There is no doubting the popularity and staying power of polymer striker-fired weapons. Starting in the mid-1980s, striker-fired polymer-framed handguns became synonymous with what we expect from semi-automatic handguns. Yet, striker-fired pistols just can’t seem to topple the venerable 1911 in .45 ACP. And for good reason.
The 1911 Earns the “Venerable” Title
From a manufacturer’s perspective, polymer striker-framed handguns are less expensive to produce and require less hand-fitting to reach impressive reliability. Striker-fired trigger characteristics also offered more reassurance to those uninitiated with “cocked & locked” single actions. The relatively quick adoption of polymer-framed striker-fired weapons for LE use bears out this truth.
However, hammer-fired single-action only (SAO) 1911 .45 ACP single-stack handguns have not faded quietly into the sunset. How is that possible? How can a handgun that carries only a single-digit number of rounds—albeit .45 ACP 230 grain “flying ashtrays”—compete against 17 or more rounds typical now for the polymer wonders?
The case can be made that the popularity of the already legendary Browning 1911 is actually flourishing. The mystique of a well-put-together single-action semi-automatic handgun is hard to deny.
A trigger featuring minimal to no creep, limited travel/reset, and breaks like the proverbial “glass rod” is hard to resist. All of these things become magnified as knowledge and skills are gained in the quest to run a handgun with ruthless efficiency—whether for tactical, duty, competition, and/or personal defense.
Does nostalgia play a role in the rebirth of single-stack 1911 handguns? Is consumer sentiment of “always wanting one” a factor? Hell, yeah, it is. But make no mistake, the performance offered in these aficionado weapons justifies reputation.
There are numerous examples of .45 ACP 1911s currently on the market, supporting my point. However, I’m going to use one that I have become familiar with over the last year to illustrate what I am talking about.
SIG Takes on the 1911
In the 1911-XFULL, SIG SAUER (SIG) is offering a modern take on the classic 1911. The full-size 1911-XFULL attracts attention with its all-business air, including XRAY3 Day/Night sights, flatblade trigger, checkered front & rear straps, and custom G10 grip panels from LOK Grips.
A stainless steel frame with railed dustcover, undercut trigger guard, flat mainspring housing, extended ambidextrous manual safeties & slide stops, front and rear XSERIES slide serrations on the stainless steel slide, and a removable metal magwell adds form to function.
Did I mention that a 1911-XFULL model with a factory-installed SIG ROMEO-X Compact red-dot sight is available? I wanted to save the best for last here. That’s right, SIG has introduced the single stack .45 ACP 1911 platform to the red dot age.
SIG invested the time and brain power to determine the best way to mount a red dot to the slim 1911 slide. Then, the company committed the necessary resources regarding machines and personnel to make it happen.
The 1911-XFULL arrives with an ultra-low-profile direct-mount optic slide cut (Shield RMS-c footprint) in front of the rear sight. The SIG ROMEO-X Compact red dot is ideal for use with the 1911-XFULL thanks to its low deck height allowing for standard-height iron sights to co-witness.
Is the 1911 Right for You?
Is the .45 ACP 1911 a prime weapon of choice for all situations or users? Of course not. However, no one can argue that there is a more instinctive handling weapon than the 1911. The trigger and grip size/angle and its tendency to be the most accurate handgun in most arsenals endear the 1911 to end users.
Why do you think hostage rescue units and other special-purpose military/LE teams still hold onto using a 1911-based firearm? It is conducive to precise shot placement.
Along these same lines, no one can argue that the 1911 .45 ACP does not deliver the terminal ballistic payload. Many scoff at its limited single stack capacity—8 rounds with the SIG 1911-XFULL.
Practically speaking, eight rounds of .45 ACP will solve most problems. However, 10-round magazines mitigate some of this criticism. Chip McCormick Custom and Wilson Combat 10-round magazines supplemented the eight-rounders that arrived with the 1911-XFULL.
Don’t forget, Mr. Browning was not only the architect of what many feel is the ideal handgun form—the 1911. He was also the originator of one of our best personal defense handgun cartridges—.45 ACP.
This is not an attempt to start a 9MM versus .45 ACP debate. Modern 9MM loads have ended the banter of 9MM not being worthy of consideration.
With that said, there is no denying the sensation of touching off a 230-grain full-power .45 ACP load, even in a steel handgun weighing 42 ounces. The resounding smack against steel targets is also a reminder of .45 ACP potency.
Improving the Experience Through Accessories
In the spirit of the SIG 1911-XFULL giving off connoisseur vibes, it was decided to separate it even further from the polymer frame striker-fired horde by switching out the standard barrel for a threaded one. Fortunately, SIG offers a threaded barrel as an accessory.
The SIG .45 ACP threaded barrel proved drop-in compatible with the 1911-XFULL. This was a pleasant surprise as many times a replacement for anything with the 1911, let alone a barrel, will require a “fitting.”
The threaded barrel facilitated the use of a SIG SRD45 suppressor. This SIG suppressor was acquired several years back. The SRD45 has been replaced by the SIG MODX-45 model. The Chip McCormick and Wilson Combat 10-rounders protruding from magwell seemed to balance out the suppressor—feel wise and aesthetically.
The ROMEO-X Compact red dot proved the optimum way to operate the 1911-XFULL with the mounted suppressor. Both eyes open with a red dot hovering above the suppressor. The ROMEO-X Compact offers a variety of built-in red dot reticle patterns, and I chose the circle/dot for this evaluation.
The ROMEO-X red dot assisted in engaging targets at close distances with the red dot easy to pick up rapidly. Point shooting with the 1911-XFULL is still very feasible, using the ROMEO-X’s window as a ghost ring if forced to react spontaneously to a threat.
Field Stripping the 1911-XFULL
The SIG 1911-FULL does not employ a full-length guide rod. Instead, it utilizes a plug bushing and spring, as designed by Browning. This will warm the hearts of many 1911 purists who deride the use of full-length guide rods as a solution to a problem that does not exist with the 1911.
Not to mention, the full-length guide rod is often accused of contributing to “over-tightness” in the 1911 design. This may cause finicky behavior in the reliability department. However, that is not the case with the SIG 1911-XFULL. You can field strip the 1911-XFULL without having to resort to using a bushing wrench.
Shooting the 1911-XFULL
I have to wonder how many hours of engineering and then studying best build practices were required to find the proper balance in the 1911-XFULL between accuracy and reliability. However much time it took, SIG pulled it off.
Shooting from sandbags regularly produced singular jagged hole five-round groups at 12 yards. All the while, the 1911-X chugged through round after round of .45 ACP during high-volume drills. This was done with both standard and threaded barrels, as well as with the SIG suppressor mounted. Points of impact did shift—but accuracy levels did not.
I used BlackPoint Tactical holsters for my range time. The bulk of firing was done with 230-grain FMJ ammunition. However, an assortment of premium ammunition was tested through the SIG 1911-XFULL.
This includes Hornady Custom XTP, Winchester PDX-1, Black Hills Ammunition 230-grain FMJ and JHP, Federal HST, and SIG SAUER V-Crown with 185-grain, 200-grain, and 230-grain JHPs to verify reliability, regardless of bullet profile or weight.
Drills involving magazine changes were done to get a feel of manipulating the 1911-XFULL with the ROMEO-X Compact installed. Likewise, this ensured that the red dot was seamlessly picked up and back on target after reloading.
The ROMEO-X Compact 1911-XFULL combo performed way better than expected. Here was a weapon designed in the 1900s, combined with a red dot, more than holding its own in 2025.
A Worthy 1911
The SIG SAUER 1911-XFULL .45 ACP tested herein serves as a reminder as to why the design still holds a prominent place in the world. Along with the ROMEO-X, it is a solid combination, functionally speaking. Terminal performance? Check. Red dot? Check. Tactical light? Check. Suppressor? Check.
It takes a backseat to nothing regarding effective lethality while allowing users to indulge by not having something so typical.
SIG SAUER 1911-XFULL Specs
| Caliber | .45 ACP |
| Magazine Capacity | 2-8 round magazines arrive with 1911-XFULL |
| Barrel Length | 5-inches |
| Overall Length | 8.7-inches |
| Height | 6.5-inches (with ROMEO-X Compact mounted) |
| Weight Empty | 42 ounces |
| MSRP | $1799 (with ROMEO X installed) |
Performance
| Federal | |
| Load Velocity Avg. | 230gr HST |
| Accuracy Avg@ 25yds | 872fps 2 inches |
| SIG SAUER | |
| Load Velocity Avg. | 230gr V Crown |
| Accuracy Avg@ 25yds | 825fps 1.75 inches |
| Black Hills | |
| Load Velocity Avg. | 230gr JHP |
| Accuracy Avg@ 25yds | 844fps 1.5 inches |
| Hornady | |
| Load Velocity Avg. | 230gr XTP+P |
| Accuracy Avg@ 25yds | 939fps 2.25 inches |
Bonus 1911 Round-Up
Users and manufacturers are keeping the 1911 going strong. The ability to mount tactical lights, lasers, red dots, and threaded barrels keeps the 1911 even more relevant.
Below are some of the leading contenders for consideration.
Nighthawk Custom Thunder Ranch Combat Special (rail and red dot compatible options available) Specs
| Caliber | .45 ACP (9MM also available) |
| Magazine Capacity | 2-8 round magazines |
| Barrel Length | 5-inch |
| Overall Length | 8.6-inches |
| Height | 5.8-inches |
| Weight Empty | 41.3 ounces |
| MSRP | $3799 base price |
Springfield Armory TRP with rail Specs
| Caliber | .45 ACP |
| Magazine Capacity | 3-8 round magazines |
| Barrel Length | 5-inch |
| Overall Length | 8.6-inches |
| Height | 5.5-inches |
| Weight Empty | 39.2 ounces |
| MSRP | $1999 |
Savage 1911 Govt Two-Tone with rail Specs
| Caliber | .45 ACP |
| Magazine Capacity | 2-8 round magazines |
| Barrel Length | 5-inch |
| Overall Length | 8.45-inches |
| Height | 5.8-inches |
| Weight Empty | 41.2 ounces |
| MSRP | $1499 |
Taurus 1911 with rail Specs
| Caliber | .45 ACP (9MM also available) |
| Magazine Capacity | 2-8 round magazines |
| Barrel Length | 5-inch |
| Overall Length | 8.5-inches |
| Height | 5.5-inches |
| Weight Empty | 42 ounces |
| MSRP | $810.99 |
Wilson Combat CQB Commander Compact with light rail Specs
| Caliber | .45 ACP (9MM also available) |
| Magazine Capacity | 2-7 round magazines |
| Barrel Length | 4.25-inch |
| Overall Length | 7.85-inches |
| Height | 4.9-inches |
| Weight Empty | 36.5 ounces |
| MSRP | $4455 base price |
Ed Brown SOCOM with light rail Specs
| Caliber | .45 ACP |
| Magazine Capacity | 2-8 round magazine |
| Barrel Length | 5-inch |
| Overall Length | 9.5-inches |
| Height | 5.75-inches |
| Weight Empty | 43 ounces |
| MSRP | $4795 with Trijicon RMR mounted |
