Sig Sauer’s website offers more than 30 versions of the classic 1911 pistol, although after examining the company’s offerings, you might not want to use the word “classic” to describe them. Because, while it’s obvious that they are 1911-style pistols, they are available in a bewildering variety of calibers, sizes, finishes, grips, sights and extra features. Let’s examine nine Sig Sauer 1911 pistols.
Sig Sauer 1911 C3
With a lightweight Officer’s-Model-sized frame, a 4.2-inch barrel inside its stainless steel slide and extended controls, the .45-caliber 1911 C3 handles and shoots like a full-sized pistol but conceals like a compact. I guess you can say you get the best of both worlds with it.
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Sig Sauer 1911 Carry Scorpion TB
The Carry Scorpion TB has all of the features of a modern, high-tech 1911 fighting pistol. An ambidextrous thumb safety, low-profile night sights, Hogue G10 grip panels, an accessory rail, a threaded barrel, frame checkering and a Flat Dark Earth finish really set this pistol off from the crowd.
Sig Sauer 1911 Fastback Carry Nightmare
With its 4.2-inch barrel and full-sized grip frame with a rounded butt and mainspring housing, the Fastback Carry Nightmare handles and shoots like a full-sized 1911 but can be carried concealed under light clothing without printing. It’s just the ticket for someone who prefers to carry an almost-full-sized 1911 pistol concealed.
Sig Sauer 1911 Nitron Super Target
While 25-yard slow-fire matches are not as popular as they once were, there are still those dedicated paper-punchers who demand the utmost in accuracy, ergonomics, trigger pull and sights. The Nitron Super Target is a .45-caliber accuracy machine that comes with ergonomically styled wood grips, fully adjustable rear and fiber-optic front sights, a hand-fitted trigger with a crisp, 5-pound break, a beavertail grip safety and a durable Nitron finish.
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Sig Sauer 1911 Nickel Rail
The nickel-plated 1911 pistol has always been a status symbol in many countries. With its bright Nitron Nickel finish and laminated grips, Sig’s 1911 Nickel Rail follows in this tradition but still offers such up-to-date features as an accessory rail for lights or lasers, beavertail grip and extended thumb safeties and a magazine well funnel. It’s truly a fancy but highly functional .45.
Sig Sauer 1911 Spartan
With its “Molon Labe” grip panels, this pistol honors the immortal words spoken by Spartan King Leonidas at the Battle of Thermopylae. A full-sized 1911, it has all the features demanded by today’s serious combat or competitive shooters – and makes a statement to our dear hearts at the same time.
Sig Sauer 1911 Tacops
The TACOPS’ subdued appearance bespeaks the no-frills ruggedness you want if you have to go into harm’s way. With its tuned single-action trigger, low-profile night sights, integral accessory rail, eight-round magazine, ambidextrous safety, magazine well and Ergo XT grips, this is a fighting .45.
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Sig Sauer 1911 Ultra Nitron
For those wanting a concealable 1911, Sig Sauer’s Ultra Nitron is the way to go. With an overall length of 6.8 inches and weighing only 28 ounces, it can be concealed under the lightest clothing and carried in complete comfort all day. And you still get 1911 ergonomics and 7+1 rounds of .45 ACP firepower.
Sig Sauer 1911-22
The baby of Sig Sauer’s 1911 family, the rimfire 1911-22 is built to the same dimensions as a full-sized 1911 pistol. It features a lightweight metal frame and slide, grip and ambidextrous thumb safeties, and low-profile sights, making it a perfect training tool. Sig no longer makes it, so check secondary markets.
This article was originally published in ‘Handguns Buyer’s Guide’ 2017. For information on how to subscribe, please email subscriptions@
