Firearm: Staccato C (MSRP: $1,899)
Long known for pistols custom-built for competition, the firearm company formerly known as STI, now Staccato, has turned its attention to the concealed-carry market. Recognizing that the same formula that works so well in competition—robust pistols that work well under adverse circumstances—was also a recipe for success for the concealed-carry practitioner.
Granted, the style of pistol needed a little refinement. While the competitive world does have to concern itself with rapid draw times, like those practicing with their EDC gear, concealment is not something with which competitive shooters need concern themselves. As a result, the full-size, extra-wide 2011-style pistols that hold enough rounds to get through intense stages and make shots at dozens of yards were just a little on the large size to conceal.
Enter the Staccato C. With a size more amenable to concealed carry, the C offers a 3.9-inch bull barrel, overall length of 7.4 inches, height of 4.9 inches and unloaded weight of 26.6 ounces. That’s pretty close to a Glock G19, which is pretty much a concealed-carry staple. Yes, the Staccato C only holds 8 rounds to the Glock’s 15, but that’s a tradeoff for a superior trigger. Fans of the 1911 will appreciate the feel of the Staccato, and operation is identical, from the grip safety to the ambidextrous thumb safety.
Often, we receive feedback on pistols like the Staccato concerning the price. While the C isn’t significantly more expensive than a comparably equipped 1911 from, say, Smith & Wesson’s Performance Center or Springfield Armory’s TRP line, it is more than an entry-level 1911, no question. However, given the pedigree of the Staccato name, the refined touches that go into a pistol like the Staccato C and the overall experience, the best advice I can offer before deciding would be to shoot one. It is definitely out of the ordinary on the range!
Holster: LAS Concealment Shogun AIWB (MSRP: $69.98)
While some might be concerned about carrying a 1911-style pistol in the appendix position, it’s actually one of the more suitable platforms for this method. Twin safeties—the grip safety and the thumb safety—make inadvertent activation of the trigger extremely unlikely, and the hammer itself is another form of safety mechanism: when reholstering, place the strong-hand thumb over the hammer to make absolutely sure the pistol cannot fire. While we’re reluctant to say “never,” this is about as close as you can get.
LAS Concealment’s Shogun AIWB holster offers a concealable, compact way to carry your Staccato C. Cut for pistols with optics, the Shogun offers a variety of belt-attachment options, a mid-length sweatguard and adjustable retention and ride height. It’s designed with a closed mouth for added comfort in the appendix position, and offers plenty of holster below the beltline to keep the rig plenty stable. There’s even a concealment wing to help tuck the holster into the body to optimize concealment.
Optic: SIG Sauer Romeo Zero (MSRP: $219.99)
You might wonder why a red-dot optic the size of the SIG Sauer Romeo Zero was chosen for a gun the size of a Glock G19, and there’s a simple answer. With the thinner profile of the single-stack Staccato C, a larger optic like an RMR or DeltaPoint Pro would significantly overhang the top of the slide, resulting in exposed edges that could catch on cover garments and other items.
SIG’s Romeo Zero attaches to the standard RMSc footprint and is available with either a 3-MOA dot or a 6-MOA dot. Eight daytime brightness settings are available for configuration by the end user, and the Zero offers what SIG deems the MOTAC system for motion-activated illumination. The Zero powers down after a period of inactivity, but is instantly on whenever motion is detected. SIG claims a 20,000-hour run time using this system, all on a single, bottom-loaded CR1632 battery.
