Why so long to get on the 2011 train

Published on March 17, 2025
Duration: 3:20

Ben Stoeger explains his delayed adoption of 2011-platform handguns in USPSA competition. Historically, early 2011 magazines were unreliable, and popular calibers like 38 Super Comp and 40 S&W Limited led to frequent malfunctions. The shift towards 9mm Major and improved magazine reliability, particularly with Staccato's marketing to law enforcement, made the platform more viable. Stoeger now uses 2011s due to market trends and audience demand, acknowledging the platform's evolution.

Quick Summary

Ben Stoeger's delay in adopting 2011s for USPSA stemmed from historical issues with magazine reliability and the prevalence of less dependable calibers like 38 Super Comp and 40 S&W. The platform's evolution, particularly Staccato's improvements in magazine design and effective 9mm integration, made it a viable option.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: The 2011 Question
  2. 00:25Early USPSA & 2011s: Reliability Issues
  3. 00:40Magazine Problems in Early 2011s
  4. 00:50Dominant Calibers: 38 Super Comp & 40 Limited
  5. 01:18Production Division vs. 2011s
  6. 01:41Ownership Experience: Breakdowns & Frustration
  7. 02:04The Evolution of the 2011 Platform
  8. 02:07Staccato's Impact: Marketing & Reliability
  9. 02:26Staccato's Key Improvements: Magazines & 9mm
  10. 02:34Shift to 9mm for 2011s
  11. 02:48The Modern 2011 Landscape
  12. 02:58Atlas Pistols & Audience Demand
  13. 03:13Conclusion: What the People Want

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did it take Ben Stoeger so long to start using 2011-style handguns for competition?

Ben Stoeger explains that early 2011 magazines were unreliable, often failing when dropped. Additionally, popular calibers like 38 Super Comp and 40 S&W Limited led to frequent malfunctions. The platform's reliability significantly improved with companies like Staccato addressing these issues, particularly with 9mm ammunition.

What were the main issues with early 2011 magazines in USPSA?

Early 2011 magazines used in USPSA were not as robust as modern ones. They were prone to falling apart when dropped on the ground, requiring shooters to constantly disassemble and clean them during matches, which significantly impacted performance and reliability.

How did Staccato influence the 2011 platform's popularity?

Staccato played a crucial role by marketing 2011s to law enforcement and, more importantly, fixing the magazine reliability issues. They made 9mm ammunition function effectively in the 2011 platform, making it more accessible and appealing to a wider range of shooters and competitors.

What calibers were popular in USPSA for 2011s before the 9mm era?

Before the widespread adoption of 9mm in the 2011 platform, USPSA competitors primarily used 38 Super Comp in open guns or 40 caliber in limited divisions. 9mm Major was not considered as effective or reliable during that earlier period.

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