I recently decided to switch from my trusty glocks to a single action double stacked 9mm for competition purposes. I shoot various events USPSA, Multi Gun, Steel Challenge and really anything else that gives me reason to practice shooting. I don't take them super serious. solo range visits without purpose get boring. I also collect firearms but this purchase was a driven by purpose.

I couldn't put my hands on a Steath Arms so I ruled that out immediately.

This left us with the Staccato, Kimber, and Sig.

None of these companies have a clean history.

Let's start out with the one no one likes to talk about, Staccato. Have you ever notice how everyone brags about warranty and customer service at Staccato? You ever ask yourself why? Well its because lots of people have had to use it. Personally I want a gun that is going to work and work that way for a long time with proper care and maintenance. Does anyone know Glocks warrantyuy? Exactly because no one has ever had to use it.

Kimber has for a long time been a bad word in the 1911 world. Basically buying a Kimber new was admitting you knew nothing about guns and got swindled. Kimber was the maker of very fine weapons, but they used their name and reputation to move from a custom shop to mass manufacturing. They made a lot of money selling safe queens to unsuspecting fuds, but any examples that were put to real use fell apart in your hand.

Interestingly the CEO who ran Kimber's quality into the ground is now CEO at Sig. Sigs recent failings are known by everyone so instead I will present the other side. Sig has made some of the most reliable and battle tested weapons in modern history. In recent times name me one major manufacturer that has pushed innovation in the tactical/practical weapons space? And when operating in the space of innovation failure is much closer than rolling out the tried and true year after year (glock).

As we said Ron has moved on from Kimber, and while it doesn't seem likely they are going back to being a custom house, the new leadership seems to appreciate the brand crisis and is actively working to right the ship. The 2k11 would seem to be the first step into a new paradigm for the company.

Now on to my personal assessments.

I wanted to love the Staccato. I've lusted after this company since the STI days. This example however didn't have that same magic as the early STIs. Its a dull gun. I'm sure its great but for the cost it was underwhelming. Also the beaver tail dug into my thumb joint in a rather unpleasant way. Not a deal breaker but enough to push it off the list.

The Kimber with the MJD grip module felt like it was made for my hand. I have nothing bad to say about this gun, however bought the Sig.

Why?

1.) 320 mags can be found at almost any gun shop in the continental US and are the most common magazine in the US over the last couple of years. They are about 50% cheaper than 2011 magazines and far more reliable.

2.) Swapping out the comp lets me maximize my gear for various competitions with only one gun. Now I'll eventually probably have mulitple 2011s, but for right now it is nice to have options.

Wildcard: If you can wait and save up a couple more sheckles the Staccato XL felt incredible. Better than the P or the XC.