Staccato, the company known for popularizing the 2011 pistol platform, is at it again, this time shrinking their performance formula into a more discreet package. The Texas-based manufacturer has announced the addition of the Staccato HD C3.6 to its HD line of pistols. If you thought high-end precision shooting was only for the range or full-sized duty belts, Staccato is betting you'll make room for this new offering in your everyday carry rotation. This new model distills the speed, precision, and enhanced control that define the HD line into a compact form factor designed for easier concealment—a neat trick, given the platform's lineage.

The core concept behind the HD C3.6 appears simple: take the Staccato 'shootability'—that almost intangible quality of balance and recoil management—and refine it for the demands of concealed carry. This isn't just about making the gun smaller; it’s about maintaining performance where it matters. After all, what good is a carry pistol if you can't hit the proverbial broad side of a barn under pressure? Staccato maintains that every shot from the C3.6 should inspire confidence, whether you're plinking at the range or, well, in those more critical, less recreational moments.

Balancing size with shootability is where the engineering gets interesting. The HD C3.6 achieves its carry credentials through a shortened grip and a 3.6-inch barrel. The resultant compact profile allows for a more discreet carry experience without completely sacrificing the stability and handling the 2011 platform is known for. This intentional downsizing aims to make daily carry less of an endeavor yet still ensure that the intuitive handling and balanced ergonomics are there the moment you draw—something akin to a finely tuned sports car that can also handle the daily commute.

The key to the gun’s feel is the Staccato HD Compact Grip. It’s been tailored for a blend of comfort and command, featuring a comfortable side texture paired with more aggressive front and back straps. It seems Staccato wants you to have a solid hold, without sanding down your side with the grip texture all day. For magazine capacity, the pistol ships with two 15-round Mec-Gar magazines—a respectable capacity for a compact—and, conveniently, it is designed to be compatible with a wide array of existing Glock 19-size magazines.

To improve concealability further, the C3.6 is built around a precision-engineered aluminum-alloy frame. This choice of material helps shave off crucial ounces, making the pistol easier to tuck away, while as Staccato assures, still providing the durability and stability expected from the HD line. This emphasis on rigorous construction aligns with the fact that the HD family is routinely put through extreme mechanical endurance, reliability, and environmental testing—standards that reportedly go well beyond typical industry norms to meet the demands of professional end-users.

In terms of features, the C3.6 brings along the new enhancements recently rolled out on the full-size HD pistols. This includes fully mirrored, ambidextrous controls, featuring dual-sided safety and slide stop levers, mirrored thumb index points, and a reversible magazine catch. Lefties and righties alike can breathe a sigh of relief knowing they won’t have to perform any awkward, gear-dependent contortions to run the pistol effectively. A bit of universal design goes a long way, it turns out.

Further refinements enhance the shooter's experience. The frame now sports a narrower grip devoid of a grip safety, a higher beavertail, and more assertive "wrap-over" slide serrations. These adjustments—along with support-thumb index points—are intended to create a more consistent and comfortable shooting platform, especially when conditions aren't exactly perfect. Oh, and for an added layer of peace of mind, all HD pistols, including this new compact, are equipped with an active firing pin block—a pragmatic measure for increased safety in demanding scenarios.

To those who want to mount optics on their handguns, the HD C3.6 incorporates the improved HOST optic mounting system. This design allows for the direct attachment of popular optics to the slide using spacer plates. The real innovation here is the allowance for larger, longer optic screws, which translates to a more robust and secure attachment point which is a crucial detail given that a wobbly optic is about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. Staccato seems to be heeding the call for greater security in the red dot era.

“We built the HD line to deliver the most technologically advanced and thoroughly tested version of the 2011 platform to date,” said Paul Smith, Vice President of Product for Staccato. “After introducing full-sized models earlier this year, we set out to create a compact option that preserves duty-grade performance while expanding carrying options and user confidence. The HD C3.6 is the result.”

As the inaugural HD carry model, the C3.6 represents a focused effort to bring the 2011 performance equation to the everyday concealed carrier. With an MSRP starting at $2,299, it certainly plants itself firmly in the premium category, a price that suggests Staccato is confident in the blend of precision, carry-friendliness, and professional-grade features it’s offering. Whether the HD C3.6 becomes the go-to compact for the discerning enthusiast remains to be seen, but the company has certainly laid out a compelling case for its newest, smaller sibling.