Performance and Reliability in Action: Comparing the Staccato C2 vs CS
Known for their sophisticated, American craftsmanship, Staccato has been in the business of manufacturing high-end pistols for duty and personal use for over 25 years – and they aren’t stopping anytime soon.
The Texas-based company recently announced the release of its newest pistol, the compact Staccato CS, which has been touted as the “little sibling” of the Staccato C2. Though incredibly similar in many ways, the Staccato CS vs C2 have some distinct differences that set them apart.
Both firearms are incredibly customizable, allowing you to personalize the Staccato to create the perfect fit for you. No matter which features you decide on, you’re guaranteed a weapon with unmatched durability, accuracy, and reliability.
This article will break down the differences between these two all-American defensive pistols to help you determine which is the best choice for your carry needs.
Products Mentioned In This Article
Staccato C2
The Staccato C2 has been established in the firearm community as a highly accurate, reliable pistol for duty use, concealed carry, and home defense.
This lightweight, high-capacity weapon “isn’t your ordinary carry gun.” Designed with Staccato’s Recoil Master system, the C2 is one of the fastest and most accurate carry handguns on the market.
This pistol offers an impressive 16-round capacity and comes with a built-in fiber optic Dawson Precision Perfect Impact® sight.
The Staccato C2 is also highly customizable, allowing you to choose between an aluminum or stainless steel frame, a 3.9” threaded or non-threaded barrel, and your preference of compact or full-size sights and optics plates.
If you’re looking for the ultimate IWB, OWB, or pocket carry Staccato C2 holster, check out our selection here.
Staccato CS
Staccato recently announced a new addition to its line of pistols – the Staccato CS.
This compact firearm is the smallest in the Staccato lineup and is specifically designed for concealed carry and home defense. It’s said to wrap everything the brand is known for into a neat little package, referred to as the Staccato C2’s “little sibling.”
This lightweight gun is designed with a shorter barrel and slightly narrower grip than the C2, without sacrificing the large, 16-round capacity many shooters prioritize.
The CS comes optics-ready and offers many customization options, including your choice of barrel and flat or curved anodized trigger. It features a patent-pending original Dawson Precision 3.5” tool-less recoil system and a grip angle designed for comfort and accuracy.
This small pistol comes standard with fiber optic rear sights and your choice of compact or full-size front sights as well as the option between a 3.5” threaded or American stainless steel bull barrel.
If you’re looking for a quality IWB, OWB, or pocket carry Staccato CS holster, check out our selection here.
Staccato CS vs C2 Specs
Staccato C2 vs CS: Size and Capacity
These two Staccatos are extremely similar in terms of size and capacity.
The CS is slightly smaller than the C2, measuring 5.6” tall, 1.2” wide, and 7.1” long with a barrel length of 3.5” compared to the C2, which stands 5.6” tall, 1.3” wide, and 7.4” long with a barrel length of 3.9”.
Both compact pistols are lightweight, with the C2 weighing 25 ounces unloaded and the CS weighing 22.7 ounces. Each firearm also boasts an impressive capacity of 16 rounds.
Staccato CS vs C2: Frame & Barrel
The frame and barrel of both the Staccato C2 and CS is where most of the customization comes into play.
The Staccato CS is built with a matte black 7075 machined aluminum frame while the C2 offers more options. The C2 comes in either a steel frame or an aluminum frame, which weighs 5 ounces less.
The CS has either a 3.5” threaded or American stainless steel bull barrel, both of which are coated with a protective DLC finish.
The C2 also gives the option of an American stainless steel bull barrel or a DLC bull barrel, both of which come either threaded or not threaded. The C2’s barrel is slightly longer at 3.9”. With the threaded barrel option, you’re also able to add an Ice Compressor if desired.
Both pistols come with slide serrations. You also have the option of adding personalized text or icons engraved into the slide if you’d like.
Staccato C2 vs CS: Grip
The Staccato C2’s G2 textured polymer grip was designed to feel secure and comfortable in the hand. It has a slim width of 1.3” and is known for being pretty easy to handle.
The CS features a brand-new grip style, which is ever so slightly thinner at 1.2”. Its “effortless” grip angle has a less pronounced texture than its C2 predecessor, and was specifically designed to accommodate more hand sizes without sacrificing capacity.
Staccato CS vs C2: Sights & Optics
The CS and C2 are the only Staccato pistols that have front sight options, and both weapons give you the choice between compact or full-size front sights. The C2 is designed with traditional rear iron sights, and the CS comes standard with fiber optic Dawson Precision rear sights.
Both pistols can be ordered optics ready and are available in your choice of Dawson Precision optic plates, depending on the optics you choose. Both guns are compatible with a wide range of optics, which can conveniently be installed at the factory or you can do it yourself.
Staccato C2 vs CS: Trigger
The C2 comes with Staccato’s classic curved composite trigger with a pull weight of 4-4.5 pounds. The CS, however, breaks the mold here by offering a choice between a long curve or flat aluminum trigger with the same pull weight of 4-4.5 pounds.
Staccato CS vs C2: Safety
Both the CS and C2 come with a simple ambidextrous thumb safety, accommodating both right- and left-hand shooters.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to deciding between the Staccato CS vs C2, you absolutely cannot go wrong.
Both pistols are compact weapons with a magazine capacity of 16. The CS is slightly smaller and lighter than the C2, though just barely. They both come optics ready, though the CS has fiber optic rear sights while the C2 has Staccato’s classic iron rear sights.
The C2 also has more options in terms of frame material, which is available in aluminum or steel while the CS only comes in machined aluminum, which is, of course, the lighter of the two.
The main difference really comes down to personalization preference and intended use. Either way, you’re getting a highly accurate, durable pistol that’s made in America and tailored to your needs.
If you’re looking for a new IWB, OWB, or pocket carry Staccato CS or C2 holster, visit our Holsters by Gun Model page for Kydex holsters that are custom-made for your weapon of choice.
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