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Continuing my exploration of quality DS 1911s, better known today as 2011-style pistols, I came across a unique offering: the Fusion Firearms XP Pro. From the moment I saw it, I was drawn to the striking chrome and black finish. It stood out immediately, both visually and physically, when I picked it up off the shelf. The ergonomics felt right, the balance was solid, and the trigger was surprisingly crisp even without a round fired.

At the time, I wasn’t familiar with Fusion Firearms. To add to the confusion, the shop had labeled it as a “Fusion Ermox”. This didn’t help me connect the dots with the actual XP Pro model. I had my doubts. It looked great, but I’d never heard of the brand before. So, I did what I always recommend: stepped back and did my research. Within a few days, I realized this was no generic knockoff—Fusion Firearms had a solid reputation for precision-built pistols. That was all I needed to know. Two days later, I went back and made the XP Pro mine.

Fusion Firearms, Dan Wesson, and the Ermox Collaboration

For those of you that did not already know – Fusion Firearms was founded by Bob Serva, the former president of Dan Wesson Firearms. Dan Wesson is a respected name in the world of precision revolvers and 1911s. Serva was instrumental in revitalizing the Dan Wesson brand before launching Fusion Firearms with a focus on producing high-quality, performance-driven 1911-style pistols at more accessible prices. Today, Fusion operates out of Florida, where it builds firearms and components in-house, earning a reputation for craftsmanship and excellent customer service.

The XP Pro is the result of a collaboration between Fusion Firearms and Ermox Defense, a firearms manufacturer based in Turkey. Ermox handles the manufacturing of the XP Pro and the Ermox X-Fire 9mm pistol, while Fusion oversees the design and development of the platform. The XP Pro is built to Fusion’s specifications and undergoes quality control under their direction, blending American engineering with overseas production capabilities.

This partnership allows Fusion to offer a high-performance pistol that adheres to its design standards while keeping the cost well below that of many domestic competitors. The end result is a pistol that maintains the DNA of the traditional 1911 with modern enhancements and production efficiency, without compromising quality.

Fit, Finish, and First Impressions

The XP Pro impressed me from the very first rack of the slide. Everything felt tight and smooth with no rattling and no drag. The pistol features a beautiful combination of finishes of a Tennifer-treated base with a hard chrome overcoat.

The Tennifer process is known for providing extreme hardness and corrosion resistance, although it is no longer commonly used for firearms manufactured in the United States due to environmental regulations. It remains more prevalent in some European and imported firearms. In fact, it’s quite rare to find a firearm currently available in the U.S. market with a true Tennifer finish, which makes the XP Pro even more unique. The hard chrome overlay on top of the Tennifer adds both durability and visual appeal, but hard chrome itself is also less frequently seen today, replaced in many cases by simpler coatings like Cerakote. In the XP Pro, the chrome not only protects the pistol from wear but gives it a polished two-tone look that immediately stands out.

The checkering on the front strap and mainspring housing is sharp but not abrasive. Grip texture is positive, aided by the G10-style grips. It’s aggressive enough to anchor your hands during fast shooting but won’t tear up your palms during extended range sessions. The undercut trigger guard and extended beavertail safety allow for a high, firm grip that enhances control and recoil management.

Specs and Configuration

The Fusion XP Pro is a 1911-based double-stack pistol chambered in 9mm. Here is how it breaks down:

• Platform: 1911-based double stack
• Caliber: 9mm
• Magazine Compatibility: Glock® 17 magazines
• Construction: All bar stock materials, precision CNC machined
• Magazine Catch: Checkered polycarbonate
• Slide: 4″ Commander length, tri-topped with pro cocking serrations and front vent cuts
• Sights: Novak® compatible combat sights, rear sight mounted on a removable plate for RMR/SRO optics (plate included)
• Trigger: One-piece steel milled trigger made from bar stock
• Barrel: 4″ Clark/Para ramped bull barrel, chambered in 9mm
• Recoil Assembly: One-piece full-length guide rod
• Thumb Safety: Ambidextrous
• Frame: Steel with Picatinny accessory rail
• Grip: Aluminum with chainlink pattern checkered front strap, removable magwell
• Slide Stop: Wide paddle pro slide stop
• Finish: Tennifer® treated base with hard chrome overcoat
• Patent Status: Patent pending design

This build reflects a blend of traditional 1911 control with modern enhancements like red-dot readiness and Glock mag compatibility, offering shooters a lot of value in a premium performance platform. It’s also worth noting that very few 2011-style pistols are designed to accept Glock magazines, making the XP Pro a rare and practical hybrid for those who already own or prefer the widely available Glock 17 mags.

Trigger and Range Performance

Let’s talk about where the XP Pro really shines: the range. The single-action trigger is crisp, with minimal take-up and a short, audible reset. It breaks clean. Fusion states the pull weight is around 3.5 to 4 pounds, but when tested with my Wheeler digital trigger pull gauge, I consistently measured between 3.1 and 3.3 pounds. The trigger remained consistent throughout my range session, allowing for precise and rapid follow-up shots.

I tested the XP Pro at 7, 10, and 15 yards using a mix of range ammunition, including FMJs and a few hollow points in both 115 and 124 grain. Out of 200 rounds, I experienced two failures to eject within the first 50 rounds, but no issues after that. The factory combat sights provide a clear sight picture. However, I temporarily mounted a Holosun HE407C-GR X2 red dot, which performed well during the session.

While the XP Pro is built more for performance than concealment, the recoil impulse is light and extremely manageable. The full-size steel frame adds enough weight to soak up recoil, and the grip geometry makes follow-up shots easy to control.

EDC, Competition, or Collector Piece

Let’s be honest, this isn’t your everyday carry gun. At nearly 40 ounces (2.5 pounds) unloaded, it’s more of a range pistol or competition tool than something you’re going to wear all day. But as a weekend performer, range showpiece, or even an IDPA/USPSA platform, it fits beautifully.

I plan to use it to shoot IDPA on occasion, so I purchased the XP Pro IWB/OWB Tactical holster by UM directly from the Fusion website. The verdict is still out on the holster, as the OWB option has a funky belt strap that replaces the IWB clip. I didn’t find many holster options specifically made for the XP Pro, so for now, this will do.

Where the Fusion XP Pro really shines is in the enthusiast collector space. If you appreciate the heritage of the 1911 and the enhancements found in the 2011 evolution, this pistol offers something unique. It’s not a clone, and it’s not trying to be something it isn’t. It carves its own lane as a precision-built, American-made pistol that is surprisingly affordable for what you’re getting.

Final Thoughts

Adding the Fusion XP Pro to my growing collection of 2011-style pistols was a solid decision. From the first time I noticed it, it stood out with its bold chrome and black design. It is obvious that the Fusion Ermox collaboration was very well thought through, with its thoughtful design, proven materials, and a touch of bold styling coming together in a 2011-style platform. It’s not mass-produced hype, nor is it chasing trends. It’s a purpose-built pistol that offers real performance and visual appeal without breaking the bank.

Worth the Space in Any Collection

From its Tennifer and chrome finish to its crisp trigger and Glock mag compatibility, the XP Pro brings together features you typically find on much higher-priced firearms. While it may not be your go-to EDC due to size and weight. But it does earn its place on the range, in competition, or in a serious collector’s lineup.

If you’re looking to expand your 2011 collection or simply want a unique, high-performing pistol without paying Staccato prices, the XP Pro deserves a serious look. It’s not just another pistol—it’s a statement piece that shoots as good as it looks.