Dirty Bird Brand AR-15 PartsPistols
Sig Sauer P320 vs. P320 AXG Carry: Which Is the Best Fit for You?
Oct
Sig Sauer P320 vs. P320 AXG Carry Table of Contents
When deciding between the Sig Sauer P320 vs. P320 AXG Carry, both firearms offer impressive features, but which is the best fit for you? The Sig Sauer P320 is celebrated for its modularity, providing the ability to customize and adapt to various shooting preferences. In contrast, the P320 AXG Carry offers a more refined experience with its aluminum alloy grip, bringing a classic metal-framed feel to a modern design.
This blog will dive into a detailed comparison of these two models, breaking down their design, performance, and customization options. By the end, you’ll understand which Sig Sauer pistol best suits your needs—whether for everyday carry, competition, or range use. Sig Sauer P320 vs. P320 AXG Carry: Which Is the Best Fit for You? Let’s find out!
Overview of the Sig Sauer P320 and P320 AXG Carry
The Sig Sauer P320 is a versatile and modular striker-fired pistol that gained immediate popularity for its innovative design. Introduced in 2014, the P320 was notable for its interchangeable grip modules, allowing shooters to customize the size, caliber, and slide configurations to fit their needs. The pistol comes standard with a polymer frame, making it lightweight and suitable for various applications, from concealed carry to duty use. It is available in multiple sizes, including full-size, compact, and subcompact, catering to different preferences. The P320 also gained recognition when adopted as the basis for the U.S. Army’s M17 service pistol.
The Sig Sauer P320 AXG Carry, introduced later, takes the core features of the P320 but incorporates an aluminum alloy grip module instead of polymer, providing a more robust and classic feel similar to metal-framed pistols. The AXG (Advanced X-Grip) adds ergonomic enhancements, improving the grip and handling for shooters who prefer a more traditional feel. The P320 AXG Carry is designed with concealed carry in mind but retains the versatility for range use and competitive shooting. With factory options like Sig’s X-Ray3 day/night sights and a flat-faced trigger, the AXG Carry offers premium features.
Key Differences in Design and Build Quality
When comparing the Sig Sauer P320 and the P320 AXG Carry, the most striking difference lies in their frame materials and overall build quality. The standard Sig Sauer P320 features a polymer frame, which is lightweight and highly modular. This polymer construction makes it an ideal choice for users looking for a versatile and customizable handgun, as it allows for grip modules to be easily swapped, adjusting the size and ergonomics of the firearm to suit individual preferences. The polymer frame also contributes to a lighter overall weight, making the P320 easier to carry for extended periods.
On the other hand, the P320 AXG Carry stands apart with its aluminum alloy grip module, known as the AXG (Advanced X-Grip). This metal frame offers a more traditional, robust feel, giving the shooter a greater sense of stability and balance in the hand. The aluminum frame adds weight, improving recoil management and providing a firmer, more secure grip during shooting.
Regarding grip texture, the P320 AXG Carry features enhanced ergonomics, with aggressive checkering and grip panels that provide a more tactile, secure hold compared to the P320’s standard polymer texture. This improvement in grip design makes the AXG Carry feel more premium, offering superior control and comfort, especially during rapid-fire or high-stress situations.
Performance and Accuracy: What to Expect at the Range
When it comes to performance and accuracy, both the Sig Sauer P320 and P320 AXG Carry deliver solid shooting experiences, but they cater to different preferences at the range.
The Sig Sauer P320 is known for its modularity and ease of use, making it a reliable performer for shooters of all skill levels. Its polymer frame contributes to a lighter overall weight, making it easier to carry, but it does translate to slightly more felt recoil during shooting. The P320’s overall design, combined with Sig’s excellent trigger system, ensures consistent accuracy. The flat-faced trigger on newer models improves trigger control, resulting in tighter groups, especially for target shooting.
On the other hand, the P320 AXG Carry offers an enhanced shooting experience due to its aluminum alloy frame. The heavier frame helps absorb more recoil, providing greater stability and control. This leads to faster follow-up shots and improved accuracy, especially during rapid fire or for shooters engaged in more dynamic drills. The enhanced grip texture and ergonomics of the AXG Carry also contribute to superior handling, making it easier to maintain a steady aim and consistent accuracy.
Overall, the P320 AXG Carry has a slight edge regarding recoil management and stability. At the same time, the P320 is a well-rounded performer, offering versatility and ease of use for a wide variety of shooting applications.
Features and Customization Options
The Sig Sauer P320 and P320 AXG Carry both offer a range of features and customization options, appealing to shooters who want versatility and performance tailored to their preferences.
The Sig Sauer P320 is celebrated for its modularity, one of its standout features. The P320 utilizes Sig Sauer’s Fire Control Unit (FCU), which is the serialized component of the firearm, allowing shooters to swap grip modules, slide lengths, and even calibers. This makes the P320 a highly customizable platform, letting users configure their pistol for various uses, whether it’s for everyday carry, range shooting, or competition. The P320 is available with a flat-faced or curved trigger, depending on the model, offering flexibility based on shooter preference. Additionally, it comes optics-ready, with many models featuring Sig’s X-Ray3 day/night sights for improved low-light visibility.
The P320 AXG Carry retains much of the same modularity, but its key difference lies in the aluminum alloy frame, which provides a more premium, robust feel. It comes standard with G10 grip panels for better control and added comfort. The flat-faced X-Series trigger offers a crisp, consistent pull, making it ideal for competitive shooting or more precise range work. Like the standard P320, the AXG Carry is optics-ready and comes with X-Ray3 night sights. However, it is often seen as a more premium package out of the box, requiring fewer upgrades for those looking for a refined, high-performance pistol.
Both models have extensive aftermarket support, with countless accessories available, including red dot optics, extended magazines, upgraded triggers, and custom slides, allowing shooters to tailor their firearm to their exact needs.
Which Model Fits Your Needs: Everyday Carry, Competition, or Range Use?
When deciding between the Sig Sauer P320 and P320 AXG Carry, the best model depends on your specific shooting needs, whether for everyday carry, competition, or recreational range use.
For everyday carry, the Sig Sauer P320 offers an advantage with its lightweight polymer frame and compact size options. Its modularity allows you to select a smaller grip and slide combination, making it easier to conceal and more comfortable for all-day carry. The P320’s light weight reduces fatigue during extended wear while still offering excellent accuracy and reliability in self-defense situations.
If you’re focused on competition shooting, the P320 AXG Carry is the better choice. Its aluminum alloy frame offers enhanced stability and recoil control, making it ideal for fast follow-up shots and precision shooting. The X-Series flat trigger and G10 grip panels provide additional control and performance right out of the box, making the AXG Carry competition-ready with minimal upgrades.
For range use, both models excel, but the P320 AXG Carry‘s robust frame and enhanced ergonomics might give it the edge in long shooting sessions. However, the standard P320’s versatility and customizable features make it a solid choice for regular range practice.
Whether you choose, visit Dirty Bird Industries in-store or online to make your purchase and find the best Sig Sauer model for your needs!
Helpful links: https://www.sigsauer.com/firearms/pistols/p320.html