Army Armament R612 STACCATO 2011 Hi-Capa C2 GBB

If you like compact pistols or you want an alternative to your full-sized Hi-Capa which takes the same mags but weighs a lot less, the Army Armament R612 STACCATO 2011 Hi-Capa C2 GBB is what you need. This full metal Hi-Capa GBB platform is based on the real steel STACCATO Firearms C2, a high-end real steel 2011 platform bristling with all the most modern features. 

On the top of the slide, we are treated to a light-enhancing front sight paired with an anti-glare rear sight, set at the correct height to clear a suppressor or tracer unit and for co-witness with a slide-mounted optic. The slide also includes a red dot sight mounting plate designed for RMR footprint red dot sights, meaning you can add an optic to improve your target acquisition speed. 

To make matters even sweeter, the STACCATO C2 is equipped with a 6.03mm tightbore inner barrel and some redesigned internal parts focused on improving gas efficiency and reliability. These include a new formula for the rubber components with silicone infused for temperature resistance, a new magazine valve design and a new reinforced nozzle design made from cold-resistant polymer. Army Armament sure are upping their game!

Starting at the front, we can take note of the short 3.8-inch outer barrel and shortened slide of this STACCATO variant, making it ideal for skirmishers looking for a more compact sidearm to save space and weight on the belt. The shorter slide also pushes up the cyclic rate thanks to reduced overall weight, resulting in impressive rapid-fire performance from this bite-sized 'Capa. At the tip of the barrel, we are treated to 11mm CW female threading, allowing you to mount a tracer unit or suppressor using an 11mm CW female to 14mm CCW male thread adapter.

Mounted to the top of the compensator we can find the front iron sight, equipped with a green light-enhancing insert to make it easy to pick up. The front sight is paired with an anti-glare rear sight, giving you an ultra-modern and highly effective iron sight setup which is set at the correct height for co-witnessing with many slide-mounted red dot sights.

Speaking of which, like the XL version, the C2 variant of the STACCATO includes a pre-installed red dot sight mounting plate designed for RMR footprint optics, allowing you to get busy with a red dot-equipped pistol without the usual troubles with sourcing the correct plate. We recommend the PCS Miniature Red Dot Reflex Sight but most RMR footprint/mounting standard sights will go straight on.

The slide itself features serrations at the front and rear, allowing you to cock the pistol before the first shot from the front or back with maximum traction. The front serrations are flawlessly machined and look fantastic, giving the STACCATO C2 a more aggressive look than most other Hi-Capa platforms. Through the ejection port on the right side of the slide, we get a glimpse of the outer barrel and its realistic, cleanly engraved 9x19 calibre markings.

Moving down to the frame, we can take note of the shortened frame, matching the slide and barrel length perfectly while still allowing you to mount a tactical flashlight or laser aiming module. The rail only has a single slot, just like the real STACCATO XL but fortunately, this is in the perfect spot for an X300, XH35 or X400 style illuminator. On either side of the frame rail, we are treated to yet more trademarks, with "STACCATO C2" on the right side and "2011" on the left, just like the real thing.

The adjustable HOP-up unit of the STACCATO C2 is located on the bottom of the outer barrel and is accessible with the slide removed, in "field stripped" condition. To remove the slide you will first need to remove the magazine and rack the slide to cock the hammer. With this done you can pull the slide back to align the slide lock lever with the rearmost cutout on the left side of the slide. With the slide in this position, you can push the slide release catch through from the right side of the frame, after which the side can be slid forward and removed from the front of the pistol. The adjustable HOP-up allows you to tune the C2 for different ammo weights and extend your range, adjusting the dial until the trajectory is as flat as possible.

Aft of the frame rail, we come to the trigger guard which is built into the grip, as is the convention with Hi-Capa/2011 platforms. This trigger guard sports what are known as "undercuts", a reduced profile section on the bottom intended to facilitate a high grip for more effective recoil control. The guard leads on to the unique STACCATO grip, adorned with checkering on the front, rear and sides for maximum traction in all weather conditions. Also present is the super-cool (we think so anyway!) STACCATO logo, a stylised star discretely embossed on each side of the grip, completing the STACCATO look.

In terms of controls, the STACCATO C2 will be very familiar to anyone who has handled a Hi-Capa or 1911 platform before, rocking the iconic "beavertail" grip safety at the rear of the grip, designed to prevent the pistol from being fired when gripped improperly. The manual safety is ambidextrous and has a slightly enlarged profile, allowing both left and right-handed shooters to carry "cocked and locked" and get on target quickly, with the added benefit that the safeties can be used as a thumb rest for improved recoil control.

At the base of the grip, we can find what is known as a "magazine well extension" or "flared magwell" built into the grip itself. This allows for faster reloads by guiding the magazine in, making speedy reloads with adrenaline coursing through your veins far more achievable. While this flare isn't as large as the one used on the competition-optimised XL Variant, it still gets the job done and leans into the compact nature of the C2. With experience, the magwell flare can also allow for reloading on the move and "eyes-up" reloads, allowing you to continue to scan for targets as you bring your platform back online. 

The magazine release is right where we would expect; on the left side of the grip, well within reach of the shooter's thumb when the C2 is held in a firing grip. The mag release is a standard-sized example with a slightly raised profile, making it easy to reach but not so easy you lose your mag in the heat of combat. Both the trigger and hammer are skeletonised, reducing weight and keeping the styling in line with the real steel STACCATO C2 and most other modern Hi-Capa platforms.

Inside, the STACCATO C2 is based on the Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa, meaning most Hi-Capa upgrade parts should fit but may need modification. Like its larger siblings, the C2 is equipped with a 6.03mm tightbore inner barrel, raising FPS and improving accuracy potential as long as you do your part. Also inside is Army Armament's new cold-resistant nozzle, designed for improved consistency and resistance to the "cooldown" effect.

The O-rings, gas routers and other rubber parts are now made from a new formula, integrating silicone into the mix for improved cold-weather performance. The magazine knocker valve has also been redesigned, showing Army Armament is on the ball when it comes to improving its products and wants us to have the best sidearm possible!

If you're running a full-sized Hi-Capa as your sidearm and want an alternative for when you want to move faster, the Army Armament R612 STACCATO 2011 Hi-Capa C2 GBB is probably the best option out there currently. Bristling with modern features including its optics-ready slide and light enhancing front sight and rocking the elite look of licenced STI/STACCATO Firearms trademarks, this Hi-Capa is a looker and a shooter too!

Features

• Full metal construction
• 6.03mm Tightbore inner barrel - Superb accuracy potential
• Licenced by STI/STACCATO Firearms - Authentic trademarks across the design
• C2 Variant - A compact Hi-Capa, similarly sized to a Glock 19
• 11mm CW Female threading at the tip of the comp - Add a tracer using an 11mm CW to 14mm CCW adapter
• Front and rear slide serrations - Easy to rack from the front or rear of the slide
• Ported slide - Looks great and reduces weight for a faster cyclic rate
• 20mm Picatinny frame rail - Mount a tactical flashlight or laser
• Light-enhancing front iron sight with anti-glare rear sight - Modern and highly functional sights
• Red dot plate pre-installed - Compatible with PCS Miniature Red Dot Reflex Sight & other RMR Footprint optics
• Trigger guard undercut - Allows for a higher grip for improved recoil control
• Textured pistol grip - Iconic STACCATO style checkering, logos on each side
• Gear adjustable HOP-up unit - On the outer barrel, accessible when the slide is removed
• Skeletonised hammer - Reduced weight and elite looks
• Skeletonised trigger - Well suited to a high-end 'Capa
• Ambidextrous manual safety catch - Accessible for left and right-handed shooters
• Beavertail grip safety - Prevents the pistol from being fired if the grip isn't held correctly
• Extended slide release catch - Easy to reach, even for smaller hands
• Compatible with Army Armament Hi-Capa magazines - TTI Style | STACCATO Style | Extended mag

Package Includes

• Army Armament R612 STACCATO 2011 Hi-Capa C2 GBB
• 28rnd Green Gas Magazine