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The emperor scorpion is the largest, nastiest scorpion out there, from what I read. Living in a non-desert area, I have no real-world experience with scorpions. But I bet many of you readers in desert areas have plenty of experience with the critters. Sig Sauer named their carry 1911 after the emperor scorpion to give it a certain panache. I’ll take their word for it. It was with certain expectations (knowing Sig quality overall) that I took on the assignment to review the Scorpion 1911.
I have owned Sig products and have read (and written) several reviews of their guns. So, when I got my hands on the scorpion 1911, I was ready for just about anything. With some excitement, I picked the 1911 up off the kitchen table and (after checking that it was clear) snapped the trigger.
Once I dry-fired this gun, I was hooked. Loaned to me by our good family friend Glen, this is one 1911 I was anxious to try, as I’ve shown it before in my best .45 ACP pistol article. Knowing as much as I do (and don’t) about 1911s, I knew this one would be special. Not being an expert on the 1911 breed, but, having owned several and knowing what I like, I took to this pistol like the proverbial duck to water.
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A Bit About SIG Sauer Emperor Scorpion 1911
This particular serial-numbered Sig 1911 is an older Commander-sized gun with a 4.2-inch barrel, flat trigger, and a full-size frame. The closest model Sig shows on its website is the same gun but with a normal, skeletonized trigger and a bobtail frame.
Its official name is the Sig Sauer 1911CAR-45-SCPN 1911 Carry Scorpion 8+1 45ACP 4.2, at least, among a couple of resellers I checked.
This gun does not appear on Sig’s website, or at least, I couldn’t find it. It is available, however, for sale online. It also is available in its modern incarnation with the bobtail frame and standard trigger from almost any Sig dealer.
The Company: Sig Sauer
I think most of us have heard of Sig Sauer, so I won’t bore you with a lot of details. They make a fairly extensive line of 1911s, though, and their guns are known to be good quality items, Clark. It is imperative that anyone reviewing a Sig pistol of any stripe remind readers that the Sig P320 was adapted for military use as the M17/M18 in January of 2017.
The M17 is the full-size version, with the M18 being a slightly more compact gun. The military wanted, among a lot of other things, modularity — and this Sig delivers. Replacing the frame is easy, what with the actual serial-numbered gun being the fire control housing that is inserted into whatever frame you want — full, compact and sub-compact sizes being available for purchase. Optics are easily mounted on the military version, as are suppressors.
In addition to its recent coup with the military contract, Sig weapons are used worldwide by many other military and law enforcement agencies, not to mention several dozen law enforcement and government agencies here in the United States.
So, with their military pistol and rifle experience, it comes as no surprise that they are in the 1911 business big-time, what with America’s military sidearm being the M1911 from 1911 to 1985. The civilian market keeps the century-plus-old 1911 going, as well, in a big way. Sig caters to that market.
Sig and the 1911
The company introduced their series of 1911s with two pistols: a full size and a compact, called the GSR series. GSR stands for Granite Rail Series and is distinguished by, among other features, a slabbier slide (to coin a word) that was taller and more square than typical 1911 slides.
I think the expression used at the time was that the 1911s exhibited the Sig Profile. The gun resembled the Sig P226 a bit from the front. However, the slide configuration made it harder to find a holster to fit it. Enter the Traditional series, 1911s, that have slide contours more in keeping with the shape of John Browning’s original. This made shooters happy, or at least more accepting of the Sig 1911.
In the above photo, you can make out the square-ish slide at the front. This is not the rounded, svelte shape that Browning designed, but Sig got it a little closer to home when they introduced the Traditional 1911 series, of which the Scorpions are a part.
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The SIG Sauer Emperor Scorpion 1911
The gun I was loaned to review looks like this.
There’s a flat trigger and three slots on the dust cover.
The guns currently available from Sig show black G10 Hogue grip panels, while these are colored in the FDE pattern. Let’s look at the components up close.
Other Details of the SIG Sauer Emperor Scorpion 1911
Note cut-out above and in front of the plunger to prevent stress cracks and hex-head grip screws. The flat trigger is evident. There is an overtravel screw in its face but it wasn’t needed. The trigger was excellent.
Note how small it is — it won’t get snagged on anything. Still, it’s large enough to do the job. Here’s a view from the top. The safety sticks out about as far as the grips do.
The barrel’s feed ramp and the frame’s ramp were very well polished, probably more than necessary.
The slide, left and right sides. Also, the slide is scalloped behind the ejection port to reduce brass bouncing off that part of the slide and landing in parts unknown.
The non-metallic baseplate won’t dent if it gets dropped on gravel. Also, the follower is flat. Most any 1911 mag should work. I have some Chip McCormick mags that work with almost every 1911 I’ve tried, so you don’t necessarily need to buy Sig’s mags. However, you can be sure that the name-brand mags will be reliable.
Now, we’ve seen the gun up close and personal. How about some specifications? Here are some from Sig’s website and my direct observations and experiences.
| Caliber: | .45 ACP (also available in .357 Sig) |
| Overall Length: | 7.7 inches |
| Width: | 1.4 inches |
| Height: | 5.5 inches |
| Weight: | 35 ounces |
| Barrel: | 4.2 inches |
| Sight Radius: | 5.7 inches |
| Construction Material: | Frame and slide, stainless steel |
| Finish: | Frame and slide, Field Dark Earth PVD finish |
| Trigger: | Flat face, adjustable overtravel via screw in trigger face. (I measured the trigger pull [average of ten pulls] at 2 pounds, 9.9 ounces with my Lyman digital trigger pull gauge. There was no take-up, a tiny bit of creep, and no overtravel) |
| Thumb Safety: | Ambidextrous, low-profile, positive-engagement.. Easy-on and -off but very positive |
| Grips: | Matching Field Dark Earth finish Hogue G-10 grip panels with very aggressive stippling |
| Hammer: | Rowel, Commander-style |
| Beavertail: | Extended, with memory bump |
| Warranty: | Five years from date of manufacture to the original purchaser |
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So, now we know the specifics. But how did it shoot?
Shooting the SIG Sauer Emperor Scorpion 1911
Shooting the Scorpion was a joy. With a trigger pull that averaged just under 3 pounds, the gun lent itself to accuracy. I shot the plain-jane 230-grain roundnose, and achieved this type of accuracy at typical combat-range distance. Make sure to check out my article about good .45 ACP ammo.
My homemade target’s black square is 4 inches, with each line an inch apart. So, you see what kind of accuracy is exhibited by the Scorpion Carry pistol. This was one of several loads I tried. My hand loads tended to do a little better. I don’t believe I’d worry about accuracy issues with this pistol. Any standard self-defense or target load should be more than accurate when shot from this gun.
I did truly enjoy the trigger that this gun had. The trigger broke at (as I mention above) at under 3 pounds. This might be too light for some folks, but if you train with that trigger, you’ll learn how to control it (finger off until ready to fire).
The safeties were a delight, as well. Being a lefty, I appreciated the right-side safety lever. I rested a thumb on it. The safeties’ lever was just enough to work well but not too large to get in the way. I feel that this gun is capable of more accuracy than I am.
Also, the sights would really prove themselves in a dusk shooting situation with their tritium inserts. They were more than enough for the tasks at hand. The rear sight’s low profile would prevent snagging, another benefit.
Wrap Up
So, how did I like the Scorpion? I liked it a lot. Would I like to have one? Of course, I would. This is a top-quality 1911 with all the right bells & whistles in all the right places. Given Sig’s (and the .45’s) reputation, I think you could do much worse than this 1911. I don’t think you can beat this gun for whatever tactical or carry purpose you have in mind. Another plus of the re-designed rounder slide is that this gun should fit most typical 1911 holsters.
Whether you get the gun in .45 or .357 Sig caliber (I just reviewed the Glock 32 in that caliber — it’s a thumper.), I don’t think you could go wrong. Since this gun is a typical 1911, just about any holster for that model should work, as should any accessory you already have. An added advantage is the rail on the dust cover — add a light or a laser easily.
If you want one of the best 1911s out there, check out the Sig line. This Scorpion Carry model is very popular — more than one reseller was out of stock on it — so that works in your favor as you decide which 1911 you will carry.
The shorter, Commander-length barrel doesn’t hurt, either, as you carry the gun concealed. The trigger, to my mind, is the best feature of this particular gun, but you may like something else, and that’s OK. Please check it out, and let us know what you think below.
As always, take time to get out and do some shooting, but remember to play it safe.
How far is “typical combat distance”? i am guessing somewhere between 5-15 yards?
Scott, the F.B.I. used to train at 7 yards – not sure if they still do – but that was considered “combat distance” a while ago. In reality, it could be from arm’s length (get off me) to who knows where, if you live out and are threatened by someone driving through your yard – trust me, this could happen. Anyone else out there care to comment? Thanks for writing.
I own this gun and it’s my favorite 1911 crisp trigger finish is cool and it is deadly
Greg, I agree. I was totally impressed by the Scorpion. Thanks for writing.
Finger off the trigger until ready to fire! Huh! In a fight, when folks are scared and excited, the finger might just start to be on the trigger when coming out of the holster,waistband, or wherever, you have your pistol secured! If the trigger is so light that you are afraid of an accidental discharge, I suggest you might want another pound or two for combat, or concealed carry! Target shooting and light triggers are fantastic! Combat situations and too light a trigger will get you, or someone in your party, SHOT!
So careful about the light trigger and concealed carry situations! Ask those with Experience in the sand pit! Or on some beach in France! You always want to know by feel, when she will Pop! Or Not!
Love the gun and your review! Careful what you Preach! Folks are depending on You!
Jhk, I agree with you – I wasn’t suggesting that folks carry a gun with such a light trigger, just commenting on the fact that it was so light. I think you’re right – you want to have some resistance in your trigger pull if you are in a scary situation. I’ve never had to fire a gun in self defense, but, living in the country as we do, I’ve had to quickly retrieve a pistol and go to the front door as someone was banging on it…I tried to make sure I had my trigger finger out of the trigger guard but I could see being in a situation that may not allow you that luxury. Point well taken-thanks for writing.
I bought one for my son a few years back and he loves it. I really liked it too…but couldn’t find another new one, so I bought the Sig Spartan carry, which is literally the same gun with aluminum grips and a magwell, also with Siglite night sights, front strap checkering etc. It is now my favorite 1911, and I own quite a few, including several Kimbers, and a Texas Edition full-size Sig 1911.
Forgot to mention that it’s also very accurate, and I seemed to hit better with it than the full-size Kimber I was also shooting (back-to-back) that day.
Marc, sounds like you have it figured out. Thanks for the comments and thanks for writing!
Have this same firearm and would like to drop in a threaded barrel. Sig has stopped producing the 4.2″ threaded barrel. Will a 4.25″ commander threaded barrel work? I cannot seem to find this information on the internets…
Andrew, I would imagine that would work but don’t take my word for it – I’d call Sig and ask somebody there. They’ll know if it would work or not. I did do a quick search and found at least one maker that makes a 4.2″ threaded barrel (out of stock right now) – here’s a start.
You might give them a call, too. I found that Cheaper Than Dirt sells one, as well. I wish you success in your quest – thanks for writing!
The Sig Scorpion and Emperor Scorpion are different models. Sig named all of their models based somewhat on color (Nightmare = black/silver, TacOps=all black, emperor scorpion=black/tan). They removed almost all models off of their website for some reason, making this model of the Scorpion pretty rare. The grips are also Hogue MagGrips which are also very rare. I’ve owned three Sig 1911s and they’ve all been great.
Zach, thanks for your info – I appreciate your knowledge. The Sig website is an interesting read, to be sure. Thank you for writing!