Not even a week has gone by, and Sig is rolling out another new firearm…well not quite new. Like most things Sig, they really haven’t been creating new firearms, but instead have been releasing new variations of existing models. Lately, these have been in the guise of the Legion and Custom Works line. Here the prices have soared to exuberant levels to offer near custom like touches to models that give the user a competitive advantage. These models cater to the hardcore Sig enthusiast, because not everyone can dish out $1200 plus per new model. However, Sig has reversed course with the latest addition. In 2022, Sig unveiled the P365 X-Macro—the largest form factor firearm in the P365 lineup. It was met with great fanfare, which sales have reflected. It offered 17+1 capacity, a more ergonomic grip module, and integral compensation with ports cut into the slide. Everything about it seemed great. It really blurred the line of practical concealed carry, but it shoots well and is a perfect companion to the smaller P365. Its downfall, however, is price. At $799.99, the Macro wasn’t practical for most budgets. As a result, Sig came out with a trimmed down model with a friendlier price tag.

The primary difference between the new “Base” model Macro and the original one is the exclusion of the integral compensator (or blast chamber, as Sig calls it). The Macro now has a full length 3.7” barrel housed in the slide, instead of the 3.1” variation. Everything else, well, is standard. Like all X-models, the Base comes with Sig Xray Day/Night sights, flat-faced trigger, and an optics cut that accepts Romeo Zero/RMSc footprint optics. The nicest update of the entire Macro line has been the Macro Compact Grip Module. This module has enhanced ergonomics and is perfect for those with bigger hands. (I find the Macro to be useful as a training tool and defensive weapon that supports my P365XL). However, the biggest upgrade to the module might be the inclusion of the standard 1913 rail section forward of the trigger guard. This gives the users more options when it comes to lights or lasers. Items such as the Streamlight TLR-7, Surefire XC series, and the Sig Foxtrot line will all easily adapt to the pistol. Other features include interchangeable backstraps, 2-17 round magazines, and options for a manual safety model. All of this comes in at $649.99—a $150 decrease from the original model.

Sig’s inclusion of a simplified Macro breaks the recent trend of upping the ante on custom-like models. Reversing back to the medium will excite fans who want something that is a little more cost effective. While Sig should be commended—their models never seem to go stale—they tend to forget that not everyone can continue to pony up piles of cash for the newest models. The Base model Macro will be hitting dealer shelves in the coming weeks.