Springfield Armory made a noteworthy introduction recently to their product lineup with the Echelon 9mm. Not resting on their laurels, the Echelon is a fresh Springfield design. Do not mistake it as a XD variant or anything else in the Springfield catalogue. It is made in Croatia to Springfield Armory’s specifications by the same manufacturer cranking out Springfield’s XDs, Hellcats, and Hellion bullpup rifles. The American consumer signaled their acceptance by snatching up Echelons from dealers’ shelves. In many areas demand still outweighs supply. A nice problem to have if you are Springfield Armory.

Many may ask what the Springfield Echelon offers to shooters compared to other polymer-framed striker-fired handguns already on the market. The answer lies more with refining the striker-fired concept that started more than 40 years ago than anything revolutionary. The Echelon benefits from lessons learned, combined with a manufacturer intimately familiar with what it takes to create a quality weapon.

REFINEMENT

The Echelon attracts admirers thanks to its ergonomics. For example, its grip angle offers a natural point of aim, especially when a red dot is mounted. With the Echelon, Springfield focused on enhancing the handgun’s interaction with the user using its “Adaptive Grip Texture”, oversized trigger guard that is undercut at frame, ambidextrous slide stops, and magazine releases, plus textured indexing points on both sides of the frame. The Echelon arrives with the medium grip module with small and large available for purchase separately… more on this later. This is further accentuated by three different backstrap contour options.

The Echelon slide’s shape is engineered to aid in increased muzzle control and manipulation. Echelon’s slide features four distinct engagement surfaces. A trench cut forward of the action gives shooters a natural index location for press checks and charging the firearm. The back of the slide is flared for positive purchase if this method of manipulating slide is preferred. Deep forward and rear serrations provide gripping surface from any angle.

INNOVATION

The heart of the Echelon is its chassis trigger group that bears the required serial number. Springfield labels it their “central operating group” (COG). The COG is self-contained and can be moved between grip modules in seconds. Think of the modularity options that will be forthcoming after the Echelon’s initial rollout. Precision built from stainless steel, the COG provides a host for a patent-pending operating system i.e., the trigger group. The Springfield Echelon takes full advantage of the learning curve based on previously introduced chassis operating system handguns by other manufacturers. The Springfield COG features trigger bar and striker block safeties, reducing the opportunity accidental discharge incidents.

Concealed beneath the slide cover plate is the Echelon’s patent-pending optic mounting system. The variable interface system (VIS) allows users to mount more than 30 optics directly to the slide without the use of adapter plates. In short, if your optic is or shares the footprint of Trijicon RMR, Leupold DeltaPoint Pro, or Shield RMSc you are good to go out of the box. Simply configure the self-locking pins for the footprint of your desired optic to achieve a low, direct mount for intuitive sight alignment.

The Springfield Armory VIS employs patent-pending self-locking pins. As the optic mounting screws are torqued, the pins exert lateral pressure on the optic’s interior mounting surface to eliminate variance and left/right movement. The result is an unparalleled fit between the slide and a wide variety optics. This Springfield VIS system mounts your red dot deep into the slide, keeping it as low to the bore as possible. This translates into seamless dot acquisition when combined with the Echelon’s grip angle.

DESIGN INPUT

I think we all accept that elite competition shooters are the highest skilled “pistoleers” in the world — after all, that is what they do for a living. Expending time and ammunition that most people cannot imagine. Tier one special operation units often invite world class competition shooters to train with them in an effort to teach its members how to gain any advantage possible in running a handgun more efficiently and ruthlessly. After all, the physical aspects of shooting are the same in every realm i.e., grip, stance, weapon manipulation, trigger control, hand-eye speed, and coordination. Springfield Armory has one of the greatest ever — Rob Leatham — on their team. He surely collaborated on the Echelon project — especially regarding aspects of the trigger and the pistol’s overall ergonomics.

The Echelon offers a repeatable 5-pound trigger pull with a minimal reset. Short tactile reset allows rapid, multiple shots placed on target. The Echelon’s trigger is proof Springfield engineers listened to customer feedback… as well as one of the greatest ever competition shooters — Rob Leatham. To my way of thinking, the secret to striker-fired handgun success is minimal operating controls, high cartridge-capacity-to-size ratio, relentless reliability, and, to mis-paraphrase an famous political advertisement….”it’s the trigger, stupid…” The Springfield Armory Echelon follows this formula and improves upon what was previously thought possible with striker-fired handgun triggers.

THIS IS THE WAY

What if there were ways to maximize potency of your personal defense handgun? After all, as a civilian, or even a law enforcement officer, if a hostile situation is encountered you may most likely be dealing with it with a handgun. So, what would be some of the ways to best boost your handgun’s capability and functionality? The most obvious personal defense handgun equipment upgrade over the last 10 years has to be red dot sights (RDS). My first articles on red dot use appeared in 2010, thus dating my own journey. Though technology should not be used as a crutch that substitutes diligent practice and training, red dots are definitely a positive in supplementing the centuries-old iron-sight concept. With a red dot, a user can now do as nature intends–focus on the target/threat. Moreover, because the indexing of a red dot is far easier than shoving multiple pieces of steel back and forth on a pistol slide, shooters find they can perform beyond what was considered possible with iron sights. All simply because the concept uses the eyes in a more normal manner. The Springfield Echelon embraces red dot usage with their VIS system.

An EOTECH EFLX was mounted to the Echelon. The EFLX uses a top mounted CR2032 battery offering 20,000 hours of run time. The EFLX mounted on the Echelon features a 3 MOA dot (with a 6 MOA dot version also available.) EFLX’s aluminum housing offers durability while only still only weighing 1.4 ounces. The Echelon’s already low bore axis is further enhanced with the beavertail and undercut triggerguard allowing for a very stable sight picture no matter how many or how rapidly rounds are fired. The low mounting position of the Springfield VIS system is appreciated with the EO Tech EFLX’s dot seamlessly located.

FEEL DOES NOT MEAN FIT

One note here of an important lesson relearned. While the medium backstrap fit my hand well, the position of the EOTECH dot seemed high in the screen. Out of curiosity the smaller backstrap was installed. The benefit of finding the dot upon extension of draw was immediate. In short, while “feel” is important, proper fit is crucial. Think about how custom rifles and shotguns are contoured to the end user. The same applies to handguns, especially those with a red dot.

Proper grip starts from the holster and sets the stage for the most efficient use of a red dot-equipped handgun. The majority of aiming any pistol, red dot or not, is achieved through kinesthetic awareness. Kinesthetic awareness is a person’s ability to sense the relative location of their body’s parts based on the engagement and tension of muscles and joints. This especially pertains to red dots via proper grip and tension applied to the pistol as soon as possible with shooting hand from the holster and support hand close to the body under the dominant eye. Grip is the key for tracking the red dot vertically on target during multiple round drills.

Back to the earlier competition shooter reference, I got to take advantage of Origin Shooting’s Ken Bloxton while testing out the Echelon. Ken was the 2015 Two-Gun Nationals Champion and placed fifth in the Three-Gun Nationals the same year. He created Origin Shooting in 2017 with an emphasis on enhancing students’ speed placing rounds on target accurately, even when combined with movement. This, after all, would facilitate better performance, no matter the matter situation. Competing is encouraged by Origin Shooting to better define weaknesses; thus, allowing weaknesses to be overcome.

PERFORMANCE:

Echelon testing consisted of establishing reliability first, then testing accuracy and handling. The Echelon arrives with a flush fitting 17-round magazine and a 20-round magazine featuring an extended baseplate. Several magazines worth of ammunition was spent engaging plate racks and man-sized steel targets. Ken Bloxton and I took turns running the Echelon during an initial range visit with it. No malfunctions were encountered with nearly 300 rounds fired that first day. The Springfield Armory Echelon is a handgun you can count on being ready to go straight out of the box.

While technological quick fixes are not to be used in lieu of training, red dots on a personal defense weapon cannot be ignored. Focusing on the target is one of the key concepts of red dot use. The natural pointability of the Echelon comes into its own in this realm with the EOTECH EFLX doing its part, as well. The EFLX rectangular “wind shield” offers a superior field of view compared to other red dot options. The glass in the new EFLX is clear with no tinting or other coatings being obvious. The EFLX clarity gives better target acquisition without having to figure out what you’re looking at through the glass. The dot is crisp with no halos or disfiguration. The Springfield Armory Echelon combined with the EFLX proved very capable at quick target engagement with shots broken faster than what it takes to read the description.

Two main evaluation priorities were making sure that the Echelon’s reliability was beyond reproach and answering the question that the handgun offers something beyond what the other polymer handguns on the market offer. The Echelon handled several types of ammunition without a problem. Firing began with basic drills to get acclimated with the trigger, sights, and overall feel. Brass and steel ammunition was used along with various bullet weights and bullet profiles. Federal, Black Hills, Hornady, and Remington ammunition was used. Accuracy was in the 2.5- to 3-inch range for five rounds at 25 yards, depending on ammunition used. Drills quickly moved past stand and deliver drills to more dynamic drills involving movement, magazine reloads, and firing from behind cover. The Springfield Echelon’s simplicity of operation allowed for rapid engagement of targets combined with well thought out ergonomics positioning the hand near optimum placement starting with the presentation from the Black Scorpion holster.

With the Echelon, Springfield Armory’s attention to detail is instantly sensed. Crucial items such grip texture, trigger, and maximizing getting the shooters hand as near the bore axis are seamlessly interfaced between the handgun and shooter. Years of experience allowed for Springfield Armory engineers to take the nebulous concept of “feel” and translate it to being one of best shooting pistols on the market, right out of the box.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Previously available only to international military and law enforcement customers, the TS9 has passed the rigorous NATO testing protocols. It’s the pistol of choice for Brazil’s most elite special operations units and serves law enforcement and military units across the world. For the first time, thanks to a law enforcement sales overrun, the $500 TS9 brings its rugged durability and reliability to the US market in limited quantities.

TS9 Key Features

• Adjustable Rear Sight:The TS9 boasts an adjustable rear sight that allows shooters to fine-tune their accuracy for unparalleled marksmanship. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, this feature ensures every shot counts.
• Adjustable Front Sight:With an adjustable front sight, the TS9 offers superior versatility. Customize your sight picture to suit your preferences and shooting style, ensuring optimal target acquisition in any scenario.
• Accessory Rail (Picatinny/MIL-STD 1913):The integrated accessory rail provides compatibility with a wide range of accessories, including lights, lasers, and more. Customize your TS9 to meet your specific needs and mission requirements.
• Ambidextrous Magazine Release:Taurus understands the importance of accessibility and convenience for all shooters. The ambidextrous magazine release ensures that both left and right-handed users can operate the TS9 with ease.
• Interchangeable Backstraps (4 Sizes):The TS9 offers unmatched comfort and ergonomics, thanks to its four interchangeable backstraps. Tailor the grip to fit your hand perfectly, enhancing control and reducing recoil for a more enjoyable shooting experience.
  

The TS9 is available now at authorized Taurus dealers across the United States. For more information about the TS9 or to find a dealer near you, please visit TaurusUSA.com.

Striker-fired, polymer-framed handguns have evolved into the benchmark for personal defense, law enforcement, and military handguns. These handguns are generally ultra-reliable, accurate, tough, and simple to operate. While examples of striker-fired handguns predate 1982, this date is critical. Though this is an article on the Faxon Firearms FX19 Hellfire, there can be little debate that current semi-automatic handguns were redefined by the 9mm Glock 17 in terms of capacity, operation, and polymer construction. Polymer-framed, striker-fired handguns are inherently lighter, thinner, and simpler due to their limited number of parts.

Faxon Firearms, based in Cincinnati, OH, burst on the polymer, striker-fired handgun scene in 2019. Faxon quickly gained a reputation as a solid upgrade over other polymer-framed striker-fired weapons on the market; not only the Austrian-branded offerings, but all offerings. This stems from Faxon benefitting from in-house manufacturing of frame, slides, and barrel. Faxon was already well established as provider of various aftermarket parts, as well as rifle and pistol barrels.

Not a Customized Glock

The FX19 Hellfire is created from scratch and should not be considered a customized Glock. For descriptive purposes, the Faxon FX19 Hellfire can be compared to a Glock 19 in terms of size. The FX19 is an amalgamation of insightful Faxon design decisions. It is truly more than just merely a sum of its components—albeit topnotch components. The FX19 benefits from Faxon quality control and experienced gunsmiths pulling it all together. With that said, lets lay out what the FX19 Hellfire consists of—Faxon Match Series G19 1/2×28 threaded barrel made from 416-R stainless steel, distinct Faxon slide machine from 17-4 stainless steel with enhanced serration all around, optic cut-ready for the Trijicon RMR with machined posts for extra recoil absorption, DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) finish, Night Fision suppressor height night sights, Faxon PF940C frame with 1911-grip angle, custom polished front & rear slide rails, extended magazine release, double undercut trigger guard, Overwatch Precision trigger, and enhanced low-profile magazine well. That is an extensive list indicating what Faxon has created with the FX19 Hellfire.

Choice is what makes the free market economy so tantalizing. Sure, there are existing polymer frame striker-fired pistols on the market with large manufactures cranking out thousands at a time to more specialized boutique shops catering to a more scrutinizing customer base looking for upgraded features. Beyond that, polymer-framed handguns are similar to AR rifles in that consumers can create their own with partially finished lowers and the massive amount of aftermarket parts available. All of this leads to competition… with the consumer benefiting.

Faxon offers a blend between custom and production with the FX19 Hellfire. The Hellfire offers a myriad of custom features. This is further supported by experienced gunsmiths producing a weapon featuring a warranty­— compared to a handgun put together in your garage. The FX19 series has successfully completed a 15,000-round durability test, as outlined in US Army TOP 3-2-045, along with the NATO standard drop test.

Form Follows Function

The Faxon FX19 has significant design emphasis on ergonomics and durability. Serrations along the top of the slide help diffuse sunlight reflecting off the metal, keeping the sight picture crisp. Horizontal cuts are found at front and rear of the slide sides for increased purchase when manipulating the slide. Stippling and raised grooves adorn both the front strap and the forward face of the squared-off trigger guard. A double undercut trigger guard has material relieved where the trigger guard connects to the grip as well as a thinned-out trigger guard. This allows for your primary hand to get a higher grip on the pistol. This will make your grip more comfortable and allows the FX19 Hellfire to sit lower in your hand, limiting muzzle flip during recoil due to the low bore axis. This is supported by an extended beavertail to help prevent slide bite as well as further manage recoil, especially during rapid strings of fire. The second undercut on the guard offers a reference point for your support hand and helps you get a better grip during your draw stroke. Each pistol has an integral, railed dust cover for lights, lasers etc.

Faxon developed the FX19 Hellfire to serve as the premium version of a polymer-framed, striker-fired handgun. The user knows something is different as soon as the Hellfire’s hardcase is opened. Picking up the FX19 Hellfire and manipulating it reinforces the good vibes created by its aesthetics. Unique slide serration patterns and cut outs show attention to detail with the FX19. Tolerances with the Hellfire are tighter than any production model handgun.

Trigger and Action Matters

The shorter trigger reset, and 4.25- to 4.5-pound pull of the Overwatch Precision trigger leaves no doubt that the Hellfire is not your standard-grade production handgun. The trigger shoe and trigger safety tab are machined in the USA out of 7075-T6 aluminum alloy and affixed to an NP3 plated trigger bar by a 316 stainless steel coil spring pins. The trigger shoe and safety tab are both Type III hard coat anodized to MIL-A-8625 standard. The broad, flat face of the trigger allows a uniquely self-correcting, straight rearward press. Pre-travel has been reduced by as much as 20 percent without compromising safety and resulting in a clean, crisp break, and reduced over-travel.

The FX19 Hellfire employs the familiar Browning locked breech, short recoil tilting barrel design operating method. The 4.5-inch threaded barrel locks up tight when in battery. As made popular on previous weapon designs, Faxon has modified Browning’s design by moving the locking recesses from the barrel; instead utilizing a single locking lug milled above the barrel’s chamber using the slide’s large overhead ejection port as its locking recess. The front contour of the barrel lug cam slot has been cut square to direct counter-recoiling forces up and forward into the barrel itself to reduce stress on the lug.

To Comp or Not to Comp

The Faxon threaded barrel cries out for either suppressor or compensator. We went with a compensator. In fact, one from Faxon—the EXOS compensator. The EXOS is constructed from 6061 aluminum with a black anodized finish. Faxon has designed an angled front port, single chamber compensator to improve consistency while reducing muzzle climb and recoil. The angled ports allow gas to deflect upwards as opposed to only deflecting sideways, reducing up and down muzzle movement and improving reliability. Faxon created the EXOS 513 comp (other EXOS models exist for a variety of handguns) specifically to match up flush with the FX19 Hellfire slide. By not having an oversized compensator, Faxon has maintained the ability to fit typical holsters. For example, the streamlined nature of the FX19 Hellfire with EXOS compensator allows it to fit into G17 holsters that are not closed bottom as well as most G34 holsters, since its length and profile mimics the G34 in size and shape.

Just as with red dot sights on handguns, compensators are expanding beyond competition applications and becoming more prominent with personal defense weapons. Part of the challenge of using a handgun involves controlling muzzle flip. No one is saying a 9mm needs a brake. Do not confuse a muzzle brake with a compensator. Controlling muzzle rise is a valid goal. Muzzle flip reduces the speed with which you can accurately fire multiple rounds. The weapon must return to its sight alignment point before firing again. Most literature on compensators indicate a 30 to 40 percent reduction of muzzle flip. Testing protocols can be somewhat subjective, but you get the gist. Recoil and muzzle flip also cause the pistol to move in the hand. A well-designed compensator allows for an easier job in firing the weapon under normal conditions as well as under duress or with one hand. It’s optimistic to assume you will have a perfect grip on your handgun’s frame when “skinning” it from holster to begin with, especially if you’re already behind the OODA loop reacting to a threat. It is sanguine to assume a two-handed grip will even be possible. Attendance in a force-on-force course is urged if doubting this.

Sight and Optics

Much of this evaluation utilized a set of Night Fision suppressor height sights. The Faxon Hellfire for this article arrived with a Trijicon RMR slide cut. Based on this, an Ameriglo Haven red dot was chosen for use. Rugged construction, including aircraft grade aluminum housing and waterproof electronics, increase reliability under the harshest use and stiffest recoil typified by the operation of a semi-automatic handgun slide. Its side loading battery is a nice touch, meaning you do not have to remove the Haven from the slide to change its CR2032 battery. This eliminates the need to sight back in after battery replacement. Smart electronics offer a 12-hour runtime followed by a 12-hour, motion-activated auto-on, provide up to two years of battery life at a mid-level brightness setting. Its large viewing window with upward curving concave housing with highlighted vertical white post on the rear of Haven sight aids in faster dot acquisition. The Haven used for this T&E featured a 3.5MOA dot. A 5MOA dot is available, as well.

The Faxon FX19 Hellfire is ideal blend of carry ability with the Haven red dot producing capabilities that exceeds most weapons of such compact size. The EXOS compensator only adds to this. The Faxon FX19 Hellfire is a carry handgun that excels in gunfighting; not just reactive defense most associated with handguns. Users of the FX19 Hellfire fitted with Ameriglo Haven find that they no longer have to switch focus from target to sights and invariably eliminates the “front sight focus” so difficult for older shooters. They can now do as nature intends for them to, focus on the threat. Moreover, because the indexing of a red dot is far easier than three pieces of steel, they find they can take shots beyond what was considered feasible with iron sights.

On the Range

The FX19 Hellfire arrived with a G19-sized magazine featuring yet another Faxon product in the form of magazine extension. A Warne Tactical magazine extension was also used. The extended magazines increased typical 15-rd capacity to 20 and 18 rounds, respectively. The Faxon and Warne extensions interacted smoothly with the low-profile magazine well that comes on the FX19 Hellfire. Magazines were loaded with Ammo Inc. 115-grain TMC, as well as ammunition from Federal, Speer, Hornady, SIG Sauer, and Black Hills Ammunition. The FX19 Hellfire was fired one handed, including use of the non-dominant hand, to verify no sensitivity in terms of reliability with or without a compensator. The FX19 Hellfire showed it could digest anything fed to it. Premium self-defense JHP, target, and match 9mm loads including 115-, 124-, and 147-grain bullets were utilized.

A question with the FX19 Hellfire/EXOS combo was how did the compensator effect muzzle flip. The sights, either Amerigo Haven red dot or Night Fision iron sights, stayed on target, floating briefly out of the IPSC “A” zone, but never totally off target even during multi-round drills. The FX19 Hellfire’s simplicity of operation, consistent trigger pull, and compensator allowed for rapid engagement of targets. This is further accentuated with well laid out ergonomics ensuring that the hand is near optimum grip position as soon as the FX19 Hellfire clears the holster.

Conclusion

The Faxon FX19 Hellfire will be recognized as an amalgamation of positive features found on striker-fired predecessors as well as many innovative tweaks. Many may ask what the Hellfire offers to shooters compared to other polymer-framed striker-fired handguns already on the market. Red dot compatibility and compensator are certainly obviously nice touches. The FX19 Hellfire benefits from lessons learned combined with a manufacturer intimately familiar with quality weapon production and how to tastefully improve upon a platform.

Specifications

• Make: Faxon Firearms
• Model: FX19 Hellfire
• Caliber: 9mm Luger
• Magazine Capacity: OEM 15-rd G19 magazine with 5-round Faxon extension ships with weapon
• Barrel Length: 4.5in
• Overall Length: 7.85in
• Height: 5.25in
• Width: 1.25in
• Weight Empty: 24.5oz
• MSRP: $1189
• URL: faxonfirearms.com

Back in 2010, I wrote an article about the SIG P250 calling it a benchmark in handgun development. This statement has been validated with the undeniable success of its later-released sibling, the P320. What did the P250 bring forth that the P320 perfected? The heart of the SIG P250, and now the P320, is the removable FCU — Fire Control Unit. The FCU itself is considered a firearm and bears the required serial number marking. The FCU allowed for SIG’s first steps into pistol modularity and, subsequently brought us its P320 successors.

The FCU contains the trigger mechanism, slide catches, slide rails, etc. A SIG P250/320 slide assembly does not interact with the grip module but is guided/operates along the FCU’s integral steel rails located on both sides of the FCUs front and rear. The P250 offered across-the-board modularity in terms of grip sizes, frame and slide interchangeability, multiple trigger positions, and even caliber swapping that heralded the next wave of high-capacity polymer framed handguns. Gun culture members are, by nature, conservative and view new offerings skeptically until proven by use. The SIG P250 found a somewhat cool reception on the U.S. market. The SIG P250’s adaptability to individual shooter needs seemed too good to be true. The hammer-fired P250 became a steppingstone to the striker fired P320 — the rest is history, as they say.

Exeter, NH has evolved into the epicenter of the handgun universe. This is in large part to the polymer striker fired SIG Sauer P320 series that arrived in 2014. Its selection as the U.S. Army’s handgun, and soon thereafter the rest of the DOD, provided vindication for the FCU concept that started with the P250.

SIG’s P320 Spectre Comp

SIG is renowned for introducing new variants of already successful weapons. This is done by combining and adding features based on assessments from competition, tactical, law enforcement, and personal defense customers. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel to have a successful new model. There are currently 21 P320 variants listed on the SIG website. The SIG P320 Spectre Comp is one of the newest P320’s and the focus of this article — with a twist, thanks to FCU-inspired modularity.

The P320 Spectre Comp comes from the SIG Custom Works division. SIG Custom Works offerings are always distinctive in appearance while offering performance enhancing features. The P320 Spectre Comp is the epitome of a Custom Works project. For example, this pistol features a laser stippled tungsten infused grip (TXG) module, titanium nitride (TiN) gold-colored barrel and trigger, and a Custom Works milled slide. The Spectre Comp comes standard with XRay3 day/night sights, a flat XSeries trigger, and is optic ready out of the box. It’s further distinguished with a factory installed compensator.

The combination of the Spectre Comp’s full-sized TXG frame with single port compensator makes this pistol one of the smoothest-shooting 9mm handguns on the market. The tungsten infused frame not only adds weight but concentrates it in your hand, thus lowering the pistols center of gravity for better controllability. It’s smooth in its slide cycle and is noticeably easier to track its sights during recoil than other pistols in the same caliber. This is thanks to the compensator doing its job and its iron sight arrangement. All of this translates into a handgun that stacks rounds on top of each other in a hurry. Unabashedly, the P320 Spectre Comp is one of the sweetest shooting handguns I have experienced over 25+ years of evaluating weapons.

A 41-ounce handgun is stout to carry, though, to the say the least. Gravity never rests. So, we asked ourselves how to decrease weight while maintaining the gun’s smooth shooting characteristics, and we found SIG’s inbuilt modularity was the path forward.

Enter SIG’s Aluminum AXG Grip Module

While the Spectre Comp features SIG’s TXG grip module, we wanted to reduce the pistol’s weight and chose to mate it’s FCU with SIG’s aluminum AXG grip module. This grip module features Hogue G10 grip panels and a rear insert. The P320 AXG metal lower offers a distinctive ergonomic feel that will appeal to many. What could be better than a proven, striker-fired handgun exuding the classic feel of metal in your palm? Not much. The AXG’s generous undercut, extended beavertail, and four-sided beveled magazine immediately sends positive signals to the right side of your brain.

Swapping Grip Modules

The FCU from the Spectre Comp was easy to transfer over to the AXG frame without tools. It’s a simple swap… with the slide locked to the rear, rotate the takedown lever, release the slide and slip it off the frame. The takedown lever is removed from the frame by rotating it further around and pulling it out simultaneously. This frees the FCU for removal. Rock it upward while drawing the trigger shoe backward and slip it up and out. It installs in the AXG grip module by following the steps in reverse order. Swapping the TXG grip module out for the AXG shaved a half pound from the original P320 Spectre Comp configuration. Our AXG Spectre Comp pistol weighs in at 32 ounces. This represents a weight reduction of about 20% compared to the stock gun. Slightly more weight could be shaved off if a polymer SIG grip module was chosen versus the AXG module.

The Compensator

With the P320 Spectre Comp slide mated to the AXG frame, it was time to explore what our P320 AXG Spectre Comp handgun offered. The SIG compensator is screwed on the Spectre’s threaded barrel and then further secured with two screws. The tapered screws are installed from the top of the comp, interacting with notches milled into the side of the P320 Spectre barrel to ensure proper timing of the comp. This is especially important considering SIG has placed the front sight on the comp. This maintains maximum sight radius and allows for superior front sight tracking between shots since the front sight does not reciprocate with the slide. A sharp eye will see that the SIG comp’s port is angled slightly forward to better direct gasses and lessen muzzle flip/rise.

The P320 Spectre’s slide to compensator interaction is not your typical screw on comp arrangement. SIG Custom Works has milled an O-ring-like projection into the front of the slide that interfaces with a similar sized cavity in the compensator for a tight fit between slide and comp. The AXG frame does place the compensator fully in front of the frame’s dust cover, whereas the original SIG set up with the Spectre Comp protrudes only 1/8 inch past the dust cover due to the larger TXG grip module.

While the SIG XRay3 day/night sights are excellent factory sights, the ability to mount a red dot sight could not be resisted. A SIG ROMEO1 Pro mated up to the P320 Spectre Comp slide. With the red dot installed, range testing commenced with the P320 AXG Spectre Comp. The SIG compensator design produces extremely light recoil impulse and muzzle flip due to the single chamber comp using muzzle gases to drive the slide down versus tilting upward compared to a non-compensated weapon. This is key in keeping the handgun on target.

Just as with red dot sights on handguns, compensators are expanding beyond competition applications and becoming more prominent on personal defense weapons. Why? Part of the challenge of using a handgun involves controlling muzzle flip. No one is saying a 9mm needs a brake. Do not confuse a muzzle brake with a compensator. However, controlling muzzle rise is a valid goal.

Similar to red dots, compensators will be in the running for similar acceptance on personal defense weapons. This is thanks to specific designs such as those found on the Spectre Comp where compensator is efficient. It’s also worth noting that comp is shaped to allow typical holster use. For example, the streamlined nature of the SIG compensator allows it to fit into open-bottomed P320 holsters.

On the Range

Magazines were loaded with SIG Sauer, Ammo Inc., Federal, Hornady, Remington and Black Hills ammunition. Our AXG Spectre Comp combo was fired one handed, including use of the non-dominant hand, to verify there was no sensitivity in terms of reliability with the compensator. The pistol showed it could digest anything fed to it. Premium self-defense JHP, target, and match 9mm loads including 115-, 124-, and 147-grain bullets were shot. The AXG Spectre Comp performed without fail.

The big question with the SIG P320 Spectre Comp combined with the AXG module was making sure performance was not compromised. The ROMEO1 Pro stayed on target, floating briefly out of the IPSC target’s A zone, but never went totally off target… even during multiple round drills. The P320’s simplicity of operation, consistent trigger pull, and compensator allowed for rapid engagement of targets. This is further accentuated with well laid out ergonomics ensuring that the hand is near optimum grip position as soon as the P320 AXG Spectre combo clears the holster.

Performance

A Note About Magazines

The P320 Spectre Comp’s original flared magazine well necessitates either SIG Legion magazines with Henning Group baseplates or 21-round P320 magazines. Standard P320 magazines with front-radiused baseplates require modification to fully seat in the SIG TXG grip module’s flared magazine well, or the magwell needs removed to work with the standard 17-round P320 magazines. The AXG frame is not particular over P320 magazine type used.

Conclusion

Our P320 AXG Spectre Comp will be recognized as an amalgamation of positive features found on its striker-fired predecessors as well as many innovative tweaks. Many may ask what this pistol offers to shooters compared to other striker-fired handguns already on the market. Red dot compatibility and compensator are certainly nice touches. The ability to tweak the P320 Spectre Comp with a AXG grip module without impacting performance highlights the versatility of the SIG modular design. Based on SIG’s track record, we’d not be shocked to see a variety of compensated P320’s emerging soon. The P320 XTen is an obvious candidate for a comp treatment.

Specifications

Make: SIG Sauer
Model: N/A
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Barrel Length: 4.6 in
Overall Length: 8.5 in
Sights: X-RAY3 Day/Night Sights (SIG ROMEO1 PRO mounted)
Sight Radius: 6.5 in
Height: 5.8in
Width: 1.6in
Weight Empty: 32oz
MSRP: SIG P320 Spectre Comp $1400; SIG AXG Grip Module $299; SIG ROMEO1 Pro $350
URL: sigsauer.com