SIG Sauer 1911 Ultra Compact Review

SIG Sauer 1911 Ultra Compact

SIG Sauer 1911 Ultra Compact

Bottomline

The SIG Sauer 1911 Ultra Compact is a pocket-sized 1911 that’s big on style, performance, and everyday carry potential.

When it comes to compact 1911s, SIG Sauer’s Ultra Compact isn’t just another shrunken-down version of a classic. It’s a serious contender for concealed carry perfection. Born from the legendary 1911 design, which dates back to John Browning’s 1911 masterpiece, SIG Sauer has added its own Swiss-engineered precision and modern flair. But how does it stack up in a world overflowing with pocket-sized powerhouses? From its sleek looks to its reputation for reliability, the Ultra Compact promises to deliver big performance in a small package. Is it all just hype, or does this pint-sized powerhouse live up to the SIG name? Let’s dive in and find out.

Bottomline

The SIG Sauer 1911 Ultra Compact is a pocket-sized 1911 that’s big on style, performance, and everyday carry potential.

Pros

  • Compact and lightweight
  • Lightweight, three-hole trigger
  • Low-profile SIGLITE night sights
  • Custom wood grips
  • Speed-bump grip safety
  • Flat mainspring housing
  • 25 LPI checking on the front strap and 20 LPI checking on the mainspring housing

Cons

  • Small capacity
  • Pricey

SIG Sauer 1911 Ultra Compact Specs

CaliberCapacityBBLOALWidthHeightWeight
.45 ACP7+13.3″6.8″1.4″4.8″28 oz.

SIG Sauer 1911 Ultra Compact Features

Lightweight Three-Hole Trigger

The Ultra Compact rocks a lightweight three-hole trigger that’s all about smoother pulls and less weight. It’s designed to give you better control and quicker follow-up shots, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started.

Low-Profile SIGLITE Night Sights

The Ultra Compact comes with low-profile SIGLITE night sights that are perfect for low-light situations. With tritium for a bright and clear sight picture, these sights make it easy to lock onto your target quickly and accurately, even in the dark.

Custom Wood Grips

The Ultra Compact stands out with custom wood grips that aren’t just for looks. They’re built for comfort too. These grips feel great in your hand, giving you better control and making rapid-fire a breeze. Plus, they add a touch of style that’s hard to beat!

SIG Sauer 1911 Ultra Compact nitron finish
The nitron finish.

Speed-Bump Grip Safety

The Ultra Compact’s speed-bump grip safety is all about smart security. It ensures your hand is in the right spot to disengage, adding an extra layer of safety against accidental discharges. But don’t worry, it’s quick and easy to activate when you’re ready to shoot!

Flat Mainspring Housing

The flat mainspring housing keeps the Ultra Compact sleek and easy to conceal. It’s a smart design that adds comfort for everyday carry, perfect for anyone who likes to keep things slim and simple.

25 LPI Front Strap and 20 LPI Mainspring Housing Checkering

The Ultra Compact is built for a solid grip with 25 LPI checkering on the front strap and 20 LPI on the mainspring housing. This textured design keeps the gun steady in your hand, even during rapid fire or in less-than-ideal weather.

Further reading: Ultimate Gun Reviews

Final Thoughts

The SIG Sauer 1911 Ultra Compact has quickly become one of my favorite compact 1911s, and for a good reason. It has all the classic 1911 charm but modern upgrades that make it a dream to carry and shoot. The lightweight frame, custom wood grips, and low-profile SIGLITE night sights make it practical and stylish, while the speed-bump grip safety and fine checkering add that extra touch of functionality. Whether I’m at the range or carrying it daily, it just feels right, comfortable, reliable, and ready for anything. Sure, it’s a bit of an investment, but every time I handle it, I’m reminded why I love it. If you’re on the fence about compact 1911s, I’d say give the Ultra Compact a try. It might just be the one that wins you over, it sure did for me!

SIG Sauer 1911 Ultra Compact Score Card

ErgonomicsSolid grip.1.6
TriggerLightweight trigger.4.53
AccuracyQuick follow-up shots.4
QualityExcellent construction but snappy recoil.4
ValuePricey!1
OverallThe SIG Sauer 1911 Ultra Compact is a pocket-sized 1911 that’s big on style, performance, and everyday carry potential.3.03
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6 thoughts on “SIG Sauer 1911 Ultra Compact Review”

  1. Sig Sauer has done it again, this pistol is a class act all by itself. Shoots extremely well, light weight, No FTF’s or FTE’s after the first 300 hundred rounds of just about anything you can pump through it. Looks are great and you won’t be disappointed in the performance. I have rounded off my arsenal with this gun, three Sigs, 380, 9MM and this 45 cap. All three are super performers. You can feel the difference when shooting them. Do yourself a favor and shoot one, then buy one and finally you will own one of the finest on the market.

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  2. I like the look and feel. I cannot shoot three magazines through the pistol without at least one jam. Sometimes the slide locks back for no apparent reason. Failure to eject is common.

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  3. I’ve had this pistol (nitron version) for a few months and several hundred rounds of various loads thru it. Nothing but impressive to me. Zero FTF/FTE. The trigger is as crisp and consistent as anything I’ve ever shot. As fine as any top guns out there IMHO. I own several Sigs (229, 250, P938), I’ve had Kimber, Springfield, a couple other .45’s but this is probably the finest I’ve owned especially from a carry standpoint. I now have a true favorite.

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  4. This pistol deserves nine out of ten stars. It is by far the finest .45 I have ever shot. Even though it is compact pistol, the recoil is very manageable at that. The fit and finish is marvelous. There is no looseness in the slide rails at all. The trigger let off is very crisp with adjustable over travel. It is just as nice as the $1,400 Kimber I looked at, and just as accurate as could be. You can shoot a 2.5″ group at 25 yards. I’ve had mine 10 months and it has become my choice of a CCW with a spare magazine. Thus far I’ve only had 1 FTE, which I think I caused myself in over 500 rounds of ammunition. I also own a Glock 23 and a Sig Sauer P226 9mm. Out of the three the Sig Sauer 1911 Ultra is by far and away my favorite pistol to shoot and to carry.

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  5. Great pistol. Very accurate. Trigger breaks like glass. Great feel in the hand. But you may want to replace the slide release with a solid piece to replace the MIM part. (I went with the 10-8 Performance Gen 2 slide stop, although the Ed Brown may be a better colour match for the two tone.) Then get yourself two or three Tripp Research or Wilson Combat mags to ensure complete feed reliability. Last would be the replacement of the wood grips. I went with Pearce OM-2 rubber grips as I found the stock wood grips too grating. For target practice go with quality ammo, not the Winchester white boxes or Tul Ammo.

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  6. I bought the sig 1911 ultra to replace my p928 (jam-o-matic). This is an amazing little 1911. I have fired about 500 round through it flawlessly. It is light and easy to conceal carry. This is my new favorite conceal carry weapon.

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