The iconic 1911-style pistol design may be more than a century old, but it’s far from obsolete. In fact, with modern upgrades in capacity, ergonomics and carry readiness, it continues to thrive, especially in the form of the 2011 platform. These updated pistols retain the classic single-action trigger while incorporating features like modular polymer grips and double-stack magazines to meet the needs of today’s concealed carriers and home defenders.
One of the most accessible and impressive examples is the Girsan Witness 2311 Brat — a compact, high-capacity 2011-style pistol that offers premium features at a working person’s price. It stands as proof that reliable innovation doesn’t have to break the bank.
2011 Pistols: Performance Meets Practicality
The term “2011 pistol” refers to a modernized 1911 reimagined for current shooting preferences. While the platform feels new, many of its now-common features — such as extended capacity and modular frames — can be traced back to the 1960s and beyond. Early gunsmiths custom-built these enhancements for competition and hunting, long before manufacturers began offering them as factory options.
In the 1980s, Para-Ordnance helped bring double-stack 1911 pistols to a wider market with offerings in 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP. These models offered more rounds on board, but their bulky frames didn’t work for everyone.
As a young law enforcement officer, I remember handling several early Para-Ordnance pistols at local gun shops. While the idea of more capacity was appealing, the oversized grip never fit my hand quite right. I always preferred the balance and feel of a single-stack 1911, something I wasn’t willing to trade for a few extra rounds. Fortunately, the latest generation of 2011 pistols has refined these designs without sacrificing comfort.
Want a deeper dive into how 2011s differ from traditional 1911s? Check out this breakdown of the 2011 platform.
A 2011 for the Masses: Girsan’s 2311 Brat
Girsan, a Turkish firearms manufacturer operating under EAA (European American Armory), produces the Witness 2311 Brat — a compact double-stack 1911 pistol built with modern features for defensive use. In addition to the Brat, Girsan offers three other models in the Witness 2311 series, all of which are full-size pistols that share similar design elements and performance characteristics.
The term “2311” is a relatively new designation, suggesting a step beyond the 1911 and even the 2011 in terms of innovation. At the time of this writing, a quick internet search reveals that only one other company is currently using the term 2311 pistol to describe one of its models, making Girsan’s naming choice both bold and distinctive.
Features and Configurations
The 2311 Witness Brat is currently available in two configurations: a blue-and-black model featuring a black polymer frame, black aluminum lower receiver, black slide with a bull barrel and three-dot Novak-style sights. The other is a more eye-catching black-and-gold Nitride version with a gold slide and barrel for those who prefer a distinctive look. The model I tested was the blue and black 9mm pistol, though a .45 ACP version is also available.
Classic Function, Modern Safeties
The 2311 Brat functions much like the original 1911 pistol designed by John Moses Browning. Its trigger is single-action, meaning it performs one task: it releases the hammer, allowing it to strike the frame-mounted firing pin and discharge a live round. A single-action trigger is typically much lighter and more precise than a double-action trigger, which both cocks and releases the hammer in one motion, resulting in a significantly heavier pull. For this reason, a single-action pistol intended for self-defense is typically carried in a “cocked and locked” condition: hammer cocked, round in the chamber and safety engaged.
Cocked and locked carry is perfectly safe. That’s because most 1911-style pistols are equipped with a thumb safety that locks both the trigger and hammer in place when the hammer is cocked. The 2311 Brat includes extended ambidextrous thumb safeties, rather than just a single one on the left side, making it accessible for both right- and left-handed shooters. And if that isn’t enough to put your mind at ease, the Brat also features an upswept beavertail grip safety at the rear. This mechanism prevents the pistol from firing unless it’s held in a full firing grip — even if the thumb safeties are disengaged.
Grip Design and Handling
Speaking of the grip, the Brat’s polymer grip is checkered on the side panels, as well as the frontstrap and backstrap. The backstrap is flat, not arched, which contributes to a secure and natural feel. Overall, the grip delivers a secure, stable shooting platform that feels locked-in during live fire.
Reload Efficiency
The grip includes a well-designed flared magazine well that makes speed reloads nearly foolproof — even under stress. If you prefer a slimmer profile, the mag well funnel can be easily removed using the included Allen wrench. I found this to be one of the most comfortable magazine funnels I’ve ever used. In my opinion, it enhances rather than detracts from the shooter’s grip, whether you’re using a one-handed or two-handed shooting stance.
One thing I’ve noticed with many 2011 pistols, including the 2311 Brat, is that the modular frame design appears to limit compatibility with extended slide releases — only a standard-length release seems to fit at this time. I prefer extended slide releases and usually upgrade when possible. While that doesn’t seem to be an option here, the standard Girsan slide release is positioned well enough that only a minimal hand shift is needed to drop the slide during reloads.
Speaking of reloads, Girsan made a smart choice by including two polished stainless steel Check-Mate 17-round magazines with the 2311 Brat. Thanks to the slick magazine finish and the low-friction polymer grip, full mags insert smoothly and empty ones drop free without hesitation. It’s a fast, intuitive and reliable reloading setup — exactly what you want in a defensive handgun.
Compact Size, Surprising Balance
The Brat comes equipped with a short 3.4-inch barrel, but it’s paired with a full-size grip frame, giving it a somewhat unconventional appearance at first glance. Most shooters are used to seeing compact 1911 pistols with both a shortened slide and grip, so the Brat’s proportions — especially with its flared mag well — might seem unusual. But looks can be deceiving. Once in hand, the Brat feels exceptionally well-balanced with a natural point of aim, making it a highly shootable and confidence-inspiring platform.
At the Range: Ammo, Accuracy and Control
I was finally able to squeeze in some outdoor range time with the Brat, despite Ohio’s relentless monsoon season. I met up with Bret, my go-to gun testing partner, at his private range for the test. I brought along two solid ammo choices: a box of 150-grain Federal Syntech Action Pistol flat-nose training rounds (rated at 890 feet per second with 264 foot-pounds of energy) and a box of Federal Punch 124-grain JHP self-defense ammo (clocking in at 1,150 feet per second and 364 foot-pounds of energy). Together, these loads offered a well-rounded snapshot of both practice and self-defense performance for a 9mm pistol.
Feeding and Reliability
We set up a B-27E Pros silhouette target at a distance of 20 feet, conducting all shooting standing with a two-handed grip. The Check-Mate magazines loaded easily and inserted smoothly into the mag well with zero resistance. Everything about the reload process felt streamlined — ideal for both range drills and defensive scenarios.
We started out with the Federal Syntech 150-grain loads to warm up. The 2311 Brat cycled flawlessly with both types of ammo — zero malfunctions throughout the test. Even with the full-power Federal Punch self-defense rounds, recoil was surprisingly manageable.
Sight Picture and Recoil
The Brat’s three-dot white sights were easy to acquire under the available lighting conditions. Though this sight style has been around for years, it remains highly effective. There’s no need to fuss with aligning the top of the front sight with the rear notch — just line up the three dots in a row and pull the trigger.
Dialing in the Point of Impact
One thing Bret and I both noticed was that rounds from both loads tended to impact slightly below the point of aim — on average, about 1 to 2 inches low. My best two five-shot groups with the Federal Punch load measured 1 3/4 and 2 inches, respectively. Bret turned in a solid 3-inch group, with three shots right on target and two drifting a bit low. Personally, I’d like to see an adjustable sight option on the Brat, especially for shooters like me who still prefer iron sights over a red dot.
Built for Carry, Priced for Everyone
It’s important to remember that the 2311 Brat is built as a high-capacity, carry-ready pistol — ideal for home defense or everyday personal protection. It’s also remarkably lightweight, with a total on-board capacity of 18 rounds in 9mm, which is impressive for a compact design. In a real defensive encounter, a shot landing an inch or two below your intended point of aim isn’t likely to matter. You’re aiming center mass, and even slightly low hits will still reach vital zones when it counts.
I was genuinely impressed by the features and price point of the Girsan 2311 Brat. The black-and-gold 9mm version can be found online for as low as $799, while the blue-and-black model is available starting around $599 — an exceptional value for a high-capacity 2011-style pistol. They’re absolutely worthy of your consideration, especially if you’re looking for a reliable carry or home-defense handgun without breaking the bank. As of this writing, I don’t have a confirmed release date for the optics-ready version, but it should be available fairly soon.
If you’re interested in other models from the brand, check out these reviews of the Girsan MC14T X and the Girsan MC14 BDA .380, two compact pistols that take a very different — but equally intriguing — approach to personal protection.
Sources
Check-Mate: CheckMateMagazines.com
EAA Corp.: EAACorp.com
Girsan Witness 2311 Brat — Specs
Model: Girsan Witness 2311 Brat
Caliber: 9mm (tested) or .45 ACP
Action: Single-action, semi-automatic
Capacity: 17+1 (9mm) / 11+1 (.45 ACP)
Barrel Length: 3.4 inches
Overall Length: 7 inches
Sights: 3-dot Novak-style low-profile fixed
Trigger: Skeletonized (non-adjustable)
Hammer: Skeletonized
Frame: Aluminum lower with black polymer grip
Accessory Rail: Full-length Picatinny rail
Weight: 22.4 ounces
MSRP: $719 (blue-and-black model) / $1,059 (black-gold nitride model)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Girsan Witness 2311 Brat?
The Girsan Witness 2311 Brat offers impressive value for a high-capacity, 2011-style defensive pistol. As tested, the blue-and-black 9mm version is available online for as low as $599, while the more distinctive black-and-gold Nitride model can be found around $799. MSRP is listed at $719 for the blue-and-black model and $1,059 for the black-and-gold version.
What caliber is the Girsan Witness 2311 Brat?
The Brat is available in both 9mm and .45 ACP. The version tested in this review was chambered in 9mm, offering a capacity of 17+1 rounds using stainless steel Check-Mate magazines. The .45 ACP version provides 11+1 capacity with similar features.
What’s the difference between a 2011 and 2311?
The term “2011 pistol” refers to a modernized 1911 with enhancements like a modular polymer grip and double-stack capacity. The “2311” is a newer designation, used by Girsan to imply a further evolution of the platform. While functionally similar to a 2011, the 2311 Brat incorporates its own compact design, flared mag well and feature set — making it a distinctive entry in the high-capacity 1911-style pistol category.
