Staccato has always been committed to representing the best of American ingenuity. It states that its commitment, combined with customer-obsessed focus, has led to a series of updates to its 2011 platform. Updates that have collectively manifested in the new Staccato C.
The Staccato C
The Staccato C is advertised as an “all-purpose” gun covering a spectrum of needs. It is small enough for comfortable concealment, large enough for home defense, performs at competition levels, and has a long enough barrel for duty carry.
This gun features a four-inch barrel with a frame rail sized to accommodate full-size duty weapon lights. It also has a wide-body aluminum frame that is flush with the slide. Uninterrupted frame rails with lubricating grooves help hold oil longer. It also features a fluted barrel and contour cuts on the barrel hood and a single-spring, full-length toolless guide rod recoil system.
The Staccato C boasts more ergonomic and compact grip modules that have been designed around the new magazine. This new magazine is purpose-built for the 9mm cartridge.
Customers have their choice of a compact grip, which holds a 15+1 round magazine, or a full-size grip, holding a 17+1 round magazine. Both grip options have a slim design to ensure maximum concealability.
Staying on the cusp of innovation, the Staccato C comes optic-ready with standard front sight configuration and is compatible for co-witness with most optics.
Is It Truly “All-Purpose”?
Advertising an “all-purpose” gun almost feels like marketing hype or too good to be true, but this is Staccato. A highly respected company known for its quality, innovation, and reliability. So, most skepticism turns to intrigue and fascination.
This is how it was for me anyway, as I know Staccato truly delivers with any claim. So, I was thrilled when asked to do a review of the new, all-purpose Staccato C.
I was sent the compact grip model with a 15+1 round capacity. This was perfect for me as I really wanted to test and evaluate this gun for concealed carry purposes.
Out of the box, I was immediately impressed. Aesthetically, the Staccato C is a sexy gun, and in hand, it instantly felt comfortable. While it initially checked all the boxes, getting range time in for a full T&E was in order first. I followed this with several days of concealed carry T&E.
Red Dot Ready
Optics-wise, I was provided with the Thrive HD Red Dot Reflex sight from Zero Tech. This was my first experience with this company, and I was thoroughly impressed. The low-mount, 3 MOA optic performed well and was easy to install.
Features that stood out to me were the advanced shake awake technology, 50,000 hours of battery life, guaranteed waterproof, fogproof, shockproof, and direct mount to pistols for enhanced compatibility.
Zero Tech also offers a triple lifetime warranty, “any owner, any problem, always covered.”
My ammunition choice for testing was Federated Ordnance 124 GR FMJ. This is a newer ammunition company and one I have worked closely with prior, especially with full training events. I have never experienced any type of malfunction or failure point.
I’ve shot quite a bit of this ammunition. So, I knew it would be reliable and deliver performance I could count on.
Running the Staccato C with Iron Sights
My first set of drills was with iron sights only. I wanted to shoot the gun as is—prior to adding an optic. After running through my drills several times, I added the optic and ran through the same drill routine multiple times.
The first shots gave me a quick overview of the gun. The trigger, as you would expect from Staccato, was impressive. It had a clean break and short reset, enabling quick trigger work.
There was very little recoil and the ergonomic design allowed for ease of manipulation and fast reloads. When shooting iron sights only, this gun performed well.
To test for accuracy, I set the target at 10 yards and fired five slow-fire rounds. The result was a nice single-ragged hole. From the holster and at pace, the accuracy continued with groups smaller than my fist. This is an excellent performance for a defensive or competition handgun.
Running the 2011 with an Optic
I then added the Thrive HD red dot and, once zeroed, ran through the drills again several times, yielding the same solid results.
Out of curiosity, I set my ragged hole drill up once again to test the zero on the optic. The gun delivered five rounds, all touching. The optic held zero, which is imperative for a defensive handgun.
I tested the gun at ranges applicable to self-defense situations. From close contact drills to targets at 25 yards, the gun never flinched. Overall, the Staccato C performed very well and is certainly worthy of the Staccato reputation.
The Staccato C’s admirable performance left zero doubt about its ability to perform in any defensive or competitive scenario.
Concealed Carry
The area still requiring testing was its ability to be utilized for concealed carry. While the Staccato C is slim in design, it is still a larger gun to conceal. Likewise, it is not one that I would consider “snag-free.” So, concealing the firearm properly calls for the right gear and proper strategy.
Please note that this is always dependent on the individual, as body size and proportions vary for everyone.
My holster and belts were provided by Tenicor, who sent me several to choose from. The holster that fit me best was the Tenicor Certum. It was a slimmer holster that seemed to offer better ease in concealment.
The Certum holster paired with their Zero Belt was a dream combination. I could not believe this was the first time I had ever heard of this belt!
The Zero Belt seems very simplistic in design, yet it’s a game changer that offers true rigidity and flawless hold. The buckle is flat and small, and the tail hides itself behind the belt. In addition, it does not require Velcro or additional loops. The unique fastener and reverse threading of the belt create tension that does not slip.
I was literally amazed at how this seemingly simplistic belt and holster combination effortlessly concealed the somewhat hefty gun. There was zero printing, and the firearm stayed in place.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Staccato C’s performance lived up to its claims. This is truly an “all-purpose” gun that meets a varying range of needs. For me, it’s all about home and self-defense, and this gun did not disappoint. The Staccato C is a concealable powerhouse that offers unmatched reliability.
For more information, please visit Staccato2011.com.
Staccato C Specs
| Caliber | 9mm |
| Barrel | Four-inch Bull Barrel |
| Weight | 26 ouches |
| Frame | Aluminum 7075 Aluminum Billet precision machined |
| Length | 7.6 inches |
| Width | 1.45 inches |
| Height | 5.4 inches |
| Capacity | 15 +1 / 17+1 |
| MSRP | $2599.00 |
