There are few bigger names in the suppressor industry than SilencerCo at the moment. SiCo has been around for quite a while, and has dominated much of the suppressor market for some time. At the top of the food chain, we can expect some cool and innovative products from SiCo, and today I bring you one of them; The SilencerCo Scythe Ti suppressor. The company offers two different Scythe models, the Ti we are looking at today, and the Scythe STM.
Fresh out of the box with its service tools for modular changes and mounting
The SilencerCo Scythe
Of the two Scythe models there is a bit of a split in purpose. The Ti model is made completely from titanium, a first for SilencerCo. The STM model is made from stainless steel, and has a two stage design that allows you to use it in a short or long configuration. Both models use an anchor brake at the front of the muzzle end to help reduce recoil.
SilencerCo pioneered the hub system that nearly every manufacturer uses today. This allows you the ability to change the way you mount your suppressor, whether it be direct thread, QD mount with an ASR suppressor mount or otherwise.
Our Scythe Ti was focused more for activities like hunting, where its compact size and lightweight make it optimal for long hikes. And the Scythe is rated for up to 300RUM cartridges which covers most of what a typical American hunter would use.
As I unboxed the Scythe Ti, the immediate impression was how incredibly light it is. At just over 6-ounces it almost feels fake, but I can assure you it is not. The raw titanium color looks great in my opinion, and the smooth welds are so fine they look more like tool marks.
recoil from magnums like this 7 PRC are tamed by the Scythe’s brake
It came with a couple tools for servicing the Scythe, as well as a 5/8-24 threaded hub for mounting. But like most cans these days, you can install another hub if you’d rather use one of the the QD devices or muzzle brakes.
In the Field
Using the Scythe in the field was done both on a public rifle range as well as in the Rocky Mountains where I typically spend my time. I would end up using the Scythe on several different rifles of various calibers. Myself and the friends that came along would take turns between shooting and listening to the report.
the modular mounting of the Scythe and its caliber compatibility allows it to be mounted on various firearms. This is a custom Remington 700 mounted in the Grayboe Flagstaff chassis
Sound Suppression
On .308 Winchester sized cartridges the sound suppression was excellent. Even for other shooters near the muzzle of the rifle the report was tolerable. And from any distance of five or so yards away it sounded as pleasant as could be. Regardless of where we were, I felt no reason to use hearing protection with the Scythe. Of course that is not what most people would recommend, for safety sake anyways.
Shooting through the Scythe on the range, and in the cold and wet Rocky Mountains gave excellent insight to the Scythe’s suppression. I would happily use it on any of my sub 30-caliber rifles, it sounds fantastic.
Recoil Reduction
With its built-in anchor brake, the Scythe also helps reduce recoil. By diverting the escaping gas perpendicular to the bore axis, it reduces the force pushed against the shoulder of the shooter. Again this is a design that SiCo explored and has done very well with on several of their other suppressors like the Omega 300, you can see more about that one here.
the anchor brake of the Scythe keeps recoil down diverting muzzle blast to the sides
Smaller cartridges like 308 Winchester, 260 Remington and 6.5 Creedmoor are not particularly heavy recoiling. But with the Scythe installed they feel like a child’s rifle, with hardly any recoil at all. Grant me this though, several of the rifles used during testing were heavier than a typical hunting rifle. That likely helped with recoil as well.
Removing the anchor brake from the Scythe can further reduce weight, and length, but c’mon… The Scythe is already incredibly light, and the brake portion so short that it seems silly to change it out for a traditional end cap. It seems I’m not the only one who thinks so, as a search of the internet show hardly any images of the Scythe without its brake in place.
Accuracy
Like most suppressors in my experience, the Scythe had no ill affects on the accuracy of the rifle. If anything it helped improve accuracy by increasing the mass of the rifle making it more anchored. Additionally, the recoil reduction helps keep you on target, which helps spot hits or misses on the target. Both of these facets will increase the amounts of hits you make.
Suppressors typically strip high pressure waves from the bullet as it leaves the muzzle. Much like a boat traveling through a protected harbor that keeps the big waves out. As the bullet passes through each baffle in the suppressor, it travels through more and more calm air. This allows the bullet to start its flight with less interference and they typically shoot better.
Modularity
With its 1.375×24 TPI hub, the Scythe can use any number of different mounting solutions. There are various SiCo brake options but you don’t need to stop there, as even other manufacturers hub mounts will fit the Scythe. Though it comes with a simple and lightweight 5/8-24 direct-thread hub, you can change it to better fit your purposes should you desire.
short cans are better for maneuvering, here you can see how compact the Scythe is
Again, I saw no reason to remove the anchor brake from the Scythe, and it would appear most people don’t.
Value
With an MSRP of $1174 the Scythe Ti isn’t exactly an entry level suppressor. But it is well worth the extra bit of cheddar you pay. Its hard to find a lighter can in this category, as most popular models are around 2 ounces or more heavier.
So if you are a hunter looking for the most compact and lightest suppressor you can get for your hunt, you should definitely be looking at the Scythe.
Its popularity also means that it flaws can be shown. SilencerCo says the Scythe has a very low rate of failure, but there are enough reports of failure to not be insignificant for those looking. And SilencerCo appears to be very quick to repair or replace them.
Pros and Cons
Extremely Light
Not Inexpensive
Modular Mounting System
Some Reports of Broken Welds
Recoil Reducing Brake
Heats up Quickly
Low Reflective Surface
Compact Design
Fully Welded Construction
Excellent Sound Suppression
Caliber Compatibility (5.56-300Rum)
Rapid Cooling Time
The Scythe adds minimal weight and length to your rifle
My Verdict
Shooting with the SilencerCo Scythe has proven to be very pleasant. It provides great sound suppression without adding a bunch of weight and length to your rifle. You can also configure the Scythe to mount in various ways that best fit your application. And on some of the heavier calibers it really helps reduce recoil, while smaller cartridges recoil is reduced to minimal. This performance does come at a slightly higher cost than many other options, but worth it in my opinion.
If you are a Creedmoor hater, you might just skip this one today. Actually, I take that back. Sit down and learn something even if its against your will. We recently went over the Creedmoor family of cartridges, and the pros and cons of each member of the family. Today we are taking a deep dive into one of those members, the 22 Creedmoor. Well go over some of the benefits of this cartridge and why you might choose it, and maybe even why you shouldn’t.
the Creedmoor family
Why the 22 Creedmoor?
Who made the 22 Creedmoor and why you might ask. After all, we already have a great supply of popular overbore centerfire .224 caliber cartridges. Why would we need another one? Sure its a bit faster than the 22-250 or maybe even the 220 Swift, but is that enough reason?
I plan on exposing the many answers to these questions. Aside from the many personal preferences we all have, I believe the strong points for the 22 Creedmoor are all based around advancements in shooting technology.
several of the best varmint hunting cartridges of all time
The 22 Creedmoor is purpose built using modern brass and cartridge manufacturing processes. It maximizes the efficiency of modern propellants, and uses modern bullet selection to its potential. And it has factory specifications to do all this in simple factory mass-manufactured rifles. I’ll go over some of the individual points and their details.
my Desert Tech SRS M2 allows me to shoot both 22 Creedmoor and .223 Remington out of the same riflethis 22 Creedmoor barrel was made by Patriot Valley Arms
There are unprecedented options for American handgun enthusiasts these days, and one of the more popular genres is the 2011 pistol market. 2011 is actually a trademarked name owned by Staccato who played no small part in making the double stack 1911 design. But like Jet-Skis and Kleenex, the name 2011 has become a universal label for the product and others like it.
Getting into a 2011 pistol can be expensive, especially if it’s an actual 2011. But today I wanted to share with you a few of my preferred and procured 2011 options that I can strongly recommend. I’ve had a few of them now, and thought I would share some insight on what you might choose if you are debating the options.
Made in America
It may seem like heresy to many 1911 fans out there, just putting a 9mm barrel into John M. Browning’s masterpiece. Not unlike putting a Toyota dual overhead cam inline-turbo-six into a 69 Camaro. But lets get right past the nonsense, and get into the guns.
You’ll find a bunch of great 2011 options made in America, but not many of them are going to come in under the $2000 mark. Many of them are well over that price-point, but there are reasons for it. I have a Staccato XC that I will often compare these other 2011 pistols to, but it is nowhere near the same price. If you are curious about the Staccato you can read my review of it here.
There are a couple options like the Kimber 2k11 series of pistols, as well as the Sig Sauer P211 GTO that I intend to review individually here soon. Though they are a bit over our $2,000 price point as well. The intro-level Platypus pistol from Stealth Arms would fall into our sub $2000 price range, and I fully intend on getting hands on one of those as well.
the Sig Sauer P211 GTO Combat
The Springfield Armory DS Prodigy
The SA Prodigy comes from a big name manufacturer, and has all the features 2011 fans are after. And it comes in well under the $2000 mark at around $1600. The Prodigy uses the polymer grip frame mated to a steel frame, this is pretty common among 2011’s. It has ambidextrous safety levers, and feeds beautifully from its 17 or 20-round magazines.
In my experience with the Prodigy, it is a smooth, well-built pistol. Its five-inch heavy match grade barrel is cut for a compensator that vents upward through the top of the slide. This helps keep it on target between shots. It also has a full length dust cover, which incorporated a picatinny accessory rail. It uses a two-piece guide rod assembled with an Allen wrench.
The Prodigy is a great balance of performance and value. It feels great and shoots just as well. With its slide cut for optics, it is ready to accessorize using the SA AOS plates and hit the range hard. If you’d like to see my in depth review of the Prodigy, you can read it here. This one has had zero updates from the factory, and is still going strong after the first thousand rounds.
Bersa M2Xi
You might not think of Bersa when you think of domestic manufactured 2011 pistols. But since opening their Georgia plant, Bersa has been making many new things. The Bersa M2Xi is a 5-inch ultra-match heavy-barreled 2011, with a 416 stainless frame and slide. It has a smooth glide on the frame that feels amazing. The Bersa is operated by a spring over a two-piece guide rod.
Its deep slide cuts give great purchase, and its controls are crisp and clean. The M2Xi uses a Holosun K optics footprint as well as some serrated iron sights. The flat trigger breaks nicely at just under 3 lbs, and it comes with an extended slide release that I really like.
It comes with 18-round Mec-Gar magazines that are seated neatly with the flared mawell. And as the only 2011 listed here today without a compensator it still shoots very nice, though it could shoot flatter with one. With its MSRP of $1479, the M2Xi sits neatly in the middle of our pistol lineup today. You can read my complete review of the Bersa M2Xi here.
Imported 2011’s
Many of the options for 2011 pistols getting closer to the $1000 mark are going to be imported. Not surprisingly they come from Turkey. There are many models from the Tisas brand that look nice, the Duty 9 DS Comp model very closely mimics the Prodigy’s design, and comes in a good $500 cheaper.
The Military Armament Corp MAC 9 is another pistol, nearly identical to the Tisas that appears to come out of the same factory. For not even $100 more. Both of them seem to enjoy some pretty positive following from American shooting enthusiasts. I am still trying to get my hands on both of those to see how they stack up to what I know.
Imported by EAA, the Girsan Match X incorporates an island compensator to its 5-inch barrel. Set on its two-tone black and tungsten frame the Match X looks fantastic. And it shoots very nicely as well with its flared magwell and fiber optic sight. An MSRP of $1199 makes it very appealing.
It too has a full length dust cover with a pic rail for accessories, and its polymer/steel frame carries its 17 or 20-round magazines. The Girsan is also optics ready, using an RMSC footprint. Its slide is returned using a spring over a single piece guide-rod.
Having shot this pistol, I was quite impressed with its price. It handles just as good as all the others, and it shoots accurately and reliably. This one already has over 1,000 trouble-free rounds through it.
Girsan 2311 CMXX
The CMXX from Girsan appears to be the smaller sibling of the Match X. This one uses a Commander length 4.25 -inch compensated barrel, an island compensator like the Match X. It is all black however, and looks like a shorter clone of my Staccato XC. It also is very comparable to the MAC 9 DS, as they both share the 4.25 barrel and comp design.
Like the Match X, the CMXX has a great trigger to match its heavy barrel. Again a single-piece guide-rod operates the pistols action, feeding from the same 17-20-round magazines as the Match X. The big difference between the CMXX and all the others I mention here today is that it doesn’t use a grip safety. Instead they went with a firing pin block like you’d find on striker pistols. Not gonna lie, I kind of like it better.
The CMXX is optics cut for RMSc optics, and its flared magwell and full-length picatinny rail makes it easy to mount your favorite light. This little pistol shoots fantastic and very flat, making it an easy choice to buy at $1149 MSRP. You can read my in-depth review of the CMXX here. Sharing the same internal extractor as the rest of these models, it has yet to malfunction on me.
My Opinion
If you are a die-hard America only kind of guy, then you’d have to choose the SA Prodigy I guess. It brings great value from a big name domestic manufacturer, and with it comes great performance.
The Bersa while a little less-known brand, might even bring a better performance for the price. Its just as smooth and refined as the Prodigy, and might even be a little better. As is the trigger, and this for almost $200 less.
I LOVE how smooth the Bersa is compared to the others I’ve shot
Out of the two Girsan models, I prefer the CMXX. I love it so much I would probably even pick it over the Bersa despite it not feeling quite as nice as the Bersa. Now, if the Bersa had an island compensator on a Commander barrel length that would change everything…
the CMXX might be my favorite due to size and performance.
I you are absolutely tapped out on funds, then I expect the MAC and Tisas are probably your choices. Or some of a few others that are similar.
I can happily recommend the pistols I’ve shown here, and if you are interested in them I would recommend reading my in depth reviews of them to get a better perspective on them. One thing is for sure, you will like shooting 2011 pistols. And it may be the beginning of an addiction you wont be able to kick.
My first real rifle, used a laminate wood stock. Not too long after, the fiberglass craze took off, as did the mainstreaming the entire custom rifle industry. It was a radical decade or two where aluminum bedding blocks eventually turned into complete chassis with carbon and other materials added in. Big growth from many companies involved was inevitable, as was the next logical step. Today we are talking about one of those products, The Grayboe Universal Mini Chassis system, and the stocks that go with it. A relatively new product offering, that offers all the precision of an aluminum chassis, and the fit and feel of a synthetic composite stock. Because of the modularity of the UMC stock system, I decided to combine two options into a single review.
Grayboe’s founder comes from the McMillan family, yes that one. I expect his exposure to the stock industry, as well as time spent behind rifles and in service influenced the company’s direction.
What Grayboe has done with their Universal Mini Chassis (UMC) is brilliant for several reasons. Everything in the gun industry is going to modular designs; multi-caliber rifles, interchangeable suppressor hubs, serialized fire control units for pistols and so on. Grayboe has brought that premise into the rifle stock market with their UMC stock design.
The UMC is exactly what it sounds like; a minimized chassis that incorporates mounting the action against a custom machined fit. Allowing a perfectly supported action while supporting the magazine and trigger within.
the Grayboe Universal Mini Chassis (UMC), this one specific to the CVA Cascade short action. I also have one for the Remington 700 short action
The UMC incorporated AICS magazines even for actions that used proprietary magazines in their stock configuration. They also have little options like adjustable magazine release levers. Weight of the UMC can vary depending on what action/inlay you choose, but its around 14 ounces.
the UMC once installed in the stock is indifferent from a traditionally bedded rifle stock
The UMC is only as big as it needs to be to accomplish those features, because it is then bolted into one of Grayboe’s many stock options. Currently these are the actions with a Grayboe UMC option.
Remington 700 Short Action
Remington 700 Long Action
Tikka T3 / T3x
Howa 1500 Short Action
Howa 1500 Long Action
Ruger American Short Action
Ruger American Long Action
Savage 110 Short Action
Savage 110 Long Action
Mossberg Patriot
CVA Cascade Short Action
The Stock Options
Grayboe’s composite fiber and impact resistant polymer stocks incorporate the light weight and strength of composites, married to all the features that shooters want. They have a variety of different stocks designed for different purposes and budgets in mind.
Core – Competition focused
Flagstaff – Hunting application lightweight
Halo – Hunting/crossover
Phoenix 2- Hunting/crossover
Renegade 2 (Unreleased at publication)
All of these stocks accept the UMC using two screws. That means if you have two different Grayboe stocks, you can transfer your rifle from one to the other in under a minute if you’re quick. All the UMC’s have the same external footprint, fitting any of the Grayboe stocks. And they make UMC’s for most of the popular rifle actions.
torquing in one of my CVA Cascade rifles into the UMC
The Innovative Bit
So you might have already imagined, if you have a couple UMC’s, and a few stocks, you can mix and match. This brings options to the American rifleman who lusts for customization and modularity. You could use the exact same stock on your Ruger American 7PRC elk hunting rifle and your favorite Tikka 22-250 varmint rifle. And they can be changed out quick and without needing to re-zero the rifle.
Unboxing Grayboe Stock
Grayboe recently released a UMC for the CVA Cascade short action, and since I am currently on a Cascade kick it was perfect timing. And as a glutton for modular rifle systems, I tested both the Grayboe Flagstaff and Core stocks with the CVA UMC. My two CVA Cascade rifles would both benefit from the Grayboe system. The exact rifles used are the CVA Cascade SB .65CM and the CVA Cascade Long Range Hunter 25CM, you can read the reviews of the individual rifles here.
You can buy the Grayboe stocks with or without the UMC of your choice. The different stocks come with different accessories, depending on the stock. For example, the Core stock came with spacers to adjust the length of pull. Both stocks came with M-Lok slots under the forearm to allow attachment of accessories like bipods and ARCA rails. They also have QD cups to attach slings both front and rear.
The UMC comes with hardware to attach the rifle action, as well as connecting the UMC to the stock itself. As well as some simple instructions to assemble the whole thing.
Features
These two stocks have some differing features as they are built for very divergent purposes. The Flagstaff is built with hunters in mind, while the Core is built for competitive and professional shooters. They share the footprint of the UMC, and the same stylings but are otherwise pretty different.
here is one of my custom Remington 700’s mounted in the UMC/Flagstaff
The Flagstaff
Keeping the weight down on the Flagstaff was obviously a priority, but it is still pretty feature rich all things considered. On the flat-bottomed forend you will find four M-Lok slots for attaching things like ARCA rails or your favorite bipod. It also has QD sling cups on the bottom front and rear to attach your favorte sling.
the CVA Cascade LRH 25Creedmoor in the Flagstaff stock
The textured grip is built at a 35 degree angle, and comb height is fairly traditional. I found that the polymer Flagstaff has a slight compressed fit when installing the UMC, adding a bit of a squeeze to it. Whereas in the carbon fiber Core, it dropped in like a machined fit.
The Core
By comparison, the Core stock has a lot going on. It can be had in either fiberglass or carbon, with a significant weight difference between them. Since it has a focus on the professional shooter, there are many added little features.
The length of pull can be adjusted using provided spacers, moving the gel recoil pad to fit the shooter. The comb height can be adjusted on the fly with a thumb-screw, keeping the luxuriously soft cheek-rest at the perfect height for your sight picture. On the bottom of the buttstock you will find a traditional butt-hook to keep the recoil pad in your shoulder pocket.
spacers are used to adjust length of pull on the Core stock
On the right side of the stock, there are threaded mounting bosses to install a HopticUSA cartridge quiver. An accessory that has become quite popular over the last few years. Up front the Core also features M-Lok slots under the broad and flat forend. It also has multiple QD cups on all sides of the stock so you can carry it different ways. The barrel channel is cut wide, to allow heavy barrel profiles often used in competition.
Grayboe Core
Grayboe Flagstaff
Weight
4.5lb Fiberglass/6lb Carbon
2.5lbs
Material
Fiberglass or Carbon fiber
Impact resistant polymer
Barrel Channel
Under 1.330 inches
Sendero under .925
Sling QD Cups
7 total front and rear
Front and rear
M-Lok Slots
Full length on forend
4 M-Lok slots on forend
Length of Pull
12.75 min Plus .25” spacers
13.5
Comb Height
Adjustable (tooless)
Fixed
Overall Length
32.5-inches
31.5-inches
my custom Remington 700 .223 Remington setup in the Core stock. Its heavy 1.30 straight taper barrel barely fits but it shoots amazing in this setup
Installation
Since I got the system for my CVA Cascade rifles, I would end up installing two different rifles in various configurations. And swap both of them back and forth between the different stocks to get additional experience. I also got my hands on one of the Remington 700 SA UMC’s, which has also allowed me to use these stocks on several of my custom 700’s.
One of the first intricacies that I noticed was a necessity by the manufacturer to make each UMC fit the different action options. For example; the CVA Cascade action screws are in front of and just behind the magwell. This required an engineering solution because a traditional trigger guard like on typical floorplates would be right on top of the rear action screw.
here you can see why the trigger guard needs to be removable, the rear action screw is right under it
Unlike tang-mounted rear action screws like on a Remington 700 that go behind the trigger guard. So Grayboe’s solution was to install the trigger guard after marrying the UMC to the action. The trigger-guard incorporating the mag release are pinned in place after attaching the UMC and action.
the two roll pins that attach the trigger guard and mag release assembly. It must be attached AFTER installing the action to the UMC
I was right to assume that other UMC’s for other actions have a regular trigger guard as part of it, as you can see on my Remington 700 SA UMC below. The trigger guard is built into the UMC as the rear action screw can be accessed without removing it.
Perhaps there are several differences like this depending on the different actions. The UMC can then be dropped right into any of the compatible stocks. There are two cap-screws that connect the UMC and the stock that once torqued down, make it into one solid structure.
tightening the UMC into the Flagstaff stock
It really wasn’t very hard at all to figure out the installation, or to swap them between the two stock options I had. I hadn’t even gotten to the range yet and I was already contemplating other UMC’s for some of my other rifles.
After the installations process, its simply a matter of adding the accessories you would like for the stock. For example, on the Core stock, I installed one of my Hoptic USA cartridge quivers on the side. I was surprised that this little bonus was added, and that they even put stub-screws in to protect the threads from getting damaged or filled with crud.
Installing my HopticUSA 25 Creedmoor cartridge Quiver. inset: removing the stub-screws
Additionally, I decided to add an Area 419 ARCA lock rail to the Core stock. It is already pretty heavy (which is common for competition guns) so adding a little more wasn’t a big deal. I might add a lightweight short ARCA rail to the Flagstaff, but that one I’m trying to keep light in hopes of carrying it this hunting season.
all AICS magazines I used worked great with the Grayboe UMC
Shooting with Grayboe Stocks
Putting the Grayboe stock system to work, would take place over various trips to the range in open country of the Rocky Mountains. I like to practice where I hunt, so the Flagstaff would get used in the same rugged country where we chase deer and elk. The Core on the other hand isn’t exactly a hunters best choice, but it too would get used for some long range shooting in big country.
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Ergonomics
I used just about every option there is when it comes to stocks and chassis. I don’t consider myself to be particularly picky as in general I like most of them. The Grayboe Flagstaff has a pretty traditional feel to it with some added features for handling.
Grayboe Flagstaff
The grip area has a textured pad for added purchase. And the forearm of the stock has two finger grooves running down the side, this gives your fingers something to hold on to when carrying by the stock. The rubber buttpad is nice, sticking where it should.
I ended up using a Triad Tactical stock pack on the back to get better comb height. This turned out to be a suitable situation for my hunting purposes. I also used a few different AICS pattern magazines, all of which worked great.
Grayboe Core
Grayboe’s Core stock on the other hand feels a bit more like a nice leather couch compared to the Flagstaff. That should come as no surprise as most competition focused stocks have many comfort features.
shooting from the Two Vets Tripod attached by ARCA rail system
The adjustable comb is as luxurious as it is practical. Making the rifle fit you is quick and simple, and a comfortable place to rest your cheek while shooting. The vertical grip feels fantastic, keeping your finger perfectly presented to the trigger. The magazine release of the UMC is easily reached with your trigger finger, and has enough resistance to avoid being accidentally engaged.
It wouldn’t hurt my feelings if there was a touch more texture in the right spots, as most guns put into this stock are going to be heavier. A nice texture on the grip areas would help for holding tight. It was nice to carry on a sling though, without it dragging or pulling at clothing.
The wide front end of the Core stock allows you to rest the rifle on any surface it will fit, and get a good rest. Once I’d added the ARCA rail, it was even bigger around which could be a challenge for small handed individuals.
Putting the soft gel recoil pad into your shoulder feels quite suave. My two CVA’s don’t recoil very hard but if you had one that did, this recoil pad would definitely soften the blow. I also like the butthook under the stock, it allows you to pull the stock into your shoulder when you need it.
Both of these stocks are quite rigid, giving that stiff platform to launch your shots from. I was surprised to find out the Flagstaff was made from polymer, I initially thought they were both carbon fiber. But even though it is made of a “lesser” material, I was quite happy with it. Minimal flex of the stock make the Flagstaff a great option, and its polymer production is likely why it is more affordable than the carbon options.
The Grayboe Core stock takes it to the next level, with all the best materials and features. Everything from the finish of the stock, to the supplied fasteners and little instruction cards to help those mechanically challenged out there. The soft parts of the the Core are so nice I’d hate to take them hunting, as they might get sweat soaked or even torn hiking through brush. It does feel built like tank, if you ran out of ammo you could certainly beat your antagonists into a fine paste with it.
the Universal Mini Chassis
Machine work as seen in the Universal Mini Chassis is excellent. All the aluminum parts were nicely anodized and smooth. Both of my rifles fit perfectly into the UMC, and functioned flawlessly. You can tell they spent time designing each different UMC to interact with the action it was meant to fit. And in the CVA case, makes them work perfectly with AICS magazines.
Durability
Grayboe offers a lifetime warranty on their products, which is very comforting. It covers both craftsmanship and accidental damage for those who like to leave their rifle propped against truck tires. If you do happen to use your stock to beat someone into pâté and wear some of the finish off however, that would be considered normal wear. So don’t expect to abuse the warranty.
The only thing I found during my time with these Grayboe stocks that made me pause for durability concerns was the trigger guard. I could see somebody not being careful enough and damaging or breaking the trigger guard when in stalling it in the UMC. Again this might just be the CVA option as others are built into the UMC.
Value
If you browse some of the popular custom stock options you can find stocks that cost significantly more, and some that cost less. The Flagstaff is definitely a more affordable option, with not many less expensive options that offer an aluminum mini chassis.
The Core stock on the other hand has a lot more competition from many of the big names. Even so, the Core is not as expensive as other options. At this level, there is a lot of subjectivity and usually folks can choose based solely on their preference and looks. Many of the Core’s competitors offer similar features, but they don’t offer the modularity. That may be reason enough to choose the Grayboe option.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Comment
Strong and rigid construction
(Core) Can be heavy
Comp guns are heavy so…
Great fit and finish
Trigger guard thing I mentioned
May only be the CVA version
(UMC) Precise machinework
I’d like more exterior texture
For grip areas and in general
Excellent modularity
Huge step up from original equipment
Both stock and magazine system improved
Comfortable to carry and shoot
Excellent warranty
Great value
Great Feature set
M-Lok, QD cups, etc.
the flat bottomed forend of the stocks made it easy to improvise shooting positions
Final Thoughts
Different designs appeal to different individuals tastes, I definitely found the Grayboe products to fit into mine. I really enjoy configurable rifles, and the ability to interchange and customize them. But that is certainly not a requirement, as you can setup you rifle in one of these Grayboe chassis systems and never mess with it.
There is definitely a style to their designs, like any manufacturer. And whether one style or another appeals to you, the function of the Grayboe system is fantastic and innovative. Whether you choose to mix and match as I have, or if you are just looking for a solid stock/chassis to improve your factory rifle these will work great. They are well built, and offer great features for a reasonable price made by Americans right here in America.
I guess you could say that the Springfield Prodigy is the first 2011 to catch my eye. Several friends had mentioned the double-stack 9mm pistol in conversations, and it wasn’t long until I put hands on one myself. Now years later, after several 2011’s of my own, I am back to the beginning to revisit the Prodigy. The specific model we are looking at today is the five-inch comped Springfield Armory DS Prodigy . Springfield has long made various 1911 pistols in a wide variety of models in the traditional .45ACP, 10mm and 9mm. Forgive me if I misuse 1911 versus 2011 throughout, but for basic understanding I use 2011 to describe double-stack 9mm versions. And 1911 to describe the traditional single stack design usually in .45acp. Lets take a closer look into out subject.
With a rich history of 1911 pistols, Springfield Armory (SA) sat poised to create a fantastic entry into the double-stack 9mm market. Like most 2011 pistols, the Prodigy uses a polymer grip attached to a steel frame. A full-length dust cover also has a five-slot picatinny accessory rail for mounting weapon lights. The polymer grip module houses the double-stack magazines that hold 17-rounds or more. For 1911 traditionalists, it may seem like heresy to put a 9mm in the 1911 platform. But for those who simply love pistols it makes perfect sense. Imagine how many more world wars the 1911 could win with twice the ammo in it?
In the slide of the Prodigy, you will find a heavy match-grade bull barrel. Married perfectly to the steel slide with a fit that 1911’s are famous for. Both barrel and slide are cut for a compensator at the twelve o’clock position to keep muzzle rise to a minimum. And the slide exterior features textured cuts both front and rear, as well as SA’s AOS optics system cut for red dots. And an internal 70-series extractor is used to pull spent cases from the Prodigy’s fully supported chamber.
The model we are testing today features an added magazine flare, as well as the Steiner MPS red dot sight.
the two-piece guide rod requires and allen wrench to undo from the front
Specifications
Manufacturer
Springfield Armory
Model
1911 DS Prodigy
Action
Single-action, semi-automatic
Caliber
9mm Luger
Barrel Length
5 inches
Barrel Type
Forged stainless steel, match grade, ramped
Barrel Twist
1:16″
Overall Length
8.5 inches
Overall Height
5.5 inches
Width
1.4 inches
Weight
38 oz. (empty magazine)
Frame
Forged carbon steel
Slide
Forged carbon steel
Grip Module
Polymer
Finish
Black Cerakote
Capacity
17+1 / 20+1
Magazine Options
17-, 20- and 26-round magazines available
Front Sight
Fiber-optic
Rear Sight
U-notch, black serrated
Optics Ready
Yes — Agency Optic System (AOS)
Accessory Rail
5-slot Picatinny rail
Trigger
Approximately 4–5 lb.
Recoil System
Two-piece full-length guide rod
Grip Safety
Beavertail
Manual Safety
Ambidextrous
MSRP
$1632
Shooting the Prodigy DS
Over the course of several range trips, we evaluated the Prodigy, shooting it alongside other 2011 pistols as well. This gave additional insight to the performance of the Prodigy.
Shootability
As a bit of a 2011 enthusiast, the Prodigy feels like home to me. Every control is exactly where I want it, and it feels fantastic. The pistol points perfectly and feels great under recoil. One of the reasons this gun is so popular is because of its flat shooting performance. It has less muzzle rise keeping it on target for the next shot.
the Prodigy has great handling characteristics
The trigger break and reset are great, I would say not quite as good as my Staccato, but for the price it sure as hell should be better. Bigger pistols like this shoot like a dream, their heavier weight helps buffer recoil making them very pleasant to shoot.
The added flared magwell is a must have in my opinion. It makes reloads butter smooth and doesn’t affect my grip on the pistol either. The magazine release is in the perfect location, never getting hit without purpose.
Accuracy
Using a heavy match-grade bull barrel is a luxury that 2011’s can often do. And the Prodigy pulls it off perfectly. And it shows with its great accuracy. During testing I shot a variety of 115 grain ammunition types from PMC and Federal. All of them functioned well, and typical groups from 7-10 yards would average around 1-2 inches.
Reliability
2011 magazines have much to do with the pistol’s incredibly smooth operation. You can take a fully loaded 20-round magazine and by simply sliding the palm of your hand across the exposed cartridges they will slide out neatly and all over the place.
This coupled with the low friction linear movement of the slide makes this pistol feed and cycle like a dream. You can slowly pull the slide back, and gently forward and the pistol neatly loads cartridges. The same action with a typical pistol would result in a jam of sorts, as they prefer to be fast and violent in their slamming action.
I have heard many stories from the internet, as well as friends in the industry about Prodigy pistols having issues. I’ve also heard that SA repaired them making any corrections necessary for proper function. This pistol hasn’t needed any updates or alterations, and after a thousand rounds it continues to churn along like it should.
Ergonomics
!911/2011 ergonomics are fairly similar across the market. I expect the reason is that a pistol thats been in use for over a hundred years should basically be perfected at this point. The only gripe I have in this department is the slide release is just out of reach. Requiring a break of the firing grip. One must simply learn to handle these pistols, as its not hard to perform a reload well even with breaking the grip. Also, other 2011 pistols have extended slide releases that eliminate this issue. I also like that option.
The grip texture gives excellent control of the Prodigy, and the ambidextrous safety is easily operated with the thumb. A perfectly crisp snap is felt and heard when the safety is applied or removed.
Value
One could spend ridiculous amounts of money on 2011 pistols, there is even an entire sub-industry for high end 2011 pistols. With that said, the Prodigy is perhaps the best priced 2011 pistol from a big name manufacturer. I have others that cost a hundred or two less, but they are from manufacturers of another tier.
I think the Prodigy is an excellent value in that aspect. With a street price under $1500 it is hard to beat the Prodigy’s credentials. You can certainly get better pistols, but you will pay significantly more money for them.
Pros and Cons
Smooth Shooter
Requires AOS plate for optics mounting
Flat shooting with compensator
Optics ready
Accurate shooting
Great trigger
Affordable compared to others
Final Opinion
As the field of 2011 pistols gets deeper and deeper, some folks like the security that comes from a well known brand. Springfield Armory has been building 1911’s for a long time, and they’ve been around for even longer. The fact that the DS Prodigy is one of the more affordable 2011 style pistols, makes it that much more appealing. Based on my experience with this pistol, I can strongly recommend it to those looking for a double stack 9mm 1911. It offers a great value among the many different 2011’s on the market.
-CBM
Like 2011’s? Wanna check out another one that I love? Click Here
Weapon lights are a very valuable accessory that can sometimes make the difference between life and death. Being able to see a threat is a must have in the dark, and Surefire has illuminated the path becoming the gold standard of weapon lights. Today we are taking a look at one of their models that exemplifies their quality; the Surefire X300 Vampire weapon light. The X300V-B is a dual spectrum weapon mounted illuminator, the Vampire designation is both chilling and applicable.
What do they mean dual spectrum? The Vampire has options to produce both visible while light from its LED source, as well as IR illumination. Infrared light is not visible to the human eye, so IR illuminators are often used by law enforcement and military for covert operations. IR is perfectly visible when using night vision, it looks just like any other flashlight. Whereas visible light from a typical weapon light would blind the night vision.
You can select which type of light the Vampire produces by simply twisting the emitter housing to the preferred light source. Then, like any X300 you can power it up either momentarily by pushing the ambi switch, or permanently by toggling the switch.
Again like other X300’s, the Vampire is powered by two CR123 lithium cells. Giving you a couple hours of working time in the dark to find your prey. With the same footprint as other X300 models and the same mounting options, your Vampire will fit neatly into your holsters and other accessories. Surefire also makes IR illuminators for rifles, you can see those here.
Specifications
HIGH OUTPUT 350 lumens IR OUTPUT 120mW / 860 nm PEAK BEAM INTENSITY 11,500 candela BATTERIES Two 123A lithium (incl.) SWITCHING Ambidextrous push / toggle HIGH OUTPUT 350 lumens HIGH RUNTIME 2.5 hours IR OUTPUT 120 milliWatts / 860 nm IR RUNTIME 16.75 hours DISTANCE 214 meters CONSTRUCTION Aluminum FINISH Mil-Spec Hard Anodized LENGTH 4.0 in (10.0 cm) WEIGHT w/ BATTERIES 4.0 oz (113 g) BEZEL DIAMETER 1.06 in (2.7 cm) WATERPROOF IPX7
Shooting with the X300 Vampire
Obviously, to truly test the Vampire, I would need to shoot in the dark. I’ve shot in the dark plenty of times using my other X300 weapon lights, but this would require at least one tube’s worth of night vision.
At first, I compared the Vampire’s output with my other X300’s for the visible light. Which definitely show a difference. I assume that the Vampire has a lower candela rating than standard X300’s because of the complications of dual light sources. The Vampire uses the same lens to focus both the visible light and the infrared beams.
taken in urban darkness, tree approximately 40yds
So while the visible light of the Vampire is less than what I’m used to, there is a good reason for it. And even though it has a lower candela rating, it is still very useful in the dark.
Into Complete Darkness
Then it was time to turn out all the lights, and fire up the non-visible units. This is where the Vampire’s namesake makes sense, as there is a creepy feeling slinking around the darkness where only you can see.
The IR beam of light from the X300 Vampire was very bright in the green glow of night vision. And for all practical purposes, it looks just like a flashlight in the dark. The difference of course is that only you can see it, while your potential prey is completely unaware as they sit blindly in the darkness. Blood coursing through their veins in the earie green light of the Vampire.
inside building in total darkness, door approximately 7yds
Its a good idea to learn the functions of the Vampire before the lights go out. Turning the bezel of the light the wrong direction could give you visible light when you wanted IR light. That is not a good situation when you are trying to be sneaky.
Pros and Cons
While the X300 family is the gold standard of weapon lights, I am a little frustrated with its control panel. It works great as designed, but I wish they would update it. There are many other copies of the X300 that have better controls, allowing button lockouts, strobe features, and more. I wish Surefire would update the X300’s to do the same.
complete indoor darkness, looking through building
Also if you’ll allow me another, I am not a big fan of the Rail-Lock System. While it does work, and is quick for install or removal of the light, I’ve had several of them that fit loose. Resulting in a little slop, allowing the light to rattle slightly. I much prefer the clamping style attachment that you can cinch down on the accessory rail.
Enough complaining already, as I still love the Surefire X300 lights. The Vampire like its non-blood-sucking siblings is built very well, and looks as good as it performs. You can tell they put a lot of work into designing and building these lights, and their function shows it well.
My Verdict
Should you get a Vampire? Well, if you don’t use night vision at least occasionally, it’s probably nothing more than an expensive cool looking accessory. But for some people thats all that matters. If you do use night vision occasionally or even frequently, then its a slam dunk. I would absolutely get an X300 Vampire as it will make your nights brighter and feel a little less creepy. And if you use night vision often, I wouldn’t even consider the standard weapon lights over the Vampire.
As suppressors continue to become a part of normal use, competition is driving costs down and features up. That competition is leaving no area of the suppressor market threads unturned. One of the different suppressor markets is the big-bore group. ELR and similar rifles using large cartridges like the Cheytac’s, Barrett’s and Hellfire’s are particularly expensive to suppress. Entry level suppressors for these sized rifles start around 1500-dollars and go up to over 5000-dollars for the more fancy ones. Today we are reviewing a new offering from a company that has been in the business for some time. Elite Iron has been making suppressors and big bore cans long before the suppressor craze began. Our subject today is one of their newer offerings; the Elite Iron Asset suppressor, a configurable big bore suppressor available in .375, .408 or .416 bore sizes.
The Elite Iron Asset Suppressor
No stranger to suppression, the folks at Elite Iron have been cranking suppressors out of Montana for over twenty years. In more recent years they started manufacturing big bore cans like their Alpha 50 suppressor.
As the suppressor market has grown massively over the last two or three years, options and customization have increased with it. New unheard of companies and old names alike have offered so many new models and options that its tough to keep up. That is where the Asset comes in.
the Asset with its simple end-cap installed
Suppressors in general have become incredibly adaptable to different purposes. Whether it be the industry standard hub mounting system, or the multi-caliber craze. Big bore suppressors being a little more expensive and specialist, are a little slower to change I suppose. But the Elite Iron Asset brings all of that into a big bore can. The Asset has two stages that can be used or removed, as well as a muzzle that can be configured with a plain end-cap or a two-port muzzle brake. This in addition to the interchangeable threaded mounting hub.
Specifications
Caliber Rating
.375/.408/.416 caliber
Compatible Cartridges
.300 Norma Magnum through .416 Barrett
Construction
Titanium, 7075 aluminum, and heat-treated 4140 steel
The Asset can be configured in various ways to best fit the application. I find it is a pretty large suppressor for something like a 300NM, and therefor it could likely be used in its shortest configuration if you are looking for minimal addition to the profile. Or if you are going for maximum suppression, both stages of the suppressor can be used. And the user indexable muzzle brake can be added for additional recoil mitigation. All this for an American made price comparable to many 338 sized suppressors. If the Asset sounded good, I thought this would be an unstoppable combination.
installing the muzzle brake on the Asset, the included thread protector is a nice touch
Mounting the Asset can be done by selecting one of the many thread options available from Elite Iron. As well as several Cerakote color options including: Black, Burnt Bronze, FDE, Glacier Forge, and OD Green.
Inside the box, I found the semi-disassembled Asset with a manual, tools, and the Elite Iron velvet sock to safely protect it. With such a surprising amount of options to configure, I evaluated each piece. I completed the assembly using both stages of the main can, and added the muzzle brake to the end to get the whole ensemble. They even included a threaded aluminum cap to protect the threads of whichever component you aren’t using.
The hook spanner wrench included can be used to tighten either of the splined rings used to attach hubs or stages to each end of the suppressor body. It is also used to tighten the locking ring when timing the muzzle brake to the firearm. Not shown is the secondary tool clamping wrench tool.
The Host Rifle
To test the Elite Iron Asset, I had only one choice; the Desert Tech HTI chambered in .408 Cheytac. The HTI is a compact platform in a bullpup configuration, it incorporates a multi-caliber option allowing the user to quickly change between calibers like .375CT, .408CT, .416B, and .50BMG. The Asset would be a perfect companion for all of those less the 50.
The model tested today has the .408 bore, which wouldn’t work for the .416 Barrett, but would for the 375 and 408 Cheytac models. And to be honest thats all that personally interests me, as I don’t care for 50’s.
With the M22x1.5 thread hub in the Asset, it was a perfect fit for the HTI’s barrel threads. After snapping the suppressor against the barrel, I visually aligned the muzzle brake before tightening the locking ring to secure it. Then it was time to just step back and take in how sexy this whole thing was.
Initial Shots
Just to get an idea of how the different configurations sounded, we ran the suppressor a few rounds in each of its stages. Short with no brake, short with brake, long with no brake, and long with brake. As you might imagine, the long configuration gave the best sound suppression.
Even in an indoor range, I found it to be tolerable without hearing protection. Though it may or may not be a bit quieter without the brake. But that of course increased the felt recoil slightly.
The shorter configuration was a touch too loud for me indoors, but was perfectly fine in the open country where it is likely to be used. And in the open, it sounded amazing. When hearing the report of the 408 Cheytac from as close as 20 yards downrange from the muzzle it didn’t sound much different than a suppressed 5.56 or .308. For a real test in the field, we would take the whole kit into the dry deserts of the west and stretch it out.
Modularity
I mentioned the different stages you can use to configure the suppressor. These are to adapt to suppression and recoil mitigation requirements. On the breach end of the suppressor you will find a different design than most of the hub system suppressors. The first stage of the Asset is a mono-core design, and the mounting threads are actually part of of a blast chamber that threads onto the back of the mono-core.
So to change the thread pitch, you would remove the rear cap (called encapsulator ring in manual) with the tool. Then pull the entire mono-core out the back, and unthread the rearmost portion of it. You could then change it to a different thread pitch part, threading it back onto the core. Then reinstall the core and tighten the ring again. This is an interesting design, and one I expect to be a bit more stout than a simple hub that threads into the back of the suppressor.
Sound Suppression
A precision rifle like the HTI or any other chambered thusly would likely be used for either extreme distances or for crushing targets at closer ranges. Either of those scenarios could be enhanced by the anonymity of sound suppression. From modest distances like 800-yards, the impact of the bullet striking targets was just as loud as the shot from the rifle when heard from 100-200 yards away.
It really didn’t give the impression you were shooting such a large cartridge when you heard it go off. The Asset made the report of the rifle sound much more like any typical suppressed rifle shot. This to me is a huge advantage over previous versions of suppressors for this rifle. In the open and arid desert we had no use for hearing protection while shooting this rifle.
Since I am but a humble rifle junkie, I do not have the expensive testing equipment to show dB readings. But Elite Iron does have them listed on their website, so I will share them here:
167 dB* without a suppressor
1st stage with end cap 24 dB*
1st and 2nd stage with end cap 31 dB*
1st stage with muzzle break 22 dB*
1st and 2nd stage with muzzle break 30 dB*
Recoil Reduction
In the very first shots while testing the difference between the muzzle brake and a plain end cap it became very obvious. The muzzle brake was very effective at reducing felt recoil. While the HTI in 375 or 408 isn’t particularly heavy recoil, it was even more modest with the Asset and its brake. I would compare the recoil to something like an average hunting rifle, something I could shoot all day (provided I had thousands of dollars to spend on ammo).
I expect the recoil reduction is perhaps a little more noticeable on larger cartridges like the .416 Barrett. Also, if you are trying to maximize the compact nature of your rifle, you can run the shorter configuration while incurring a little more felt recoil. The impact shift of the Asset seemed to have minimal horizontal shift, favoring to the right. It also seemed to be repeatable as advertised by Elite Iron, which is a big deal for those who know.
Durability
One question I have often asked myself is how durable all these modular suppressor designs are. After all, the more sub-assemblies and threaded together parts there are, the more there is to go wrong. I have made peace with the fact that it is simply worth the trouble of keeping an extra eye on all this, to get the modularity I crave. I think it would be a good idea to put indexing marks on every stage of the suppressor to be able to visually see if something begins to come loose. Something as simple as a paint pen witness mark. As I can’t fathom the gut-wrenching scene of part or all of this can going downrange.
The threads of each piece seem more than adequate for engagement. And the locking rings give good purchase to tighten them properly.
The Titanium and aluminum construction give the Asset its incredibly lightweight feel. I expect testing from the manufacturer would show the suppressor to endure years of shooting. Our initial shots did show a few sparky fireworks coming from the muzzle, which I have seen many times with titanium cans. This went away with additional use, as later when I watched there was no sparks shown at all. This is likely just titanium particles being ignited under the high temperature and heat of the. shots.
one of the very first shots from the Asset
Weight
So many of the big bore cans feel like an artillery shell. I totally understand overbuilding suppressors for these massive cartridges, but it seems like technology and suppressor design has shown it not be so necessary.
I was very impressed with how light the Asset was, considering the firearms it is destined to yoke. And even with its light weight, it still did an excellent job at taming all the pressure and volume of gas expelled.
Value
I must admit, I was partially stunned when I saw the price of the Elite Iron Asset. Many of us are used to seeing price points in the 1500-1900 dollar range for even magnum cartridge ratings like 338LM or 300NM. Albeit with some bells and whistles.
With all the modularity of the Asset, I would have expected it to handily clear the two-thousand dollar mark. It wouldn’t have surprised me if the price had been $2500. So when I saw the MSRP of only $1795 I was impressed. There is an incredible amount of big bore dexterity in the Asset’s application, for the price of can that is only a tax stamp or two away from suppressors folks are using on their 8.6Blk hog rifles.
Pros and Cons
Very Reasonable Price
Many Potential Parts to Loosen
Modular Design
Maybe Some Titanium Sparks at first
Various Caliber Compatible
Lightweight for Size
Great Recoil Reduction
Various Color options
Made in America
Broad Threading Options
Excellent Sounds Reduction
Elite Iron also makes the Revolution bipod seen on the rifle here
My Verdict
If I was in the market for a .375, .408 or .416 suppressor, I would be furious with myself had I not tested this one before buying another. Those who shoot big cartridges like these are fewer than most shooting enthusiasts. But those that know a little bit about it can understand the value of a great suppressor. And those that don’t understand the value are the kind of people who don’t care about prices at all.
I think the Elite Iron Asset is exactly that, a fantastic asset for a big bore rifleman or ELR enthusiast. And a big step ahead of previous Elite Iron big bore suppressors.
Big manufacturers like Sig Sauer offer a great variety of products, sometimes they knock it out of the park, and sometimes they don’t. But today we are taking a look at one of their popular and successful designs. The Sig P365 came out some years ago, with a new perspective on compact pistols. Since its release the P365 family has grown into more like an ant colony of models filled with different sizes, feature sets and so many variants it can be hard to keep up. Todays topic is the Sig Sauer P365 XMacro Comp, an integrally compensated version of the polymer framed pistol. With any luck, I hope to extol the benefits of this pistol to help those curious about it.
The P365
As I mentioned, there are far too many models for me to discuss here. But its also a topic worth going a little deeper into the colony to show a little daylight. There are different sized models, different calibers, state compliant models and more. I’ve put together some of the basic variations here, just to give you an idea. In case the model I am showing you today isn’t exactly what you are looking for.
the compact grip of the P365 fits all sizes of hands
Model
Barrel
Grip
Capacity
Notes
P365
3.1″
Short
10+1
Original micro-compact
P365-380
3.1″
Short
10+1
.380 ACP version
P365 SAS
3.1″
Short
10+1
Flush sights, anti-snag design
P365X
3.1″
XL grip
12+1
Short slide, longer grip
P365XL
3.7″
XL grip
12+1
Longer slide and barrel
P365 XL Spectre Comp
3.1″ compensated
XL grip
12+1
Integrated compensator
P365 Spectre Comp
3.1″ compensated
Macro grip
17+1
Premium Spectre series
P365 XMacro
3.1″ comp / 3.7″
Macro grip
17+1
Full-size grip, slim frame
P365 AXG Legion
3.1″ compensated
Aluminum AXG
17+1
Metal-frame premium model
P365 Fuse
4.3″
Macro grip
21+1
Largest P365 variant
P365 ROSE
Various
Various
Varies
Lena Miculek collaboration
P365 Luxe 380
3.1″ comp
AXG
10+1
Premium .380 model
P365 DH3
3.7″
Macro
17+1
Daniel Horner competition-inspired model
The P365 XMacro
Among the P365’s, the XMacro models bring more a full-size feature set to a very small handgun. Despite its narrow frame, the magazines carry 17-rounds. Which is pretty impressive for such a small gun. As a Sig-o-phile, I have long carried pistols from the manufacturer. And the P239 that I carried for nearly two decades is a little bigger and only holds 8-rounds.
LEFT: different backstrap options RIGHT: the integral compensator built into the slide
And if that wasn’t enough, the XMacro also incorporates an interchangeable backstrap system to help customize the grip to the shooter. The overall grip is surprisingly spacious and at the same time feels pretty petite.
the compensator keeps the pistol from climbing under recoil
Up top, the slide of the XMacro Comp model is optics cut to install a red dot. Fitting the RMSc footprint gives you a variety of optical sight options to install on the pistol. And at the front of the slide you will find the integral compensator. By directing muzzle blast pressure upwards, the muzzle rise is neutralized keeping the gun closer to on target for the next shot.
An accessory pic rail is located under the front of the slide, for adding a weapon light. This is a great thing to have for a CCW pistol which the P365 is meant for. And of course, like another popular Sig pistol we hear a lot about these days, the P365 has an interchangeable grip frame. The serialized part of the pistol is a removable trigger/sear pack that you can swap among a great variety of factory and aftermarket options. These are available in an impressive variety of patterns, colors, and even materials.
Specifications
Specification
P365 XMacro Comp
Caliber
9×19mm
Action
Striker-fired, short recoil
Barrel Length
3.1 in (79 mm)
Overall Length
6.6 in (168 mm)
Overall Height
5.2 in (132 mm)
Overall Width
1.1 in (28 mm)
Weight (with magazine)
21.5 oz (610 g)
Sight Radius
5.1 in
Magazine Capacity
17+1
Frame Material
Polymer XMacro grip module
Slide Material
Stainless steel, Nitron finish
Barrel Material
Carbon steel
Trigger
Flat-faced XSeries trigger
Sights
XRAY3 day/night sights
Optics Ready
Yes (RMSc / ROMEOZero footprint)
Accessory Rail
Standard 1913 Picatinny
Backstraps
Small, Medium, Large (interchangeable)
Manual Safety
Available on select models
Included Magazines
Two 17-round steel magazines
17-round magazines are impressive for this size pisol
With the basics covered, I figured it was time to outfit this pistol and get it on the range. I’m a big fan of red dots on pistols, so the P365 would get a Holosun 407. And because why not, I installed a Streamlight TLR7 weapon light. The two factory 17-round magazines would do just fine for my purposes, so I grabbed some ammunition to fill them up.
Shooting the P365 XMacro
Shooting the P365 was done during various trips to the range, both indoor and outdoor. We would shoot a variety of ammunition from Federal Champion, PMC, Remington, Winchester and Magtech. Mostly 115 grain ammunition was used but we did fire some 147 grain ammo as well. All shooting was done in the configuration seen, with the Holosun red dot and the Streamlight in place. This was done because that is how I would carry it and wanted to shoot it the same way.
here you can see the effect of the compensator, pushing down on the muzzle
Shootability
The thin grip of the P365 is easy to grab as well as tuck into clothing. It almost feels too small to me, perhaps I’m just used to gripping thicker frames. But this would be great for someone who has smaller hands, allowing a better purchase on the gun.
Trigger pull on this pistol is just what you’d want for a CCW pistol. Its neither light nor particularly short. But it feels pretty clean, with a defined reset and predictable break. We had not trouble keeping shots on target at 7 and 12 yards.
the Holosun 407k and Streamlight TLR7 were excellent companions to the P365
With the comped barrel, the XMacro was pretty good at staying on target. Small pistols like this in 9mm tend to be a little spicier when recoiling, the integral compensator does a good job at combatting that tendency.
Ergonomics
I mentioned the grip being almost too small for my taste, but you can adjust the grip changing out the different backstraps on the grip module. This allows you to customize the feel of the grip to your taste.
the grip feels good and comfortable in the hand
Sig’s P365 feels good in the hand, and even though I feel like this gun is a little small for my personal taste it is perfectly functional for me. There is adequate room for both hands to engage and operate the controls of the gun. And the different grip frames you can interchange increase your ability to fit.
Reaching all the controls was easy, and they are very serviceable. I was concerned the slide release might be a bit tough, but it was fine. The mag release is clean, dropping the magazine free with little effort.
the stripped P365 and its component
Accuracy
I mentioned we had not trouble keeping on target at typical CCW defense distances. At 10 yards I found I could keep groups under a couple inches. This is of course under controlled conditions, and I would expect under a stressful situation that would open up.
a typical group from 10-yards
But for general CCW purposes I think the XMacro is perfectly adequate in the accuracy department. Hopefully I never have to find out.
Reliability
We experienced no malfunctions while shooting the P365. Feeding and ejecting rounds went perfectly. I did notice one thing that was slightly irritating though, with the magazine loaded to the full 17-rounds, it sometimes was a challenge to seat in the pistol. It only slightly concerns me as the resistance isn’t something I’d want to deal with in a stressful shooting scenario. But certainly worth noting, perhaps I’d just load 16 for carry. Which is still ahead of many other CCW pistols.
control surfaces were great for operating the pistol
Value
I see P365 pistols all over for as little as $499, which is pretty reasonable. The XMacro models on the other hand are going to cost a bit more. Prices between seven and eight-hundred dollars for the model we tested today are more likely what you’d pay. That isn’t unreasonable in my opinion. The added ammo capacity of the P365 is great, but incorporating the compensator is another increase in both value and performance. So if you can get into a P365 XMacro for $800 or less I think you are doing well.
the Sig P365 chewed through everything we fed it
Pros and Cons
As my gun collection increases with age, I find a tendency to have a firearm for every life situation I might encounter. And the P365 seems like one I would want to carry for a situation where needing it is likely.
the P365 gives a big presentation in a small package
It shoots well, and allows me to get hits on targets without much effort. It has the accessory options that I look for in a handgun and the capacity to give you a good chance in a defensive scenario. Its customizable will being still pretty uniform as handguns go. And unlike its P320 sibling, the P365 has a pretty good record of service. There isn’t much to say against the pistol, other than the small gripes I mentioned above.
Conclusion
The Sig Sauer P365 XMacro has spread like wildfire, and not just because of Sig’s massive marketing campaigns. People really seem to like the gun, and the way they can customize it to their tastes. Despite being mistreated like all Sig Sauer customers, I still find myself pulled to many of their firearms. The P365 is one of those, it is fun to shoot and very useful in your hands. Like any good gun, with the right training it can become your most trusted tool in life.
