Tag: 2011

Categories
1911 2011 Fusion Firearms Optic XP Pro

So, I was bored and did this —

I’ve a Viridian RFX45 that I bought a few years ago. I’d tried to fit it to the XP Pro back then but there were issues. To install it, I’ve to stack a plate upon a plate. Luckily, the irons will still co-witnesses through the glass (only just — I can even see the dot on the front iron sight). Oh, and I had a devil of a time finding screws to secure the Acro plate to the Fusion plate.

This particular optic is a closed emitter unit. I haven’t been using it, and it’s better than not using an optic, in my opinion. I do like the 407C’s view port size better, though.

UPDATE (10/19/2026): I went to the range yesterday evening and shot just under 100 rounds through the XP Pro. The Acro plate came loose twice (yeah, it had blue threadlocker applied to it 24 hrs before), so I stopped shooting it. I’ll try Vibratite next – hoping that works, but if not, I’ll look into getting some different screws to secure it (the screws are very small and have very little threading – I’d actually anticipated that they would loosen). Better yet, I may just purchase another optic. The RFX45 did extremely well, though, which is a pity that the plate won’t stay secured to the Fusion Firearms RMR plate.

UPDATE (10/24/2026): Instead of continuing to attempt to make this optic work with the Fusion Firearms 2011s, I decided to just get a Holosun. I was thinking on getting another Cyelee Chameleon but those are a bit more than I’m willing to pay (they are $199). Now, I’ve not tried to fit a Holosun to this, but I’m thinking it’ll work better than trying to fit the Viridian. As well, the Holosun I bought is the 407C (I already have one of them on my carry gun). I bought one earlier in the year, at The Gunshop USA for around $160 (before shipping). I checked to see if they still had them at the same price and they did, so I bought another one a few minutes ago. The link for the 407C is here – you’ve to ask for a price via email and they send it to you within five minutes of asking. The total price with shipping is $188, which still undercuts the Cyelee Chameleon price.

UPDATE (10/30/2026): So, I removed the RFX45, then redid the threads with another type of blue threadlocker instead of the cheap threadlocker that I initially used. I let it cure for 3-4 days, and also ensure the screws were tightened using an inch-lb torque wrench. I also used threadlocker on the side-screw of the optic. I then took it to the range yesterday and shot a box of ammo through it. The adapter plate and optic did not move. I believe I’ve solved the issue. HAH! Now I’ve a 407C that will sit in a box for a while as a hot spare. Yes, I could remove the RFX45 and swap in the 407C, but why remove the RFX45 when it’s now solidly mounted? If/when the optic loosens, I’ll switch out the optic.

Categories
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.

Categories
1911 2011 RIA Rock Island Armory Rock Ultra Tac Ultra

I Asked RIA-USA to Build A 2011-Pattern Firearm!

I checked my email this morning and saw that RIA-USA had sent me a survey. I usually don’t get much from them, but I have bought handgun items from them the past few years.

They basically asked me what gun(s) I had, which I told them. I’ve a Commander-sized TCM that came with 22TCM and 9mm barrels. I’ve a Rock Ultra Commander. I also have a Rock Ultra Government double-stacked 10mm. All three are the slate-gray parkerized variants, which I love. They’re extremely utilitarian but shoot well! I’ve hangups about the 10mm, though, but that’s just me.

They also asked me if I’d had any issues. I explained that I have an issue with the Rock Ultra Commander – the front sight came off and I can not get it back on. I’ve never asked for support, but I may do that soon, as the gun shoots great and I’d like to keep shooting it.

They also asked me what I think they could offer their customer base. While I know they already make double-stacked 1911s, I said I’d like to see an RIA 2011. If Live Free Armory or Tisas could do it, RIA-USA could also do it. I asked them to make a 2011-stype handgun that takes Glock mags – if they did that, I’d definitely buy it. I also stated that it would have to be under $1000.

We’ll see what they do with that suggestion!

Categories
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.

Categories
AF1911-S15 Alpha Foxtrot Attila recoil rod

DPM Systems Recoil Spring Assembly Ordered for the Attila!

Since I had the issue with the Attila where the recoil spring assembly deconstructed itself while at the range, I wanted to purchase a one-piece guide rod system for this firearm.

DPM Systems has a kit for the Alpha Foxtrot S15 and 3.5″ Romulus. It is SKU 1000386 on their website. It’s price is 99 euros, but I also ordered a second set of springs with it, which was an extra 12 euros.

As I ordered from the DPMS website and not a 3rd party vendor, shipping is rather high, as they’re located in Greece. I don’t mind, as I live in VA and there are a lot of US vendors not currently shipping to VA due to the recent batch of tyrannical gun laws.

It’s good that this system comes with six recoil springs. It gives me the opportunity to tune system to the gun. The springs are designed for the S15, not the Attila – the Attila is compensated. I did compare the two OEM recoil spring systems and they’re the same (springs may be different in weight, though), so I’m thinking I shouldn’t have any issues.

Keep in mind that if the OEM recoil spring assembly comes apart again, the gun will still fire. I’ve footage of the failure occurring but the gun not being incapacitated by the rod failure, which is extremely satisfactory.

There was no catastrophic failure. I’m not trying to cover a fault here, but I hate two-piece guide rods – a good firearm should NEVER have a two-piece guide rod, IMO. I wasn’t even aware that the firearm had a two-piece rod until it broke. Awhile back, folks were having similar issues with the Bul Amory SAS II Ultralight’s guide rod, which uses a very similar guide rod.

Categories
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.

Categories
1911 2011 9mm Alpha Foxtrot Attila handgun

The Alpha Foxtrot Attila Now Has Over 1000 Rounds – Video Posted

This video details my ownership experience with the gun thus far.

1082 rounds have been shot out of the gun. There have been no feed/extract issues. There have been no reliability issues whatsoever.

As well, due to YouTube being extremely tyrannical, I’ve taken extra steps to ensure my videos are compliant with their terms of service. Because of that, there’s a banner being depicted when embedding the video into this blog post. This is something I can’t avoid. Apologies.

Below is the Rumble link. Although I’d rather use Rumble (to counter YouTube tyranny), YouTube gets far more traffic. I’ve had little success in getting my Rumble-posted videos to gain traction.

Categories
AIWB Alpha Foxtrot Attila holster Weapon-Mounted Light

I Ordered A Second QVO Tactical “More Discreet” IWB Holster

Yes, I ordered a second holster from QVO Tactical.

Why? I want to try the Olight PL-X weapon-mounted light and my current More Discreet holster will only accommodate the Streamlight TLR-7X.

This particular holster is barebones. Well, not really…as with the first holster, I opted for the metal wing and dual plastic clips, but I didn’t opt for an overlay and also opted to keep the black kydex.

I tried to cut costs, so the holster is somewhat minimal (at $88, with the options I chose).

I also ordered an Olight PL-X – it should arrive tomorrow.

Categories
Alpha Foxtrot Attila Fusion Firearms recoil rod recoil spring XP Comp

My Alpha Foxtrot Attila Now Has Over 1000 Rounds!

Yesterday, I went to the range with a focus to push to 1000 rounds. I wouldn’t have been difficult, as I already had 861 rounds through the gun before yesterday’s range visit.

It how has 1084 rounds through it. There were no fails to feed or extract this range visit, nor with any range visit. The 1084 rounds were error-free.

I didn’t post the information here, but during the range visit previous to yesterday’s, the recoil spring assembly (RSA) deconstructed. I was not aware that the recoil spring rod was a two-piece system and is screwed together. Well, the pieces became unscrewed. I wasn’t even aware it happened because I was focused on the target when shooting. I emptied the magazine and then looked down on the table to see the recoil rod lying on the table. I shoot with a GoPro and, when I got home, I reviewed the footage. The rod popped out but the gun still operated – I was able to finish the magazine without issue.

Does that constitute a failure? No. There was no stoppage and the gun continued to function.

I was able to reconstruct the RSA and applied thread locker to the rod when reassemblying it.

Needless to say, I’m impressed, especially since I’m currently carrying the gun, but I’m still planning to buy a DPM recoil spring assemby to replace the OEM RSA.

Next, I plan to test a 15-round Glock 48 magazine. I just need to buy one online since I can’t find them locally.

So, the goal was to reach 1000 rounds. I’ve achieved that goal, now I need to work on the 1000 round review.

The next gun to push to 1000 rounds will be the Fusion Firearms XP Comp, and that’s going to be fun!

Categories
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 – the XP Pro and the XP Comp. 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.