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ammo Fusion Firearms Remington XP Comp XP Pro

XP Comp Has Crossed 1000 Rounds!

Last week, I was able to cross the 1000 round goal line with the Fusion Firearms XP Comp.

As well, the last 149 rounds were Remington 124-gr FMJ (green/white box), which I’ve discussed here. There were no failures to fire/feed/extract, nor were there any failures to return to battery.

The gun is very nice to shoot. I believe it’s the finest of all my 2011s. Yes, it’s even better than my Bul Armory, but, of course, it’s going to shoot better than my other 2011s since all of them are smaller in size (and are not compensated).

Now that I’ve reached the 1000 round goal, my next task is to remove the firing pin retaining pin. I’m not currently able to remove it. I had the same issue with the XP Pro but was able to remove it with some effort. I refitted it once I removed it. I’ll be doing the same with the XP Comp. The firing pin stop plate can be more easily removed by removing the optic or optic plate – you can tap the top of the stop plate to remove it.

I still need to decide on which gun to focus on next. I’m not really caring to put 1000 rounds through the Kuna. I’m probably going to chose a gun that is close to the 1000 round goal. The Bersa Thunder Plus currently has 773 rounds through it. The PSA AK-V has 740 rounds through it. My Glock 19 Gen 4 has 679 rounds. The Beretta PX4 has 621 rounds.

I’m leaning toward choosing the Beretta, but it would be nice to have the AK-V cross the 1000-round threshold, and it’s not far from that goal.

On another note, I’ve found that the Alpha Foxtrot Attila, while it will shoot the Remington 124-gr ammo, it hits maybe 2″ higher than other ammo (at 10 yards). I was curious about that, so I shot 15 rounds of Federal SD ammo (which is 124-gr). That ammo hit where I was aiming. That is annoying, as I just bought 1000 rounds of that ammo. I do not want to purchase a second set of 9mm ammo for use with the Attila, so I may just shoot it regardless of the issue.

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1911 2011 9mm disassembly Fusion Firearms XP Comp XP Pro

I Was Finally Able to Remove The Firing Pin Stop From The XP Pro!

I’d posted in the past my disassembly issues with the Fusion Firearms XP Pro – here and here.

In both of those posts, I elaborate on my frustrations with being unsuccessful in removing the firing pin stop.

There was a guy on Reddit that posted about his experience with this – the post is here. He explained how he removed the firing pin stop.

I was going to mimic his steps but noticed that I could attempt to remove it from the top of the slide. A few weeks ago, I’d removed the optic from the XP Pro (to use it on the XP Comp). When I removed it, I noticed that the top of the firing pin stop protrudes upward. I thought I’d try to remove the stop from the top, since it was easily accessible.

I was finally able to remove it!

I removed the rear sight plate and got a big-tipped brass punch, using it to tap hard on the top of the plate. It was tricky since I had to also push in the firing pin when doing it. Three hard whacks got it loosened and it was easy to fully remove after doing that.

I spent the past 2 hours filing the stop plate so that it wouldn’t be so difficult to remove in the future. It was a total PITA – LOTS of filing on that part just to get it back on without a hammer and punch. It’s snug but nothing like out of the box.

I’m still evauluating the XP Comp, and I’ve the optic dialed in, so I’m going to wait until I’m done testing before I do the Comp.

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1911 2011 9mm double-stack Fusion Firearms XP Comp XP Pro

I Was FINALLY Able To Obtain Support From Fusion Firearms!

Back in April, I tried to reach out to Fusion Firearms. I was unsuccessful. Why was I trying to contact Fusion Firearms? My XP Comp came with two RMSc plates instead of an RMR and RMSc.

I tried to reach out to them several times, without success, so I gave up. I had to remove the RMR plate that I was using on the XP Pro so that I could use it on the XP Comp.

Last week, I tried again, using their online support system. This time I was able to get through to Tyler. I had included a picture of the two optic plates that came with my XP Comp, which was enough to get him to send an RMR plate to me.

The RMR plate arrived yesterday. I will eventually use it on the XP Pro, once I obtain another RMR optic. Speaking of which, I might actually just get another RMSc-footprinted optic. There are a few RMSc optics that have large windows now. I just need an optic with a large view-port, as that’s what I prefer.

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2011 ammo Fusion Firearms range ammo recoil spring steel-cased XP Comp XP Pro

I Changed the XP Comp’s Recoil Spring to 10-lb!

The last two range visits, I’ve been shooting my XP Comp 2011, attempting to test/review from an owner standpoint.

I’ve been shooting steel-cased ammo lately, specifically Magtech 115-gr FMJ. My Alpha Foxtrot Attila just eats up that ammo, without complaint. Both of my Fusion Firearms 2011s hate that ammo, though. I’ve both the XP Pro and XP Comp. While they eat will shoot the ammo, they ocassionally will not fully go back into battery (sometimes, but not always).s

The last range visit, I actually anticipated the issue and bought some brass-cased Federal 115-gr FMJ. I shot much of that ammo through both XPs, without issue (50 rounds of it). Whenever I’d swap back to the Magtech (purposely attempting to determine if it was an ammo issue), the failures would occur, so I know this is due to the ammo.

Now, this particular make/model of ammo is using polished steel casings, so it’s not the case coating that’s the issue. I think the ammo is slightly underpowered – most steel-cased ammo is cheaply made.

A while back, I bought a spring kit from Fusion Firearms. That kit comes with 7-, 9-, 10-, and 13-lb springs. The XP Comp comes with an 8-lb spring. As I didn’t think the 9-lb spring would cure the issue, I opted to install the 10-lb spring instead.

I also conducted research and the above is a satisfactory solution. Alternative solutions would be to switch to a better ammo type (brass cased or a make/model with a known good reliability history).

I do not blame the ammo as the cause of this issue, as most guns with comps will have light sprints and this is a known thing with the XP Comp. As well, the XP Pro has light springs from the factory, so that’s why it was exhibiting the same issue.

My fix will hopefully resolve the issue (at least with the XP Comp.

While I love Magtech ammo, I might need to switch to something with a bit more power, at least until the XP reaches 1000 rounds. I may go back to Winchester White Box, as it has power.

UPDATE (8/17/2026): So, the change to the 10-lb recoil spring did not help. The gun (both of them) does NOT like this ammo. I’ll be putting the 8-lb spring back into the gun and then I’ll be buying some cheap Winchester or Herter’s just to get some rounds through the gun. The gun isn’t finnicky, as it’ll eat other ammo. It just doesn’t like the Magtech steel cased ammo. I’m getting low with the Magtech anyways – maybe I’ll buy non-steel cased Magtech next. I just need something that works that’s preferrably cheap (in price).

UPDATE (8/21/2026): Today, I removed the 10-lb recoil spring and re-installed the 8-lb spring in the XP Comp. I decided to buy a second set of ammo for this gun – I bought the military/LEO Winchester 115-gr brass cased ammo (brown box). The XP Comp at it all. Some folks might say the gun is finnicky. Nah…it just doesn’t like the cheap stuff. Magtech is good but it is cheap (purposely so, for range shooting). It may also be a combination of dislike of the ammo and the gun being under-sprung. As well, I didn’t like the 10-lb spring because the gun was different with that spring – it felt somewhat harsh, recoil-wise.

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1911 2011 9mm Fusion Firearms Glock 17 magazines XP Comp XP Pro

RWB Glock 17 Mags Are Too Tight Of A Fit For Fusion Firearms XPs

I bought a few extra Glock 17 magazines for my Fusion Firearms XPs. They arrived today.

I’ve a handful of KCI magazines (not the sets that came with my XPs). While they fit, I don’t like them, as the springs are really weak. They’re weak straight out of the packaging.

Well, I’ll give it to the KCI mags – at least they actually fit into the gun. The RWB Glock mags do not fit. I can get them maybe halfway inserted before they bind.

To be fair, I think Fusion Firearms built their XP guns around the KCI mags, as this is a common problem – the mag well is rather tight.

They fit now, though, because I took sandpaper to them. They fit, but they look like ass, even after using smaller grit sandpaper to lessen the coarseness of the scoring. They won’t drop out of the gun – I have to pull them out (they pull out with a very small amount of effort). Over time, they’ll wear-in.

This weekend, I’ll try to visit some local gun shops in an effort to obtain a few more mags. I don’t have time to order a different brand, as today is 6/26 and the new laws take affect on 7/1.

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1911 2011 9mm Fusion Firearms handgun XP Pro

The Fusion Firearms XP Pro Has Finally Surpassed 1000 Rounds!

We’re currently at 1011 rounds, all FMJ.

There have been no failures to feed or extract. Hell, I don’t remember the last time the gun was cleaned or lubed, but it’s doing fine, so far!

The gun is supremely controllable. I was able to do some really nice double taps tonight, without scattering rounds on paper. I’ve looked at the video footage and I’m able to easily control recoil, shoot quickly, and also simultaneously shoot accurately.

We actually shot 217 rouds tonight, which is a lot of ammo for me in one range session, especially out of one gun. The gun was actually pretty hot after maybe 20 minutes of shooting (because I wasn’t giving it a break).

So, what next? I’ll be working on a 1000 round review of this gun. I’ll give myself two weeks to create a script and record footage, as well as hunt for lots of B roll footage. If I struggle, it’ll take longer, but I want this done well since I’ve noticed that a lot of my visitors have been gravitating toward my XP Pro blog posts and XP Pro videos.

I’ll post the resulting review on both Rumble and YouTube, but I’m wanting to give up on Rumble. That platform just doesn’t get the a lot of traffic/views. I want to stay away from YouTube but Rumble is NOT a good replacement. I was trying to make an effort to use Rumble but every time I look at my channel stats, I get discouraged. I suppose whenever I post to YouTube, I can also post to Rumble and hope that my Rumble channel gains some views.

UPDATE – the 1000 round review video was published during the weekend of 10/18/2025.

For those of you that prefer YouTube:

For those of you that prefer Rumble:

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1911 2011 9mm Fusion Firearms XP Pro

Have A Look At This!

This range session was the Sunday before Labor Day 2025.

This was at 10 yards, shooting at a 1″ orange dot, at a semi-rapid pace while still trying to be as accurate as possible.

I think this is the tightest grouping I’ve ever shot quickly at 10 yards. It’s tight enough to where you can pick any of 5 and they’ll be close to one another. Most of those are stacked on top of each other. I’m becoming super familiar with the gun – there’s not all that much recoiling in the footage, I’ve been working on my grip discipline, and I’ve been experimenting with trigger finger placement and trigger pull. As well, due to the minute recoil, and new grip texturing, I’m able to get quick and accurate follow-on shots.

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1911 2011 9mm double-stack double-stacked Fusion Firearms XP Pro

I’m Still Evaluating the XP Pro, But Here Are A Few Video Snippets!

I’m just under 700 rounds through it. At the 1000-round mark, I’ll collect my thoughts and conduct a 1000-round assessment.

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1911 2011 Fusion Firearms XP Pro

Extra Parts For the Fusion XP Pro Are Inbound!

I frequently monitor the Fusion Firearms pages to see if new parts are being stocked.

When checking earlier in the week, I saw that Fusion Firearms had a single sided thumb safety in stock. Sadly, they had none in hard chrome, so I bought the tennifer (black) one. If I find I don’t like the black one, I’ll buy the hard chrome one when it comes back in stock.

Note that this part is $50.

As well, they’ve a new grip module. It’s aluminum and it’s called the Prickle Dot V1. It’s not cheap, at $250. In looking at the pictures and comparing the pictures to my gun’s grip, I feel that FF could’ve done better. They made the side texturing more aggressive, but didn’t put that same texturing on the front or back strap. This is a common thing with gun manufacturers. They always overlook the front and back strap texturing or make it odd (the trend is that they tend to add vertical strips instead of horizontal – horizontal will be better for gripping). I decided to pass on buying the Prickle Dot grip.

Since I passed on buying the new grip module, I went ahead and bought the HandleIt grip enhancement tape for my current grip module. I’d rather not have to tape up the grip, but I want better texturing. While the grip isn’t slippery when I shoot it, if my hands ever get sweaty or dirty, that grip will surely be a challenge to control.

I ordered on 8/12/2025. The parts are on their way but will not arrive until 8/18/2025 (this coming Monday). This weekend, I’ll probably take apart the gun so that it’ll be ready for me to install the thumb safety.

I’m still considering buying the ported barrel but I really think that they missed the mark on that one…the ports are small and more along the sides of the barrel, not the top.

UPDATE (8/19/2025): Below are pictures of the upgrades…

HandleIt Grips, single sided thumb safety, no magwell
HandleIt Grips, single sided thumb safety, no magwell
Single sided thumb safety, no magwell
Single sided thumb safety, no magwell
Categories
1911 2011 9mm double-stacked Fusion Firearms reverse plug XP Pro

I’m Experiencing Some Frustrations With The Fusion Firearms XP Pro

I’ve owned the Fusion Firearms XP Pro a few months now. I’ve a little under 500 rounds through it. I’ve been focusing on being familar with my EDC, the Prodigy DS Compact, which is why the round count on the XP Pro is rather low.

I shot the XP Pro a few days ago and while it still shoots good and there have been no failures, there are frustrations.

The frustrations come with disassembling the gun. A simple field strip is not a simple as other guns. Firstly, the gun requires a take-down tool (a paper clip will do). I’m familiar with using such tools and take-down on other 1911s are simple but, again, it’s not simple with the XP Pro. My XP Pro has a reverse plug that can’t be removed by hand. Each time I’ve to disassemble it, I’ve to use a punch to remove the reverse plug. I shouldn’t have to do that and I’ve never seen a 1911 that requires such a thing. I understand that gun makers sometimes want their gun’s fitment to be tight, but there’s really nothing to gain with a reverse plug being so tight that a mallet is required for removal. And, no, I do not want to have to refit that part (that’ll be a pain in the ass). I honestly don’t think that part should be that tight.

As well, I’m currently unable to remove the firing pin retaining plate. This is another item that is far too tight. I’ve tried twice to remove it and was unsuccessful each time I tried. This item is tricky to remove when the plate is so tight, because you’ve to push in the firing pin before trying to tap out the plate with a punch. Fusion Firearms has a video demonstrating how to remove a tight plate. Again, I’ve no idea why that part is so tight. I’ve never run into this issue in the past with my other 1911s/2011s. In my opinion, it shouldn’t be that tight.

Now, the firing pin retaining plate is not going to be removed all that often, so I can deal with the difficulty in removing it since it won’t be removed often, but the fact that I had to seek out a video to do such a simple thing as removing the damned plate…that’s frustrating.

What’s even more frustrating is that I’ve to use a hammer and punch to remove the reverse plug. If I’m at the range and have to field strip the gun, the tight reverse plug is a show-stopper – I’d have to wait until I got home, as I’m not going to start carrying a hammer and punch in my range bag, just for this gun (as a just-in-case).

Another thing is that I’ve noticed the chrome coating flaking off in places (most of it being along the areas where the frame and slide meet. It doesn’t appear as if it’s being rubbed off via friction…it’s flat-out just flaking without any other obvious catalyst.

As well, the chrome coating is browning on the underside of the slide and underside of the dust cover.

None of what I listed above causes the gun to fail. As far as function goes, the gun is functioning. That’s good, but the other things need to be addressed, in my opinion.

Once I reach 1000 rounds through the gun, I’ll publish a video speaking of these issues. If I have to, I can send the gun back to Fusion to see if they can make those parts easier to remove (and to see what they say about the chrome browning and flaking).

UPDATE (6/16/2025): I tried to remove the firing pin stop again and was unsuccessful. Again. As well, the stop is starting to deform and I’m not sure if the deformity will affect firing pin functionality. I did a search, searching for “firing pin stop removal tool” and saw that EGW sells a removal tool, so I ordered it. Almost certainly, I’ll have to use a mallet with that tool, as the stop is wayyyy too tight to just slide out by hand. I’m thinking it will arrive by Saturday.

UPDATE (7/1/2025): I was not able to remove the stop plate with the EGW tool. I swear, the plate must have been pressed on. It’s ridiculously tight.