Sig Sauer 1911 Nitron .45 ACP
Model: 1911R-45-BSS
Sig Sauer 1911 Nitron .45 ACP
Model: 1911R-45-BSS
Full Specifications
About This Firearm
Sig Sauer builds the 1911 Nitron on a stainless steel frame and slide, both coated in Sig's Nitron finish. At 41.6 oz unloaded, it is one of the heavier .45 ACP 1911s on the market. That weight pays off during firing. The mass absorbs .45 ACP recoil noticeably better than aluminum-framed alternatives like the Kimber Pro Carry II at 28 oz, and owners consistently describe the shooting experience as smooth for a full-size .45.
The gun ships with SIGLITE tritium night sights, which is unusual at this tier. Most competing 1911s in this range, including the Springfield Armory 1911 Loaded, use standard three-dot or fiber optic sights. The 6.5-inch sight radius is long for a 1911, and combined with the tritium inserts, it gives the Nitron an edge in low-light target acquisition. The 5 lb single-action trigger is adequate but not exceptional. The Kimber Custom II pulls at 4.5 lbs with a crisper break, according to most published reviews.
Sig began producing 1911s in 2004 at their Exeter, New Hampshire facility. The Nitron was one of their first models and has been in continuous production since. The integrated Picatinny rail is a modern addition that breaks from traditional 1911 aesthetics but adds real utility for weapon lights. Among 1911 purists, the rail remains polarizing, but it puts the Nitron in a short list of rail-equipped .45 ACP 1911s alongside the Dan Wesson Specialist and Springfield TRP.
Best For
Strengths & Limitations
- SIGLITE tritium night sights come standard, saving the cost and hassle of an aftermarket sight swap that most 1911 buyers face
- The stainless steel frame and slide weigh 41.6 oz, which noticeably reduces felt recoil compared to aluminum-framed 1911s
- Ships with only one 8-round magazine. The Springfield Loaded and Dan Wesson Specialist both include two.
- No optic cut, and the Nitron finish on the stainless slide makes aftermarket milling a more involved process than on a standard carbon steel slide
Category Rankings
How the Sig Sauer 1911 Nitron .45 ACP ranks among full-size .45 ACP handguns.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What optic plates or red dots fit the Sig Sauer 1911 Nitron?
The 1911 Nitron does not have a factory optic cut. Mounting a red dot requires aftermarket slide milling. Most owners send the slide to shops that specialize in 1911 optic cuts. The Sig Romeo1 Pro and Trijicon RMR are common choices, but you need to specify the footprint when ordering the milling work.
Does the Sig 1911 Nitron accept standard 1911 magazines?
It uses standard single-stack .45 ACP 1911 magazines. Wilson Combat 47D and Chip McCormick Power Mags are the most recommended aftermarket options in owner forums. The factory Sig magazine works fine but you only get one in the box.
How does the Sig 1911 Nitron compare to the Springfield TRP?
Both are stainless steel, full-size .45 ACP 1911s with 5-inch barrels. The TRP at 42 oz is slightly heavier and has a 4.8 lb trigger versus the Sig's 5 lb pull. The TRP uses a forged frame with hand-fitted parts and G10 grips. The Sig includes tritium night sights and a rail. The TRP leans toward a more refined shooting experience; the Sig toward practical features.