Alright, here we go! Initial impressions on the ACE320 grip module:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
