Double-Barrel 1911 Lands ATF Approval, Importation To Begin Next Year

GUNS.com ^ | 11.27.2012 | Max Slowik

[DogByte6RER]

Double-barrel 1911 lands ATF approval, importation to begin next year

The ATF has given Arsenal the green light to import their double-barreled, double-everything 1911. Arsenal turned a lot of heads a few months back when they announced their truly unique handgun, the AF2011-A1, but many assumed that the gun would never wind up for sale in the U.S., because it fires two cartridges with one pull of the trigger, making it a machine gun according to federal law.

Arsenal maintained that their double trigger design, and matching pair of sears and hammers, would not raise the hackles of the gatekeepers of the guns, and they were right on the money. From their press release:

"The US Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) has officially granted import permission and sale in the United States of America of the AF2011-A1 Second Century double barrel pistol, with a total score of 120 Points, according to Form 4590.

"Arsenal Firearms Group proudly announces the official distribution to America of the whole line of double barrel firearms and dedicated accessories starting on January the 1st 2013, through the appointed US Importer of Record, Apex International LLC of Middletown, CT and according to a 'Direct Dealer Distribution.'

"The Company wishes to take this opportunity to thank warmly the millions of followers, enthusiasts and supporters in the United States of America and worldwide: they are part of the dream and indeed our main reason to be."

We can't help but be excited about this crazy handgun. Yes, it's ridiculous, we completely agree with that. It's two inches thick and weighs four pounds unloaded. Even with a full set of magazines it's got a capacity of 8+8+1+1 rounds, and it's probably going to cost a cubic foot of money.

It's just… we're so surprised that this gun is going to even be available. How can we not want to get behind one?

Arsenal says that they will have a full line of firearms and accessories and they will launch all of it at the 2013 SHOT Show. This may mean just the AF2011-A1, but we hope it means their Second Century double 1911 chambered in .38 Super and also their highly-anticipated Strizh pistols.

Their Strizh, or Strike One as they plan to market it in the U.S., is a truly 21st century handgun, a striker-fired pistol built on either a polymer or alloy frame designed for law enforcement and competition use. The Russian ministry of defense has already announced that they intend to retire the Makarov and replace it with the Strizh.

Arsenal is a joint Russian and Italian firm that's still just a couple of years old, but they have our attention to say the least. Their designs are innovative and promising, and the wait between now and SHOT Show is going to kill us.

[eldoradude]

(reply unintelligible due to excessive drool on keyboard)

[Myrddin]

Frankly, I would rather have an LAR Grizzly in 45 WinMag. It's a 1911 pattern. More powder behind each round than 45Auto. A friend allowed me to pop off 10 rounds in exchange for the same number from my Ruger SuperRedhawk with my favorite .454 Casull load. The backstrap on the Grizzly is stippled. It let a real impression on me :-)

[Husker24]

I agree, how much does this thing weigh?

[Husker24]

I agree, how much does this thing weigh?

[SkyPilot]

I like the looks of it, but it seem impracticable from a recoil and possible jamming standpoint. Not matter how much you clean a semi-automatic, or use the proper ammunition, they are prone to jam. That is the one advantage to a revolver - they hardly ever jam.

But, this double barrel 1911 seems great for collection....and "just having one." Kind of like these handguns that are cool, but on the battlefield or back alley I would choose another weapon if I had my druthers:

Although....the little Berreta is one hell of a great size for a concealed weapon!

[SkyPilot]

Interesting gun tho I doubt it’s real practicability.

Agree. Here is yet another one that is really cool......but......well.

[trebb]

Interesting gun tho I doubt it’s real practicability.

I'm with you. I wonder if you can fire one barrel at a time. If so, does the slide lock back when a particular side is out or when both sides are spent> It seems more like an ammo waster than anything else - my 1911 was made in 1914 and is still a fine and reliable weapon - if I needed a second shot, the 1/4" or so separation between barrels wouldn't be helpful - better to just squeeze off another one.

[Para-Ord.45]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/12377578@N07/5459525745/lightbox/

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Just because you CAN do something does not mean that you SHOULD do it.

[Rappini]

Try and go concealed carry with that monster I think you’d have to wear a brace on your weak side just to stay upright.

[Rappini]

Try and go concealed carry with that monster I think you’d have to wear a brace on your weak side just to stay upright.

[Atlas Sneezed]

Looks cool, but unfortunate they’re selling under the same brand name as an existing company.

http://www.arsenalinc.com/usa/

[MDspinboyredux]

Not to mention two bullets traveling through the air in the same proximity. Would throw off the whole aerodynamics of each bullet as the air wake would disturb the airflow over the other round.

[Docbarleypop]

so if one exits earlier than the other, would the trailing move into the slipstream of the other and possibly hit the 1st?

[yarddog]

I have no idea how that would work. I assume you are thinking the bullet might react sort of like NASCAR race cars drafting one behind the other.

My guess is it would never happen but who knows?

[Still Thinking]

Uh, that’s somewhat less desirable than......two 1911s.