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Teya and I recently had the provledge of visiting Sig for the innaugural NEXT event. Sig NEXT brought a cuple dozen members of the media and dozens of leading dealers to New Hampshire for a multi-day event. While there we visited Sig's factories and of course hit the range to get some hands on time with what's new for 2024.
It would be irresponsible and misleading to give a "review" of something after just a few minutes with it, but we did get a feel for the new guns, optics, and accessories. With luck, we'll have deeper dives in the future. Below are our initial impressions. In each simple report you'll find a link to the product page for more information as well as availability. As often happens, these have been announced and are in production, but may not be immediately available.
Sig P365 Fuse & Romeo-X Enclosed
This new size combination for the Sig P365 platform provides full-size ballistic performance and capacity from the 4.3" barrel and 17 and 12 round magazines. We recently reviewed this gun in full (see review HERE) and were impressed. Slide weight has been carefully balanced and a new longer recoil assembly which really makes the gun handle nicely. Light and quick like a smaller pistol, but full-power and capacity like a full size, and thin enough to make carrying easier. Full range revew can be seen here.
P320 Flux Legion
The Flux Defense system has been around for a while and previously I saw it as something of a limited application compromise. No more powerful than a standard handgun, but nearing the size of a PDW or large-format pistol. I saw the Flux system as something for executive security details.
The system does provide better stability and quicker handling than most can easily do with a standard handgun, but I didn't know how much until running the system at Sig NEXT. The Legion version includes a compensated slide for extra control. The optic mounts atop the chassis and so does not move with the slide. A spare magazine stores forward of the grip and the magazine release can either release just the magazine from the loaded position or both simultaneously for a rapid reload. When using 30-round magazines and with one in the chamber this compact package has the potential to carry 61 rounds on board.
I now see the P320 Flux Legion as an excellent option for private citizens looking for a stow-n-go solution as a backpack or vehicle gun.
P320-XFIVE SXG
The P320-XFIVE SXG Brings the XFive model of P320 with a steel frame. This bumps the weight up to 49.5 ounces and makes for one smooth-shooting pistol. Easily my favorite of the handguns we shot that day; running plate racks was a breeze. The only downside I noticed was universal to all-metal pistols with a metal trigger; if you leave it lying in the hot sun it'll be hot when you pick it up and even hotter after enjoying it. That's likely not a concern for most as the gun will either be holstered or in your hands, but the point is even a searing hot pistol and trigger couldn't stop us from enjoying this smooth-shooting gun.
Sig Reserve Collection P226-XFIVE
An absolute beauty of a pistol, the Sig Reserve Collection P226-XFIVE was one I was excited to get my hands on knowing I'd be unlikely to see one again in the wild. The high-polish DLC finish really makes this gun stand out along with the Lok grips. Build and feature sets are a blend of beautiful show and competition-oriented features. This includes a single-action-only trigger, compensated slide, and of course the Lok grps.
Interestingly the shoting experience wasn't quite what I expected. There was nothing wrong with the gun, but I expected something feeling a little more like a competition gun. I can't quite identify what it was, but I simply didn't fall in love with the shooting experience as much as I did the appearance.
Sig P226 40th Anniversary
Our Patrons will find irony in this as just the week prior they were voting on what to review next and a "classic" Sig P226 came in second in the votes. The Sig P226 40th Anniversary pays tribute to decades of P226 variations. Complete with a reproruction manual and packaging like one would have received 40 years ago this P226 is as classic as it gets. Though we've never reviewed a P226 on the channel, we have shot several generations of P226 clones and evolutions including the three generations of Zastava and two generations of Arex pistols that followed those.
A chance to shoot the original did not disappoint. Smooth double action, slow slide movement, and a predictable single action; running the P226 felt natural; a return to shooting pistols built with service and longevity in mind.
Sig Romeo-X Enclosed
We touched on the Romeo-X Enclosed in the P365 Fuse review. As the name implies, this is an enclosed version of the Romeo-X. As a shooter who enjoys dots, but has had plenty of experiences inspiring against carrying one, an enclosed emitter at least reduces some of the major concerns. A dot that also sits low enough to permit cowitness further reduces concerns. When the dot and sights match perfectly like the Romeo-X Enclised did on the P365 Fuse the learning curve for presentation height is also eliminated. This is the first product of the lineup to be available.
The Factory Experience
Sig showed us two factories, one of which was over 250,000 square feet! We've been to several factories and shops around the globe and they each have their own feel. Sig's manufacturing was impressive. Not just for producing over 400 variants of the P320, but they way everything is produced to exacting tolerances and how many tools and machines they've developed themselves. For example, striker springs easily entangle themselves during shipping and handling, so Sig developed a machine that detangles them while also checking to ensure proper length. This eliminated two tedious tasks that a human would otherwise need to do.
Another visually-entrancing machine was a robot that precisely sands slides. This is done in a way to not only debur and soften slide edges, but also efficiently and evenly wear the sanding belt which automatically replaces itself once wear reaches a detected level.
Sig also uses massive machines capable of multiple tasks at the same time. This enables them to completely mill an AR receiver in a matter of minutes while other parts of the machine change tools and programs for a different operation. The process was fascinating to watch and also enlightening as to how Sig has been able to produce so many examples of so many different items with such speed and all while filling military and law enforcement contracts, both domestic and foreign.
What's NEXT for You?
This was a great experience, and bit of a whirlwind as there was so much to see and do. Which of the NEXT items listed above has your interest? Let us know in the comments.