As we work through the “mid-tier” of 2011s, we find ourselves on an interesting spectrum. These pistols bridge the gap between custom or semi-custom production and large-scale manufacturing. The RCD Core and Kimber 2K11 are perfect examples.
The Stealth Arms Platypus is something different. It’s a completely made-to-order firearm—something unlike anything in the industry.
To order one, simply go to the Stealth Arms website and build your Platypus exactly as you’d like—down to the backfill color of the serial number. You can actually waste hours deciding on the exact configuration (ask me how I know). This is about as custom a gun as you can get in this project, making it entirely unique in this tier.
To understand the history of the 2011, Staccato, and the rise of this pistol classification, check out “Party Like It’s 2011: Staccato and the 2011 Revolution,” which tells the origin story. That article lays the groundwork for what follows, and this is meant to give you honest opinions on this growing market.
Unlike other trends that come and go, this one has staying power. But unlike other trends, pistols in this class can cost thousands of dollars. The goal here is to give you an unbiased opinion on how these models stack up and help you decide which is best for your needs and budget.
Thank you to Stealth Arms for providing a sample. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
WHO IS STEALTH ARMS?
Stealth Arms, an Ohio-based manufacturer founded in 2012, specializes in American-made firearms and precision machining. Originally known for its 80% build kits and custom 1911 components, the company used its in-house manufacturing expertise to develop the Platypus—a modern 2011-style pistol that uniquely accepts Glock-pattern magazines.
Built entirely in-house, the Platypus reflects Stealth Arms’ commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and customer service.
STEALTH ARMS PLATYPUS SPECS
- Model(s): Platypus Integrated Comp
- Action: Single Action, Hammer-Fired
- Frame: 7075-T6 Aircraft Grade Aluminum
- Caliber: 9mm
- Magazine Style: Glock 17 or Sig P320
- Capacity: 17 rounds
- Sights: Novak Style
- Optic Cut: Yes, for the footprint of your choosing
- Magazines: 2
- Barrel Length: 4.25” or 5”
- Weight: 26-32 oz.
- Price: $2,345.00 (Starting for Comp Model)
FEATURES
The Stealth Arms Platypus is a modern double-stack 1911 that combines the classic platform’s familiar ergonomics with the practicality of widely available magazines. Chambered in 9mm, the U.S. patent-pending design is compatible with Glock 17 or SIG P320 magazines while maintaining the traditional 1911 grip angle.
Built from billet materials and precision-machined entirely in-house, the Platypus is offered with either a 5-inch Government or a 4.25-inch Commander match-grade 416R stainless-steel barrel, a 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum frame, and a carbon-steel Series 70 slide.
As I mentioned, one of the Platypus’ standout features is Stealth Arms’ online builder, which lets buyers customize nearly every aspect of the pistol, including colors, finishes, and component styles, while previewing changes in real time.
Once configured, the pistol is built to order, then performance-tested and safety-checked before being shipped to your selected FFL dealer. Each pistol includes two magazines (Sig OEM) and a fabric range bag.
Additional features include Novak-style sights, an aluminum trigger with an approximately 4-pound pull, and threaded barrel options in 9mm. Depending on the configuration, the Platypus weighs between 26 and 32 ounces without a magazine, and magazine capacity ranges from 10 to 17 rounds to comply with state regulations.
Designed for shooters who want both personalization and performance, the Platypus combines custom-shop flexibility with the proven handling of the 1911 platform.
SETUP
Like the Kimber 2K11, I’m running a Vortex Defender-ST Solar Enclosed red dot. When ordering a Platypus, you specify your optic footprint. Other options include No Cut, ACRO, Holosun K, and SRO/RMR—so most of today’s popular options.
One interesting quirk of the Platypus is that there are no top screws securing the cover plate. You remove the firing pin, firing pin plate, and rear sight to access the cover plate (it hinges in place). It’s actually easy to do.
This keeps the optic mounted low in the slide and gives the pistol a streamlined look if you choose not to mount the optic. Another well-thought-out feature is that you don’t lose your rear sight. Stealth Arms ships an additional rear sight that mounts behind your optic once the cover plate is removed.
I must say, the optic mounting system is well thought out.
Like all the others, I’ve added a Streamlight TLR-1 HL-X. This proven light offers good value. The best part is that it is multi-fuel compatible and delivers about 1,500 lumens and 20,000 Candelas. Depending on where you are shopping, this light hovers around $220.
As I am throughout this series, I’m running this pistol stock. That keeps things on an even playing field. For a holster, I’m using the Safariland 6354RDSO – ALS Holster w/ QLS19 Fork and a mid-ride QLS adapter. This is my go-to setup for any kind of “tactical” shooting or training.
Since I’m not in law enforcement, I’ve removed the hood for easier access. I won’t say this is a perfect fit for the Platypus, but it does work. It wears in over time. At first, firmly seat the pistol and double-check that the retention lever is engaged. Just a fair warning if you choose this option.
The holster is mounted on the Safariland BASELINE MOLLE Belt, which I’ve grown to like quite a bit.
Now, let’s head to the range.
AT THE RANGE
A note on ammo. All “range ammo” is Blazer Brass 115-gr FMJ (5200). For accuracy testing, I used Hornady American Gunner 115-gr XTP. I picked up all the ammo for testing from Ammunition Depot.
Let’s get into the drills and accuracy testing.
Bill Drills
The return to zero with the comp is fast—that’s the first thing I noticed running this drill. I like to run Bill Drills first to warm up and get acquainted with the pistol. Just as an athlete warms up before a game or match, you need to prepare your body with a stretching routine to perform at your best.
I start Bill Drills at a low ready, with the target about 5-7 yards away. The goal is six A-zone hits in 1.25 seconds or less. With the Stealth Arms Platypus, my average time over five attempts was 1.21 seconds.
Accuracy was solid, and the return to zero with the comp is fast. It took a moment to get used to it. My first two attempts were 1.32, but then they fell to 1.25, 1.13, and a lightning-fast 1.03. This gun is built to run fast.
First shots averaged .36 seconds, while follow-ups were in the .14 range. Accuracy was good. I definitely had low shots at first, but as I became familiar with the pistol’s recoil pattern and the comp’s effectiveness, I became more consistent.
I’ve found that with compensated pistols, you don’t need to drive them as hard. To fix this, I relax my grip slightly and let the comp do the work.
Accuracy Testing
For this portion, I’m shooting off a pistol rest that mounts to a tripod. This keeps things as stable as possible and really showcases the pistol’s capability.
At 10 yards, the pistol shot a small cluster about 1” in diameter. I’d call that pretty darn good. I was equally impressed at 25 yards. All shots fell within about 2”, with one two-shot cluster.
Remember, the accuracy testing is less about my abilities and more about the pistol’s quality. This is where the overall fit, finish, and quality control really stand out.
1-and-1 Drills
This is my favorite drill to run. I start the same way I do for Bill Drills. 1 shot fired, slide lock, reload, 1 shot. My goal is to hit a 3.25-second par time.
I have small hands, which can make shooting 2011-style pistols challenging. For this, I’d roll my strong hand to engage the magazine release, then use my support hand to hit the side release before moving back into position.
The Platypus is a bit more unique because it uses an alternative magazine. That means the grip circumference is smaller than on pistols that use the classic 2011 magazine. There’s also a nice undercut for your primary-hand index finger that really helps with clearance.
To help even more, I may add a Mad Science Tactical Grip 001 to it (I know they are working with Stealth on a design) to pin the grip safety in place. This is a common feature on many custom or “higher-end” guns. We saw this with the RCD Core.
Anyways, my times were even faster than the RCD Core, averaging 2.8 seconds over five attempts. Average draw time was .36 seconds, while reload and second shot averaged 2.43 seconds. All really excellent times for me.
The Humbler
This is a good finisher I picked up from James Williamson of HK. It’s a 10-second par time. Either start with the pistol holstered or on a bench. 10 shots into the A-Zone, then reload and take 2 shots into the head A-Zone.
With the Platypus, I posted my best attempt thus far. I completed the drill in 9.42 seconds and made all my hits (one on the line). My first shot was at 2.08, with .43 splits (which includes a reload). As you can tell, the Platypus tested well.
Note: If you’ve heard of “The Humbler” before, this is not that drill — it’s a different, shorter exercise that happens to share the same nickname.
Sizing Up the Stealth Arms Platypus
Where the Platypus Delivers
There is almost nothing wrong with this pistol. Maybe this is slightly unfair, but I designed this pistol the way I wanted it.
I went through the same process anyone else would when buying a Platypus through Stealth Arms. So it has the aesthetic and features I like.
The comp works great. It is a fast pistol. The grip texture is perfect. I went with their “prickle” style, which is more aggressive. The magwell is a good size, and I like the backup iron sights quite a bit. They are effective yet unobtrusive.
The trigger on this is the best so far. You can select the trigger style you want, and I’m very happy with my choice. I selected the 2.5-3-lb competition option, and it’s as light as I requested, just under 3 lbs.
Mixed Results Here
While this is an excellent pistol, it’s not 100% perfect. Like many pistols in this test, I’d prefer oversized controls. Because of the smaller grip circumference, the standard-size controls are less noticeable, and I can work with them. Still, I’d prefer an extended mag release or the option to add a larger paddle, and an oversized or extended slide release.
The other nitpick concerns the magwell, not the add-on funnel. This may be an issue only with the 320 magazine version, but the add-on mag funnel does not fully encapsulate the pistol’s magwell. There’s a bit of a lip.
I feel this could be simply radiused with a Dremel, so I’m not worried. I just noticed that if you insert the magazine slightly rotated rather than square, you will hit the lip. This may not slow down your reloads much, but it is something to be mindful of.
Where It Falls Short
Surprisingly (or maybe not), nothing.
Zooming Out
The Stealth Arms Platypus is such a unique pistol in this series. There are so few places where you can customize almost every detail of a pistol and have it built to your exact preferences, especially at a really reasonable price. This sort of makes it a Goldilocks pistol in the 2011 handgun landscape.
The only real downside is that very few dealers stock these, so you’ll probably have to rely on recommendations and what people say. I’ll be as direct as possible: I really like this pistol. A lot.
Before this project, I didn’t have much experience with many of these brands. Until a year ago, I didn’t own a 2011-style pistol (because they’re expensive).
The pistol I did buy? The Sig Sauer P211 GTO. Let’s see how it stacks up against the others and whether I’m still happy with my purchase.
