Modernizing a Classic: The Sig Sauer 1911 X-Series

No single person has done more for the design and engineering of firearms than John Moses Browning. His 128 firearm patents on over 100 different firearms are staggering. But even more impressive is his weapon’s longevity. Many are still used and being built today, both for consumers and the military. None is more ubiquitous than the 1911. This is the pistol that fought in two World Wars, countless military operations, fought against gangsters and lawmen, as well as won international glory on the firing lines in multitudes of shooting disciplines. This gun is as popular today as it was over a century ago. However, in 2024, the base 1911 does need a few updates for several of the current trends in the pistol world.

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 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, 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, and honestly, that’s all it needs. The 1911 has proven itself time and time again both on the battlefield and in the competition arena. What Sig has done has wrung as much performance as possible.