One thing I folks keep saying when I’m reading discussions about the Fusion Firearms XP Pro is that it’s a copy of (or is similar to) the Platypus 1911.
It is not a copy nor is it similar.
Firstly, the XP Pro is actually 2011-patterned. The Platypus is not – it is Para-patterned and is actually a 1911.
Stacatto trademarking only applies to companies that manufacture guns, but I can call it a 2011 because I’m not a gun maker and it IS essentially a 2011. Just as a Ruger AR-556 is considered an AR, although it isn’t branded by Armalite (it is), the XP Pro is considered a 2011, because it is.
Some folks also use the argument that 2011s that use Glock mags aren’t really 2011s. The mags do not define the pattern. What defines the pattern is that 2011s consist of a frame and a grip module.
As well, the Platypus isn’t the first 1911/2011 to use Glock mags. The Alpha Foxtrot S15 holds that trophy. No, the S15 isn’t a 2011, but neither is the Platypus, right? 🙂 The Platypus is the first to use Glock 17 mags…not Glock mags outright, though. The first 1911/2011 to use Glock mags IS the S15.
The Platypus and XP Pro are nothing alike. The only thing they have in common is that they use G17 mags and are chambered in 9mm.
Using Glock mags is besides the point. Anyone hanging onto that gimmicky “It takes Glock mags!” mantra doesn’t know WTF they’re talking about. You’ll see a shitload of folks on YouTube titling their videos with “It takes Glock mags!”, and many of those folks are competent, but they’re also purposely titling their videos that way so that they can gain views.
Yes, there’s a purpose to using Glock mags – they’re super cheap while also being durable. As well, most folks own Glocks and many folks have lots of Glock mags, so they can reuse those mags with this gun instead of having to buy 2011 mags, which usually are priced in the $60+ range.
The XP Pro is more attainable than the Platypus, as there’s a LONG wait list for them at Stealth Arms. As well, the XP Pro is arguably the better gun. Yeah, the Platypus has many custom options and a fancy customization page, but again, it’s not actually 2011-patterned and Fusion Firearms is also ramping up lots of custom options (they only just started making the XP Pros).
I’ve seen videos of folks attempting to compare the Platypus with the XP Pro and they NEVER compare an XP Pro (straight from the factory – no mods) with a base Platypus (straight from the factory with no mods). IMO, the best thing to do (if forced to compare them – again, they’re not on equal footing, so I think the comparision is unrealistic) is to compare a BASE Platypus with an XP Pro. I’ve yet to see anyone do that, but they’ll sure as hell compare the XP to a built Platypus.
I’m not trying to take away anything from folks who may desire a Platypus, but I’m all about fair comparisons and know enough of things to realize that by the time you customize a Platypus with desireable parts, it is no longer an equal comparison with an XP Pro.