Tag Archives: 9mm

The 2011 Bargain Bag: The Best 2011 Pistols Under $2000

August 13, 2026blog, pistols1911, 2011, 9mm, bersa, cx, double stack, DS, m2xi, mac9 DS, p211 GTO, prodigy, sig sauer, staccato, tisas, XCcoldboremiracle

Buying a 2011?

There are unprecedented options for American handgun enthusiasts these days, and one of the more popular genres is the 2011 pistol market. 2011 is actually a trademarked name owned by Staccato who played no small part in making the double stack 1911 design. But like Jet-Skis and Kleenex, the name 2011 has become a universal label for the product and others like it.

Getting into a 2011 pistol can be expensive, especially if it’s an actual 2011. But today I wanted to share with you a few of my preferred and procured 2011 options that I can strongly recommend. I’ve had a few of them now, and thought I would share some insight on what you might choose if you are debating the options.

Made in America

It may seem like heresy to many 1911 fans out there, just putting a 9mm barrel into John M. Browning’s masterpiece. Not unlike putting a Toyota dual overhead cam inline-turbo-six into a 69 Camaro. But lets get right past the nonsense, and get into the guns.

You’ll find a bunch of great 2011 options made in America, but not many of them are going to come in under the $2000 mark. Many of them are well over that price-point, but there are reasons for it. I have a Staccato XC that I will often compare these other 2011 pistols to, but it is nowhere near the same price. If you are curious about the Staccato you can read my review of it here.

There are a couple options like the Kimber 2k11 series of pistols, as well as the Sig Sauer P211 GTO that I intend to review individually here soon. Though they are a bit over our $2,000 price point as well. The intro-level Platypus pistol from Stealth Arms would fall into our sub $2000 price range, and I fully intend on getting hands on one of those as well.

sig sauer, p211, gto, combat, 9mm, surefire, x300, fde, — the Sig Sauer P211 GTO Combat

The Springfield Armory DS Prodigy

The SA Prodigy comes from a big name manufacturer, and has all the features 2011 fans are after. And it comes in well under the $2000 mark at around $1600. The Prodigy uses the polymer grip frame mated to a steel frame, this is pretty common among 2011’s. It has ambidextrous safety levers, and feeds beautifully from its 17 or 20-round magazines.

Springfield Armory, prodigy, DS prodigy, 2011, 9mm, steiner, mps, red dot, surefire, x300, vampire, flying brass,

In my experience with the Prodigy, it is a smooth, well-built pistol. Its five-inch heavy match grade barrel is cut for a compensator that vents upward through the top of the slide. This helps keep it on target between shots. It also has a full length dust cover, which incorporated a picatinny accessory rail. It uses a two-piece guide rod assembled with an Allen wrench.

Springfield Armory, prodigy, DS prodigy, 2011, 9mm, steiner, mps, red dot, surefire, x300, vampire, safariland, holster, gun belt, drawing 2011 pistol from a gun belt holster, — the Prodigy fits perfectly into my 2011 holsters from Safariland, seen here also with a **Steiner MPS red dot** and the **Surefire X300V-B Vampire**

The Prodigy is a great balance of performance and value. It feels great and shoots just as well. With its slide cut for optics, it is ready to accessorize using the SA AOS plates and hit the range hard. If you’d like to see my in depth review of the Prodigy, you can read it here. This one has had zero updates from the factory, and is still going strong after the first thousand rounds.

Bersa M2Xi

You might not think of Bersa when you think of domestic manufactured 2011 pistols. But since opening their Georgia plant, Bersa has been making many new things. The Bersa M2Xi is a 5-inch ultra-match heavy-barreled 2011, with a 416 stainless frame and slide. It has a smooth glide on the frame that feels amazing. The Bersa is operated by a spring over a two-piece guide rod.

Its deep slide cuts give great purchase, and its controls are crisp and clean. The M2Xi uses a Holosun K optics footprint as well as some serrated iron sights. The flat trigger breaks nicely at just under 3 lbs, and it comes with an extended slide release that I really like.

It comes with 18-round Mec-Gar magazines that are seated neatly with the flared mawell. And as the only 2011 listed here today without a compensator it still shoots very nice, though it could shoot flatter with one. With its MSRP of $1479, the M2Xi sits neatly in the middle of our pistol lineup today. You can read my complete review of the Bersa M2Xi here.

Bersa, M2xi, 9mm, pistol, 2011, 1911, Bersa USA, holosun SCS carry, red dot, surefire X300, the completely disassembled Bersa m2xi laid out on cleaning bench,

Imported 2011’s

Many of the options for 2011 pistols getting closer to the $1000 mark are going to be imported. Not surprisingly they come from Turkey. There are many models from the Tisas brand that look nice, the Duty 9 DS Comp model very closely mimics the Prodigy’s design, and comes in a good $500 cheaper.

the Tisas Duty 9 DS Comp is very affordable, though I’ve yet to shoot it

The Military Armament Corp MAC 9 is another pistol, nearly identical to the Tisas that appears to come out of the same factory. For not even $100 more. Both of them seem to enjoy some pretty positive following from American shooting enthusiasts. I am still trying to get my hands on both of those to see how they stack up to what I know.

the **Military Armament Corp MAC 9 DS** is another cost effective option

Girsan 2311 Match X

Imported by EAA, the Girsan Match X incorporates an island compensator to its 5-inch barrel. Set on its two-tone black and tungsten frame the Match X looks fantastic. And it shoots very nicely as well with its flared magwell and fiber optic sight. An MSRP of $1199 makes it very appealing.

the Match X seen with a **Holosun 407** and **Streamlight TLR-1**

It too has a full length dust cover with a pic rail for accessories, and its polymer/steel frame carries its 17 or 20-round magazines. The Girsan is also optics ready, using an RMSC footprint. Its slide is returned using a spring over a single piece guide-rod.

Having shot this pistol, I was quite impressed with its price. It handles just as good as all the others, and it shoots accurately and reliably. This one already has over 1,000 trouble-free rounds through it.

Girsan 2311 CMXX

The CMXX from Girsan appears to be the smaller sibling of the Match X. This one uses a Commander length 4.25 -inch compensated barrel, an island compensator like the Match X. It is all black however, and looks like a shorter clone of my Staccato XC. It also is very comparable to the MAC 9 DS, as they both share the 4.25 barrel and comp design.

the CMXX is seen here with a **Vortex Defender red dot** and the **Nightstick TWM-30 weapon light**

Like the Match X, the CMXX has a great trigger to match its heavy barrel. Again a single-piece guide-rod operates the pistols action, feeding from the same 17-20-round magazines as the Match X. The big difference between the CMXX and all the others I mention here today is that it doesn’t use a grip safety. Instead they went with a firing pin block like you’d find on striker pistols. Not gonna lie, I kind of like it better.

Girsan, witness 2311, 9mm, eaa, 2011, vortex, vortex optics, defender CCW, enclosed, red dot,

The CMXX is optics cut for RMSc optics, and its flared magwell and full-length picatinny rail makes it easy to mount your favorite light. This little pistol shoots fantastic and very flat, making it an easy choice to buy at $1149 MSRP. You can read my in-depth review of the CMXX here. Sharing the same internal extractor as the rest of these models, it has yet to malfunction on me.

My Opinion

If you are a die-hard America only kind of guy, then you’d have to choose the SA Prodigy I guess. It brings great value from a big name domestic manufacturer, and with it comes great performance.

Springfield Armory, prodigy, DS prodigy, 2011, 9mm, steiner, mps, red dot, surefire, x300, vampire, reload, magazine,

The Bersa while a little less-known brand, might even bring a better performance for the price. Its just as smooth and refined as the Prodigy, and might even be a little better. As is the trigger, and this for almost $200 less.

I LOVE how smooth the Bersa is compared to the others I’ve shot

Out of the two Girsan models, I prefer the CMXX. I love it so much I would probably even pick it over the Bersa despite it not feeling quite as nice as the Bersa. Now, if the Bersa had an island compensator on a Commander barrel length that would change everything…

the CMXX might be my favorite due to size and performance.

I you are absolutely tapped out on funds, then I expect the MAC and Tisas are probably your choices. Or some of a few others that are similar.

I can happily recommend the pistols I’ve shown here, and if you are interested in them I would recommend reading my in depth reviews of them to get a better perspective on them. One thing is for sure, you will like shooting 2011 pistols. And it may be the beginning of an addiction you wont be able to kick.

-CBM

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Double Stack Powerhouse: The Springfield Armory DS Prodigy 9mm

August 6, 2026pistols, Product review1911, 2011, 9mm, double-stack, ds prodigy, prodigy, springfield armorycoldboremiracle

Preface

I guess you could say that the Springfield Prodigy is the first 2011 to catch my eye. Several friends had mentioned the double-stack 9mm pistol in conversations, and it wasn’t long until I put hands on one myself. Now years later, after several 2011’s of my own, I am back to the beginning to revisit the Prodigy. The specific model we are looking at today is the five-inch comped Springfield Armory DS Prodigy . Springfield has long made various 1911 pistols in a wide variety of models in the traditional .45ACP, 10mm and 9mm. Forgive me if I misuse 1911 versus 2011 throughout, but for basic understanding I use 2011 to describe double-stack 9mm versions. And 1911 to describe the traditional single stack design usually in .45acp. Lets take a closer look into out subject.

The DS Prodigy

With a rich history of 1911 pistols, Springfield Armory (SA) sat poised to create a fantastic entry into the double-stack 9mm market. Like most 2011 pistols, the Prodigy uses a polymer grip attached to a steel frame. A full-length dust cover also has a five-slot picatinny accessory rail for mounting weapon lights. The polymer grip module houses the double-stack magazines that hold 17-rounds or more. For 1911 traditionalists, it may seem like heresy to put a 9mm in the 1911 platform. But for those who simply love pistols it makes perfect sense. Imagine how many more world wars the 1911 could win with twice the ammo in it?

Springfield Armory, prodigy, DS prodigy, 2011, 9mm, steiner, mps, red dot, surefire, x300, vampire,

In the slide of the Prodigy, you will find a heavy match-grade bull barrel. Married perfectly to the steel slide with a fit that 1911’s are famous for. Both barrel and slide are cut for a compensator at the twelve o’clock position to keep muzzle rise to a minimum. And the slide exterior features textured cuts both front and rear, as well as SA’s AOS optics system cut for red dots. And an internal 70-series extractor is used to pull spent cases from the Prodigy’s fully supported chamber.

The model we are testing today features an added magazine flare, as well as the Steiner MPS red dot sight.

Springfield Armory, prodigy, DS prodigy, 2011, 9mm, steiner, mps, red dot, surefire, x300, vampire, disassembly, guide rod, two-piece guide rod, — the two-piece guide rod requires and allen wrench to undo from the front

Specifications


Manufacturer	Springfield Armory
Model	1911 DS Prodigy
Action	Single-action, semi-automatic
Caliber	9mm Luger
Barrel Length	5 inches
Barrel Type	Forged stainless steel, match grade, ramped
Barrel Twist	1:16″
Overall Length	8.5 inches
Overall Height	5.5 inches
Width	1.4 inches
Weight	38 oz. (empty magazine)
Frame	Forged carbon steel
Slide	Forged carbon steel
Grip Module	Polymer
Finish	Black Cerakote
Capacity	17+1 / 20+1
Magazine Options	17-, 20- and 26-round magazines available
Front Sight	Fiber-optic
Rear Sight	U-notch, black serrated
Optics Ready	Yes — Agency Optic System (AOS)
Accessory Rail	5-slot Picatinny rail
Trigger	Approximately 4–5 lb.
Recoil System	Two-piece full-length guide rod
Grip Safety	Beavertail
Manual Safety	Ambidextrous
MSRP	$1632

Shooting the Prodigy DS

Over the course of several range trips, we evaluated the Prodigy, shooting it alongside other 2011 pistols as well. This gave additional insight to the performance of the Prodigy.

Shootability

As a bit of a 2011 enthusiast, the Prodigy feels like home to me. Every control is exactly where I want it, and it feels fantastic. The pistol points perfectly and feels great under recoil. One of the reasons this gun is so popular is because of its flat shooting performance. It has less muzzle rise keeping it on target for the next shot.

The trigger break and reset are great, I would say not quite as good as my Staccato, but for the price it sure as hell should be better. Bigger pistols like this shoot like a dream, their heavier weight helps buffer recoil making them very pleasant to shoot.

The added flared magwell is a must have in my opinion. It makes reloads butter smooth and doesn’t affect my grip on the pistol either. The magazine release is in the perfect location, never getting hit without purpose.

Accuracy

Using a heavy match-grade bull barrel is a luxury that 2011’s can often do. And the Prodigy pulls it off perfectly. And it shows with its great accuracy. During testing I shot a variety of 115 grain ammunition types from PMC and Federal. All of them functioned well, and typical groups from 7-10 yards would average around 1-2 inches.

Reliability

2011 magazines have much to do with the pistol’s incredibly smooth operation. You can take a fully loaded 20-round magazine and by simply sliding the palm of your hand across the exposed cartridges they will slide out neatly and all over the place.

This coupled with the low friction linear movement of the slide makes this pistol feed and cycle like a dream. You can slowly pull the slide back, and gently forward and the pistol neatly loads cartridges. The same action with a typical pistol would result in a jam of sorts, as they prefer to be fast and violent in their slamming action.

I have heard many stories from the internet, as well as friends in the industry about Prodigy pistols having issues. I’ve also heard that SA repaired them making any corrections necessary for proper function. This pistol hasn’t needed any updates or alterations, and after a thousand rounds it continues to churn along like it should.

Springfield Armory, prodigy, DS prodigy, 2011, 9mm, steiner, mps, red dot, surefire, x300, vampire, recoil, recoiling,

Ergonomics

!911/2011 ergonomics are fairly similar across the market. I expect the reason is that a pistol thats been in use for over a hundred years should basically be perfected at this point. The only gripe I have in this department is the slide release is just out of reach. Requiring a break of the firing grip. One must simply learn to handle these pistols, as its not hard to perform a reload well even with breaking the grip. Also, other 2011 pistols have extended slide releases that eliminate this issue. I also like that option.

The grip texture gives excellent control of the Prodigy, and the ambidextrous safety is easily operated with the thumb. A perfectly crisp snap is felt and heard when the safety is applied or removed.

Value

One could spend ridiculous amounts of money on 2011 pistols, there is even an entire sub-industry for high end 2011 pistols. With that said, the Prodigy is perhaps the best priced 2011 pistol from a big name manufacturer. I have others that cost a hundred or two less, but they are from manufacturers of another tier.

I think the Prodigy is an excellent value in that aspect. With a street price under $1500 it is hard to beat the Prodigy’s credentials. You can certainly get better pistols, but you will pay significantly more money for them.

Pros and Cons

Smooth Shooter	Requires AOS plate for optics mounting
Flat shooting with compensator
Optics ready
Accurate shooting
Great trigger
Affordable compared to others

Final Opinion

As the field of 2011 pistols gets deeper and deeper, some folks like the security that comes from a well known brand. Springfield Armory has been building 1911’s for a long time, and they’ve been around for even longer. The fact that the DS Prodigy is one of the more affordable 2011 style pistols, makes it that much more appealing. Based on my experience with this pistol, I can strongly recommend it to those looking for a double stack 9mm 1911. It offers a great value among the many different 2011’s on the market.

-CBM

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CCW Prospect: Sig Sauer P365 XMacro Comp

July 27, 2026pistols, Product review9mm, carry, compact, concealed carry, P365, p365x, p365x-macro, sig sauer, x-carrycoldboremiracle

Introduction

Big manufacturers like Sig Sauer offer a great variety of products, sometimes they knock it out of the park, and sometimes they don’t. But today we are taking a look at one of their popular and successful designs. The Sig P365 came out some years ago, with a new perspective on compact pistols. Since its release the P365 family has grown into more like an ant colony of models filled with different sizes, feature sets and so many variants it can be hard to keep up. Todays topic is the Sig Sauer P365 XMacro Comp, an integrally compensated version of the polymer framed pistol. With any luck, I hope to extol the benefits of this pistol to help those curious about it.

sig sauer, sig p365, p365, xmacro, comp, compensator, compact, ccw, 9mm, holosun, 407k, streamlight TLr7, case, carry case, unboxing,

The P365

As I mentioned, there are far too many models for me to discuss here. But its also a topic worth going a little deeper into the colony to show a little daylight. There are different sized models, different calibers, state compliant models and more. I’ve put together some of the basic variations here, just to give you an idea. In case the model I am showing you today isn’t exactly what you are looking for.

Model	Barrel	Grip	Capacity	Notes
P365	3.1″	Short	10+1	Original micro-compact
P365-380	3.1″	Short	10+1	.380 ACP version
P365 SAS	3.1″	Short	10+1	Flush sights, anti-snag design
P365X	3.1″	XL grip	12+1	Short slide, longer grip
P365XL	3.7″	XL grip	12+1	Longer slide and barrel
P365 XL Spectre Comp	3.1″ compensated	XL grip	12+1	Integrated compensator
P365 Spectre Comp	3.1″ compensated	Macro grip	17+1	Premium Spectre series
P365 XMacro	3.1″ comp / 3.7″	Macro grip	17+1	Full-size grip, slim frame
P365 AXG Legion	3.1″ compensated	Aluminum AXG	17+1	Metal-frame premium model
P365 Fuse	4.3″	Macro grip	21+1	Largest P365 variant
P365 ROSE	Various	Various	Varies	Lena Miculek collaboration
P365 Luxe 380	3.1″ comp	AXG	10+1	Premium .380 model
P365 DH3	3.7″	Macro	17+1	Daniel Horner competition-inspired model

The P365 XMacro

Among the P365’s, the XMacro models bring more a full-size feature set to a very small handgun. Despite its narrow frame, the magazines carry 17-rounds. Which is pretty impressive for such a small gun. As a Sig-o-phile, I have long carried pistols from the manufacturer. And the P239 that I carried for nearly two decades is a little bigger and only holds 8-rounds.

LEFT: different backstrap options RIGHT: the integral compensator built into the slide

And if that wasn’t enough, the XMacro also incorporates an interchangeable backstrap system to help customize the grip to the shooter. The overall grip is surprisingly spacious and at the same time feels pretty petite.

sig sauer, sig p365, p365, xmacro, comp, compensator, compact, ccw, 9mm, holosun, 407k, streamlight TLr7, — the compensator keeps the pistol from climbing under recoil

Up top, the slide of the XMacro Comp model is optics cut to install a red dot. Fitting the RMSc footprint gives you a variety of optical sight options to install on the pistol. And at the front of the slide you will find the integral compensator. By directing muzzle blast pressure upwards, the muzzle rise is neutralized keeping the gun closer to on target for the next shot.

An accessory pic rail is located under the front of the slide, for adding a weapon light. This is a great thing to have for a CCW pistol which the P365 is meant for. And of course, like another popular Sig pistol we hear a lot about these days, the P365 has an interchangeable grip frame. The serialized part of the pistol is a removable trigger/sear pack that you can swap among a great variety of factory and aftermarket options. These are available in an impressive variety of patterns, colors, and even materials.

Specifications

Specification	P365 XMacro Comp
Caliber	9×19mm
Action	Striker-fired, short recoil
Barrel Length	3.1 in (79 mm)
Overall Length	6.6 in (168 mm)
Overall Height	5.2 in (132 mm)
Overall Width	1.1 in (28 mm)
Weight (with magazine)	21.5 oz (610 g)
Sight Radius	5.1 in
Magazine Capacity	17+1
Frame Material	Polymer XMacro grip module
Slide Material	Stainless steel, Nitron finish
Barrel Material	Carbon steel
Trigger	Flat-faced XSeries trigger
Sights	XRAY3 day/night sights
Optics Ready	Yes (RMSc / ROMEOZero footprint)
Accessory Rail	Standard 1913 Picatinny
Backstraps	Small, Medium, Large (interchangeable)
Manual Safety	Available on select models
Included Magazines	Two 17-round steel magazines

17-round magazines are impressive for this size pisol

With the basics covered, I figured it was time to outfit this pistol and get it on the range. I’m a big fan of red dots on pistols, so the P365 would get a Holosun 407. And because why not, I installed a Streamlight TLR7 weapon light. The two factory 17-round magazines would do just fine for my purposes, so I grabbed some ammunition to fill them up.

Shooting the P365 XMacro

Shooting the P365 was done during various trips to the range, both indoor and outdoor. We would shoot a variety of ammunition from Federal Champion, PMC, Remington, Winchester and Magtech. Mostly 115 grain ammunition was used but we did fire some 147 grain ammo as well. All shooting was done in the configuration seen, with the Holosun red dot and the Streamlight in place. This was done because that is how I would carry it and wanted to shoot it the same way.

here you can see the effect of the compensator, pushing down on the muzzle

Shootability

The thin grip of the P365 is easy to grab as well as tuck into clothing. It almost feels too small to me, perhaps I’m just used to gripping thicker frames. But this would be great for someone who has smaller hands, allowing a better purchase on the gun.

Trigger pull on this pistol is just what you’d want for a CCW pistol. Its neither light nor particularly short. But it feels pretty clean, with a defined reset and predictable break. We had not trouble keeping shots on target at 7 and 12 yards.

With the comped barrel, the XMacro was pretty good at staying on target. Small pistols like this in 9mm tend to be a little spicier when recoiling, the integral compensator does a good job at combatting that tendency.

Ergonomics

I mentioned the grip being almost too small for my taste, but you can adjust the grip changing out the different backstraps on the grip module. This allows you to customize the feel of the grip to your taste.

Sig’s P365 feels good in the hand, and even though I feel like this gun is a little small for my personal taste it is perfectly functional for me. There is adequate room for both hands to engage and operate the controls of the gun. And the different grip frames you can interchange increase your ability to fit.

Reaching all the controls was easy, and they are very serviceable. I was concerned the slide release might be a bit tough, but it was fine. The mag release is clean, dropping the magazine free with little effort.

Accuracy

I mentioned we had not trouble keeping on target at typical CCW defense distances. At 10 yards I found I could keep groups under a couple inches. This is of course under controlled conditions, and I would expect under a stressful situation that would open up.

a typical group from 10-yards

But for general CCW purposes I think the XMacro is perfectly adequate in the accuracy department. Hopefully I never have to find out.

Reliability

We experienced no malfunctions while shooting the P365. Feeding and ejecting rounds went perfectly. I did notice one thing that was slightly irritating though, with the magazine loaded to the full 17-rounds, it sometimes was a challenge to seat in the pistol. It only slightly concerns me as the resistance isn’t something I’d want to deal with in a stressful shooting scenario. But certainly worth noting, perhaps I’d just load 16 for carry. Which is still ahead of many other CCW pistols.

control surfaces were great for operating the pistol

Value

I see P365 pistols all over for as little as $499, which is pretty reasonable. The XMacro models on the other hand are going to cost a bit more. Prices between seven and eight-hundred dollars for the model we tested today are more likely what you’d pay. That isn’t unreasonable in my opinion. The added ammo capacity of the P365 is great, but incorporating the compensator is another increase in both value and performance. So if you can get into a P365 XMacro for $800 or less I think you are doing well.

the Sig P365 chewed through everything we fed it

Pros and Cons

As my gun collection increases with age, I find a tendency to have a firearm for every life situation I might encounter. And the P365 seems like one I would want to carry for a situation where needing it is likely.

It shoots well, and allows me to get hits on targets without much effort. It has the accessory options that I look for in a handgun and the capacity to give you a good chance in a defensive scenario. Its customizable will being still pretty uniform as handguns go. And unlike its P320 sibling, the P365 has a pretty good record of service. There isn’t much to say against the pistol, other than the small gripes I mentioned above.

Conclusion

The Sig Sauer P365 XMacro has spread like wildfire, and not just because of Sig’s massive marketing campaigns. People really seem to like the gun, and the way they can customize it to their tastes. Despite being mistreated like all Sig Sauer customers, I still find myself pulled to many of their firearms. The P365 is one of those, it is fun to shoot and very useful in your hands. Like any good gun, with the right training it can become your most trusted tool in life.

-CBM

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Modular Duty with the Taurus TX9 9mm pistol

June 12, 2026pistols, Product review9mm, duty pistol, Taurus, taurus usa, TX9coldboremiracle

Introduction

The market for modular 9mm duty pistols continues to diversify, and today I am here to bring you another. Our topic today is the new Taurus TX9 9mm pistol. We will test and review the pistol to see how it stands up to other duty pistols.

taurus, taurus usa, tx9, tx22, 9mm, 22lr, pistol, — the TX9 (top) next to one of my **TX22 pistols**, you can see some similarities between them. The obvious difference of the interchangeable backstrap on the TX9 stands out.

I have been a big fan of the Taurus TX22 since it first came out years ago. So when I heard that Taurus had brought the TX design to a full-size 9mm service pistol design, I was curious for sure.

TX9 Specifications

Taurus USA TX9
Caliber	9MM Luger
Capacity	17 Rounds
Barrel Length	4.5 Inches
Frame Size	Full Size
Height	5.2 Inches
Width	1.28 Inches
Length	7.75 Inches
Weight	25 Ounces (empty)
Barrel Twist	1:16.5
Safety	Firing pin block, trigger safety
Optics Mounting	With Taurus T.O.R.O. system (mounting plates)
Action	Single Action Only striker fired
Frame material	Stainless Steel
Available Additional Sizes	Compact 4.0in, Sub Compact 3.4in
Sights	Drift adjustable rear, White dot front
Magazines	2 Included (Mec-Gar)

TX9 Background

Taurus has a rich history in firearms manufacturing dating back to pre-war times. Making parts and firearms for various countries over the last century. The company has changed ownership various times during that period, which is not uncommon in the firearm world. Ownership and partnerships over the years have resulted in popular products closely mimicking guns from Smith & Wesson and Beretta.

Like most new firearms, the TX9 is a combination of other designs merged into a new one. The Taurus TX22 has long been praised as a great rimfire pistol, with good ergonomics and other features. Some of these features were fused with other designs from the company’s popular GX pistols to create the TX9. In our review today, I hope to see if the best features from these two pistol families have been distilled into one.

Taurus, tx9, 9mm, pistol, duty pistol, taurus usa, box, case, pistol sitting in the plastic case with accessories and ammunition,

While the TX9 ships out of the Taurus USA Bainbridge Georgia factory, I expect at least some of its component parts are manufactured in their Brazilian factory. You can certainly feel better knowing that American hands are part of both production and quality control.

While Taurus has produced service pistols for various agencies worldwide for many years, it seems that the TX9 is their most modern attempt. By incorporating their modular frame system and features very similar to the popular Sig Sauer P320, it seems they are onto something good.

TX9 Features

Modular Frame – Removable trigger/sear pack allows user frame customization
Ambidextrous Controls – Can be configured for both right and left-handed shooters
Interchangeable Backstraps – Easily changed to enhance grip
Optics Ready – Red dot sights can be added using the T.O.R.O. system
17+1 Capacity – Two included magazines provide 17+1 capacity
Trigger and Firing pin block – For safe operation
Picatinny Accessory rail – To add weapon light
Loaded chamber port- to confirm round in the chamber

Taurus TX9 Models

The TX9 is available in various sizes besides the full-size 4.5-inch model we are testing today. There is also a Compact model that features a 4-inch barrel, as well as a sub compact model with a 3.4-inch barrel. There are also 10-round models for states that misunderstand the second amendment. All these models are available in any color as long as it’s black. Though it looks as though an FDE model is coming soon.

Shooting the Taurus TX9

With some excitement I headed to my shooting spot to get the TX9 on the firing line. I brought along a few accessories, and a broad selection of ammunition to see how finicky the TX9 might be. As always I brought a couple extra shooters and comparable pistols to evaluate differences.

taurus, taurus TX9, 9mm, duty pistol, shooting, us optics, red dot, flying brass, — the TX9 is seen here with the **Nightstick TW-30 Weapon Light**

Shootability

Almost immediately I found something about this pistol that caught me off guard. While the trigger breaks much like you’d expect a duty pistol to feel, the reset was very muted. So much so that I had to double check. When compared to other striker pistols, the reset on the TX9 is barely noticeable. There is a click, but you can only feel it if you focus on it. And maybe if you turn up your ear pro you might hear it. This may be a concern for some, but I simply got used to it during shooting.

The TX9 points extremely well, I love that everytime I present the pistol the sights are almost perfectly lined up. This makes aiming the gun very quick and natural. After very little time I hardly even needed to look at the sights because they lined up with my natural point of aim.

Taurus, tx9, 9mm, pistol, duty pistol, taurus usa, reload,

There isn’t a large flare on the magwell, but because the mouths of the Mec-Gar magazines are narrowed it doesn’t need much. Blindly seating magazines during reloads became second nature in no time.

Reliability

As expected the TX9 functioned flawlessly for the most part. We had a single hiccup that manifested as a failure to go into battery. This happened in the first couple magazines, and I’m not even convinced it wasn’t induced by the shooter. It was a singular event that never recurred, so I think it may have been a fluke.

taurus, taurus TX9, 9mm, duty pistol, loading, magazine, mec-gar magazine,

Other than that, the TX9 ran like a typewriter for hundreds of rounds. As a new design I would probably hold my final judgement on its overall durability until I’ve surpassed a thousand or two additional rounds to get a better perspective.

Ergonomics

As an early adopter of the TX22, I was very pleased with its feel in my hand. And I was glad to see that this design feature made its way into the TX9 as well. It feels good in the hand, filling the palm nicely while also allowing your fingers to close tightly around it.

Taurus, tx9, 9mm, pistol, duty pistol, taurus usa, — the Surefire X300 Weapon light family also fits perfectly on the TX9 accessory rail

The interchangeable backstrap of the grip area was icing on the cake. I swapped between a couple of the options until it felt just right. No special tools are required, just something narrow you can reach the anchor pin and push it through. It is retained by a spring under the backstrap that engages a groove in the pin.

taurus, taurus TX9, 9mm, duty pistol, backstarp, disassembly, grip frame, adjustable,

There is a small shelf above either side of the trigger guard for you to rest your thumbs against. The textured surface gives additional purchase to help control the pistol. In general the TX9 had a general feel very similar to a Sig P320, actually more like a cross between the P365 and P320.

Accuracy

I mentioned the TX9 points very well, and because of that it came as no surprise that I could hit what I was aiming at. The sights, while not particularly large, were perfectly serviceable and worked well. But I much prefer using red dots, so I installed the Gideon Optics Omega as soon as the T.O.R.O. system mounting plate arrived.

I found the accuracy to be perfectly acceptable for a duty pistol, with 7 yard groups averaging around 1.5-inches. And at 20-yards, even under rapid firing strings I could keep groups under 12-inches.

Modularity

With various TX9 models already available on the market, its nice to know that a guy can swap things around. I have a Ruger RXM that I frequently switch back and forth between a compact and full-size frame depending on the day’s activities. As soon as I find some different frames to buy, I look forward to someday doing the same with the TX9.

taurus, taurus TX9, 9mm, duty pistol, disassembly,

It is apparent that the TX9 is much easier and quicker to pull the trigger pack out. I have done both P320’s and RXM’s many times, and the TX9 is much quicker. Almost as fast as field stripping the pistol. To be completely honest, I’m unsure if thats a good thing, as I like how tight and snug the others fit into their grip frame. Adding to that concern is this one, the TX9 trigger pack has pins that are held in only by interference when inside the grip frame. So you have to be careful while the trigger pack is outside the grip frame to avoid knocking the pins out and losing them.

Taurus, tx9, 9mm, pistol, duty pistol, taurus usa, backstrap, grip, modular grip, disassembly, interchangeable grip, — here you can see how the backstrap is dovetailed into the grip frame, secured by a cross-pin, the cross-pin itself has a spring detent seen in the grip

The interchangeable backstrap of the grip on the TX9 is solid gold, perfectly executed, and barely noticeable if you aren’t looking for it. The whole grip frame feels like one solid piece.

I love that the TX9 is optics ready, but slightly annoyed that I had to get one of their T.O.R.O. optics plates to mount it. I get it though, they already had the system for their other pistols, so it made sense to make them all use the same system.

taurus, taurus TX9, 9mm, duty pistol, optics, optics mount, t.o.r.o. optics system, red dot, mounting plate, mounting a red dot on the TX9 using the plate system,

Value

Street prices for the TX9 hover just under and above the four-hundred dollar mark. Which seems pretty affordable compared to popular duty pistols like the Glock and Smith & Wesson. Some of the lower priced P320 pistols are still only a little bit higher priced than the TX9. Of course demand for them has gone down recently.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Lightweight	Soft trigger reset
Modular grip frame system	Requires optics adaptor plate
Optics ready
Ambidextrous
Modular grip backstrap

Report Card

Shootability (B+) Excellent grip angle and controls, trigger could be better

Reliability (A- ) The only malfunction was insignificant and possibly shooter

Ergonomics (A- ) Great modular frame, feels good and controls to match

Accuracy (B+ ) Duty gun accuracy, no problem hitting where I aimed

Value (A) Very affordable compared to some other duty pistols

Ammunition Preference

I shot several hundred rounds of both Winchester and Remington branded 9mm, provided by Ammotogo.com. Both were the 115 grain variety, and worked flawlessly. I’m not sure if one of them was particularly more accurate than the other, but both of them were brass cased and cleaner than others I shot. I also shot a bunch of zinc plated ammo from Magtech, which also worked well.

Taurus, tx9, 9mm, pistol, duty pistol, taurus usa, ammunition,

Must have Upgrades and Accessories

I was surprised how peppy this gun felt at first. Adding a red dot and weapon light definitely seemed to calm it down a little bit. I like the Surefire X300 for this purpose, but I’d say a duty pistol could use any good light.

Taurus, tx9, 9mm, pistol, duty pistol, taurus usa, modular frame, gideon optics, Omega red dot, surefiire x300,

The T.O.R.O. system optics mounting plates are about $20 a piece, and are available for most popular red dot footprints. I went with an RMR plate so I could mount my Gideon Omega red dot. And that worked out to be a great option for me, the big window allowed rapid target acquisition and a fine aiming point.

My Verdict on the Taurus TX9

Before picking this gun up, I didn’t even know that it was meant to have a modular frame. Which only adds to value for me with this pistol, as I can change out frames and slide to whatever combination I choose. All this without ever filling out another form 4473.

taurus, taurus TX9, 9mm, duty pistol, us optics, red dot, nightstick weapon light, — I also used my **US Optics red dot** sight during testing

My initial impressions of the Taurus TX9 are pretty positive, I love how the gun handles and it shoots great. As I mentioned, with any new design it may take a few more range trips before I am completely convinced of the durability of this design. But that is something I fully welcome and look forward to. Follow me if you’d like to see how that plays out.

-CBM

Check out more handgun reviews here

Sig Sauer P239: A Classic Compact

June 5, 2026pistols, Product review, Shooting hardware9mm, compact, p-series, p239, pistol, sig sauercoldboremiracle

Preface

Sig Sauer pistols have been in the media a lot lately, and having been a Sigophant for decades I have been watching closely. As a giant in the firearms community Sig has an incredible diversity of products as well as the issues that might accompany such an extravagant position. But today we won’t be discussing problems, instead our focus is on something Sig Sauer got right. The P-Series of pistols have been around as long as me, originally coming from Swiss and West German craftsmen. For decades they were the gold standard used by law enforcement and those who’s lives depended on their tools. Today we are taking a look at a lesser known pistol from the P-Series, but one that certainly deserves your consideration. Join me as we dive into the Sig Sauer P239 compact, a single stack hammer-fired pistol trusted by professionals.

sig sauer, p239, 9mm, pistol, compact, magazine, single stack, magazine pouch,

The P239

Sig’s P239 incorporates all the same features as its popular and larger siblings. The P220 and P226 are popular with both professionals and enthusiasts alike. There are likely hundreds of law enforcement agencies using them in dozens of countries. And the US Navy SEAL teams adopted the P226 as their handgun (designated the Mk 24 and Mk25). The P239 was later developed to be a compact comparable handgun to be used either as a backup or as covert concealed weapon.

Much like its popular full-size equivalents, the P239 is made for action. Using the very same functions and features as the P226. It can be fired in both in single and double actions, allowing it to be carried with the hammer down. There is no safety but the one you pick your nose with, but it does have a de-cocking lever designed to safely lower the hammer.

sig sauer, p239, compact 9mm, magazine, ammunition, P239 pistol sitting on top of boxes of ammunition, — just some of the countless ammo types this little pistol has chewed through; **Winchester**, **Federal Champion** and a little **Sierra Defense ammo**

Single stack magazines are released using a traditional button on the left side of the grip. And there is a disassembly cam lever in the traditional location above the trigger area.

Specifications

Caliber	9×19, .40S&W, .357 Sig
Barrel Length	3.5-inches
Length	6.5-inches
Height	5.2-inches
Weight	27-ounces
Action	Single action/Double action
Capacity	8 & 10 round mags (9×19) 7 & 8 round mags (.40 and .357)
Frame material	Aluminum
Slide material	Stainless steel
Finish	Black Nitron slide (PVD), black anodized aluminum

I purchased this pistol back in the 1990’s when they were more of a new item. It was my first compact pistol, and I was a brand new concealed carry permit holder. For nearly two decades this pistol was my go-to carry gun, and I learned many of the do’s and don’ts of CCW with it. But it also came out for other activities as well, and even pulled off some pretty impressive shots over the many years in my possession.

Shooting the Sig P239

Shootability

One of the first things I did with this pistol was to swap out the hard polymer grip panels for a softer set. I found a rubberized grip set from Hogue, that was much easier to hold onto in my opinion. I have average sized hands, and I feel the P239 fit just perfectly for a compact pistol grip.

The trigger is pretty predictable for a service grade handgun. The double-action is obvious longer, but I have always found it to be fine for the first shot out of the magazine. Shooting the single-action is better, with a clean predictable break.

Looking down the semi-low profile sights gives a fine sight picture without making big snag points. The slide itself has gripping texture cuts along the back for drawing the slide. As a product of its time, there is no accessory rail on the frame which is a bit of a downer. All the controls are easily reached and actuated making it a smooth operation.

Reliability

In my near thirty years with this pistol, I’d imagine I must’ve had some kind of jam or malfunction. But to be completely honest, not a single memory of it comes to mind. Much like the proverbial Swiss watch, my P239 has long functioned as flawlessly as I could have asked it to. Unlike many of the guns I get to review, I have literally shot thousands of rounds over decades with this one. Giving about as good a perspective as you can get.

I’ve accumulated around half a dozen magazines over the years, both the 8-round and 10-round models. The 239 feeds perfectly from them, with a clean up and right ejection pattern. I’ve shot countless different ammunition types, everything from posh defensive loads to gun show bulk stuff and even my own handloads. The Sig P239 has always been a lead pump with no notable issues of any kind.

Accuracy

With its three and a half inch barrel, the P239 does pretty good. I’ve never had any issues hitting what I was aiming at. A typical shot group from the pistol at seven yards is between one and three inches depending on ammunition quality. Here is an example of a typical 5-shot group with some inexpensive bulk packed ammunition provided by Ammotogo.com.

Ergonomics

Like most P-Series pistols, the 239 fits my hand perfectly. I don’t usually care for the polymer grips, as they seem a little slippery. The textured ones on the other hand are quite nice, but I’ll stick with the sticky rubber ones.

sig sauer, p239, pistol, 9mm, compact, a woman shooting a compact pistol with bright muzzle flash,

The controls are all very intuitive and easy to reach and operate. I like that you can feel every movement of the controls, it gives a sensation of connection with every operation of the pistol.

Value

I honestly can’t remember what I paid for mine, and since their discontinuation in 2018 new ones are not available. But there are plenty of them on the used market available from anywhere between $400 and $1000 for some of the more rare configurations. For those prices I think the P239 is a great pistol, and a bit of a collectible for Sig Sauer enthusiasts.

Pros and Cons

I’ve gone over most of the pros already; its a very reliable pistol, with distinguished service. It’s built like a tank, and ready for action at any moment. Its controls are very functional and it shoots well.

sig sauer, p239, compact 9mm, magazine, disassembly — the easily disassembled P239, notice the full length rails to keep slide and frame tight

If I had to come up with some negative things to say about this old friend, it would be these; The Sig P239 is from an era long gone now, so you wont find many of our modern pistol features that we’ve taken for granted. Things like optics cuts, accessory rails and double stack mags are not options with this pistol. With the 10-round magazines it is a pretty decent defense, but most of the guns I carry now a days carry at least 15.

Verdict

The Sig Sauer P239 Compact is a classic pistol, in many ways. Mine will never go anywhere but in my safe or on my hip. But I can see that times have also brought some changes, and sometimes that’s a good thing. I would love to see Sig bring it back, and maybe even modernize it with like a 12-round magazine, an optics cut, and a weapon light suitable pic rail. But I doubt that will ever happen. But if you are looking for one of these handsome old Sig pistols, I can strongly endorse the P239. It is a reliable, straight shooting tool. And built like it came from a time where they knew what they were doing.

-CBM

Check out my other favorite Sig Sauer Pistols here

A 2011 Out of Left Field: Bersa USA M2XI Review

April 29, 2026Product review, Shooting hardware2011, 9mm, bersa, bersa usa, m2xi, pistolcoldboremiracle

Intro

Bersa has been making firearms since 1958, perhaps the only well known manufacturer from the South American country Argentina. Bersa has manufactured a variety of handguns since its inception, but today we are looking at something very new from Bersa USA. And new seems to be the trend from the company, as new handguns, rifles, and even suppressors have recently become part of their offerings. Among these new products, is our topic for today: the Bersa USA M2XI. The M2XI is a 9mm double stack 1911 handgun, commonly referred to these days as a 2011. With many companies joining the trend of these types of pistols, I was somewhat surprised to see one from Bersa, and excited to get hands on it.

Bersa, Bersa usa, m2xi, 9mm, 2011, 1911, federal ammunition, Holosun, scs carry, red dot, — The Bersa M2Xi on the range, shooting **Federal Champion 115 grain**

The Bersa USA M2XI

I found this pistol while visiting the Bersa USA booth at SHOT Show 2026. As a bit of a 2011 fan, I had to get hands on one.

here you can see some of the M2Xi’s internal components, as well as it’s flared magwell

The M2XI uses many very familiar features for these guns. Like most other 2011 pistols, the M2XI has a polymer grip married to a steel frame. The double-stack magazines are compatible with most other 2011 options, and fit nicely into the textured polymer grip. The M2XI uses a traditional 1911 style grip safety, and has an extended beaver-tail to cover the hammer.

Bersa, m2xi, 2011, 1911, double stack, 9mm, disassembly, guide rod, barrel link, frame, — note partially unthreaded guide rod

Disassembling the M2Xi for cleaning is much like a traditional 1911. After pulling the slide release, and sliding the loaded slide off the front of the frame you’ll need to unthread the two-piece guide rod. It might be challenging to disassemble if you didn’t know that going in.

Bersa, Bersa usa, m2xi, 9mm, 2011, 1911, loading, magazine, magwell, surefire X300, — feeding from the **Mec-Gar magazines** was flawless

On top of the frame you will find a 416 stainless steel slide and barrel cut at 5-inches in length. The slide itself has cuts up front for gripping, as well as a rear grip area right under a Holosun K optics cut. A heavy profile ultra-match barrel shows through the slide cuts for those who like that look. The standard rear sight lines up nicely with a Tritium front sight easily seen through an optics as well.

Specifications

Bersa USA M2XI Specifications
Caliber	9mm Luger
Color	Black
Barrel Length	5-Inches
Action	Single Action only
Capacity	18/23 Plus One
Material	416 Stainless
Sights	Standard rear with Tritium front sight
Weight	30 Ounces
Finish	Nitride

Controlling the M2XI is done the same familiar way as other 1911/2011 pistols. Its single action operation is locked up with a dual manual safety on both sides of the frame. The slide release is located on the left-side for operating with the thumb, and it features an extended release. Making it easier to reach without breaking grip. A single mag release is located for thumb operation just behind the trigger guard.

A flat trigger is housed in the square shaped trigger guard, and in front of that you’ll find a picatinny accessory rail for mounting your favorite weapon light. I do like the full pic rail that allows you to mount a light wherever you see fit.

bersa, m2xi, trigger, pull weight, ounces, lbs, pounds, pull-weight, wheeler engineering, test, — After testing the trigger pull-weight a dozen times, it averages just under 3 LBS

A Comparison

Interestingly enough, there are some comparable 2011 pistols to the Bersa M2Xi. Price vary greatly, but it is interesting to look at how the Bersa compares to them.

	Bersa M2Xi	SA Prodigy	Staccato P	Girsan 2311	Tisas 1911D
MSRP	$1479	$1632	$2499	$1099	$955
Barrel length	5-inch	5-inch	5-inch	5-inch	5-inch
Frame Material	416 Stainless	Forged carbon steel	4140 steel	Forged steel	Steel
Optics pattern	Holosun K	Agency Optics system	Proprietary plate mount	RMSc	RMSc
Magazine capacity	18/23+1	17/20+1	17/21+1	17/20+1	17+1
Weight	30oz	33oz	33oz	30.5oz	37oz
Finish	Nitride	Cerakote	DLC	Cerakote	QPQ
Recoil System	2-piece guide rod	2-piece guide rod	Tool-less guide rod	2-piece guide rod	2-piece guide rod

Unboxing the M2XI

Bersa’s M2XI comes in a nice Mission First Tactical soft pistol bag, including the typical manual, safety lock, and a couple extra Mec-Gar 18-round magazines. The soft case is a nice touch, giving a nice pistol a safe place to live and be transported.

The smooth lines on this pistol were immediately apparent. The nitride surface is very slick too, making the feel of this gun very nice. Drawing the slide gave the old familiar feeling that makes us keep coming back to this style of pistol. Its smooth operation and tight lockup felt fantastic, and only furthered my desire to get this gun on the range.

vortex, vortex optics, defender CCW, enclosed, red dot, reticle, holosun, scs, carry, holosun red dot, Bersa M2XI, EAA Girsan Witness 2311, 9mm, — the M2Xi next to my EAA 2311 4.25-inch

I like the aggressive texture of the grip, making the pistol easy to keep tightly policed in your hands. And while not heavy for a 2011 it is certainly not a lightweight pistol, so that grippy control is a good thing to have. At the bottom, the flared magwell aids in smooth reloads and has room enough for the large magazine extensions popular for these guns.

Mounting Accessories

I decided to mount a Holosun SCS carry optic, as it was the only available K footprint red dot I had at the moment. It dropped on the slide nicely, aligning perfectly with the recoil lugs. So with a touch of threadlocker I torqued the screws down. Everything lined up nicely, and I could easily see the iron sights right through the enclosed red dot.

Bersa, Bersa usa, m2xi, 9mm, 2011, 1911, meggar magazines, loading magazine, federal ammunition,

I use Safariland holsters for most purposes, and the M2XI fit perfectly in my 2011 holsters. They fit a bit loose without adding a weaponlight, and for that I added a Surefire X300. With everything attached, the pistol looked fantastic, and was ready to hit the range. I grabbed a few stacks of ammo, some PMC Bronze and some Federal Champion, both 115 grain loads.

Shooting the Bersa M2Xi

My first opportunity to shoot the M2Xi were indoors. I loaded up a few magazines and in a slow cadence I fired until the mags were empty. The trigger felt great, as good as most any production gun. Recoil was predictable, though my other 2011 pistols have compensators, and have less recoil. My first exchange with this gun went perfect, and only got me anxious to try again with more ammo.

Bersa, m2xi, 9mm, 2011, pistol, walkers game ear, razor slim muffs, holosun scs carry, surefire x300, shooting pistol at gun range with open valley and lake behind,

I have been shooting the M2Xi for over a month now, with various trips to the range. I have carried it daily as part of my gun belt, giving ample opportunities to draw and get plenty of handling practice. During the course of a typical day for me, I get lots of drawing and dryfire practice. As well as plenty of reloads.

Bersa, Bersa usa, m2xi, 9mm, 2011, 1911, holosun, SCS Carry, red dot, surefire X300, — the solar powered **Holosun SCS Carry red dot** was a good choice

That combined with a bunch of trips to the range to run ammo through this pistol have given me a great deal of familiarity with it. It wasn’t just me either, friends and family also jumped in to make sure the Bersa didn’t cool off.

Shootability

1911 pistols are well known for a near religious following. This is because of many things including the smooth reliability, grip angle, trigger pull and accuracy. 2011 pistols like the M2Xi inherited many of the same traits while actually improving other aspects. The double stack magazines that carry 9mm cartridges bring a big increase in capacity, with a very mild recoil impulse.

the Surefire X300 Weapon Light balanced the pistol nicely

The Bersa M2Xi is an excellent example of smooth and mild shooting. With its textured grip in your hand, it feels glued to your palm. And the large size of the grip gives plenty of room for even large hands to hold. Shooting 9mm cartridges out of a gun this size has some pretty modest recoil, allowing you to stay on target.

The clean trigger that makes these kinds of guns so popular feels great under the finger. Sharply aimed shots are placed accurately without a huge amount of focus needed. And the short reset of the trigger means you can run through targets both fast and accurately.

The slick Nitride surface of this gun makes it slippery, so I really appreciated the deep cuts in the slide for grip. And thank goodness they were wise enough to make an optics cut from the factory, such is becoming mandatory these days.

I really appreciated the extended slide release, as with most 1911’s I frequently need to break my grip in order to reach the slide release. With the M2Xi that wasn’t an issue.

Reliability

Feeding the M2Xi from the Mec-gar 18-round magazines went flawlessly. Because I also have other 2011 pistols, I tried using the 21-round Staccato magazines, as well as the 17-round Checkmate magazines. All of them ran perfectly, and through hundreds and hundreds of rounds now, I have yet to have any failures.

Bersa, m2xi, 2011, 1911, double stack, 9mm, firing, muzzle flash,

The internal extractor grips the case rims perfectly, and throws the cases well clear of the action. Like most 2011 pistols, it uses a series 70 extractor versus the external visible extractor you’ll see on most other pistol types.

Bersa, m2xi, 2011, 1911, double stack, 9mm, disassembly, extractor, firing pin hole, — here you can see the internal extractor

Accuracy

With its heavy 5-inch Ultra-Match barrel, I was expecting great accuracy from the Bersa M2Xi.

this is a typical 10-shot group fired from 10 yards using the **Magtech 115 grain ammunition** groups were even better when shooting PMC Bronze

My expectations were met, as typical shot groups from the Bersa M2Xi were great. Not only did it pattern very tight, but I was able to hit targets much further away than I’d anticipated.

Ergonomics

Like all 2011 style pistols, the Bersa feels fantastic in the hand. You can really tell that this design has been perfected over its very long lifetime. And you can also understand why 1911 and 2011 pistols are still popular after all this time, despite very stiff competition.

The natural flow of this pistol as it comes from the holster and presented feels excellent. Disengaging the safety has become so natural that its second nature to remove as the gun comes on target. And putting it right back into safe as soon as it comes off target.

I love my **Safariland ALS holsters**, they fit the Bersa M2Xi perfectly

The traditional grip safety adds a level of security, which some folks might want considering this single action only handgun is designed to be carried with a hot chamber. The icing on the cake is the optics cut, allowing those of us addicted to red dots to stay that way. The narrow top of the slide does lend itself to the smaller footprint sizes like the Holosun K or RMSc optics. That might be a good or bad thing for some folks but it doesn’t bother me. The Holosun SCS Carry red dot I used on the Bersa lined up nicely. And allowed perfect co-witnessing of the iron sights.

Value

2011 pistols are typically a bit more expensive than what mainstream shooters are used to. You aren’t going to walk into a gun shop and drop six-hundred dollars and walk out with a typical 2011. Many of the M2Xi’s peers cost significantly more, even surpassing double the price of this one. But there are also cheaper options, some of which I’ve even used and quite like. But with an MSRP just under $1500 I find this pistol’s price quite tolerable. And you can also find it from various vendors online for closer to $1300.

In my opinion, if you are looking to get into the 2011 game, this would be a great place to start. The Bersa M2Xi is nice enough to be the last pistol you ever buy, and yet affordable enough to be the beginning of a greater collection.

Pros and Cons

There is a lot to like about this pistol, and honestly few things I could come up with against it. The M2Xi is built very well, everything about it seems quality sourced and made. From it’s 416R stainless materials out to it Nitride finish the fit and feel is tight and smooth. Its heavy ultra-match barrel shoots very well and again fits into the pistol as though it was hand-fit.

a pause between shooting, if you like those WGE Razor Slim ear muffs, read about em here

Easy controls are pretty standard with 1911/2011 pistols, and these ones are no exception. The trigger is crisp and clean, the safety has just the right amount of resistance. And the extended slide release was a favorite, making me want to add one to my other pistols.

**WGE Suppressor ear buds** are a fantastic hearing protection option, you cant tell in this picture but I am jammin out to my favorite tunes

The accessories you can add to this gun also add some value. Optics cuts are becoming more standard, and I am quite pleased they included on here. Perhaps in the future there will be other footprint options but I’m good with the Holosun one for now. The full length picatinny rail allows you to choose where to mount your weapon light, an option some other pistols don’t have. And flawless function with all kinds of magazines is yet another feather in the cap for the M2Xi.

looking down on the optics cut, also note extended slide release

My Conclusion

The Bersa M2Xi has done a lot to change my mind about the brand, what I once considered a bargain import brand. If they keep producing products like this, I expect they will continue grabbing more customers and market share.

Bersa’s introduction to the 2011 game is a great start, with an MSRP of $1475 it is not unreachable by many. And with street prices hovering closer to $1300 I would consider it a great value. I would love it if they produced a comped model like the ones I saw in the Bersa booth at SHOT Show 2026, but I suppose that’ll come in time.

If you are in the market for a pistol like this, I would count the M2Xi into the mix. It has great performance with accurate shooting and the aftermarket compatibility American gun owners crave. All together in a handsome, well-built pistol that feels as good as it shoots.

-CBM

My Imported 2011: The EAA Witness Girsan 2311 CMXX

March 11, 2026pistols, Product review10mm, 2011, 2311, 45 acp, 9mm, CMX, CMXX, eaa, european american armory, girsan, witnesscoldboremiracle

Prologue

I speak to many folks in the firearms industry on a day to day basis. In one of those conversations somebody brought up Girsan 1911 pistols, and as the discussion continued my interest grew. So, when my opportunity to get one arose, I jumped on it. And that brings us to today’s review, and the model we are looking at is the EAA Girsan 2311 CMXX 9mm pistol. The CMXX is a double-stack 1911 style pistol chambered in 9mm, this style of pistol has colloquially become known as 2011 pistols. After the famed Staccato pistols that popularized the genre.

Girsan, witness 2311, 9mm, eaa, 2011, vortex, vortex optics, defender CCW, enclosed, red dot, zeroing, adjustment, — the Witness 2311 CMXX fitted with a Nightstick Weapon Light, you can read about that one here

European American Armory (EAA) is the company that imports these pistols and distributes them in the US. Girsan manufactures a variety of firearms at their factory in Turkey and has done for over thirty years.

The Girsan 2311 CMXX

I said we often call them 2011 pistols, but it appears Girsan wanted to skip that and called theirs a 2311. There are some reasons I suppose behind that, and the CMXX definitely has some progressive features. Let’s get into this pistol and see what makes it tick.

Specifications

Caliber	9mm, .45ACP or 10mm
Magazine	Standard Double Stack 1911
Action	Single Action
Barrel	Bull Barrel Lock-Up with Compensator
Finish	Cerakote® Black
Optic Ready	RMSc Footprint
Grips	Improved High Texture
Sights	Removable 3-Dot Sights, Fiber Optic Front Sight
Slide	Lightening-Cut Slide
Safety	Auto Firing Pin-Block (No Grip Safety)
Thumb Safety	Ambidextrous Lever
Accessory Rail	Full Accessory Rail

I must start out by stating something obvious. As a happy owner of a Staccato XC, I find the Girsan CMXX to be so similarly styled that its impossible to ignore. So much so that the boys in the office and I have taken to calling the CMXX “the Turkkato”. Obviously I don’t mind, as I like my Staccato very much. Though it would be somewhat unfair to compare the two. That said, keep in mind throughout this review that this is coming from a guy who also shoots a Staccato.

A Different Grip

The Girsan CMXX follows the same pattern as many other 2011 style pistols. Using a polymer grip mated to a steel frame. The grip has an aggressive texture that makes it stick to your hand very well. At the base of the frame, you’ll find a magwell flare to aid in guiding magazines into the magwell. Above the grip area you’ll also find the typical dual safety levers on either side of the grip.

Girsan, witness 2311, 9mm, eaa, 2011, vortex, vortex optics, defender CCW, enclosed, red dot, grip,

Standing out from the crowd of other 2011 pistols, the CMXX does not feature a grip safety. The traditional 1911 feature that is depressed by the hand when you grip the pistol has been swapped for a firing pin block. Much like striker fired pistols, the CMXX firing pin is blocked from protrusion unless the trigger is pulled. When disassembled, you can see the very same features under the slide as you would on a Glock.

Girsan, witness 2311, 9mm, eaa, 2011, optic, footprint, rmsc, firing pin safety, — here you can see the firing pin block safety that replaces the grip safety common on other 2011 pistols

Slide and Barrel

Moving our attention to the slide, it is more traditional 2011 design. Except for the firing pin block of course. The extractor is internal, and not visible when the slide is locked closed. Up front there is a compensator built into the 4.25-inch barrel, which also features the traditional link to attach to the frame. On the top of the frame there are some simple three-dot sights, the front one being a fiber optic orange.

Girsan, witness 2311, 9mm, eaa, 2011, rear sight, — I removed the rear sight because I’m a red dot nerd

The rear sight can be removed using a couple center-aligned screws. Underneath you’ll find an optics cut with lugs for the popular RMSc red dot pattern. I would for sure use that very soon, since I’m a sucker for pistols with red dots. In fact, such a sucker that I tried various options. I used the Vortex Defender CCW, and the Enclosed Solar version, as well as the Holosun SCS Carry enclosed red dot.

Girsan, witness 2311, 9mm, eaa, 2011, vortex, vortex optics, defender CCW, red dot, mounting, — installing one of the three red dots tested on the Girsan 2311

Range Preparations

Before I headed to the range with this pistol, I wanted to kit it out to my tastes of course. That would require a few accessories; the Vortex Defender would fit nicely on top for the initial trip, a Surefire X300 light, all tucked neatly into my Safariland ALS holster.

Girsan, witness 2311, 9mm, eaa, 2011, vortex, vortex optics, defender CCW, enclosed, red dot, safariland, als holster, — the Safariland ALS holster is my absolute favorite, and the CMXX fit perfectly

As I removed the rear sight, I found the firing pin block neatly tucked underneath. I had to carefully remove the sight and replace it with my red dot. It would be very easy to lose the pin-safety spring during this process so be careful.

the full picatinny accessory rail allows you to line up your weapon light where you choose

Under the front of the pistol there is a complete picatinny rail, giving you various positions to mount weapon lights. I like this feature as many other pistols don’t have it. I grabbed a few boxes of Magtech, Blaser, and Federal ammo before heading out to shoot the CMXX.

Girsan, witness 2311, 9mm, eaa, 2011, CCW, enclosed, red dot, holosun, scs carry, magtech, ammunition, — the CMXX worked great with my **Staccato 20-round magazines** too

Shooting the Girsan 2311 CMXX

My very first shots through the CMXX were at an indoor range, weather required me to do my shooting under a roof. This quickly made me aware of the concussion from the compensator of the pistol. Its louder than un-comped pistols, but certainly not a problem. And the reduction in muzzle-rise is well worth the racket.

Girsan, witness 2311, 9mm, eaa, 2011, muzzle, compensator,

I put several magazines through the 2311, and was quite happy with how it ran. In fact it seemed after just a box or so of shooting, the pistol seemed significantly smoother and softer. Over the course of several weeks, I spent several trips to the range and other places to pump ammo through the CMXX.

I used both the 17-round magazines that came with the Girsan 2311, as well as some of the 20-round Staccato magazines. All of them functioned flawlessly, and the CMXX churned through ammo. I even took the liberty of removing the flared magwell, just to see how my reloads went. Perhaps if you were going to carry this gun that would be helpful, but I ended up putting it back.

Reliability

During the course of my shooting, we only experienced one malfunction. One failure to go into battery that I can’t be sure was the fault of the pistol or some of the remanufactured ammo I was shooting that day.

hard to see, but the Holosun SCS Carry red dot was also a great choice and fit

The ejection pattern of the pistol was slightly different than expected. It seemed like most of the time brass would eject more in the up direction than to the side. It would occasionally get scooped forward by the red dot and thrown forward. But it never caused any problems.

Shootability

Standing alone, this pistol shoots great. It is smoother and flatter-shooting than my striker-fired guns. Of course it is very hard not to compare it to my Staccato, being as they are so similar. But that would be an unfair comparison as the Staccato costs four times more.

Girsan, witness 2311, 9mm, eaa, 2011, vortex, vortex optics, defender CCW, enclosed, red dot, surefire x300, Staccato, staccato XC, holosun, 507comp, — not comparable at all! 😀

The trigger has smoothed up a bit since it came out of the box, but it still has a very slight gritty-ness to it. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still nice, just not as nice as it could be. The gun feels fantastic in my hand but for the cross-pin that secures the flared magwell. The texture is very grippy, and the controls are crisp. The safety detent is stiffer than I anticipated, hopefully it wears in.

I love the texture on the slide, it makes for excellent purchase when grabbing the slide. The flat-coil recoil spring is stiffer than I expected too, I wouldn’t mind putting a softer spring in it if I could get it to work.

Shooting with the iron sights was fine, but I prefer using a red dot. Even so, using the red dot’s built-in notch as a rear sight was still perfectly usable with the front sight.

Quality

I’ve handled quite a few 2011 pistols in the last year or so. At SHOT Show alone I grabbed way too many. Generally they feel fantastic, as do their nineteenth-century counterparts. The Witness CMXX feels well built, smooth fitting, and not sloppy. Its a touch stiffer than other 2011 pistols, but it still has that quality feel. For a pistol at this price point I feel its quality is more than adequate.

holosun, scs, carry, holosun red dot, solar, Girsan, witness 2311, 9mm, eaa, 2011, — been using the **Walkers Game Ear Suppressor ear buds** too

Value

As the field of 2011 options continues to deepen, I see this as an excellent modest option. So many options are out there, and this isn’t even the cheapest one of them. But I can say it is certainly worth the price in my opinion. Girsan is no stranger to making 1911 style pistols, so I expect this gun will continue performing well into the future. I’m tempted to buy another in 10mm.

Continue Reading Here

Girsan, witness 2311, 9mm, eaa, 2011, vortex, vortex optics, defender CCW, enclosed, red dot, match x, streamlight, holosun, — also for comparison, the CMXX’s older brother, the **Girsan Match X** (5-inch) wearing a Holosun 407 and **Streamlight**

SilencerCo Omega 36M

July 4, 2025Product review, suppressors338, 36m, 9mm, asr, omega, omega 36m, QD suppressor, SiCo, silencer, silencerco, suppressorcoldboremiracle

Introduction

An incredible amount of activity has happened in the suppressor market over the last ten or so years. And it would be difficult to talk about much of this activity without mentioning one of the big players in the game. SilencerCo has been one of the most recognizable names in the suppressor market since I started playing stamp collector. Today I bring you something fresh from SilencerCo, fresh at least to me. I’ve got a few can’s from the company, but this is the first one in the last few years. The suppressor we are looking at today is the SilencerCo Omega 36M.

SilencerCo, Omega 36M, Omega, silencer, suppressor, modular, 5.56, 9mm, 250, 338, desert tech, srs m2, apex optics, rival, two vets tripod, two vets, no-name inverted, — the **SRS A1 Covert** in 8.6 Blk made a great host for the Omega, the **Sig Sauer Tango 6** is also a perfect match

What’s all the Hubbub?

The last few years in particular have shown a huge development in modularity in suppressor design. One of the main changes and one I fully endorse is the adoption of common hub mounting systems among suppressor manufacturers.

SilencerCo, Omega 36M, Omega, silencer, suppressor, modular, 5.56, 9mm, 250, 338, — the short configured Omega mounted to my Desert Tech WLVRN

Another big change has been the stackable module designs, allowing you to use a suppressor in stages. Giving you the option for short suppressor when needed, or full noise control if you choose.

SilencerCo, Omega 36M, Omega, silencer, suppressor — the **Omega 36M** with the front section removed

The SilencerCo Omega 36M fits into this group of suppressors. The M in the 36M stands for modular I assume, as it incorporates a removable chamber on the muzzle end. As well as interchangeable end caps to adapt to additional caliber options.

And on the breach end, the Omega uses the popular ASR mounting system that has a locking ring to prevent coming off it’s mount. There is a great variety of ASR mounts options that are bound to fit whatever firearm you wish to host the 36M.

Howa Mini, 22 ARC, lucid Optics MLX, Silencerco, omega 36m, marmot, chuck, varmint hunting, varmint, — The **Omega 36M** was quite at home on this **Howa Mini 22 ARC**

Specifications

SilencerCo Omega 36M Specifications
Caliber Compatibility	5.7×28 up to 9mm, 5.56N up to .338LM
Full-Auto Rated	Yes
Construction	Fully Welded
Materials	Cobalt 6, Inconel, Titanium, & 17-4 SS
Length	4.90 or 6.85 inches
Diameter	1.57 Inches
Weight	9.8 or 12.5 Ounces
Mounting Options	Direct Thread, ASR Mount, Piston Mount, 3-Lug Mount
Front Cap Options	.223/5.56, .30/7.62, .355/9mm
Included Accessories	Charlie ASR Mount, SiCo Disassembly Tools

The overwhelming theme with this suppressor is modularity. The modular design allows you to customize the suppressor to fit the host.

SilencerCo, Omega 36M, Omega, silencer, suppressor, modular, 5.56, 9mm, 250, 338, desert tech, srs m2, — the Omega 36M comes with tools to service and configure the suppressor

Shooting with the Omega 36M

With a variety of ASR mounts, I would be able to put the Omega to use on a wide variety of host firearms. Varying from semi-auto carbines to bolt-action rifles, in calibers from 5.56 up to .338. Shortening the Omega 36M for more compact duties as needed.

One of the first projects where the Omega fit into place, was on my 8.6 Blackout project. A 16-inch barrel for my Desert Tech SRS A1 Covert. The Omega did a fine job of holding back the hiss of the this stubby and fun cartridge.

I also used the Omega during a variety of varmint hunts, shooting prairie dogs and marmots across various states. The Omega did an excellent job suppressing the Howa Mini 22 ARC, as well as my Desert Tech SRS M2 chambered in both 6.5CM and 223 Remington.

Additionally, the Omega 36M did some time on a couple short carbines. Both 300Blk and 5.56 carbines were suppressed, with short barrels like 7-inch and 11-inch. Both in its short configuration and its long one, of course being more effective with the additional baffles.

SilencerCo, Omega 36M, Omega, silencer, suppressor, modular, 5.56, 9mm, 250, 338, ar15, trijicon MRO, quattro-15, goonbeam, — this little Desert tech/CMMG hybrid carbine is a 5.56 outfitted with a **Trijicon MRO** and a Goonbeam Weaponlight

Results

After a few months using the Omega 36M, I have put together a few of my thoughts on the 36M.

Sound Suppression

On all the firearms I tested using the Omega 36M, the sound suppression was more than adequate. I’ll quantify that statement saying as long as a suppressor is pleasant to listen to in the outdoors I’m good with it. I don’t have any high-tech measuring devices, just my ears.

With that said, the Omega was comparable to most other suppressors of similar construction and design. It was very pleasant to my ears, and the reduction in recoil varied from one caliber to the next but was always better. I really like the ability to change out the end cap for caliber specific applications.

In the short configuration, the 36M wasn’t hearing safe on some firearms. But it definitely took the edge off. Super short K cans are often that way, simply designed to stop the concussion at the muzzle.

SilencerCo, Omega 36M, Omega, silencer, suppressor, modular, 5.56, 9mm, 250, 338, desert tech, WLVRN, 300blk, us optics, TXH 3-18, — My **Desert Tech WLVRN**

Modularity

Converting from one caliber to another, and changing lengths is a nice option to have. It makes you feel like you have more than one suppressor without having to pay the crown’s randsome twice. I really like the modularity that Silencer Co put into this design, and the fact that these designs are interchangeable with other SiCo options gives you a reason to stick with the brand.

The whole suppressor industry is moving into the modular design market, this design of SiCo’s predates much of that. I will say this, I love the universal hub system that most manufacturers are moving to. While there are plenty of options for this Omega, I would like the cross-compatibility of the universal hub.

While I have a great many other suppressors that also are modular, I appreciate the design of the Omega 36. With the assortment of ASR Brakes, I can rapidly switch the Omega back and forth between various rifles with ease.

Mounting

Speaking on mounts; the variety of ASR mounts gives you options. I have both brake designs, as well as bird-cage and three-prong flash hider designs. The only complaint I could muster up would be I don’t like timing muzzle devices. But the side-brake devices did come with a shim kit to time the brakes properly.

Here’s a hint for you, if you’re only going to shoot suppressed you needn’t time the brake anyway. This has been a lazy practice of mine for years now.

The locking ring that secures the Omega to its ASR mounts is easily operated. In all my installation and removal, it never gave me any issues. I did notice that if you managed to lock the ring before bottoming out the threads, you got a ratcheting sensation as you make the last turn. The locking teeth grab the mount well, keeping the suppressor from coming loose. Of course securing the various ASR mounts is required if you don’t want things coming loose. I never put thread-locker on my muzzle threads, they are used far too often. But the SiCo instructions give direction on how this should be done.

SilencerCo, Omega 36M, Omega, silencer, suppressor, modular, 5.56, 9mm, 250, 338, tikka, t3x, 25 creedmoor, kahles 318i, KRG bravo, — the **Omega 36M** made a great companion to my custom Tikka T3x 25 Creedmoor

Accuracy

I only have interest in accurate rifles, so in my opinion a suppressor that deteriorates the accuracy of a rifle is a no-go. I was very happy to see that the Omega had no adverse effects on the accuracy of the host firearms. If anything it was better, and it for sure calmed the rifles down.

Durability

I am not particularly hard on my cans, so this is one spot where I’d lean on other’s results. The Omega 36M is full-auto rated, and I’ve seen plenty of folks who have abused them repeatedly with heavy fire. Because this can is far from new, there has been quite a bit of testing done. I expect this can will serve me for years to come.

SilencerCo, Omega 36M, Omega, silencer, suppressor, cole-tac, python, suppressor cover, — Suppressor covers like the **Python from Cole-TAC** keeps cans warm and protected

I did notice that the finish of the Omega was a bit easy to mar or scratch. This is not a huge deal to me, as I typically Cerkote my suppressors every now and then to keep them looking clean. Also, suppressor covers have become very popular, keeping your cans wrapped avoids scratches if you’re worried about such a thing.

Conclusion

As I had suspected, the SilencerCo Omega 36M turned out to be just what I expected. A reliably robust can, that I can abuse between a wide variety of rifles. The only drawback if there is one is the uniqueness of the mounting systems, though with the different Charlie mounting options like direct threading to your muzzle you can go almost any way you choose.

I look forward to working this can over more, and seeing how it stands the test of time and round count. I have every expectation it will do very well, making it an excellent choice for someone looking for a multi-purpose suppressor they can suppress an entire collection. With that in mind, I may have to look into another Omega, for some other calibers….