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Staccato 2011: The Best Kept Secret in the Firearms Space
According to the ATF annual report, in 2019 the firearms industry, inclusive of manufacturing, significantly contributes to job creation and economic output in the state. The National Shooting Sports Foundation estimated in 2020 that the firearms industry was responsible for approximately 23,000 jobs in Texas and had an economic impact of over $3.8 billion.
Thirty years ago, Staccato 2011, then known as STI, introduced the 2011®, a new type of gun platform that changed the world of competitive shooting.
Renowned for cutting-edge engineering and commitment to the specific needs of its customers, Staccato 2011 is becoming a dominant force in the firearms sector. This is made even more significant by Texas’ standing in the top three states with the highest number of firearms produced annually.
Quietly headquartered in a 25,000-square-foot production facility in Georgetown since 2016, the company recently transitioned to a new, state-of-the-art 75,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Florence where precision and Texan grit are carving out a new narrative in gun manufacturing.
The company has just over 200 employees producing 1,000 pistols weekly, which are sold via licensed dealers and the company website. Approximately 25 percent of their business comes from law enforcement agencies, and the remainder from civilian customers.
RANGE OF EXPERTISE
Staccato 2011 builds handguns for duty, conceal carry, competition, and protection, and the company’s journey from modest startup to its prominence in today’s law en-
forcement and retail market offers an inspirational blueprint for other aspiring businesses.
The 2011® platform is based on the revolutionary 1911 John “Father of Automatic Fire” Browning Colt .45, considered by many to be the world’s most respected handgun, and has been a favorite for American service members since World War I. The 2011 evolution was patented by STI to change from a one-piece frame with a single stack magazine that held eight rounds to a modular grip frame that uses a double stack magazine and holds 16 rounds.
THE AIM OF INNOVATION
What sets Staccato 2011 apart from other manufacturers is their unique approach to design. Rather than simply copying existing models, they work closely with law enforcement professionals and elite shooters to develop pistols tailored to specific needs. This process involves a deep understanding of the requirements of different users, whether it be law enforcement officers or competitive shooters. Taking time to study the demand before creating the supply has resulted in firearms that are not only accurate and reliable but also comfortable and easy to handle. Additionally, Staccato 2011 is known for its attention to detail when it comes to aesthetics. Their pistols feature sleek lines and modern finishes that not only look exceptional but also improve functionality.
TARGETING QUALITY
While STI focused its products on competition shooters, Staccato's focus is on making the best pistols in the world for those who need them the most, law enforcement officers and civilians who want to protect themselves and their
families. Regardless of the use cases, Staccato maintains its sterling reputation for manufacturing excellence, supplying a wide array of meticulously handcrafted firearms that cater to diverse needs and are fast becoming the go-to option for discerning customers across the spectrum.
In 2020, due to increased demand for their product, Staccato 2011 CEO Nate Horvath created a new division specifically for law enforcement and military business. With the endorsement of law enforcement agencies across the nation, including prestigious units like the Texas Rangers, LAPD SWAT, and U.S. Marshals' special operations, Staccato 2011’s guns have become a trusted tool for those on the front line. Horvath says the company's relationship with law enforcement developed mutually with both parties wanting to work together. “When we were STI we had a dominant market share in competitive shooting, but it was a small market. Our firearms made it so easy to shoot well some thought it was a 'cheater' gun. That 'shootability' led to SWAT team members and veterans saying they wished they had our guns on duty."
LAW ENFORCEMENT
As the years rolled by, the minds behind STI International saw the potential for expanding beyond the realm of competitive shooting. This vision led to a significant rebranding initiative in 2020 in which the company embraced the name Staccato 2011, reflecting its commitment to a wider product range and diversified customer base.
Horvath says they then made it an internal mission, believing law enforcement could really benefit from their guns, to take the shootability of the STI brand, make it rugged, and produce something that was durable enough for law enforcement. "We believe they should have the best there is.”
While executing that vision, Horvath was approached by the U.S. Marshals special operations and the Long Beach SWAT team. “They had competed as part of their training and asked us to build what we were already thinking about building for them. They gave us input in terms of what they needed, and we co-developed the first Staccato, which was introduced in 2019 as the STI Staccato P.”
From that humble beginning, the Staccato brand has since been approved for carry on duty by more than 1,300 agencies nationwide. “Most departments do not issue them but they buy them for their SWAT teams because they need the highest level of accuracy,” Horvath says, “and their officers are allowed to carry them so many officers purchase them with their own money. In law enforcement, you can’t put a price on hitting what you’re aiming at.”
TRIGGERING DEMAND
Horvath believes the Staccato 2011 brand’s popularity with professional shooters is gradually influencing private consumer behavior and supporting the surge in sales. He says what’s been happening nationally is a factor as well. “The United States had 5 million new gun owners in 2021—that's more than five times the U.S. population growth that year and we welcome them into the community of responsible gun ownership. More people recognize shooting is something to enjoy as a pastime while also protecting themselves and their families.”
SIGHTS SET ON THE FUTURE
Horvath adds, “We are still in the early innings of our growth. We are continuing to grow in the law enforcement sector, but tens of thousands are using our firearms on ranges, for protection, sporting, and home defense.” He says the team has grown rapidly in the past nine months and he expects to reach 300 as Staccato Ranch begins to streamline operations to meet the growing demand for their products. “We continue to embrace technology,” Horvath says, “but our teammates are irreplaceable, and technology is simply a way to help them be more productive in higher value jobs because we’ve removed the routine tasks. It’s all about growth and development and we don’t just want people to take a job here, we want them to have a career.”
Each member of the Staccato 2011 team is deeply aware of the trust customers place in their products relying on them for personal protection, the safety of their families, and in the line of duty. This awareness instills a commitment to meticulous craftsmanship and unerring quality control. Horvath adds,
“In our company culture, we value dedication and a strong work ethic above past experience. We firmly believe in equipping our team members with the skills they need to excel in their roles. Interestingly, we find that military veterans often exhibit these desired traits, and they currently represent over a quarter of our workforce.
“Our leadership team made the strategic decision to keep production within Williamson County, a choice made in careful consideration of our dedicated team who are instrumental to our mission. Furthermore, we’re excited to offer our customers the option of onsite training due to the ranch’s location next to a Department of Public Safety (DPS) training facility.”
The Florence site also won out because of its proximity to areas like Killeen and Fort Hood, where many employees live. Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell says county leaders are excited Florence is becoming a hub for law enforcement activity, and they are happy to retain Stac-
cato because its product “protects and saves lives. I am proud of the exceptional products Staccato makes, and we’re fortunate to have them as a part of the Williamson County business landscape. They’ve proven to be exemplary partners,” he says.
With a commitment to excellence in design, engineering, and manufacturing, as well as traditional American values, Staccato 2011 is poised to continue its growth and success in the industry.
Staccato’s support for military, veterans, and law enforcement is as much a part of Staccato 2011 DNA as firearm production. More than one-quarter of its employees are veterans and last October the company hosted the 1st Annual Celebrating Heroes Weekend at the new Staccato Ranch in Florence. Proceeds were directed to Fallen Blue, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization formed by a group of citizens to support supports families of fallen officers killed in the line of duty.
At the event, Fallen Blue chairman James Fordyce explained the mission is to ease the financial burden of families education funding, utilities, housing, car, medical support, or any other financial need—of officers killed in the line of duty. He said, “In the past five years, 682 officers were killed in the line of duty. The officers families should not have to have their grief compounded by
financial problems. As such, all administrative expenses of the charity are covered through the generosity of the founding donor so all money raised by the organization is gifted to the families.”
Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell presented a check to Michelle Kelley, widow of Hutto Police Officer Chris Kelley, who was killed June 24, 2015 while serving an arrest warrant. Mrs. Kelley had applied for a grant to help with expenses. Mrs. Kelley said, “I could talk about trauma and darkness but there is light. The community and our supporters are the light in our lives. Family, friends, and organizations like Fallen Blue. We received much help emotionally, mentally, and financially from the community, which all families need. But costs have gone up for everything and Fallen Blue came out of no where to help us. It means the world to me and we are forever grateful for your support.”
