Every so often, three guns land on the bench that tell three completely different stories. The LFA Apollo 11, the Kimber 2K11, and the Staccato HD P4.5 fall squarely into that category — all built on the 1911/2011 pattern, all double-stack, all designed for shooters who want a certain flavor of performance. What separates them is how they deliver that flavor… and what it costs to get there.
Before diving in, quick mention for those who follow the larger firearms community: I’ve been nominated for Micro-Influencer of the Year in the 2026 Gundies. Voting runs December 1–15 at www.TheGundies.com, and voters even have a chance to attend the show in Las Vegas. If you enjoy the content here, your support is appreciated.
Now, let’s break down the pistols.
The Apollo 11 sits at roughly 979 Scooby Snacks, making it the most wallet-friendly entry into the double-stack 1911 universe in this comparison. It’s a full-size build with a 4.9-inch barrel and 17-round 2011-pattern magazines — which, as everyone in this world already knows, cost more than you'd like.
LFA ships the Apollo with an RMSc optic cut, so micro-dots like the Holosun K-series fit directly without adapters. Larger optics can be used with the right plates, but pay attention to optic height and screw depth.
The frame is steel, the grip scales appear to be 3D-printed, and the gun is surprisingly accurate and lightweight for its bracket. That lighter weight does bring more felt movement under recoil. During testing, I experienced a couple of failures to fully extract, and the brass had a habit of smacking the optic repeatedly. Charming… but expected at this price tier.
Sitting in the low 2,000-Snack range, the Kimber 2K11 represents a very different approach. Kimber built it on a stainless frame with a Kevlar/carbon-fiber grip module and matched the texturing through the slide serrations for a cohesive, modern aesthetic. The 5-inch fluted barrel is PVD-coated and uses 5R rifling.
Optics require Kimber’s adapter system for RMR-pattern footprints, but you lose the rear sight when the plate goes on. That means no practical co-witnessing without additional modifications.
Performance is where the 2K11 shines. The recoil impulse is smooth, the ergonomics feel dialed in, and the flat-faced 3–4 lb trigger is clean and consistent. Kimber’s historical quality-control reputation always lingers in the background, but this particular sample performed extremely well.
Just like the Apollo, it relies on 2011 magazines — so budget accordingly.
At around 2,700 Scooby Snacks, the Staccato HD P4.5 steps into the premium lane. Built with Staccato’s new HD architecture, the gun has the most refined machining, finish, and recoil behavior of the trio.
For this test, the pistol ran the Apex Fusion red dot, which offers a generous window and solid reticle options. Staccato’s optic plates are still sold separately (annoying at this price point), but once mounted, the system aligns properly and stays locked in.
With a TLR-1 attached, the pistol weighed 45.9 ounces, and the trigger broke cleanly at 3 lbs, 10 oz. The non-reciprocating front sight block is the star of this setup — the sight picture barely moves during rapid strings, making this the flattest shooter of the comparison.
And here’s the twist: the Staccato HD P4.5 uses Glock magazines, not 2011 mags. That means lower cost, more availability, and fewer headaches. The only minor gripe? A very high grip can result in the beavertail punching the thumb knuckle.
All three pistols serve different shooters:
• Apollo 11: Ideal for the budget-conscious shooter wanting into the double-stack 1911 world. Optic-ready and accurate, but quirks come with the price.
• Kimber 2K11: For the shooter who wants modern styling, solid ergonomics, and premium features without jumping into the ultra-high tier.
• Staccato HD P4.5: The competition or duty-ready option. Refinement, control, and performance that justify its price — plus Glock mag savings over time.
If the question were “What looks the coolest on the table?” — the Kimber 2K11 takes that one home. If the question is “What would I take into a match or use as a duty-grade tool?” — the Staccato gets the nod every time.
More comparisons are already in the pipeline. If there’s a matchup you want to see next, reach out through the site and I’ll add it to the list.
Stay safe, shoot straight, and keep climbing.
