The Stealth Arms Platypus Comp is one of the more interesting double-stack 1911s on the market right now. It's got the looks, it's got the performance, and best of all, it takes Glock magazines. That alone saves you a small fortune compared to most 2011-style pistols.
For this review, we ran a compensated Platypus with a 4.3" barrel, integrated compensator, SureFire X300, and red dot to see if it actually lives up to the hype.
First Impressions
The first thing you notice when shooting the Platypus is just how flat it is.
I had a buddy, Alex, out on the range with me, and both of us had the same reaction: the gun barely moves. In fact, it shoots so flat that if you're used to more traditional pistols, you almost have to adjust your transitions because the dot doesn't rise as much as you'd expect.
The biggest advantage over most double-stack 1911s is magazine compatibility. Instead of paying premium 2011 magazine prices, you're running Glock mags. That's a huge win for anyone who actually trains and competes.
Shooting Performance
We spent most of the day running transition drills, speed drills, and generally trying to outrun each other on the timer.
The Platypus absolutely shines here.
The trigger is crisp, the reset is short, and the compensator does exactly what it's supposed to do. Fast follow-up shots are easy, and transitions between targets feel effortless.
One thing I did notice is that with some 17-round Glock magazines, you really need to seat them firmly. A couple times the magazine wasn't fully locked in during reloads. Once inserted correctly, however, everything ran as expected.
Competition Ready?
Honestly, yes.
If you're looking at getting into USPSA, Steel Challenge, or other action shooting sports, the Platypus deserves serious consideration.
According to Alex, who's been running the gun competitively:
"I think it's worth it if you want to get into shooting Open class. It's smooth, reliable, and people ask about it constantly at the range."
The gun feels more refined than many pistols in its price range, and the slide-to-frame fit is extremely tight.
The Ricochet Incident
One thing from the range day worth mentioning has nothing to do with the gun itself.
During one drill, a ricochet came back and caught me in the forearm. Nothing serious, but it was a good reminder that even when everything is set up properly, safety gear matters.
Always wear eye protection and be mindful of steel target distances and angles.
What I Like
- Extremely flat shooting
- Excellent trigger
- Uses affordable Glock magazines
- Great fit and finish
- Reliable performance
- Competition-ready out of the box
- Unique customization options
What I Don't Like
- Price is still high for many shooters
- Some magazines require a firm seat during reloads
- Not really aimed at casual shooters
Final Thoughts
After spending time with the compensated Platypus, I honestly prefer it to the Sig P211.
The trigger is cleaner, the reset feels better, and it shoots just as flat, if not flatter. Add in the fact that you're using Glock magazines instead of expensive proprietary mags, and the value proposition starts looking a lot stronger.
At $2,300, this definitely isn't a budget pistol. But compared to many premium 2011s, it offers a lot of performance without getting into truly crazy price territory.
If you're a casual range shooter, it's probably hard to justify.
If you compete, train regularly, or just appreciate a really well-built pistol, the Platypus is absolutely worth a look.