Best Bul Armory 2011 Upgrades & Accessories for IPSC and USPSA Competition in Australia (2026)
Bul Armory 2011 pistols have earned a reputation as some of the best value-for-money competition platforms on the market. Models like the SAS II SAW, SAS II TAC, and the Trophy series are now a common sight at IPSC and USPSA matches across Australia, and for good reason — they deliver 90% of what a custom race gun offers at a fraction of the cost. But even the best factory pistol benefits from targeted upgrades. Whether you're running IPSC Standard, USPSA Limited, or building an Open Division gun, the right accessories transform a good Bul Armory into a match-winning platform.
This guide covers every worthwhile Bul Armory 2011 upgrade available in Australia, organised by impact on your competition performance. We'll focus on parts that are proven compatible with Bul Armory's 2011 frames and magazines, with division-specific recommendations so you know exactly what's legal where you shoot.
Why Bul Armory 2011 Pistols Dominate in Australia
Bul Armory has been manufacturing 2011-platform pistols in Israel since the 1990s, and their modern lineup represents the strongest price-to-performance ratio in the double-stack 1911 market. The SAS II series uses forged steel frames, match-grade barrels, and a proprietary modular grip system that accepts a wide range of aftermarket parts. In Australia, Bul Armory pistols are distributed through Practical Shooting Supplies and select dealers, with street prices typically ranging from $2,200 to $3,500 AUD depending on the model.
The critical advantage for Australian competitors is parts compatibility. Bul Armory 2011s share the STI/Staccato magazine platform, which means the entire ecosystem of double-stack 2011 base pads, magwells, and magazine accessories fits without modification. Frame-mounted accessories like thumb rests, slide stops, extended mag releases, and optic mounts designed for the 1911/2011 platform bolt straight on. This gives Bul owners access to the same aftermarket depth that STI and Staccato shooters enjoy, at a lower entry price.
Magazine Base Pads: The First Upgrade Every Bul Owner Should Make
Upgrading your magazine base pads is the single highest-impact modification for competition. Factory plastic base pads are lightweight, fragile, and offer zero recoil benefit. Switching to brass or aluminium base pads adds controlled weight to the bottom of your magazines, which accelerates mag drops during reloads and lowers the pistol's centre of gravity for improved balance.
Brass vs Aluminium Base Pads for Bul Armory
For IPSC Standard and USPSA Limited, brass double-stack magazine base pads are the go-to choice. Each pad adds approximately 50–55 grams to the magazine, which makes a noticeable difference in how quickly magazines clear the magwell during reloads. The added weight also contributes to overall gun weight, helping tame felt recoil — particularly important in minor power factor divisions.
If you're running a Bul Armory with single-stack Mec-Gar magazines (common in Production-legal configurations), the 1911 Mec-Gar/Bul Armory brass base pad is purpose-built for this setup. The aluminium version is a lighter alternative that still improves mag drops over stock plastic without adding significant weight to your belt.
For Open Division shooters building 170mm magazines, the brass double-stack Open base pads accommodate the extended tube length while maintaining the same weight and durability benefits.
Magwells: Faster Reloads Under Pressure
A flared magwell is the natural companion to upgraded base pads. The funnel shape guides the magazine into the grip during reloads, turning "close enough" into "seated and locked" — the difference between a clean reload and a fumble that costs you two seconds on a stage.
For IPSC Standard and USPSA Limited shooters, the STI 2011 brass magwell fits Bul Armory frames and adds meaningful weight low on the gun. The brass construction provides a wider funnel opening than the aluminium version, and the extra 40–50 grams of brass contributes to recoil management. Open Division shooters should look at the brass Open magwell, which features a larger flare to accommodate wider Open base pads and 170mm magazines.
When choosing between brass and aluminium, the decision comes down to your division's weight limits and your personal preference. Brass magwells add 80–100 grams versus 30–40 grams for aluminium. If you're already near the maximum weight allowed in your division, aluminium keeps you compliant while still providing the funnel benefit. If weight is your friend (and it usually is), go brass.
Optic Mounts: Adding a Red Dot to Your Bul Armory
Mounting a red dot sight is one of the most transformative upgrades for any competition pistol, and Bul Armory owners have two solid options depending on their specific model.
The Bul Armory 1911/2011 Red Dot Mount is a precision-machined mount designed specifically for the Bul Armory frame geometry. It accepts standard RMR-footprint optics including Trijicon RMR, Holosun 507C/508T, and similar sights. For shooters who want a universal solution that also works across multiple 2011 platforms, the 1911/2011 Red Dot Scope Multi Mount provides the same rock-solid optic platform with broader compatibility.
If you're adding a red dot to a Bul Armory that wasn't factory optic-ready, pair the mount with an extended firing pin. Many shooters find that replacing the rear sight with an optic mount slightly changes the primer strike geometry, and the extended firing pin ensures reliable ignition — especially important if you're also running a lighter hammer spring for trigger feel.
Thumb Rests and Slide Stops: Controlling Recoil Between Shots
Where you place your support hand thumb matters enormously for split times. A dedicated thumb rest gives your support hand a consistent, repeatable anchor point that lets you drive the pistol back on target faster after each shot.
The 1911/2011 adjustable thumb rest mounts to the frame via the accessory rail or existing screw holes and offers fine adjustment for height and angle. This lets you dial in the exact thumb position that works for your hand size and grip style. For shooters who prefer a dual-purpose solution, the 1911/2011 slide stop thumb rest replaces the factory slide stop with a wider, contoured part that functions as both a slide release and a thumb shelf. It's a clean, no-extra-parts solution that works particularly well on Bul Armory frames where rail space is limited.
Check your division rules before installing. IPSC Standard and USPSA Limited allow thumb rests. IPSC Production and USPSA Production typically restrict aftermarket thumb rests that extend beyond the frame profile, though a wider slide stop is generally accepted.
Extended Magazine Release: Shaving Tenths Off Every Reload
The factory Bul Armory magazine release button works, but it's not optimised for speed. The 1911/2011 extended magazine release is a direct drop-in replacement that extends the button profile by several millimetres. This means less thumb travel to hit the release, which translates directly into faster reload initiation. It's especially valuable for shooters with smaller hands who struggle to reach the stock button without breaking their grip.
Installation is straightforward — remove the existing button, swap in the extended version, and verify reliable mag drops with your specific magazines and base pads. Test with loaded magazines; a mag release that works empty can sometimes drag under the weight of a full magazine with brass base pads.
Recoil Management: Springs and Guide Rods
Fine-tuning your recoil system is where Bul Armory owners can extract real performance gains that are invisible to the eye but obvious on the timer.
The 1911/2011 progressive recoil spring replaces the factory flat or conventional spring with a variable-rate design. Progressive springs provide lighter initial resistance (for easier slide manipulation and cycling) that increases as the slide travels rearward. The result is a softer impulse at the front end of the recoil stroke with positive return-to-battery at the back end. Most shooters report a flatter-shooting pistol and faster sight tracking with progressive springs.
Pair the spring with a stainless steel guide rod and sleeve for improved durability and consistency over the factory polymer or basic steel rod. The tighter tolerances of a precision guide rod reduce lateral movement during cycling, which contributes to more predictable shot-to-shot behaviour — particularly in rapid-fire strings where consistency matters most.
Safety Upgrades: Ambidextrous Controls
For IPSC and USPSA, positive safety manipulation is a fundamental skill. The 1911/2011 ambidextrous safeties with shields are machined from a single piece of stainless steel, providing a wider paddle surface on both sides of the frame. The shield design prevents the safety from being accidentally engaged during aggressive shooting, which is a common complaint with narrow factory safeties. The one-piece CNC construction eliminates the flex and looseness that plague two-piece ambi safety designs over time.
Division-Specific Build Recommendations
IPSC Standard / USPSA Limited
This is where most Bul Armory 2011s shine. Focus your budget on brass base pads, a brass magwell, an extended mag release, and a thumb rest. These four upgrades address the three things that win in Limited: fast reloads, recoil control, and consistent grip. Budget approximately $350–450 AUD for the complete upgrade package.
USPSA Carry Optics / IPSC Production Optics
Prioritise the red dot mount, extended firing pin, and aluminium base pads. The optic mount is non-negotiable — it's the entire point of the division. Aluminium base pads keep weight manageable while still improving mag drops over stock. Add a progressive recoil spring to tune the cycling for your specific ammunition. Budget approximately $250–350 AUD.
Open Division
Open is where you throw the rulebook weight limits out the window. Brass everything — base pads, magwell, and grips if available. Add the red dot mount, extended controls, thumb rest, progressive spring, and stainless guide rod. This is the full build, and a Bul Armory with a complete Open upgrade package competes directly with pistols costing twice as much. Budget approximately $600–800 AUD for the complete accessories package (excluding optic and compensator).
Frequently Asked Questions
Are STI/Staccato 2011 parts compatible with Bul Armory?
Yes. Bul Armory 2011 pistols use the standard STI-pattern double-stack frame and magazine dimensions. Base pads, magwells, extended mag releases, thumb rests, guide rods, and recoil springs designed for the STI/Staccato 2011 platform fit Bul Armory without modification. The only exceptions are grip panels (Bul uses a proprietary grip system on some models) and some frame-specific accessories that reference Staccato-only mounting points.
Where can I buy Bul Armory accessories in Australia?
Boss Components ships all Bul Armory-compatible 2011 accessories within Australia. All products listed in this guide are in stock and ship from Australia, eliminating the customs delays and import fees associated with ordering from overseas suppliers.
What is the best first upgrade for a Bul Armory 2011?
Brass magazine base pads. They improve reload speed, add beneficial weight, and protect your magazine tubes from drop damage — all for under $40 per magazine. Most competitors upgrade all their match magazines at once (typically 6–8 magazines) for consistency.
Do I need a gunsmith to install these upgrades?
No. Every accessory in this guide is designed for at-home installation with basic tools. Base pads press-fit or screw on, magwells bolt to the frame, extended mag releases swap in with a retaining pin, and optic mounts attach with included hardware. The only upgrade that benefits from professional fitting is a match-grade barrel, which is not covered here as Bul Armory factory barrels are already competition-quality.
Will upgrading my Bul Armory void the warranty?
Bul Armory's warranty covers manufacturing defects in the original pistol. Aftermarket accessories like base pads, magwells, and optic mounts don't modify the firearm's core components and are standard practice in competition shooting. If you're concerned, keep your original factory parts so you can revert if needed.
What's the difference between Bul Armory SAS II and Trophy models for competition?
The SAS II series (SAW, TAC, UR) are Bul's competition-oriented models with longer barrels, adjustable sights, and match triggers. The Trophy line sits above the SAS II with tighter tolerances, hand-fitted components, and premium finishes. Both accept the same aftermarket accessories. For most competitors, the SAS II with aftermarket upgrades delivers performance indistinguishable from the Trophy at several hundred dollars less.
Complete Your Bul Armory Competition Setup
Beyond the pistol upgrades covered above, a competitive setup needs supporting gear. The IPSC/USPSA competition shooting belt provides a rigid platform for your holster and magazine pouches. Pair it with magnetic magazine pouches for the fastest draw-to-reload possible. And keep your ammunition consistent with a 9mm case gauge to catch any out-of-spec rounds before they cause a malfunction on match day.
If you're ready to upgrade your Bul Armory 2011, browse the complete range of 2011 competition accessories and get your pistol match-ready with parts that ship fast within Australia.
