mosqueda

    Anything on the springfield 1911ds?

    January 31, 2023 10:44 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Hernan Freire

    IMBEL 9 GC MD1
    ESPECIFICAÇÕES

    Calibre: 9x19 mm

    Acabamento: Pintado, cor preta

    Comprimento: 219 mm

    Peso sem carregador: 1.120 g

    Funcionamento: semiautomático em ação simples

    Armação em aço carbono

    Ferrolho em aço carbono

    Cano do tipo leve e rampado com raiamento por forjamento a frio

    Comprimento do cano: 128 mm (5”)

    Raiamento: 6 raias sentido horário (6 H) com passo de 254 mm (10”)

    Carregador do tipo cofre metálico bifilar

    Capacidade do carregador: 17 cartuchos

    Quantidade de carregadores por arma: 3

    Opções: com ou sem sistema armador e desarmador do cão (ADC)

    October 15, 2022 5:28 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    BILL KING

    I HAVE A PARA 14 RD 1911 WITH A ED BROWN BARREL AND A 70 SERIES SLIDE.. ONE HELL OF A GUN !. I BEEN CARRYING 1911"s FOR OVER 40 YEARS. SHE RUNS DAMM GOOD.... THE TRIGGER AND RESET ARE AMAZING....OF COURSE I'M AN O.G..... AND I'M STUCK IN MY WAYS....I WANT TO THANK PEW PEW FOR ALL THE INFO THEY SHARE WITH ALL US GUN NUTS !

    August 2, 2022 6:29 am
    • Commenter Avatar
      William Fahey

      I have a 14-45 Limited in Stainless. I am having some serious feed issues with it, and was wondering if you have ever run into the issue yourself?

      August 9, 2022 10:19 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    Stonekhold

    This is 1 you should have mentioned ARMSCOR Rock Island Baby Rock 51577 BBR 3.10 45 ACP 3.10" 10+1, great 1911 dead accurate that I can carry anywhere with 11 rounds and less than 2 pounds. Not all have to be competition shooters to be worthy, when it's the Carry that's going to save your life.

    June 23, 2022 3:04 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    JP

    I have the RIA in 9mm, it's a great gun, but the biggest problem is that it only comes with one mag and getting more is damn near impossible. Nobody ever has them in stock, even getting after market ones that fit are a pain in the ass. they take mec-gar p18s but you have to swap out the base plate with either the proprietary Advanced Tactical that comes on the factory mag or Springer Precision base plates.

    December 28, 2021 7:13 am
    • Commenter Avatar
      Don

      Hey bud check out gunmagwarehouse dot c o m they may have what you're looking for and usually have a cheaper price on some mags, I got a few 10 rounders for my 45 single stack when nobody has then locally. Hope that helps bro

      January 23, 2022 9:53 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    Patrick Kelly

    Whatever happened to the Para 1445 light double action I had one but tough times came along and I had to sellit but it made me look good at the range.

    November 10, 2021 11:56 am
    • Commenter Avatar
      Clint F.

      Ahhh yes, loved my Para as well. They were bought out by Remington years ago, who continued a few of the designs until they basically went bankrupt and reverted to the single stacks only, which I think was a huge mistake. They said they were going to start making the high caps again, but I have yet to see one surface.

      December 5, 2021 9:03 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      Donnie

      Para ceased operation brother, it sucks ass because I had a Canadian made expert 1911 that I dropped 600 bucks into extra goodies into it like an Ambi safety because I'm a lefty, I had some truglo nite sights, and a custom set of laser etched witched grips dot com for it. I too had to sell mine when I broke my shoulder and was out of work for 6 months...I got a Ruger P85 and 600 cash. I paid 500 for it brand new... I still regret selling that gun to this day. They moved from Canada to the US and then we're bought up by Ruger or Remington I think and they ceased operation soon after... If you find one they'll be high but worth it.

      January 23, 2022 9:59 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    Enrique

    Left out the Kimber polymer, early ones and Israeli BUL frames and Kimber reliability, pre series II with no firing pin safety blocks.

    October 26, 2021 10:57 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Matthew D. Cole

    Also consider SPS, SV, and Para ordnance.

    August 23, 2021 9:47 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Akfire

    I own Staccato P, C2 duo, & XC. Also have the WC Xperior and EDC X9 double stack. All fantastic double stack 1911’s. My favorite though is Atlas Gun Works NYX v2. My dream EDC carry weapon. Its flatter shooting than the staccato XC Any freaking day of the week. Staccato XC is second best in personal opinion. The Atlas NYX V2 just checks all the boxes for me.

    August 23, 2021 1:12 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    CPO Walter R. Epperson

    I'd like a double stack 1911 but not at these prices. I'll do the mag changes.

    April 22, 2021 5:45 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    John Smith

    There are always "legacy" guns (nice way to say used) from Para-Ordnance available if one knows where to look. I still have a P10 sub-combat in my safe; It's the size of a sub Glock but weighs enough to shoot better. Full sized Paras were stuffed with 15 rounds of 45ACP.

    April 22, 2021 5:28 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    Fred Stephens

    I'm pretty sure that the Dan Wesson DWX has not gone into production yet.

    April 21, 2021 10:33 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    Jeff Thomas

    Nice article, but you missed discussing what's possibly the most accurate 2011 out there: The Atlas Gunworks Athena.

    April 21, 2021 8:21 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    kelly

    just read reviews of 50 caliber.. would buy me rifle before i dropped the amount on some of these pistols..

    April 21, 2021 4:49 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    Davin Valkri

    I must admit, "Working Man's Gun" would not be my first description for a gun that costs over six thousand US dollars.

    April 20, 2021 5:54 pm
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