As the SIG P320 family of pistols continues to evolve, we see more and more specific needs addressed. This week, we got our hands on the latest model tailored to CCW, the RXP Compact. As the name implies, this is a new X Frame Compact size, red dot ready out of the box. And for some of you, this is exactly the variant you have been looking for.
The X Compact builds off of the success of the original X Carry, a firearm I absolutely loved. So much in fact that I built one earlier this year. The X Carry was of a size that I call a hybrid, and would also accurately be described as a polymer Commander. (After the old school Colt Commander size of 1911’s.) Like the later released Glock 19X, the SIG X Carry had a 4-inch slide on a full-sized grip. I am a big fan of pistols like this, but it does have a bit to do with hand size and carry preference. There was some dismay that the X Carry wasn’t a true compact, which SIG has now stepped up to rectify. Although since it’s a P320, you could have rectified the grip size for $50 at any point you liked.
The new RXP Compact is much closer to what we in the industry call “Glock 19 size.” That is the technical term, as most things in Compact class use this as the standard of judgment. As well as it is a size most gun people can immediately relate to. Compared to a Gen 5 G19, the X Compact is .3 inches longer in grip length, and .3 inches less in overall length. Which is actually a bit of a misnomer as well. While the G19 (and X Carry for that matter) feature a 4-inch barrel, the barrel and slide of the Compact are only 3.6 inches.
Why then, the similarity in overall length? Because depending on how you measure, that includes the excellent extended grip tang from the RXP X series frame. Which while it does count in the box, doesn’t really affect you in CCW. The grip extension is so small as to basically not matter when it comes to concealment. However, that .3 inches shaved off the barrel and slide are going to help when you stick it inside the waistband. When it comes to all-day comfort, every little bit helps. This is not the only advantage of the new shorter barrel.
When I was first looking at the specs, waiting for my RXP to come in, I thought perhaps SIG chose the 3.6-inch barrel just to be different. I mean, it would be a bit cynical to just slap a compact grip on the X-Carry and call it the RXP, but it would also be logical. Most companies, I assure you, would not spend R&D money making a new barrel length to fill such a niche product gap. Especially since the original (non-X series) P320 Compact also has a 3.9-inch barrel and slide.
Having held it in my hands, I can now tell you SIG really thought this through. The balance of the X Compact is impeccable. Because it is a P320 gun, I did experiment with putting the 3.9 inch X Carry slide on it. It works, but after you have held the 3.6, it just feels….wrong. Like ever so slightly front heavy with the shorter grip. 3/10ths of an inch is a very small detail, but it was worth the time spent to figure it out. It does make a difference, and not just for concealment.
The shorter sight radius is also negated by the fact that the RXP model comes out of the box wearing a Romeo1 Pro red dot. With an electronic sight, sight radius is entirely irrelevant. However, the RXP is also wearing a set of SIGs excellent XRAY3 night sights, in suppressor height. Which means you can still see them with the red dot attached. Another excellent detail in a CCW gun, and peace of mind for a lifesaving tool. Batteries might die in tritium, but not for at least a decade.
Overall, how does the RXP XCompact hold up? Remarkably well. I’ll be frank, I haven’t carried a compact-sized handgun much if at all since the advent of the SIG P365. The XCompact is also accurate like a P365 on steroids. It is a little bigger, in every dimension than the minuscule P365. But that also makes it a little easier to shoot, and a little easier to correctly grip. That carries advantages if you are learning to shoot, using a single handgun for both CCW and long-range days, or just, in general, prefer something a little meatier for an all-around gun.
The X series trigger delivers performance as expected, and the red dot adds to that feeling of confidence on precise shots. With a 15 round standard capacity and the ability to take SIG P320 extended magazines, it also offers a great balance of size and firepower. The RXP variant is a fantastic evolution of the family and is sure to be a hit.
For more information visit SIG SAUER.
