Staccato P Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very accurate
- Great trigger
- Low recoil
- Proven reliability
Cons
- High MSRP
- Expensive magazines
The Bottom Line
This is a premium pistol for many reasons, and so is the price.
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Hammer-fired, semi-auto
- Capacity: 17+1
- Length: 8.1″
- Barrel Length: 4.4″
- Width: 1.5″
- Height: 5.9″
- Weight: 33 oz (steel) 28 oz. (aluminum)
- Comes with: Soft case, 2 17-round magazines, lock, manual
Features
- Tool-less guide rod
- Aggressive grip texture
- Optics ready
- Government length stroke
Recently, Staccato came out with a 2011 pistol called P.
While marketing included a mixture of approaches, it was clear the P was at least partially intended for law enforcement.
Staccato claims the P is approved for duty use by more than 1,500 law enforcement agencies.
I think we can agree, calling a weapon duty rated sets a high standard.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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How we Tested the Staccato P
Backed by over 22 years in law enforcement, the last seven of which I served as a POST-certified handgun instructor, I intended to test the P for myself and find out if it merited that ranking.
So read on as we walk you through the specs, talk about the features, and head out to the range with this gun to find out what it’s truly capable of.
Editor’s note: As of this update (5-22-24) I’ve got over 5,000 rounds through the Staccato P in multiple practice sessions and trainings. I’ve used a wide range of ammo brands and weights over that time.
Background
So, after 100 years added to a gun’s legacy, how did Staccato evolve the 1911? What are the main differences?
First off, the general aesthetic is still the same. Those familiar with the lines of the 1911 will recognize that DNA in the 2011.
It is still a hammer-fired, full-size, semi-auto with a grip safety and manual safety just like you’d find on a 1911, but the major differences will be described in ergonomics.
Who Is It For?
The Staccato P was designed in part to serve the demanding needs of law enforcement. However, that doesn’t exclude it from anyone else.
In fact, the very features that make it so qualified for that role also make it a worthy addition to anyone who wants to use one for defensive purposes. I say anyone, but there is a caveat: it’s a big gun.
The size of the P is such that it is not easy to conceal. In addition, the grip is thick enough that smaller hands may struggle to hang on and work the controls.
Ergonomics: Fit & Feel
The first big difference you notice is the grip. I’ve always appreciated the narrow but hefty feel of John Moses Browning’s 1911, but the grip on the Staccato is much thicker.
This accommodates the double-stacked, 9mm magazines. When you dig into the gun and take it apart, you notice some major differences.
The frame offers either a steel or aluminum build with a polymer exterior. This allows for increased capacity and helps mitigate some of the recoil.
Plus, the outer texture is some of the most aggressive I’ve used. It’s got a raised pattern like an all-terrain tire that really hooks up in your palms.
In addition, there’s no barrel bushing. Shooters compress the guide rod and spring until a clip sticks out. This catches on the end of the muzzle and locks the compressed spring in place for removal.
This is called the Dawson Precision tool-less guide rod and it is a much-appreciated improvement.
Controls
The external safety is ambidextrous, present on both sides and the magazine release is mounted on the left side. Sadly, it does not appear to be reversible for left-handed shooters.
With the large grip, even my 2X hands had to make adjustments. While I could reach the mag release, I couldn’t reach the slide stop lever (left side only) without adjusting my grip.
There are techniques that can be trained to work around most of these issues. Small-handed shooters might struggle with this gun a bit at first but I think the rewards would offset this.
The gently bowed, skeletonized trigger was placed at a great location. I was able to use the end of my finger to press it without straining my grip.
How Does the Staccato P Shoot?
There were a couple of questions I set out to answer with this test.
I wanted to see how the 2011 was improved for the average officer on the street and if Staccato was able to keep some of the qualities I loved about the 1911 while improving some of its shortcomings.
I carried a 1911 on duty which means I hold it in the highest regard. But it doesn’t mean the gun couldn’t stand some improvements.
9mm Ammo in Stock
I practically ran to the range when the Staccatos came in — that’s right, I said Staccatos.
They sent two Ps, an aluminum frame, and a steel frame. Before all was said and done, I tested both and developed some preferences.
Starting out though, I ran the aluminum frame with a Holosun 507c optic and the steel frame with the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro.
I’m a huge fan of both of these red dots. (Want more red dots? Check out our article on the Best Pistol Red Dots.)
After testing began, one thing became clear right out of the gate — I’m not used to external safeties anymore! It took some practice to implement that into my draw stroke again.
The P comes with a slide lock safety and a grip safety.
There’s a philosophy associated with these, particularly as it applies to law enforcement — they serve as the final layers of officer safety, should de-escalation and weapon retention tactics fail.
With a good grip established, I started banging away. Going back to a hammer-fired gun is like reuniting with an old, familiar, lover.
Gone was the achingly long, sometimes squishy, trigger pull so commonly associated with striker-fired guns.
Nope, this was sheer point and click joy with a short, crisp break and reset. Mine averaged just over 2.5 pounds on a Lyman Digital Gauge, though Staccato lists it as 4 pounds.
Looking back down Memory Lane, I used to love how well I grouped shots with my 1911. I attributed much of that performance to the trigger and it felt like the Staccato P would repeat that.
At 15 feet I fired off three shots for accuracy. The first and last went through the same hole but I threw the middle shot about an inch away.
Accuracy is strong with the P.
Another impression I had was loving the magazines and their added capacity. The P model comes standard with 2, 17-round magazines, though 20-round magazines are available.
This means shooters can walk around with 20+1 in their holster and another 34-40 rounds in mag pouches. That first magazine is often the most important, for obvious reasons.
Moving onto reliability, I fired right around 1,000 rounds through each gun using American Eagle and Blazer, both at 115 grains. I also ran some 124 grain SAR USA ammo through the guns.
With the exception of two stovepipes, the guns ran flawlessly. I was able to pin this down to one box of Blazer ammo and it did not happen again.
I ran different drills from my academy curriculum during testing and really began to appreciate this new breed of gun – an evolved fighting pistol with a pedigree.
As a more recent update, I calculate I’ve fired at least 5,000 rounds through the Staccato P between practice sessions and various trainings I’ve attended. The accuracy and reliability are tracking just like the initial review.
In short, both Staccatos were fantastic.
Why is the Staccato P Unique?
After a couple of years of testing I can easily say I shoot this gun the best out of most of the guns I either own, or test. That’s a lot of firearms.
When I’ve had other people shoot the P, they often remark that it is like a using a cheat code. The reliability is stellar, the accuracy is impressive, but the ability to control recoil impulse really makes this a gun you can shoot both quickly and accurately.
By the Numbers
Accuracy
5/5
These guns are at least as accurate as my 1911. The excellent trigger, combined with the red dots, (the fiber optic sights are nice too) really helps with getting on target. Add in the 4.4-inch bull barrel and you’ve got a solid package that will deliver laser-like fire if you do your part.
Reliability
4.5/5
I really believe the two stovepipes I experienced were ammo-induced because they didn’t happen again during the course of testing. Otherwise, the Ps were perfect.
Customization
4/5
There is growing supporting for the burgeoning 2011 market and the Staccato P is enjoying this with quite a few options for parts and personalization. Staccato even has a configurator to help you build yours.
Ergonomics
4/5
The grip is really big, even though I wear a 2X glove, I had to make adjustments. Smaller-handed shooters might struggle a bit. Overall, though, it's pretty comfortable.
Value
4/5
The Staccato P is expensive. The standard version is $2,099 while the optics ready version will set you back $2,399. Compared to a polymer, striker-fired gun, this might seem outrageous, but in the world of higher-end 1911s it’s entry-level to average.
Overall
4.3/5
This is an outstanding firearm. I feel like Staccato honored the past of the 1911 with due reverence while vastly modernizing the design to fit the challenging role officers face today.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Upgrades for Staccato P
Final Verdict
You might wonder how this information applies to the civilian customer, and to me that’s pretty simple.
Whether you love, hate, or feel indifferent about law enforcement, they can at a moment’s notice, be called upon to use a firearm to save their own life or that of someone else.
To me, this means the equipment they use must be of the highest quality — Staccato meets that standard.
Citizens wanting to harness the P for their own protection needs would be well advised to do so. The accuracy, reliability, and capacity are top-notch.
Admittedly, factors like the overall size and magwell would make it a little tough to conceal, but it could be done. I could easily envision the P serving in a dedicated home defender role too.
Also please note Staccato offers a discount on the P to active duty law enforcement, veterans and first responders through their Heroes Program.
Have you tried a 2011 pistol? Would you be willing to try one out? Let us know in the comments below and make sure to check out our review of Staccato’s XC and XL models too!
21 Leave a Reply
I purchased my Stacatto P the instant I felt it in my hand. I took it to SIG Sauer Academy and ran it through 5 of their classes. The instructors all asked to shoot it and were clearly impressed. For me, it upped my game, which after twenty plus years I thought would be difficult to do.
I am over the 5K mark with rounds out and besides holster ware, I have only had to change the mag springs (see Train Tactical for that). It is a truly outstanding build. I use it in all my instruction classes, as it makes putting holes in holes just way too easy. Yes, it is heavy. But with a Kore Belt and good suspenders (I have no waist), it sits very comfortably on my hip in its IWB C&G holster.
It's a shame really that my other 1911's have now be regulated to "Safe Queen" statis. They each are outstanding guns on their own. It's just that the Stacatto is that much better.
I had the good fortune of actually meeting the original owner of STI when he was just starting out. He has just landed the Scottsdale PD contract when I brought in a pair of ParaOrdance P-16 pistols for work. He was trying to get me to dump my P-16's for one of his custom build race guns. A mistake that I regret to this day for not taking him up on his offer. Weeks later, both P-16's suffered a frame separation from the recoil, something they later attribted to bad material forging that became common place). The Service switched over to Glocks and I never thought abiut STI again.
Today, I cannot imagine walking out my front door without th Stacatto P on my belt. I know that if I have to, this gun will do everything possible to make my shot as accurate as possible, as long as I do my due diligence. Bad guys beware.
I have one of the sti dvc-L in 40 s&w and going from low to mid range 1911s to that is night and day. If the P is anywhere closer to the dvc-L than the other 1911s I've shot/handled that's impressive indeed.
I purchased my Staccato P last year via the Hero's program. I thought I was going to take forever to get here and in two weeks I had my gun. First time out at my range and 17 rounds made one jagged hole at 10 yards. Add the optic and at 75 to 100 yards I was hitting and ipsc 66% steel target. I've carried a Glock 35 for 16 years at my previous agency. I've owned 1911 and carried them on duty. This platform blows them all away. Others say I'm crazy for carrying that expensive of a gun on duty, my response is its a tool, not a safe queen.
The STACCATO P sounds like a great pistol but as for me -and my limited income - I am satisfied with my Stainless Steel Duty TISAS .45acp .
But as the saying goes , " Isn't that what dreams are made for " !
I salute your position and aspirations!
All my favorite guns are single action with an exposed hammer and a outside safety. I love the trigger pull on a single action 1911 style gun. I carried a Colt Commander for forty years and lost it unfortunately.
I hear you James, I had to switch to a striker-fired weapon when my Kimber didn't like feeding the frangible ammo my indoor range required. It was nice going back.
I would love to try out one of these weapons. I am very fond of the 1911, ever sense being introduced to it while in the USMC. I have owned numerous examples in 45acp and 38super. I was never permitted to carry one as a Police Officer, but did as a EDC. Between the Corps, Law Enforcement, and high risk personal security, I have carried a weapon the majority of my adult life. I have always favored an autoloader, when given an option. I hold Instructors certification from the S&W Academy, and a FBI trained instructors course at Camp Perry.
JP,
Thank you for your service! I can't recommend the P enough, try one out when you get a chance but I must warn you--have your money ready. If you like the 1911, you'll love the 2011.
Pretty sweet tools and great thorough review...but unless that $2300+ package was issued, I'd take my RIA .45 TacUltra FSHC 14+1 for $700...super reliable, nice trigger and bright non-optic sights...and spend the 1600 saved on training ammo.
Thank you!
It certainly would be nice to have one issued to you, but it's good we have options if not. I can't agree more with the training comment though, that's foundational.
Excellent pistol, worth every penny. I was fortunate to have a client show up with 3 versions, base model, race gun and a intermediate. He was gracious enough to give me some trigger time. Follow up was like shooting a .22 ( with a .45). The perfect duty gun! Wish I’d had one in a past life!
Glad you got to try them Monte.
When I'm reviewing guns, I try to start from a neutral position and see which direction I go. I did the same with the P, though I was intrigued from the start. As I continued shooting them, I was more and more impressed.
I recently acquired a Staccato P And was very anxious to see what all the hype’s about. And man it did not disappoint. Doing the 222 drill I have never in my life felt closer to John Wick level shooting with any other pistol. But this came down to the big showdown as I have been a shadow to you for the past six years and although I carry glocks and my trusty P30…. Nothing hurricane close to the shadow two in terms of accuracy and performance that is until I ran it head to head against the sticatto P. It was faster lighter and more accurate than my all-time favorite pistol. The only problem is as great all around as this little bass performs I just can’t carry it as a duty gun for fear of some thing happening to it so I will continue to carry my P 30 in save the staccato for special occasions (kinda like my scar20). The problem is it does have a higher price point but with anything in life if you want ultra high performance you got a pay for it. And not to sound like a total douche bag I had a severe knee surgery go wrong at my local VA so I ended up selling my Subaru STR and went all Lynn and bought a used BMW M4 and I’ve never looked back I feel the same way about the stacatto. Granted I’m a disabled veteran and I definitely can’t do the things I used to do before the military chewed me up so I’m still an adrenaline junkie and addicted to speed so to me it’s worth the money. My point is if you ever get the chance instead of buying a couple Glocks or Sigg’s save your money and get a Sticatto. I promise you it’ll be the only pistol you ever want to shoot from now on because everything else is just “not quite”.
Hart, thanks for your service.
Yeah it's funny, but as a firearms instructor, I often saw issues generated from the longer trigger pulls often associated with striker-fired weapons. Granted, this can and should be trained through, but not having to in the first place is optimal in many instances.
Thank you sir. I agree the trigger pull is a little long but Upon doing some research they did that purposefully with this particular model as opposed to the old STI race guns. For me one of the best videos out there is Grand Thumb How to shoot faster with Mojo. His rhythmic trigger cadence approach has really helped me not just with speed but with accuracy and granted I’m still light-year slower than Mojo is And he’s using a stock Glock 17.
Training is everything! But admittedly, a good pistol goes a long way.
Not happening at that price…
Understandable, but shoot one if you get a chance.
I bought an XC in December, best pistol I've ever fired. Super flat and fast!!
If you can buy one do it if you get the opportunity to shoot one you'll end up buying one!!
I think next will be the P or C2
I'm going to have to check out an XC. Based on what I've heard, it is superlative!