Quick answer: A double stack 1911 is a 1911-pattern pistol built on a wider, double-stack frame so the magazine holds two staggered columns of rounds instead of one. You keep the things people love about a 1911, the single-action trigger and the grip angle, but you nearly double the capacity. A traditional single-stack 1911 in 9mm holds around 9 rounds. A double stack 1911 in 9mm can carry roughly 17 in a standard magazine. Fusion's answer is the XP Pro, a 2011-style double-stack 1911 in 9mm that takes Glock 17 magazines with a 17-round standard capacity, and the XP COMP, the same platform with a factory compensator.
The 1911 is one of the most respected pistol designs ever made, but it was born with one real limitation: a single-stack magazine that holds fewer rounds than modern shooters want. The double stack 1911 fixes that. It keeps the 1911 feel and the crisp single-action trigger, then widens the frame so the magazine carries far more ammo. This guide explains what a double stack 1911 is, how much capacity it adds, the things to actually look for when you buy one, and where Fusion's own double-stack pistols, the XP Pro and XP COMP, fit in.
What is a double stack 1911?
A standard 1911 uses a single-stack magazine: the rounds sit in one straight column, which keeps the grip slim but limits how many fit. A double stack 1911, sometimes called a wide-body 1911 or a 2011-style pistol, uses a wider frame and a magazine that stacks the rounds in two staggered columns. You get the same 1911 controls, the same single-action trigger people love, and the same familiar manual of arms, with a big jump in capacity. The trade-off is a slightly wider grip, which most shooters adapt to quickly. If you want a deeper look at how the two platforms compare, read our breakdown of 2011 vs 1911 pistols and what's different.
How many rounds does a double stack 1911 hold?
It depends on the caliber and the magazine, but the capacity gain is significant. A typical single-stack 1911 in 9mm holds around 9 rounds. A double stack 1911 in 9mm commonly carries around 17 rounds in a standard magazine, which is close to double. In .45 ACP the numbers are lower because the cartridge is larger, but a double stack still carries meaningfully more than a single stack. Fusion's XP Pro takes Glock 17 magazines with a 17-round standard capacity in 9mm, with a 10-round option for capacity-restricted states.
Double stack 1911 in 9mm vs .45 ACP
Both calibers come in double-stack form, and the right one depends on what you want:
- 9mm: higher capacity, lower recoil, and cheaper to shoot, which is why most modern double-stack 1911 / 2011-style pistols are chambered in 9mm. This is what Fusion builds in the XP Pro and XP COMP.
- .45 ACP: a larger, heavier cartridge with a classic feel. Capacity is lower than 9mm in the same frame because the rounds are bigger, but it remains a popular double-stack option for shooters who want the .45 cartridge with extra rounds on board.
If your priority is capacity, low recoil, and the most rounds for your money, 9mm is the practical choice, and it is the caliber of Fusion's double-stack line. For a closer look at how the two cartridges stack up, see our full 9mm vs .45 ACP comparison.
Fusion's double-stack line is 9mm today. 10mm is the next caliber Fusion is looking at, and a .45 ACP double stack is on the longer-range roadmap. No dates yet on either, but the lineup is growing.
What to look for in a double stack 1911
Capacity is the headline, but a good double stack 1911 comes down to how it is built. Use this as your checklist:
- Trigger: a crisp, consistent single-action trigger is the whole reason to buy a 1911-style pistol. The XP Pro is a single-action design built around that 1911 trigger feel.
- Frame and slide build quality: solid, well-machined steel construction holds up to high round counts. Ask about the materials and how the pistol is finished.
- Feed reliability: a wide-body magazine has to feed cleanly. This is where fit and testing matter, and it is what separates a good double stack from a frustrating one. Fusion machines, hand-fits, and test-fires every XP in the USA.
- Magazine availability: how easy is it to get spare magazines? The XP Pro takes Glock 17 magazines, so finding spares is straightforward.
- Capacity options: make sure a compliant magazine option exists if your state limits capacity. The XP Pro offers a 10-round option alongside the 17-round standard.
| Model | Caliber | Capacity (standard) | Compensator | Magazines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XP Pro | 9mm | 17 rounds (Glock 17 mags); 10-round compliant option | No (threaded option available) | Glock 17 magazines |
| XP COMP | 9mm | 17 rounds (Glock 17 mags) | Yes, factory compensator | Glock 17 magazines |
Fusion's double-stack 1911 options. On a phone, swipe the table sideways to see every column.
A quick practical note: both the XP Pro and the XP COMP take Glock 17 magazines, so standard double-stack 9mm Glock magazines work right out of the box at a 17-round standard capacity. That keeps spare magazines easy to find and affordable, which is a real advantage for a high-capacity pistol you plan to shoot a lot.
Where the XP Pro and XP COMP fit
Fusion built the XP series to give shooters a modern double stack 1911 without the wait or the premium of a full custom build. The XP Pro is the core model: a 2011-style double-stack 1911 in 9mm, hammer-fired and single-action, built on a wide-body frame. It takes Glock 17 magazines with a 17-round standard capacity. The XP COMP is the same platform with a factory compensator added, which helps keep the muzzle flat for faster, flatter follow-up shots. Both are precision-machined, hand-fit, and test-fired in the USA, and offered in a range of finishes from black to chrome and custom-shop options.
See the full lineup and current configurations on the XP Pro page and the XP COMP page.
Frequently asked questions about double stack 1911 pistols
What is a double stack 1911?
It is a 1911-pattern pistol built on a wider frame so the magazine holds two staggered columns of rounds instead of one. You keep the 1911 controls and single-action trigger but gain much higher capacity. It is also called a wide-body 1911 or a 2011-style pistol.
How many rounds does a double stack 1911 hold?
It depends on caliber. In 9mm a double stack 1911 commonly holds around 17 rounds in a standard magazine, compared to about 9 in a single-stack 9mm 1911. Fusion's XP Pro takes Glock 17 magazines at 17-round standard capacity in 9mm, with a 10-round option for restricted states.
Is a double stack 1911 the same as a 2011?
2011 is a common term for the wide-body, double-stack 1911 platform. A double stack 1911 and a 2011-style pistol refer to the same general idea: a 1911 widened to take a higher-capacity, double-stack magazine. Fusion's XP Pro is a 2011-style double-stack 1911.
Does a double stack 1911 come in 9mm or .45 ACP?
Both calibers exist in double-stack form. 9mm is the most common because it offers the highest capacity and lower recoil. Fusion's double-stack line, the XP Pro and XP COMP, is chambered in 9mm.
What magazines does the Fusion XP Pro use?
The XP Pro takes Glock 17 magazines, so standard double-stack 9mm Glock magazines work right out of the box at a 17-round standard capacity. That keeps spare magazines easy to find.
What is the difference between the XP Pro and the XP COMP?
They share the same 2011-style double-stack 9mm platform. The XP COMP adds a factory compensator to help keep the muzzle flat for faster follow-up shots. The XP Pro is the standard, non-compensated model, with a threaded-barrel option available.
