The Sig Sauer 1911 X Series
Sig Sauer 1911s are among the finest production handguns in the world, so we were thrilled to learn of a new line of pistols releasing in 2024. At first glance, the 1911 X Series pistols look incredible, boasting a modern look with tons of great features that are optimized for EDC.
These include a low-profile direct optics mount paired with Sig's XRAY3 night sights, plus a Picatinny accessory rail and thin G10 grips. At first, the bevy of tactical features led us to believe this might be a double stack 9mm 1911 (or 2011, as they are colloquially referred to by gun enthusiasts).
However, our initial enthusiasm quickly waned after taking a closer look. These guns are built on a single-stack .45 ACP frame and while we are sure these will be some of the finest production 1911 pistols available in today's market, we can't help feeling slightly miffed that Sig is ignoring current industry trends and refusing to release a 2011-style pistol.
A Missed Opportunity
In recent years, many manufacturers have begun releasing double stack 1911s chambered for 9mm, satisfying a demand in the market that has long been underserviced. The mere suggestion that Sig was joining their ranks was exhilarating, which made the realization that Sig's new offerings do not yet include a double stack 9mm 2011 all the more disappointing. Here's why.
Sig Sauer does not shy from innovation, having completely altered the trajectory of the concealed carry market once before with the P365 and again with the P365 X Macro. The company also manufactures some phenomenal 1911 pistols, ranging from standard models all the way up to the Tacops, the Emperor Scorpion, and the Fastback Nightmare Carry.
Because of Sig's proven track record, there's no doubt that the 1911 X Series will perform well, but the fact that it's simply another dressed-up single-stack 1911 rather than a double stack 9mm diminishes its broader appeal, at least in our opinion. Shooters are eager for more accessibly priced, reliable double stack 1911 pistols, which seems like a niche that Sig could easily fill.
In fact, if Sig were to announce a 2011-style handgun, most of the Classic Firearms team would not hesitate to pick one up site unseen. That's the power that a reputable manufacturer like Sig Sauer has, and it's a shame to see the company miss such an obvious and potentially lucrative opportunity.
More Sig 1911s To Come?
Several additional 1911 X Series models are slated for release later this year, so it's entirely possible that a double stack 9mm variant is still in the works. While we aren't getting our hopes up, it is still exciting to learn that Sig plans to release more 1911s in 2024 and we look forward to seeing what other surprises Sig Sauer might have in store.