VKTR VKP Pro: The 2011 Project

So far, in the Duty Tier of the 2011 Project, I’ve discussed the proven Staccato and the Watchtower Defense Apache Commander. The two are relatively similar guns with similar formats.

However, the final pistol in this tier is for all those looking for a full-size duty-rated 2011-style pistol: the VKTR Industries VKP Pro, the flagship model of VKTR’s Vanguard line.

VKTR Industries was one of the first companies to agree to work with us on the 2011 Project, and for that I’m tremendously grateful. Will the newcomer be just as good as the C2 or the very impressive Apache Commander? Let’s jump in.

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 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 VKTR Industries for providing a sample. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

WHO IS VKTR INDUSTRIES

Based in House Springs, Missouri, VKTR Industries brings decades of experience in engineering, machining, and firearms know-how to modern design and manufacturing. The company builds high-end firearms for professionals and hard-use shooters, with a focus on proprietary technology, precision, and performance in adverse conditions.

Proudly made in the USA, VKTR backs its products with a lifetime warranty. Its approach blends traditional firearms expertise with fresh engineering and manufacturing ideas to create a distinctly modern take on precision firearms.

VKTR VKP Pro Specs

Features

The VKTR Industries VKP Pro is a double-stack 1911 built from the ground up for duty, competition, and extended-range sessions. Manufactured entirely in the U.S. using U.S. materials, it features a 416 stainless-steel frame, a 4.40-inch bull barrel, a reinforced polymer grip module, and an Armorlube coating.

Chambered in 9x19mm, the pistol weighs 37 ounces unloaded and measures 6.9 inches overall. A recoil-mitigating design is intended to help shooters get on target quickly and maintain control during rapid follow-up shots.

The VKP Pro comes optics-ready with three adapter plates for Aimpoint ACRO, Trijicon RMR, and Leupold DPP footprints, each with built-in backup iron sights. XS Sights provide the standard sighting system, and fully machined steel controls eliminate MIM components for added durability.

The custom single-piece Combat Match Trigger delivers about a 3.5-pound pull, a clean break, and a positive reset.

Each VKP Pro includes four magazines—two 16-round and two 20-round—along with three optic plates, a lock, and a premium semi-hard case. The reinforced polymer grip features VKTR’s custom grip surface, which combines durability with tactile control.

Setup

For the VKP Pro, I mounted a Vortex Defender-ST Enclosed Solar Micro Red Dot. VKTR makes things easy by including three different plates for popular optic footprints—something many other brands should consider.

The optic mounting system on the VKP is very robust and similar to the Watchtower and MPA plate systems. You can also remove the rear sight if you wish.

I’ve also 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 candela. Depending on where you shop, this light typically costs around $220.

As I am throughout this series, I’m running this pistol stock. That keeps things on an even playing field.

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 “tactical” shooting or training. Since I’m not in law enforcement, I’ve removed the hood for easier access. This 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

My average Bill Drill with the VKP Pro was 1.17 seconds over six attempts — solid, and right in the middle of the pack. I like to run Bill Drills to warm up and get things moving. Just like an athlete before a game or match, you need to warm up and do a stretching routine to perform at your best. 

I start in a low ready, with the target about 7 yards(ish) away. The goal: six A-zone(ish) hits in 1.25 seconds or less. First shots were at .36 seconds, while follow-ups hovered around .14 seconds.

The VKP Pro is a noticeably larger and heavier gun than the C2 and Apache Commander. I’m not surprised I was slower with this gun compared to those.

I wasn’t super accurate on the Bill Drills. I was testing three guns that day, so I think fatigue was setting in (it was also miserably humid).

Accuracy Testing

The trigger felt excellent, maybe the best of the duty 2011s. It’s flat-faced with minimal overtravel and a short reset—and that showed on paper.

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 VKTR VKP put four shots in one cluster, and then one about .5” away. Overall, the group measured 1.5” center-to-center. At 25 yards, the group doubled in size, but I pulled one shot about 1.5” outside of the main group. Without it, the group is about 1.75”.

1-and-1 Drills

This is my favorite drill to run. I start the same way I do for Bill Drills. Fire one shot, slide lock, reload, one shot. My goal is to hit a 3.25-second par time.

I have small hands, which can make shooting 2011-style pistols interesting. For this, I’d roll my strong hand to engage the magazine release, then use my support hand to hit the slide release before moving back into position.

The VKP is a beefy gun. This is particularly noticeable when testing the C2 and the Apache Commander on the same day. It took me a bit to get used to it, but I was pretty fast once I did. The VKP has oversized controls and a very generous magwell, which sped things up. My average time was 2.99 seconds, with a first shot of 0.362 seconds and reloads in 2.50 seconds.

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, reload, 2 shots into the head A-Zone.

My time was 12.01, one of my worst. I had three misses. In general, I shot low with the VKP. Again, probably attributed to the weight.

I’ll chalk up the poor run to being exhausted. Shooting over 1,200 rounds on a hot and humid day will tire you out (especially when it’s done in a relatively short period of time).

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 VKTR VKP Pro

Where the VKP Pro Delivers

The VKP has a lot going for it. Great trigger, ergonomics, and texturing make this an excellent pistol. I think the whole “package” is great.

When looking at something that costs $4,000, it’s hard to think of it as a good “value.” But the package helps. Four magazines, including two extended mags, plus three different optic plates, are huge. Yes, it adds to that price, but those are things people need, and now they don’t have to go out and search for them. 

I really like the oversized slide release and ambi safety on this pistol. The slide release really helped with the 1-and-1 drills, while the larger left-side paddle helps me drive the gun. To reiterate, the optic mount is excellent.

Mixed Results Here  

As a strictly “duty” pistol, it is a bit large and heavy. It won’t be for all frame and body sizes.

The texturing is really good. I only wish the front strap texturing extended up to the trigger guard. The untextured polymer is slick, and I noticed the middle finger of my dominant hand starting to slip on a hot, humid day.  

Where It Falls Short

This is less a flaw than a value question, but the price is worth talking about. $4,000 is a lot for any gun, let alone a duty pistol. Yes, the package is good, which helps soften the cost, but it is still there.

For a gun with a polymer grip module and no porting, that is steep (VKTR did release a ported model this summer; it is priced at $4,199.99). The Watchtower Apache Commander and the VKTR share much in common, but the Apache Commander is about $700 less.

And that’s what makes the 2011 Project so difficult to explain. The pistols themselves are good. It’s about rationalizing the price and value.

Zooming Out

The VKTR VKP Pro is a very interesting pistol with a ton of features. It did well in all my testing (well, except for the Humbler). Of the three duty pistols tested, it was my father’s favorite—he shot it better than I did.

The VKP has a lot going for it. Its feature set, package, and overall “shootability” make it worth consideration. I’ll save my concluding thoughts for the next article—the Duty Pistol Hotwash.

Stay tuned.

VKTR VKP Pro Questions, Answered