Sig Sauer P320 Review

By Shawn Cooper

I recently acquired one of the new SIG-Sauer P320 striker-fired semi-automatic pistols, a full-size 9mm. I had been looking forward to purchasing this gun since the announcement by SIG. I have always appreciated the build quality and signature durability of the SIG Sauer brand, so much so that I have also acquired the carry edition.

Un-boxing and Initial impression

Out of the box the pistol looks flawless and shows typical top of the line SIG quality. It comes with the medium size frame, two 17 round magazines and an outside-the-waist-band holster.

Break down and cleaning

Simple and safe is the best way to describe the process to field strip the pistol. Lock back the slide turn the slide release lever and remove the slide. No pulling the trigger or other unnecessary steps to take. I have yet to determine if the safety features as described by SIG are a positive or negative, the P320 does feature a unique 5-point safety system:

Striker Safety
Disconnect Safety
3-point Take Down Safety System
Take-down is prohibited without removal of magazine
System prohibits take-down without slide locked to the rear
Rotation of take-down lever allows dis-assembly without tools or trigger manipulation.

On the Range

The pistol feels great in the hand and points very naturally. The grip checkering is aggressive but not overly so. The trigger has a somewhat gritty but short take-up and the brake is crisp with a short over-travel. Is also has a nice tactile and audible reset. The pistol comes with factory night sights which are very bright and all green, making it easy to put the front sight on the target.

It has a relativity low bore axis for a SIG. Accuracy is good as long as I did my part and getting follow up shots on target were easy to manage. I put 300 rounds through the pistol on the initial range trip with a good mix of defensive ammunition and full metal jacket ammunition.

Zero malfunctions! No brass to the face, no failures to feed or eject. One thing that I found un-desirable was that with one of the two magazines the slide failed to lock the rear when the magazine was empty. In addition, when you smartly insert the magazine it sometimes allows the slide to slam forward without pressing the slide lock lever. Competition shooters might call it a feature, but M&P disease might be a better term, as a mentor of mine called it. 😉

Additional features that may go un-noticed

There are a couple features that most won’t notice. The first is what I refer to as combat sites. What I mean by that is the sites give you enough of a ledge to rack the slide one-handed. Whether using your boot or belt to rack the slide, either would work perfectly. This is an important feature to me considering you’re NOT guaranteed both hands are available in a life or death situation. The other feature lies toward the bottom of the grip. For names sake I’ll call it a combat cut out. The purpose of this is to give you leverage to rip the mag out of the pistol due to a “speed bump” or stoppage during a fight for your life. Definitely a couple of combat pistol features often over looked.

Changing grip modules and calibers

The SIG is unique in having a modular grip frame and removable fire control assembly. Soon you’ll be able to order new grip sizes and caliber kits and have them delivered to your door. The actual gun lies in what is called the fire control assembly along with the serial #. To change the grip size, one actually changes the entire polymer frame, which makes the 320 unlike other striker fired pistols where you would only change the back straps. It’s simple and easy to do. We will demonstrate in a video in the near future that will show how it’s done.

You can mix and match calibers, slides and frames. I personally prefer the full size slide on the carry frame. I like the longer barrel for accuracy without the extended grip sticking out for all to see. It’s a well thought out design and it wasn’t necessarily designed for the American market. Some countries only allow for people to own one or two pistols total and with this design they can own multiple calibers and frame sizes for all different shooters. We benefit from this with our love for customization.

Size Comparison

When compared to 9mm pistols by Glock and Smith & Wesson, the pictures illustrate the differences in shape, diameter, and length for each model. They also illustrate the importance of trying the different guns at the range before you plunk down $600 on a new handgun. I found the medium size grip a good fit, you will be able to choose the grip size that fits you.

S&W M&P 9 – SIG P320 Full Size – SIG P320 Carry Edition – Glock 19

SIG P320 Full size versus S&W M&P 9mm

SIG P320 Carry Edition versus S&W M&P 9mm

SIG P320 Carry Edition versus Glock 19

SIG P320 Full size versus Sig P320 Carry Edition

Accessories

According to SIG, the accessories that fit the P250 model such as holsters and magazines should interchangeable with the P320. I would expect that in short order most reputable companies will be making accessories specifically for the P320, so I feel the aftermarket support is there.

Over-all impression

I highly recommend the SIG P320. I need to put a few hundred more rounds through mine before I deem it reliable for carry but there are no problems I can foresee with this high quality design. The pistol was just over $600 out the door which is comparable to other striker fired pistols after adding night sights. Be aware that through August 1^st 2014, SIG has a rebate form to fill out for two free magazines and a pistol bag.

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