Building Your Open Division 2011: Complete Competition Setup Guide

Introduction

Building an Open Division 2011 is the ultimate expression of competition pistol customisation. With virtually no restrictions on modifications, Open Division lets you optimise every aspect of your pistol for maximum performance. From compensators and optics to brass base pad (1911 Metalform Magazine Bumper Base pad) (STI 2011 9/38/BUL Armory | Brass | Double Stack Open Magazine Base Pad)s and magwells, every component can be tuned for speed and reliability.

This comprehensive guide walks you through building a competitive Open Division 2011 setup, covering essential upgrades, accessory selection, and the specific Boss Components products that help serious competitors perform at their best.

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What Makes Open Division Special

Open Division is unique in IPSC and USPSA competition because it places minimal restrictions on equipment. This creates the fastest, most technologically advanced division in practical shooting.

Open Division Characteristics

  • Optics Allowed: Red dot (1911/2011 Red Dot + Thumb Rest Precision Kit) sights and other electronic optics permitted
  • Compensators Allowed: Muzzle devices for recoil reduction
  • No Weight Limits: Add brass components freely
  • Extended Magazines: Higher capacity magazines with unrestricted base pads
  • Maximum Flare Magwells: Largest possible reload funnels

Why 2011 for Open?

The 2011 platform dominates Open Division because of its modular design, excellent trigger feel, and extensive aftermarket support. The double-stack grip accommodates high-capacity magazines while maintaining ergonomics.

The Essential Open Division Components

1. Magazine Base Pads

In Open Division, heavy brass base pads are mandatory for competitive performance. Without weight restrictions, there's no reason to run anything lighter.

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Why Heavy Base Pads Matter:

  • Faster magazine drops due to gravitational momentum
  • More consistent magazine seating during reloads
  • Improved magazine indexing from belt pouches
  • Better tactile feedback during high-speed reloads

2. Magwell

Open Division permits the largest magwell flares, providing maximum assistance during reloads.

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Why Brass Magwells:

  • Adds weight at the grip for improved balance
  • Reduces muzzle flip during rapid fire
  • Largest possible reload funnel
  • Premium durability for years of competition

3. Extended Magazine Release

Every reload starts with the magazine release. An extended button makes activation faster and more consistent.

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4. Magazine Pouches

Your belt setup is as important as your pistol setup. Magnetic pouches provide the fastest, most consistent magazine access.

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Building Your Magazine Setup

How Many Magazines Do You Need?

Most Open Division competitors run 6-8 magazines in their match setup:

  • 4 on Belt: Primary magazines in pouches
  • 2 Backup: In range bag for emergencies
  • 2 Practice: Dedicated training magazines

Magazine Configuration

For maximum consistency, configure all your magazines identically:

  • Same base pads (brass for Open)
  • Same followers
  • Same springs (replace regularly)
  • Same round count verified

Matching Base Pads to Magazine Tubes

Critical: Base pads are NOT universal. Match your base pads to your magazine tube manufacturer:

Magazine Tube Compatible Base Pad
STI / Staccato STI 2011 Brass Open Base Pad
SVI SVI 2011 Brass Base Pad
MBX MBX 2011 Brass Base Pad

The Reload Triangle for Open Division

Maximum reload performance comes from optimising three components together:

1. Extended Magazine Release

The Extended Magazine Release initiates every reload. The larger button means faster activation under match pressure.

2. Brass Base Pads

144g Brass Base Pads ensure magazines drop free quickly and seat positively during insertion.

3. Brass Magwell

The Brass Open Magwell provides the largest reload funnel plus grip weight for improved balance.

Together, these three components create reloads that are significantly faster and more consistent than any single upgrade alone.

Complete Open Division 2011 Parts List

Essential Upgrades

Component Product Price Quantity
Brass Base Pads STI Brass Open Base Pad $44.99 8
Brass Magwell STI Brass Magwell Open $189.99 1
Ext. Mag Release Extended Magazine Release $39.99 1
Magnetic Pouches Magnetic Magazine Pouch $149.99 4

Total Essential Upgrades: ~$1,040 AUD (with 8 base pads and 4 pouches)

Optional Upgrades

Setting Up Your Competition Belt

Belt Configuration

A typical Open Division belt setup includes:

  • 4 Magazine Pouches: Position where your hand naturally falls
  • Race Holster: Low-ride position for fastest draw
  • Inner Belt: Provides foundation for outer belt

Magazine Pouch Placement

Position your Magnetic Magazine Pouches for optimal reload efficiency:

  • First pouch: Dominant hand side, most accessible
  • Subsequent pouches: Moving away from holster
  • Slight forward angle for natural hand path
  • Consistent spacing for muscle memory

Training Your Open Division Setup

Dry Fire Practice

Daily dry fire practice builds muscle memory for your new setup:

  • Draw and present: 10-20 reps
  • Reload from slidelock: 20-30 reps
  • Emergency reloads: 10-20 reps
  • Position transitions: As needed

Live Fire Verification

Before competition, verify:

  • All magazines feed reliably
  • Base pads are secure
  • Magwell doesn't interfere with magazine function
  • Magazine release works consistently

Maintenance Schedule

After Each Match

  • Wipe down all components
  • Check base pad lock-up
  • Verify magazine release function
  • Clean and oil pistol

Monthly

  • Deep clean magazines
  • Inspect base pads for damage
  • Check magwell mounting screws
  • Replace magazine springs if needed

Annually

  • Full pistol inspection
  • Replace worn components
  • Verify all accessories
  • Update setup as needed

FAQ

What's the most important upgrade for Open Division?

Brass base pads provide the most immediate improvement to reload performance. Our 144g brass base pads dramatically improve magazine drops and seating.

Do I need platform-specific base pads?

Yes. STI, SVI, and MBX tubes each require their own base pad design. Using the wrong base pad will result in poor fit or failure to lock.

How much do these upgrades cost total?

A complete reload upgrade package (8 base pads, magwell, extended mag release, 4 pouches) runs approximately $1,040 AUD.

Can I use aluminium components instead of brass?

You can, but there's no competitive reason to do so in Open Division. With no weight restrictions, brass provides performance advantages without any downside.

How long does it take to install these upgrades?

Base pads: 5-10 minutes per magazine. Magwell: 15-30 minutes. Extended mag release: 10-15 minutes. Most shooters can complete all installations in an afternoon.

Are these upgrades legal for Open Division?

Yes. All Boss Components upgrades for Open Division are fully legal in both IPSC and USPSA Open Division competition.

How do I know which magazine tubes I have?

Check for manufacturer markings on the tubes. STI tubes are marked "STI", SVI tubes are marked "SVI", and MBX tubes are marked "MBX".

Do I need a gunsmith for installation?

No. All these upgrades are designed for user installation. Basic tools and following our guides is sufficient for most shooters.

How many magazines should I set up?

We recommend 8 magazines minimum: 4 on your belt, 2 backups in your range bag, and 2 dedicated practice magazines.

Will brass components wear out?

Brass is extremely durable. With proper care, brass base pads and magwells last for years of competition use. They may develop a patina that doesn't affect function.

Conclusion: Building Your Competitive Edge

Open Division rewards shooters who optimise every aspect of their equipment. The upgrades covered in this guide—brass base pads, brass magwell, extended magazine release, and magnetic pouches—form the foundation of a competitive Open Division 2011 setup.

Key Takeaways:

  • Use brass components in Open Division—there's no weight restriction
  • Match base pads to your specific magazine tube type
  • The "reload triangle" (mag release, base pads, magwell) works best together
  • Consistent magazine configuration is critical
  • Practice with your competition setup daily

These upgrades represent a significant investment in your competitive performance. The faster, more consistent reloads they enable will pay dividends in every match you shoot.

Ready to Build Your Open Division 2011?

Start with the essentials and build your competitive edge.

Shop Brass Base Pads → | Shop Brass Magwells → | Competition Accessories →

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Related reading: 1911/2011 Ambidextrous Safety Guide: One-Piece CNC Design fo | 1911/2011 Red Dot Mount: Complete Installation & Setup Guide

STI 2011 9/38/BUL Armory | Brass | Double Stack Open Magazine Base Pad

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