It was around summer 2003, that the first rumours started flowing around, that at least two more (major) firearm manufacturers will get in the 1911 business. One of them was rumoured to be Sig Sauer. Well, the time has arrived and Sig Sauer has unveiled the first pictures of their new baby, called the "GSR", on November 6th, 2003. Have a look at the pictures below:

The following are the specs, as they became known:

Feature & Benefits
• Machined and hand-fitted for maximum precision and tightest possible tolerances.
• Hand-lapped for outstanding frame-to-slide fit.
• Stainless steel construction and components ensure durability and flawless function.
• Crisp single-action trigger with firing pin safety.
• Picatinny rail accommodates a wide variety of accessories.
• 20-line per inch grooves on front strap and mainspring housing maximize control.
• Match-grade barrel.
• Uniquely designed recessed plunger tube provides rigidity and stability.
• External extractor provides greater longevity and consistency than standard GI extractors.
• Novak® sights.

GSR Specifications
Operation: Mechanically locked, recoil-operated, semi-automatic pistol
Trigger: Single-Action
Safety Features:
• Extended thumb safety
• Beavertail grip safety w/ speed bump
• Firing pin safety
• Hammer intercept notch
Caliber 45 AUTO
Length, overall 8.65”
Height, overall 5.50”
Width, overall 1.37”
Barrel length 5.00”
Rifling twist 1 in 15.75
Rifling grooves 6
Sight radius 6.50”
Weight, w/o magazine 39.2 oz.
Weight, empty magazine 2.4 oz.
Magazine capacity 8 rounds

Here are two more pictures.

Hopefully, I'll have more info for you, early next week. Until that time, I noted the followings:

- Obviously a single-column frame, thank you Sig Sauer.
- The slide contour does not seem to match the standard 1911, so be prepared for some tough holster-finding time.
- Add to that the ugly light rail at the bottom of the frame, and you are sure than this pistol will not fit in any of your existing 1911 holsters.
- It looks as if Sig Sauer know a good thing when they see one, the Novak Low Mounts are a compliment to any 1911.
- The trigger could be replaced with something less ... provocative.
- I am not sure if Sig Sauer went with a firing pin safety like Colt's or like Kimber's or a totally different design.
- Sig Sauer 1911 uses an external extractor. This is the second manufacturer which got on the 1911-wagon, using this setup. The standard 1911 extractor is admitedly a problematic area, but only if the particular part does not meet Mr. Browning's design specs. - If my past experience with my first pistol, a Sig Sauer P-226, is an indication, this 1911 would probably feed empty cases (whatever that proves) and be as reliable as a German car.

It is amazing that almost after a century, from the day J.M. Browning gave us his exceptional design, almost every firearm manufacturer considers it his duty to come out with a copy of the old slubside. What a compliment for Mr. Browning and his masterpiece!

Here is another picture, from Sig Sauer own site.