The 1911 pistol was a staple in American law enforcement throughout much of the 20th century. However, by the early 2000s, the design had largely stagnated. Aside from adding a flashlight rail to the frame, not much was done to keep it competitive with the high-capacity 9mm pistols that were replacing it.
Then STI, a company known for making a high-capacity competition 1911 called the 2011, came under new ownership. The company changed its name to Staccato and shifted marketing efforts toward law enforcement. In less than a decade, they transformed this niche competition firearm into a leading choice for SWAT teams and patrol officers across the country.
Despite its success, the 2011 has its flaws. It requires frequent maintenance, magazines are expensive and its grip may be too large for some users. It also can pose a risk of discharge when dropped. Staccato recently introduced the Staccato HD P4, a duty gun designed to address these issues.
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Extractor upgrade and debris channels improve reliability
The HD P4 looks somewhat like the 2011, but similarities are few. The slide stop is now extended and fully bilateral, and the magazine release is reversible, making the pistol suitable for right- and left-handed shooters. The internal extractor (a known failure point in the 1911 design) has been replaced with an external extractor. The traditional internal design, which is essentially a flat spring with a hook on one end, can lose tension over time and lead to extraction failures. The external design uses a dedicated spring, which should enhance long-term reliability.
To reduce maintenance intervals, Staccato has sealed off the muzzle end of the slide between the barrel and recoil spring, and grooves have been machined inside the pistol to channel accumulated debris away from moving parts.
Trigger safety system passes drop test without sacrificing feel
To meet modern drop test standards, the HD uses a firing pin safety based on the Colt Series 80 system. This system blocks the firing pin until the trigger is pressed. Colt’s system has long been criticized for degrading trigger feel due to the extra parts involved. Staccato addresses this by using redesigned (and machined and polished) internal parts, yielding a trigger that is smooth and consistent through its movement.
Ergonomics improved by eliminating grip safety
The 1911 grip safety is now gone. This safety was designed to prevent trigger movement during drops or mishandling and has been controversial. Critics argue it can compromise reliability if the shooter establishes an improper grip. Pro or con arguments aside, removing it helps seal the rear of the grip from dirt and dust. Removing it also reduces grip circumference. The HD grip is still fairly large but should be comfortable for most users.
Glock magazine compatibility reduces cost and boosts capacity
Perhaps the HD’s most attention-grabbing feature is its magazine design. Instead of feeding from proprietary 2011 magazines, the HD uses common, inexpensive Glock 17-pattern magazines. Staccato ships the gun with steel mags instead of the usual plastic, but any plastic magazine should work, including extended “happy sticks.”
Being a modern duty pistol, the HD features a notched frame for attaching lights and a slide that is optics-ready. Optics using the Trijicon RMR or Leupold DPP footprint screw directly into the slide but require a spacer plate for proper support. The Aimpoint ACRO requires a dedicated adapter plate. Staccato offers plates, but they must be purchased separately. Other plates are available from Dawson Precision and Calculated Kinetics. Other makers no doubt have plates in development.
Staccato included many modern features into the HD, but it isn’t without its quirks. One notable issue is the exposed firing pin block plunger and spring beneath the optic cover plate. These small components can easily fall out during optic installation if not handled carefully. Improper reinstallation may result in bent or misaligned parts, potentially compromising the firing pin block’s function. While this may be manageable for individual users, department armorers outfitting a fleet of pistols could find it frustrating. Keeping spare plungers and springs on hand is highly recommended — especially for users of legacy RMR optics, which require removal from the slide to replace the battery.
Another curious design choice is the small spring on the left side of the frame that applies downward pressure on the slide stop. While it effectively prevents unintentional activation — a welcome feature — it can be dislodged during field stripping. Again, having a few spares is a wise precaution.
Staccato has already introduced a follow-up to the HD P4 called the HD P4.5. Other models, including a compensated version and a compact version that uses Glock 19-pattern mags, will very likely follow. The HD represents a new chapter for Staccato as its purpose-built duty pistol. If it performs as expected, the HD has the potential to completely replace the 2011 and set a new standard for high-performance law enforcement handguns.
Staccato HD P4 specifications
- MSRP: $2,499.00 (base model)
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Finish: Black DLC
- Barrel: 4.0” stainless steel, 1:16 twist (also available with black DLC coating)
- Slide: Optics ready via HOST mounting system
- Frame: Billet 4140 steel
- Grip: Polymer
- Length: 7.6”
- Height: 5.5”
- Weight: 32 ounces
- Magazine: 18-round capacity, produced by MEC-GAR of Italy
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