User Panel
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Alright, here we go! Initial impressions on the ACE320 grip module: https://content.invisioncic.com/r270761/monthly_2020_03/7DD7F155-A7E9-4898-AA5A-0BE3D9A63701.jpeg.8d8da077357072c3f59d5c90e3b71072.jpeg https://content.invisioncic.com/r270761/monthly_2020_03/37E0BEB2-DBF4-4AC8-BA7D-51955B4EC1B2.jpeg.88101c1d86d4a4d11ec960b83c3e2856.jpeg The module is very well made and finished with no visible machine marks on the outer surfaces. The weight compared to the stock X-Carry grip module is immediately noticeable, it feels like it weighs about the same as an X-Carry grip + a full magazine. https://content.invisioncic.com/r270761/monthly_2020_03/C3BCB03B-136F-4C0F-9051-CC9FF3772652.jpeg.74a738dbd071029dc09139283b6572a2.jpeg https://content.invisioncic.com/r270761/monthly_2020_03/8A6B249B-440F-4F69-84E5-74EF1B0FFDCD.jpeg.5c554f875c68b4df1b63553788d284f9.jpeg The tolerances are quite tight but not unreasonably - It takes a bit more effort to get the FCU fully seated and the takedown lever is tighter to insert and manipulate. Everything installs in a very reassuringly sturdy manner. https://content.invisioncic.com/r270761/monthly_2020_03/4D78FDDA-B8EE-45F0-AC2A-260260FA81C5.jpeg.9c5cf10c05bbe3bf7cf5d24ece216df9.jpeg When holding the grip, a few things become immediately apparent. The texture is grippy enough, but unfortunately no more so than the standard polymer grip module (it’s certainly no 2011 micropocket grip texture). If you’re looking at using this grip module for a competition pistol and want maximum grippyness, I’d recommend buying the Blank version that comes with a completely smooth grip and allows you to either machine or laser-engrave your own texture, or provides for a perfect blank surface to apply grip tape or silicone carbide. The rear beavertail area is slightly thinner on the ACE320 grip than the X-Carry, but not as much as I’d personally prefer. Those with larger hands who like the bulk of Sig’s X-Five and X-Carry grips over the standard grip modules will still appreciate the profile of the ACE320. https://content.invisioncic.com/r270761/monthly_2020_03/7DDFC57D-53EF-4D5E-8F64-5D8C831A04B4.jpeg.4aaeff2dd609c2dc2f956da52251247b.jpeg Magazines are a tiny bit sticky going in and out of the grip, which I imagine is at least partially due to the cerakote finish and should improve with use (same thing happened with my Black Multicam cerakoted X-Carry grip when it was new). That said, all of my magazines seat easily, drop free even when empty, and lock the slide open on empty as they should. https://content.invisioncic.com/r270761/monthly_2020_03/F5E07016-C8AF-486A-BF1A-76B962FC0CD6.jpeg.0f61338825d0b5690e04c464d190657e.jpeg Some quick things I like; - Quality, tolerances, fit/finish, and function are all on point. Everything fits and works as it should in my preliminary manipulations. - Ergonomics marginally improved over the Sig X-Carry grip. - Extra weight. Gives the pistol an overall more substantial and high-quality feeling in the hand, and will help to absorb recoil when shooting. - More specific to my purposes, but the dustcover area seems to be more than substantial enough and within proper dimensions for installing an optic mount for a non-reciprocating red dot. Some things I don’t like or wish they would have included (much of this is subjective); - Carry proportions. Every aftermarket company producing or developing a grip module for the platform seems to think the Carry variant is the only one on the market. Hopefully true Fullsize and Compact variants will be in development at some point in the future. - Ergonomics could be further improved over the X-Carry with an even thinner beavertail area, better grip texture, etc. - No provision for mounting Sig’s X-Series magwell. I’m not sure why this wasn’t included, one of their earlier prototypes did include this feature and considering it’s as easy as machining two small slots and a screw hole in the bottom of the grip module, it’d be an easy added value. Overall, I’m extremely pleased with this as a first iteration. I’m very excited to see what Icarus Precision does with future improvements as they receive more customer feedback. I should have time to get shooting impressions very soon and will make sure to update everyone further with more use. https://content.invisioncic.com/r270761/monthly_2020_03/8670646B-91EC-4230-950A-CEBD626D7CF2.jpeg.fe840b3d526c7c0f1ce5770adbbf5d0e.jpeg If anyone has any specific questions or requests for pictures that aren’t covered here, feel free to post a request and I’ll do what I can to satisfy your curiosity! View Quote |
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After spending a while watching tv last night and inserting/ejecting an empty mag in the ACE320 module, whatever initial stickiness that was there at first is no longer present. I believe there was just a bit too much friction between the magazine and the grip due to the cerakote, but after a few dozen cycles of inserting and ejecting the magazine those friction points have smoothed out and not only do the magazines drop free, they pop out with authority as with a standard polymer grip module
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Thanks for the info. For your intended use and wanting to solid mount a red dot I can see how this makes sense. For me though I can't see the advantage over something like the WC module. I think something like this will be popular for gun gamers but for a fighting gun I see a lot of down sides. If they made a v2 I'd like to see provisions for a magwell, aggressive texturing on the front and back strap and removable grip panel inserts with multiple options avilable including G10. If they really wanted to impress they could make cut outs along the sides of the frame for G10 panels for a thumbs forward grip or make a mount that works there for gamers who want to solid mount a red dot. They could even make it MLOK compatible. I'd also like to see a true 1913 rail. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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Alright, here we go! Initial impressions on the ACE320 grip module: https://content.invisioncic.com/r270761/monthly_2020_03/7DD7F155-A7E9-4898-AA5A-0BE3D9A63701.jpeg.8d8da077357072c3f59d5c90e3b71072.jpeg https://content.invisioncic.com/r270761/monthly_2020_03/37E0BEB2-DBF4-4AC8-BA7D-51955B4EC1B2.jpeg.88101c1d86d4a4d11ec960b83c3e2856.jpeg The module is very well made and finished with no visible machine marks on the outer surfaces. The weight compared to the stock X-Carry grip module is immediately noticeable, it feels like it weighs about the same as an X-Carry grip + a full magazine. https://content.invisioncic.com/r270761/monthly_2020_03/C3BCB03B-136F-4C0F-9051-CC9FF3772652.jpeg.74a738dbd071029dc09139283b6572a2.jpeg https://content.invisioncic.com/r270761/monthly_2020_03/8A6B249B-440F-4F69-84E5-74EF1B0FFDCD.jpeg.5c554f875c68b4df1b63553788d284f9.jpeg The tolerances are quite tight but not unreasonably - It takes a bit more effort to get the FCU fully seated and the takedown lever is tighter to insert and manipulate. Everything installs in a very reassuringly sturdy manner. https://content.invisioncic.com/r270761/monthly_2020_03/4D78FDDA-B8EE-45F0-AC2A-260260FA81C5.jpeg.9c5cf10c05bbe3bf7cf5d24ece216df9.jpeg When holding the grip, a few things become immediately apparent. The texture is grippy enough, but unfortunately no more so than the standard polymer grip module (it’s certainly no 2011 micropocket grip texture). If you’re looking at using this grip module for a competition pistol and want maximum grippyness, I’d recommend buying the Blank version that comes with a completely smooth grip and allows you to either machine or laser-engrave your own texture, or provides for a perfect blank surface to apply grip tape or silicone carbide. The rear beavertail area is slightly thinner on the ACE320 grip than the X-Carry, but not as much as I’d personally prefer. Those with larger hands who like the bulk of Sig’s X-Five and X-Carry grips over the standard grip modules will still appreciate the profile of the ACE320. https://content.invisioncic.com/r270761/monthly_2020_03/7DDFC57D-53EF-4D5E-8F64-5D8C831A04B4.jpeg.4aaeff2dd609c2dc2f956da52251247b.jpeg Magazines are a tiny bit sticky going in and out of the grip, which I imagine is at least partially due to the cerakote finish and should improve with use (same thing happened with my Black Multicam cerakoted X-Carry grip when it was new). That said, all of my magazines seat easily, drop free even when empty, and lock the slide open on empty as they should. https://content.invisioncic.com/r270761/monthly_2020_03/F5E07016-C8AF-486A-BF1A-76B962FC0CD6.jpeg.0f61338825d0b5690e04c464d190657e.jpeg Some quick things I like; - Quality, tolerances, fit/finish, and function are all on point. Everything fits and works as it should in my preliminary manipulations. - Ergonomics marginally improved over the Sig X-Carry grip. - Extra weight. Gives the pistol an overall more substantial and high-quality feeling in the hand, and will help to absorb recoil when shooting. - More specific to my purposes, but the dustcover area seems to be more than substantial enough and within proper dimensions for installing an optic mount for a non-reciprocating red dot. Some things I don’t like or wish they would have included (much of this is subjective); - Carry proportions. Every aftermarket company producing or developing a grip module for the platform seems to think the Carry variant is the only one on the market. Hopefully true Fullsize and Compact variants will be in development at some point in the future. - Ergonomics could be further improved over the X-Carry with an even thinner beavertail area, better grip texture, etc. - No provision for mounting Sig’s X-Series magwell. I’m not sure why this wasn’t included, one of their earlier prototypes did include this feature and considering it’s as easy as machining two small slots and a screw hole in the bottom of the grip module, it’d be an easy added value. Overall, I’m extremely pleased with this as a first iteration. I’m very excited to see what Icarus Precision does with future improvements as they receive more customer feedback. I should have time to get shooting impressions very soon and will make sure to update everyone further with more use. https://content.invisioncic.com/r270761/monthly_2020_03/8670646B-91EC-4230-950A-CEBD626D7CF2.jpeg.fe840b3d526c7c0f1ce5770adbbf5d0e.jpeg If anyone has any specific questions or requests for pictures that aren’t covered here, feel free to post a request and I’ll do what I can to satisfy your curiosity! |
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https://content.invisioncic.com/r270761/monthly_2020_03/23674D67-E287-4554-B742-2095853E87A9.jpeg.b2de70ed771d9f06a58f281ff38ea9f9.jpeg A head-to-head shooting comparison of RS320B and the modified EVO-RS320 will be happening this week. I’m interested to see how the Icarus Precision grip changes the shooting experience on similar setups... View Quote Side note, I got my Gram engineering 13 coil mag spring and follower today. It completely removed the rattle and failure to feed issue I was having with the 17rnd mags with the TTI +5 extension. I was able to load 23 rounds in the mag but decided to keep it at 22 rounds to make it easier to insert on a closed slide. I ordered two 11 coil springs to replace my compact mags and TTI extensions for my EDC set up from Ben Stogers shop because they were a littlest less exspensive. They never shipped and late Friday night I got an email telling me they were back ordered. Lesson learned I guess. From now on I'm only going to order that kind of stuff from Springer Precision. Just a quick update to the mag thing. I’ve decided to use the +5 extensions on my 21 round mags giving me 27 rounds. At $100 a mag with the mods I just can’t justify that cost to get 1 extra round over the 21 round mags. With the 21 round mag paired with the TTI +5 extension and the Gram engineering 13coil mag spring and follower I can get 27 rounds in the mag. I can actually get 28 but I’m keeping them to 27 because it is easy to load the pistol with the slide closed with 27 rounds. I think I am going to convert my 17 round mags to 20 rounders using the TTI +2 and GE 11 coil follower kit. The 27+1 set up with my X-Compact. My X-Carry is out of service since my slide is out for a project. Attached File |
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Looks good. I'd like the see the other side with the solid red dot mount. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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https://content.invisioncic.com/r270761/monthly_2020_03/23674D67-E287-4554-B742-2095853E87A9.jpeg.b2de70ed771d9f06a58f281ff38ea9f9.jpeg A head-to-head shooting comparison of RS320B and the modified EVO-RS320 will be happening this week. I’m interested to see how the Icarus Precision grip changes the shooting experience on similar setups... What I’m setting up there is as close to an apples-to-apples comparison between the slide-mounted RS320s, with the only variable changed being swapping out the polymer Compact grip module for the metal ACE320 grip module. Once I get the full EVO320 build done though I’ll also do a comparison with the RS320 formula. I suspect I’ll like shooting the frame-mounted optic pistol much better... |
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Quoted: That’s the slide-mounted top end from RS320A, I don’t have the mount installed on the ACE320 grip module yet cause I need to take it to my gunsmith to be drilled and tapped. Should be able to do that soon though. What I’m setting up there is as close to an apples-to-apples comparison between the slide-mounted RS320s, with the only variable changed being swapping out the polymer Compact grip module for the metal ACE320 grip module. Once I get the full EVO320 build done though I’ll also do a comparison with the RS320 formula. I suspect I’ll like shooting the frame-mounted optic pistol much better... View Quote Attached File Attached File |
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The biggest hurdle I see is how do you holster it? I think in the next 10-15 years manufacturers are going to have to re-think slide design. The Laugo Arms Alien type design is where we are headed most likely IMO. This would solve a lot of those issues with holsters and even durability concerns with smaller RDS. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/73787/IMG_7537_JPG-1308009.JPG https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/73787/IMG_7536_JPG-1308011.JPG View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted: That’s the slide-mounted top end from RS320A, I don’t have the mount installed on the ACE320 grip module yet cause I need to take it to my gunsmith to be drilled and tapped. Should be able to do that soon though. What I’m setting up there is as close to an apples-to-apples comparison between the slide-mounted RS320s, with the only variable changed being swapping out the polymer Compact grip module for the metal ACE320 grip module. Once I get the full EVO320 build done though I’ll also do a comparison with the RS320 formula. I suspect I’ll like shooting the frame-mounted optic pistol much better... https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/73787/IMG_7537_JPG-1308009.JPG https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/73787/IMG_7536_JPG-1308011.JPG https://www.phlsterholsters.com/shop/floodlight-owb/ https://www.phlsterholsters.com/shop/floodlight/ Little bit of trimming to clearance the mount and the optic, and good to go for both OWB and IWB carry |
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Yeah those have been available for a while. It’s neat, just never appealed to me personally
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After a bit of consideration and studying what’s currently available on the market, I’ve decided to go a slightly different direction with the barrel and comp setup on the EVO320 project. Movement on that should be happening in the next week - More soon...
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I also have another 1,000 lumen X300U-B on the way, so I won’t have to keep switching out the one on RS320B. I did predict 2020 would be an expensive year...
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Quoted: That thing is all kinds of cool. View Quote I’m quite pleased with the results so far as well. Unfortunately the optic mount is for the moment still just mocked up at approximately where it will end up once the grip module is drilled and tapped, the lockdown order really put a damper on getting it to my gunsmith. Soon though! |
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Thought this would be fitting in here. ACRO plate for DPP footprint for those that are looking for an enclosed emitter option.
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Quoted: Thought this would be fitting in here. ACRO plate for DPP footprint for those that are looking for an enclosed emitter option. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/201131/20200424_142759_jpg-1384344.JPG View Quote The ACRO is a joke. Aimpoint seriously mailed it in when they designed it. |
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Quoted: Thought this would be fitting in here. ACRO plate for DPP footprint for those that are looking for an enclosed emitter option. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/201131/20200424_142759_jpg-1384344.JPG View Quote Very neat! The ACRO doesn’t much appeal to me personally, as I’m not that drawn to closed emitter pistol RDS in general and if I were I’d prefer the features and battery life of the Holosun 509T. But having more options is always nice! |
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After a lengthy delay I’ll be getting the EVO320 to my gunsmith this week for installation of the optic mount, which will make it functional. I’ve got a couple additional parts to add after that before it’s completely finished, but at least it will be in a shootable condition!
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Originally Posted By TrailerTrash556: Right on man. Looking forward to pictures as always View Quote There will be lots of pictures and eventually some shooting video! Unfortunately it will probably be in the hands of my ‘smith for a few weeks before I get it back, sounds like he’s got quite a backlog to catch up on. Since the pistol isn’t in any useable condition until after he works on it anyway though, I won’t mind being without it for a while |
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I was going to say, I suppose under certain conditions it could function indirectly as an extractor, particularly with a stuck case |
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So, umm...How’s the weather where y’all are at?
I swear I’m not getting impatient about getting the EVO320 back. Nope. Not at all... |
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In true fashion to the saying “idle hands are the devil’s workshop”, while the EVO320 is out getting some plastic surgery (metal surgery?) from my ‘smith, I’ve been thinking about different things I could do with this spare FDE grip module I’ve had for a while now. I’m leaning towards the possibility of a RS320 Mini, using a X-Compact as the starting point and utilizing the Parker Mountain Machine Micro compensator. When added to the 3.6” X-Compact slide, the PMM Micro compensator creates an overall length that’s flush with the Compact dustcover: https://www.parkermountainmachine.com/store/p417/PMM_P320__Micro_JTTC_and_Barrel_Combo_.html Curse this fantastically modular and modifiable platform...I am never gonna financially recover from this |
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That sounds pretty damn sweet. Now you have me thinking about that barrel/comp on my Xcompact with a compact Wilson Combat grip module
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Quoted: https://content.invisioncic.com/r270761/monthly_2020_06/3EC4372B-A8BC-4101-A798-B9D136CCF2AE.jpeg.b37cdb9fa3bce6adeff36027d2229494.jpeg In true fashion to the saying “idle hands are the devil’s workshop”, while the EVO320 is out getting some plastic surgery (metal surgery?) from my ‘smith, I’ve been thinking about different things I could do with this spare FDE grip module I’ve had for a while now. I’m leaning towards the possibility of a RS320 Mini, using a X-Compact as the starting point and utilizing the Parker Mountain Machine Micro compensator. When added to the 3.6” X-Compact slide, the PMM Micro compensator creates an overall length that’s flush with the Compact dustcover: https://www.parkermountainmachine.com/store/p417/PMM_P320__Micro_JTTC_and_Barrel_Combo_.html Curse this fantastically modular and modifiable platform...I am never gonna financially recover from this View Quote Interesting. I may look into that, my X-Compact is my new carry gun and that sounds really cool |
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Quoted: PMM’s stuff is well engineered and backed with quantified data. Their method of mounting is a bit more complicated than just set screws or KI’s system, but it allows them to produce wizardry similar to the Agency Arms NOC and Sage Dynamics edition pistols with very little added length with a very effective comp: https://www.parkermountainmachine.com/uploads/4/3/2/7/43273505/s977620473547721020_p417_i3_w640.jpeg View Quote So can I keep my current X-Compact slide? Also is the barrel cut for a loaded chamber indicator that comes with the X-Compact? |
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Quoted: So can I keep my current X-Compact slide? Also is the barrel cut for a loaded chamber indicator that comes with the X-Compact? View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted: Quoted: PMM’s stuff is well engineered and backed with quantified data. Their method of mounting is a bit more complicated than just set screws or KI’s system, but it allows them to produce wizardry similar to the Agency Arms NOC and Sage Dynamics edition pistols with very little added length with a very effective comp: https://www.parkermountainmachine.com/uploads/4/3/2/7/43273505/s977620473547721020_p417_i3_w640.jpeg So can I keep my current X-Compact slide? Also is the barrel cut for a loaded chamber indicator that comes with the X-Compact? That you’d have to ask PMM about, I don’t know the answer personally. I imagine at worst you’d just have to remove the LCI from your X-Compact slide, but don’t take my word for it |
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Quoted: That you’d have to ask PMM about, I don’t know the answer personally. I imagine at worst you’d just have to remove the LCI from your X-Compact slide, but don’t take my word for it View Quote I hate you right now. I was just going to buy a match barrel for my M18 and call it finished but now thanks to you I'm going to be buying PMM barrels and comps for my M18 and X-Compact. |
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