1911s are cool. They just are. It’s a design that has persisted for over a century. It’s hard to talk bad about them unless you want to bring up magazine capacity, or weight, or lack of modern features, then it’s fair game. But the weapon’s longevity is striking. Does it have a place in modern defensive handguns? I think that is a fair question. The pistol does have limitations. It’s something that modern 2011s (or double-stack 1911s) are trying to overcome. But what about the classic 1911 design, can it be upgraded to modern standards? That’s what Sig Sauer has set out to do in its 1911 X-series.

Sig Sauer 1911 X-Series

While Sig Sauer is known for its P-series DA/SA pistols and the newer polymer framed P320, they are no stranger to 1911s. For example, in their New Hampshire factory, Sig dedicates an entire assembly line just to that platform. And, for the most part, they have been solid performers. I think maybe the most unique aspect is Sig’s gone with an 80-series design and an external extractor. This is controversial in the 1911 world with attractors and detractors alike. But this isn’t the place to hash that argument out. While Sig does make a handful of 1911 models, they’ve introduced a version that modernizes the age-old platform.

The 1911 X-Series takes some of the features from other X-Series pistols and applies them to its 1911s. First, the slide is optics cut. This feature, while almost standard on polymer guns, is relatively rare in 1911s. the X-Series fixes that. Because of the narrowness of the top of a 1911 slide, the optic cut is for Romeo Zero/RMSc footprint optics. So, items like the Sig Sauer Romeo-X, Holosun 507k, and Vortex Defender-CCW will fit it. The pistol is also affixed with a light rail underneath the dust cover. Unless you subscribe to Ken Hackathorn’s thinking (just look up his comments on Wilson Combats Instagram page), this will be looked at as a positive. The ability to see and identify threats in the dark is always a good thing. Furthermore, the pistol has an extended slide release and ambi-safety levers, custom G-10 grip panels from LOK grips, a steel frame with an undercut and detachable magazine well, as well as P-series XRAY3 Day/Night sights. The pistol also possesses checkering on the front strap and main spring housing. As a bonus, the pistol ships with two 8-round steel magazines (most 1911s only ship with one). Unloaded the gun is 42 oz. Add a few more ounces when you add 9 rounds of the lord’s 45 ACP, a light, and an optic. This is one heavy pistol (recoil will be mild).

For SKU options, the pistol can be either had in a black DLC finish or Coyote Tan PVD. A third option is a black 1911 with a Romeo-X already attached. Pricing on the base tan and black is $1499.99, while the optic package will set you back $1799.99 (a savings of $100 if you buy the optic separately).

Final Thoughts

Sig Sauer’s 1911 X-Series combines the classic 1911 with a few modern designs. It makes it a pretty cool pistol and one I’d like to have in the collection. However, it won’t see much use outside of casual plinking and target shooting, although, it’d be neat to take to a defensive handgun course that focuses on 1911s. Unfortunately, polymer guns can be had with all the features I want, doubled magazine capacity, and half the weight of the Sig 1911 X-Series. This pistol will be hitting dealer shelves shortly.