The Genesis and Development of a Legend
To truly grasp the significance of the 1911 double stack, you must first understand its foundation: the original 1911. The genesis of the 1911 began long before its official adoption by the United States military. John Browning, a prolific firearms designer, was the driving force behind its creation. He sought to create a reliable and effective handgun to replace the less powerful revolvers then in service. His work culminated in a semi-automatic pistol chambered in the powerful .45 Automatic Colt Pistol (.45 ACP), a cartridge designed to offer superior stopping power.
The early designs of the 1900s, Colt semi-automatic pistols provided the groundwork for the 1911. The 1911 was a refinement, built upon the innovations of previous designs to create a reliable, user-friendly, and exceptionally accurate pistol. The military conducted rigorous testing, and the 1911, with its .45 ACP chambering, proved its mettle against contenders. The pistol was quickly adopted and was made the standard sidearm of the United States armed forces.
Key Design Elements of the Classic
The 1911’s popularity can be attributed to a design that emphasizes both function and ergonomics. The single-action mechanism, a core element of its operation, delivers a crisp, clean trigger pull, which is a hallmark of accuracy. The recoil-operated system, utilizing a short-recoil barrel, is robust and efficient. The 1911 is known for its reliability, especially when properly maintained.
The external features of the 1911 are equally iconic. The grip safety, designed to prevent accidental discharge, forces the shooter to properly grasp the weapon before firing. The thumb safety provides an added layer of security and allows the user to safely carry the pistol with the hammer cocked and ready to fire (Condition One). The slide release and magazine release buttons are strategically placed for efficient manipulation. The carefully designed ergonomics of the grip, coupled with a relatively low bore axis, contribute to excellent recoil control and rapid target acquisition. The inherent balance and feel of the 1911 make it a pleasure to shoot for many users.
The Original Limitations
Despite its many virtues, the original 1911 design had a significant constraint: magazine capacity. The standard single-stack magazine typically held seven or eight rounds of .45 ACP ammunition. In an era of rapidly evolving self-defense needs and competitive shooting, this relatively low capacity could be a disadvantage. While the .45 ACP round itself offers considerable stopping power, the limited number of rounds in the magazine meant more frequent reloads and more reloading during a defensive gun usage. The limited capacity pushed developers to explore ways to add capacity while maintaining the benefits of the platform.
Introducing the Expanded Capacity
The “double stack” is a modification that addresses the capacity limitation of the traditional 1911. The heart of the change lies in the magazine. Instead of a single-column arrangement of cartridges, a double-stack magazine staggers the rounds, allowing for a much higher round count within a similar grip length. This innovation transforms the 1911, making it a more viable choice for modern self-defense, competition, and even duty use.
The Engineering of Expanded Capacity
The most significant change in a double stack 1911 involves modifications to the frame. Because the double stack magazine is wider than the single stack, the frame must be widened accordingly to accommodate it. This can be achieved through various methods. Some manufacturers design entirely new frames, optimized for the double-stack magazine. Others use custom-built frames to achieve the wider profile. Frame materials such as steel, aluminum, and polymer are all options, each offering different characteristics in terms of weight, durability, and cost.
This alteration also impacts other elements of the design. The grip must be wider to house the magazine. This can affect the overall feel and ergonomics of the pistol. The trigger mechanism might be adjusted to accommodate the wider frame. Many manufacturers prioritize comfort, ensuring the ergonomics remain acceptable even with the wider grip.
Benefits of High Capacity in a 1911
The primary advantage of a 1911 double stack is the increased magazine capacity. The typical double stack .45 ACP 1911 can hold from ten to seventeen or more rounds, a substantial increase over the traditional single-stack version. This extended capacity has significant implications in various situations.
First, in self-defense scenarios, the increased capacity provides a tactical advantage. More rounds mean fewer reloads, and potentially more opportunities to engage a threat. Reloads can be a point of vulnerability, and every round adds to the shooter’s confidence. In competitive shooting, the higher round count reduces the frequency of reloads, potentially saving valuable time and improving scores.
Second, the double stack 1911 retains the advantages of the classic design. The crisp trigger, the accuracy, and the overall feel remain. The combination of high capacity and the inherent benefits of the 1911 design creates a powerful package. The best modern double stack 1911s offer a combination of classic feel, high capacity, and excellent performance.
Noteworthy Manufacturers and Their Offerings
Several manufacturers have embraced the double stack 1911, producing high-quality handguns for various purposes. These companies blend established reputations with cutting-edge technologies.
One such manufacturer is STI/Staccato. Staccato is renowned for its high-end 1911-style pistols designed for competition and self-defense. Their pistols often feature premium components, superb accuracy, and excellent ergonomics, catering to both competitive shooters and serious self-defense users. The Staccato line offers various models, from compact carry guns to full-size competition pistols. They are known for their attention to detail and exceptional performance.
Bul Armory produces high-performance 1911-style pistols, blending value with quality. Known for their competitive pricing, Bul Armory pistols often feature durable frames, quality barrels, and enhanced features. Their models offer an excellent balance of performance, durability, and value.
Dan Wesson is another well-respected manufacturer that often produces quality 1911s. They are known for meticulously crafted handguns with a focus on superior fit and finish, and often focus on classic styling. Dan Wesson often offers a range of sizes, calibers, and features.
Springfield Armory has a deep history in 1911 design, and their double stack offerings bring innovation and quality. Springfield’s focus on affordability and user-friendliness makes their guns a popular choice. Springfield offers a variety of features and configurations.
Each manufacturer offers distinct features and design philosophies, making the choice of a double stack 1911 a personal one. The key is to research the models offered and choose the one that best meets your individual needs and preferences.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Like any firearm platform, the 1911 double stack .45 has its advantages and disadvantages.
Positive Aspects
One of the biggest benefits is the increased magazine capacity. This translates to more rounds on tap, potentially enhancing the shooter’s advantage in any situation. The original 1911 is highly valued for its ergonomics. Many double-stack models retain or even enhance those ergonomics, featuring comfortable grip profiles and natural point-of-aim characteristics.
The 1911 platform also benefits from an extensive aftermarket. A wide range of parts, accessories, and customization options are available, allowing users to personalize their pistols to their specific preferences and shooting styles. The crisp trigger and inherent accuracy of the 1911 design remain.
Negative Aspects
The potential downside of a double stack 1911 is the wider grip. The wider grip can be a challenge for some users, especially those with smaller hands. Although manufacturers have improved grip designs over time, the wider grip can affect comfort and handling.
Because of their design, double-stack 1911s may require special holsters and accessories. Finding these items can be more challenging than finding accessories for more common firearms. Because the 1911 platform is a niche market, the cost of parts, gunsmithing, and ammunition can be higher than other platforms.
Finding the Right Choice
Choosing the right 1911 double stack .45 requires careful consideration of your needs and preferences. Determine the intended purpose of the handgun. Are you looking for a carry gun, a competition pistol, or a range toy?
Assess your hand size and grip preferences. Consider the frame material, whether steel, aluminum, or polymer, as each offers different advantages in terms of weight, durability, and cost.
Key considerations include the barrel length, sights, and finish. Do you prefer iron sights, optics, or other aiming systems?
Consider your budget. 1911s range widely in price, so it is important to set a realistic budget before starting your search. Read reviews, research different models, and handle as many pistols as possible before making your final decision.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Proper maintenance is essential to keep your 1911 double stack .45 functioning reliably.
Regular cleaning and lubrication are key. Disassemble the pistol according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Clean all parts thoroughly, removing any carbon buildup or debris. Lubricate moving parts with a high-quality gun oil.
Magazines also require regular maintenance. Inspect them for damage, such as dents, cracks, or worn feed lips. Clean the magazines regularly, ensuring that the followers move freely. Consider using magazine springs to keep them reliable.
Troubleshooting
Even with proper care, malfunctions can occur. Common issues include failures to feed, failures to extract, and stovepipes. Many problems can be resolved through simple troubleshooting.
Failure to feed can be caused by a dirty magazine, a worn magazine spring, or insufficient lubrication. Failure to extract can be the result of a dirty chamber, a weak extractor, or a worn ejector. Stovepipes are often the result of a weak extractor or a failure to fully cycle the slide.
Understanding the platform and common problems is essential to resolving the problems that come up.
Conclusion
The 1911 double stack .45 represents a compelling fusion of classic design and modern innovation. It retains the elegant lines, crisp trigger, and proven ergonomics of the original 1911 while addressing its primary limitation: magazine capacity. The increased round count, coupled with the 1911’s inherent strengths, makes it a viable choice for self-defense, competition, and recreational shooting. From seasoned shooters to those new to the platform, the 1911 double stack offers a blend of history, performance, and potential.
Consider this platform for your next handgun choice. The rich history and constant innovation make this a platform that’s sure to remain in demand for years to come.
Final Thoughts
The 1911 platform has remained a staple in the handgun world. The double stack provides a high-capacity option, combining the best of the classic with the advantages of the current needs of the firearms owner.
