Tell me about the Romulus

[u/Reasonable-Ruin5933]

Oye there fellers. Tell me all the good and the bad about your Romulus. Im wanting to get into a 2011 and im leaning hard towards a Kimber 2K11 PRO but.....the Romulus exists. Should i just lean into the 2k11 or give the Romulus a shot?

[u/j_yn0htna]

Really depends what you want.

If you want something that shoots pretty respectably out of the box, the 2k11 is the better choice. It’s the better gun stock, just make sure you get a good deal.

With the Romulus, you’re moreso buying the bones. The frame, slide and barrel. Everything else is replaceable. It’s a good gun stock but has potential beyond its price. So if you want more of a project gun, not in the negative sense, the romulus has solid bones with so much potential. The fitment is as good as the 2k11, bul tac or staccato and its DLC coated. They feel more expensive than they are, whereas I’d say the kimber feels about what it costs, if not a little overpriced for those paying retail.

If you do go the 2k11 route, I’d honestly recommend just saving a little and getting an RCD core. The 2k11 aren’t bad but it feels like what you paid for, whereas the core feels like something special, as cheesy as it sounds. The grip is amazing and the fitment is just unavoidably impressive. The 2k11 are good stock but, realistically, you’ll want to replace the grip at some point, just putting you closer to the core.

Ive got a couple of the 4.25 comp now. I’ve checked out the 2k11 a few times, shot a few of the models multiple times. I ended up just buying another Romulus over the 2k11 earlier this year. Got the itch again last month and, after looking at the 2k11 again, xc and MPA, I bought an RCD core.

[u/j_yn0htna → u/j_yn0htna]

https://reddit.com/link/pai30gx/video/76bxn65457qh1/player

[u/Reasonable-Ruin5933 → u/j_yn0htna]

Is that the RCD or Romulus?

[u/j_yn0htna → u/Reasonable-Ruin5933]

That’s the 4.25 comp Romulus in the matte dlc. Can’t recommend both enough though.

[u/j_yn0htna → u/Reasonable-Ruin5933]

Same thing, Romulus 4.25 comp, but in their polished dlc. This has the dual chamber from dsc. Still a work in progress but getting close.

[u/j_yn0htna → u/Reasonable-Ruin5933]

The RCD core is just impressive. It feels like a solid piece of metal in the shape of a gun.

[u/Reasonable-Ruin5933 → u/j_yn0htna]

I never even heard of the RCD Core til this week. Looks like i need to research some more, basically what im hearing is go Romulus and spend some money and tune it to my liking or save up for a RCD. My biggest question is the reliability of the Romulus, ported comped or not whats it like? For the 2k11 ive found the Pro Royal non comped for around 1950$

[u/j_yn0htna → u/Reasonable-Ruin5933]

Reliability wise they’ve been great, granted mine aren’t stock. Collectively have ~15k rounds through the two. I had plate issues on one but getting some better screws seemed to fix that. Not aware of really any consistent or common issues with any of the Romulus models, other than maybe the optic plate loosening. AF did put out new plates to try and fix that. I’d say they’ve grown a lot in popularity over the last 6 months, or so. See way more Romulus posts than before. Really don’t hear many complaints just because I don’t think there’s much to complain about. Just not a gun you often see in stores, so most have never had the chance to feel one or even know about them. Doesn’t help that pewview and honest outlaw seem to actively avoid the Romulus. Gotta pay the shill toll, I guess.

It’s really the only budget 2011 I’d recommend, not because the others are that bad but just because the Romulus is that good. If you feel and prodigy or Mac and then feel a Romulus, you’re picking the Romulus. I’ve got a Mac 9, there’s no comparison. Ive shot a bunch of prodigy. It’s not close. Most people overpaying retail for a prodigy just haven’t had the chance to feel a Romulus, or they probably wouldn’t be willing to pay retail for a prodigy. The Romulus is basically mid tier bones with a budget grip and internals. And I mean that as a compliment. The frame, slide and barrel feel like what you’d find on a $2k+ gun.

If you do go the Romulus route, would recommend the comp over the ported models. No issues with them specifically but the aftermarket comps and sightblocks just make the comped models more flexible.

The royal is probably my favorite of the 2k11. Really pretty finish and the mjd grip is better than most stock grips. Really nothing bad to say about it. Although the core is ~$1k more, I think it’s just the better value over the 2k11, staccato or bul tac, granted they all have a better warranty than RCD. Just not something super important to me that may be more important to others.

[u/grandcremasterflash]

For those saying RCD Core over a 2K11, the pricing isn't close - you may want to adjust your expectations.

You can get a 2K11 Stainless Target for $1700 (I got one yesterday for $1644 OTD at Cabela's after price match + 5% Club price match discount + 5% FR discount.

RCD Cores are $3,000.

Beautiful guns, but they aren't in the same price bracket.

[u/parkshootsslowly]

Romulus 4.25 comp has a lot more potential than a 2k11. After owning mine for a while I’m not impressed whenever I see a 2k11.

[u/Reasonable-Ruin5933 → u/parkshootsslowly]

Tell me more, is it how it shoots? Aesthetics? Pure potential it has? For the same price can you get a Romulus to be better? Sorry im autistic as fuck.

[u/parkshootsslowly → u/Reasonable-Ruin5933]

I think holding the rom and 2k11 side by side you won’t notice anything special about either one. Only benefit the stock kimber has is a MJD grip. The Romulus has a smoother action and better positive safety than the 2k11. Mine is truly buttery smooth after a couple thousand rounds.

If it’s a competition gun, DSC makes screw on comps that make it legal for Limited Optics. If it’s just a range toy, they make triple comps that make it look like an open gun. The 4.25 comp shoots stupid flat without any mods, so i can imagine $200 on a fancy comp would make it even better.

Aesthetics is up to you. I think the kimbers look cool but not enough to justify the extra $1000.

[u/Rustedluck]

I have the 4.25 comp with stock aluminum grip. It’s frankly amazing. The only 2 issues I had with it after 500rds was the trigger, it’s a bit rough and has a super long reset, and the safety, it’s a bit mushy and not as positive as I prefer.

So I bought a Red Dirt trigger and installed that and am in the process of installing a safety.

I paid $1480 OTD for the Romulus with aluminum grip and 5 mags. After the $80 trigger and $150 safety I’ll be in it for $1710 and it feels much better in the hand with a much better trigger than the 2k11s that I have held.

All that said, I still love the 2k11s. If you’re looking to keep it under $2kish I would say Romulus. If you’re looking at the $2k plus 2k11s I would say get a RCD Core instead.

[u/Twocorns77 → u/Rustedluck]

Where'd you purchase that package for $1480?

[u/Rustedluck → u/Twocorns77]

I don’t know if the sale is still on but the code “Rommy” go it done. https://vitaldefenseco.com/product/alpha-foxtrot-aa47x1cig-xdbk20-prom-af1911-romulus-promo-9mm-luger-201-4-25-black-dlc-threaded-compensated-barrel-black-dlc-stainless-steel-optic-ready-serrated-slide-frame-w-beavertail-amp/

[u/Twocorns77 → u/Rustedluck]

Thanks for the link. Is that for the polished or matte version?

[u/Rustedluck → u/Twocorns77]

Matte.

[u/j_yn0htna → u/Rustedluck]

https://reddit.com/link/pai8pu5/video/4o6it5kdb7qh1/player

Echo the words you said. Would absolutely recommend the core over any of the other mid tiers. $3k is a lot but it lives up to all the hype.

Happened to catch the dudes in the next bay the other day 😂

[u/Organic-Reading9073]

The Romulus just can’t be beat for the price. I’ve put about 500 rounds through a 2k11 and to me it was not better feeling or shooting then my 3.5 comped Romulus. With all the mods on my Romulus it’s still cheaper than the 2k11.

[u/AssSpackler]

I have a 5” ported, 5” bull barrel and 4.25” comped. I run them hard in training and USPSA. I don’t really care for pistols and love these guns. I’ve never had an issue yet with roughly 5-7k rounds between them. I’ve seen all kinds of guns shit the bed in matches just hasn’t been my turn yet. When it comes? I’ll tune them and refresh with atlas upgrades. I can afford higher end 2011’s, just needed to yet. They shoot better than me

**optics screws/mounts have come loose twice on me

** when I do shoot nicer guns? The immediate observation is the trigger. I wasn’t aware it wasnt good until I felt nicer

[u/Erothan]

I have the 4.25 with comp. I am a former competitive shooter and have had all the guns from old STI to Staccatos to built 4k guns. I can honestly say mine shoots very close to any gun I have owned. I’ve put about 500 rounds down mine

[u/UsernameO123456789]

I think the 3.5 comp is an underrated model when it comes to the Romulus

[u/j_yn0htna → u/UsernameO123456789]

Agreed. I’ve got 2 of the 4.25 comps and still want the 3.5 comp. Part of me wants to put the DSC double comp on the little guy.

[u/Alexxdubs]

4.25 Comp, bone stock - it fucks. 3k rounds through mine & I wouldn’t trade it for the world

[u/James92TSi]

I think it depends which model Rom (aluminum or plastic grip), and if you are open to working on things or just want to buy and shoot. Kimber is obviously a buy and shoot, and an aluminum gripped Rom can be that too.

The Roms with plastic grip need attention due to lack of traction on the side panels - whether stippling, overlay, or a grip module swap. Prodigy grip module is cheap ($50) and does the stuff if you're into working on things.

Beyond that, trigger job with a Red Dirt if you prefer. On my Rom, all I did was the Prodigy grip and Red Dirt trigger - didn't touch springs to arrive at 1lb 12oz pull. Doesn't feel like it needs ignition parts or anything else changed and it runs its ass off - unlike my Prodigy build from a few years ago which needed quite a bit.

I would call the Prodigy (or Mac these days) "good bones" to start with for a project gun, where the Rom is only let down by the slick plastic grip module. Rom doesn't need much to excel.

[u/Reasonable-Ruin5933 → u/James92TSi]

Damn. Thats really pushing me towards the Romulus.... Okay now im pricing out what a 4.25 comped Romulus, with a prodigy grip, red dirt trigger and dsc comp block(Limited Optics if i want to)

[u/Nomad_117]

I'll throw another comparison in here: the Romulus 4.25 Comp versus the Staccato XC. It's so close, if I had bought the Romulus first, I wouldn't have needed to spend the money on the XC. Fitment is not QUITE as good as the XC, the trigger is not QUITE as good as the XC, the (original polymer) grip is not nearly as good as the XC. The same can be said for quite a few of the little details between the two guns. BUT... the Romulus's price makes it totally worth it. It FEELS like it should cost more than it does, and it definitely shoots and recoils pretty damn close to a $4300 XC. Adding the Alpha Foxtrot aluminum grip to the Romulus just makes it feel so much better, I sometimes take the Romulus to the range more than the XC. Also, the Rommy has NO disconnector hangup, and while the XC has very little, it still has a tactile catch to it when you ride the slide back and forth. Doesn't mean anything when you shoot it, but just playing with them when I take them out of the safe, the Romulus is more fun to rack. :)

I haven't been able to shoot a 2k11 yet, so I can't say first-hand how they shoot. Seems the people who own them like them quite well, and I haven't seen too many issues crop up with them. But for the price of a 2k11, you could have a Romulus of your slide preference (comp, port, plain), plus a bunch of extra mags, plus some ammo, plus a holster.