There is no denying the versatility of the SIG Sauer P320 platform. One of the major reasons for the success of the firearm is that from the fire control unit, one can build out all kinds of different P320s, from full-size to compact, with just a change of the grip module.
However, as well-liked as the P320 and its variants are, some folks do not like the pistol’s grip profile. Common concerns are the high bore axis, the rounded and slippery grip and the short beavertail. There are different modules from SIG that address some of these concerns, such as the TXG and AXG grips, as well as other offerings from other manufacturers. Last year, Brouwer Solutions offered a new module that attempts to address them all, including the high bore axis.
From the website: “Brouwer Solutions, LLC, was founded as a solution based company, to assist the Department of Defense in bridging the communications gap between design and manufacturing and the war fighter or end user. They worked directly with developmental data based entities within the DOD and manufacturers throughout the industries to bring to market the best performing equipment such as sights, weapon systems, ammunition, suppressors, optics, range finding equipment, clothing etc.”
During their work within the Department of Defense after the adoption of the M17 (Military P320) and seeing an opportunity to bring a different and innovative accessory to market for the firearm, Brouwer developed the M1811. There are a couple of things to understand here—one, you either love the 1911 or you are wrong. Two, see number one. In all seriousness, one of the reasons that the 1911 handgun has had such a huge impact is the grip, specifically, the grip angle of the 1911. You can do a “bazillion” Google searches on this if you want to, but the 1911 angle is roughly 18 degrees. I don’t know if John Browning just landed on this out of luck, trial and error, or he was a genius, but it offers what many consider to be a better ergonomic design that allows for the firearm to simply be easier to shoot more accurately. Your results may vary. I am a fan.
The M1811 from Brouwer is designed to correct what some consider to be issues with the P320, that is, the high bore axis, the rounded slippery grip and the short beavertail. From the website, “The Brouwer P320 Grip Module greatly improves point of aim repeatability by utilizing ergonomics nearly identical to the 1911 grip angle. The front strap angle has been changed to 107.5 degrees, with a back strap angle of 67.5 degrees to cause the pistol to seat into the hand when gripped. This geometry aids the shooter by placing the bore axis in a natural position.”
Last fall, I purchased one of the black M1811 while waiting for a new fire control unit so I could mess around with the design. The FCUs were back-ordered and I didn’t want to pull one out of the guns I was shooting at the time in Carry Optics. The feel of the module was nice and the angle was noticeably different than the others that I had tried previously. I didn’t do anything with it, again I didn’t want to change anything up while I was using the configuration that I was used to competing with. Joshua Bennett from Brouwer reached out, informing me that they had an updated offering, as well as some new accessories for me to check out.
With the USPSA Carry Optics Nationals over, I had some time to test the M1811 grip module out. I pulled the fire control unit from the TXG module from a Carry Optics gun I have been using and installed in the Coyote-colored M1811. This particular M1811 features upgrades offered by Brouwer. A few things are immediately noticeable. The beavertail allows for a much higher grip, and it is wider and designed to mitigate recoil. The shape of the beavertail resembles that of those on my 1911s, and it felt good. Comparing the grip to 1911s, you can instantly feel how similar they really are.
The trigger guard is larger and has a double undercut, and is rounded in a more traditional 1911 style. When looking at the sides of the grip you can see where the M1811 has texturing in what appears to be grip panels. The sides scales are similar to the 1911 grip panels, designed to fill the natural void in the palm but not increase the radii of the front and backstrap. The M1811 doesn’t have that blocky feel of the P320 factory module.
The front and backstraps also feature checkering to simulate what is common on a 1911’s front strap and mainspring housing. The texturing is decent—not abrasive—and aids in controlling the firearm. There are two other options offered for a much more aggressive texturing, silicon carbide or deeper cut laser engraving. The M1811 has two nice recessed cutouts directly above the magazine release. These are a great feature, allowing the user more control.
Compared to the standard grip module on the P320 (not the TXG or AXG), the magazine opening is flared with a slight bevel. The lip of the flare on the M1811 feels nice with where my pinky finger rests with my strong hand grip. The M1811 also features a MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail for lights and accessories.
The M1811 is not a weighted grip module like the TXG offerings from SIG Sauer. This is an all-polymer design and similar in weight to the standard SIG grip modules. The unit is factory compatible for the reversible magazine release, slide stop and takedown pin. Factory magazines, 17 and 21 rounds, work with the unit. If your P320 fire control unit has the safeties, a small cut is required or it can be ordered for additional cost as a service provided by Brouwer ($20).
There are other upgrades offered as well. As mentioned, the two other grip texture options are available to order for additional cost, the Coyote module that has the laser engraved texturing that is such a solid feature ($120), and the silicon carbide providing that “skateboard tape” feeling is also available ($100). A new magwell extension is also available that enhances the magazine opening ($74.95 to $84.95). The mag extension works with factory 17-round magazines, as well as other extensions on the market. It adds a generous size magazine opening, but doesn’t ride up high into the fat part of your palm. It is nicely beveled around the sides and has a nice lip to support your grip.
Also available are SIG stock magazine release ($27.99) or the Align Tactical that is offset and extended ($45.95). I added a factory P320 RXP slide and barrel with Romeo1Pro on the Coyote laser-engraved M1811 and for the standard module, a SIG Pro Cut slide with Romeo1Pro and Herrington Arms comp installed for the range trip. Both Fire Control Units with aftermarket triggers and components dropped right in, and the slides popped right on. Both the factory 17-round and 21-round magazines with Henning Group basepads worked with both modules and magazine well extension. A factory SIG magazine release went right in with no issue. Both setups ran perfectly going through a couple hundred rounds of Eley 9 mm.
Check out the Brouwer Solution website for a series of data collection on performance that people have captured using the grip modules. There is also much more coming with regards to data collection that is being led by Brian Nelson using the JMAP program. There is more on the horizon coming from Brouwer Solutions.
The base module is $89.95 and available in Black and Coyote colors. When ordering, there are multiple options available as upgrades to the base module. Check out the full selection at brouwersolutions.com.
Article from the September/October 2023 issue of USPSA’s magazine.
