OA Defense 2311, from the USA a new family of 9mm double-stack pistols with aluminum/polymer composite frame

The OA Defense 2311 pistol is currently built in two sizes: Standard with a 5-inch (125 mm) barrel and Compact with a 4.25-inch (101 mm) barrel. Two further variants, called Pro and Compact Pro respectively, have already been announced on the company's website, which are distinguished mainly by the barrel with Hybrid porting and lightening cuts on the slide front. Further extending the range of variants are the combinations of the gun's different surface finishes (black or sand-coloured) and the grips, black or sage green.

OA Defense 2311 pistol, the best of two worlds

The OA Defense 2311 could be described as a hybrid between a classic 1911 with a double-stack frame and a SIG Sauer P320, as the front slide tapering recalls the profile now familiar to handgun enthusiasts. Actually, there are several original details that we will see later on.

The aluminum frame of the OA 2311 was designed around the SIG Sauer P320's 9mm (9 Luger) double-stack magazine, so it offers absolute reliability. The first 1911-type double-stack frames called 2011, and especially their magazines, were not designed to shoot 9mm cartridges, but the .45 ACP and the .38 Super Auto, and this has always created the risk of feeding problems.

The frame of the OA 2311, on the other hand, has been built around the SIG 320 9mm two-column magazine, which is very popular in the USA and which, according to the gun's designers, is extremely reliable. This rooter out any risk of "rejection"  and puts the user in a position to use any compatible, original or aftermarket magazine without any manual adjustment. The metal frame is wrapped by a modular polymer grip that can be replaced in seconds to transform the full size model with 17-round magazine into the Compact with 15+1-round magazine and a smaller footprint. The lower part of the grip consists of an aluminum magwell that facilitates quick magazine insertion. Of note is the lack of the grip safety, which is usually present on 1911-derived frames, even double-stack ones.

The safety and slide stop levers are present on both sides of the frame, while the oversized magazine release button is easily reversible. On the dust cover we find the usual Picatinny rail for tactical light mounting, an operation made easier by the straight-type trigger guard front. A new solution is represented by an extension of the grip polymer section that creates a true index finger rest on the frame, in front of the trigger guard. This index pad, which can be detected by feel, facilitates the handling of the gun and the correct positioning of the firing hand.

The trigger of the OA Defense 2311, with a lightened hammer and single-action only, is operated by a linearly moving skeletonized trigger that breaks at a pull weight of approximately 1.8-2 kg and provides a very short reset.

The slide of the OA Defense 2311, as we said, is much more SIG Sauer than Colt, with a Petter locking system with no link under the chamber and no bushing. Underneath the barrel chamber are two channels that are part of the patented DBS (Debris Clearance System), which is intended to remove any sludge from a delicate area of the gun, preventing the formation of deposits.

The profile of the slide is tapered towards the muzzle to facilitate reholstering. As is now standard practice, there is provision for the direct mounting of optics (Trijicon RMR, DeltaPoint Pro and RMSc mounting plates are included with the pistol) and front and rear cocking serrations. The mechanical sights with tritium inserts are made by the American specialist Night Fision and are dovetailed so that they can be adjusted laterally.

OA Defense 2311: a wealth of standard equipment

The OA 2311 is described by its manufacturer as a competition pistol that can handle combat, but also a service pistol that can win in a competition. The concept is certainly ambitious and well executed, but it comes at a price. The basic version in the USA costs $2,299, which on paper would be "only" €2,000, but adding taxes and duties can be much more. It is certainly a gun built without compromises and aimed at a demanding public: this can be seen from some of the construction details and the rich equipment that includes a high-capacity hard case with no less than five magazines and four red dot mounting plates.

The OA Defense 2311 is certainly more than a cross between two highly successful pistols and has already aroused the interest of the sporting and professional market, thanks also, and above all, to the new modular frame without the infamous grip safety that so many shooters have never liked. We just have to wait until we can try it out as soon as possible, perhaps at the Industry Day during the next SHOT Show, to be able to give you a first-hand opinion. Stay tuned!

OA Defense 2311 technical specifications and price