Sig Sauer P320 Review: Modular Design, Military Adoption, and Market Impact

At Dirty Bird Guns and Ammo, the Sig Sauer P320 sits in the rarest of company, dominating the conversation about what is the best modern handgun for most people. For many years, the answer was simple – buy a Glock. Obviously, at Dirty Bird Guns and Ammo, we’ve seen our fair share of firearms come and go over the years. Some make a splash and fade away, while others become staples in the industry. However, few have left as lasting an impression as the Sig Sauer P320. Let’s dive into why this particular handgun has risen to become one of the most respected in the industry, rivaling even the venerable Glock.

The first pistol I ever owned was a two-toned Sig Sauer P226 chambered in 9mm. Even then, in the late 90s, that gun was legendary. So much so, that at the time, I could never have imagined that someday a new 9mm pistol from Sig could take away its venerable position as the arguably the finest modern combat handgun in the world. But here we are in 2024, and we believe there is a strong argument to be made that crown now sits firmly on the Sig Sauer P320. It’s a testament to Sig Sauer’s commitment to innovation and their ability to evolve with the needs of modern shooters.

The Rise of a Legend: Sig Sauer P320

When the Sig Sauer P320 first crossed our counter in 2014, we’ll admit we were intrigued but cautious. After all, the market was already saturated with polymer-framed, striker-fired pistols. But as we’ve learned over the past decade, the Sig Sauer P320 was destined to be more than just another face in the crowd – it was about to redefine what we expect from a modern handgun.

SIG Sauer P320 3.9″ 9mm 15rd Compact Semi-Auto Pistol – Black

$579.99

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A Modular Masterpiece

The Sig Sauer P320’s claim to fame, and what sets it apart from the pack, is its innovative modular design. We’ve seen our fair share of customizable firearms, but the Sig Sauer P320 takes it to a whole new level. The fire control unit (FCU) is the heart of the pistol and the only serialized part. This means our customers can swap out grip modules, slides, and barrels like they’re changing clothes, all without the need for additional paperwork or purchases of complete firearms.

We’ve watched as this modularity has revolutionized how our customers approach their handgun purchases. Law enforcement officers coming into our shop can now have a single FCU and multiple configurations for different duties. Civilian enthusiasts love the flexibility of having a full-sized home defense gun that can transform into a compact concealed carry piece in minutes.

Military Might: The M17 and M18

When the Sig Sauer P320 won the U.S. Army’s Modular Handgun System (MHS) competition in 2017, we knew we were witnessing history. The adoption of the M17 and M18 variants across all branches of the U.S. military wasn’t just a win for Sig Sauer – it was a ringing endorsement of the Sig Sauer P320 platform.

We’ve seen the benefits of this military contract firsthand in our shop. The improvements made for the military versions, such as enhanced corrosion resistance and more durable finishes, have trickled down to the civilian models. It’s not often that the average shooter gets to benefit so directly from military-grade enhancements.

Sig Sauer P320 M18 3.9″ 9mm 10Rd Compact Semi-Auto Pistol

$799.99

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Performance That Speaks Volumes

At Dirty Bird Guns and Ammo, we don’t just sell firearms – we use them. Our range has seen thousands of rounds sent downrange through various Sig Sauer P320 models, and we can attest to their exceptional reliability and performance. The ergonomics are top-notch, with a natural point of aim that many of our customers find intuitive right out of the box.

The trigger on the Sig Sauer P320 is something special. We’ve seen our fair share of mediocre striker-fired triggers, but the Sig Sauer P320’s is crisp and consistent, rivaling some of the best we’ve encountered. It’s no wonder that more and more competition shooters are making the switch to the Sig Sauer P320 platform.

Accuracy is another area where the Sig Sauer P320 shines. In our range tests, we’ve consistently achieved tight groups at distances that would make many other polymer-framed pistols struggle. This level of accuracy, combined with its reliability, makes the Sig Sauer P320 a top choice for a wide range of our customers, from law enforcement to civilian enthusiasts.

Addressing the Elephant in the Room: Early Model Issues

As much as we love the Sig Sauer P320, we can’t ignore the elephant in the room. Early production models faced significant challenges, particularly with “drop safety” issues that could potentially cause the firearm to discharge if dropped at a specific angle. Sig Sauer responded with a voluntary upgrade program, refitting the P320 to make it drop-safe. However, concerns didn’t end there. Reports of unintended discharges have continued sporadically, with some law enforcement agencies removing the P320 from service. As of April 2023, investigations have shown over 100 reported incidents of P320s firing without a trigger pull, resulting in injuries to both civilians and law enforcement officers.

It’s worth noting that Sig Sauer has responded to these claims assertively. They maintain that most accidental discharges involve negligence, that such incidents are not unique to the P320, and that the firearm has been extensively tested and meets all safety standards. Despite years of complaints and litigation, Sig Sauer points out that no one has successfully recreated the claimed phenomenon by demonstrating a P320 firing without its trigger being pulled. At Dirty Bird Guns and Ammo, we believe in transparency. We discuss these past issues and Sig Sauer’s responses with our customers, emphasizing the importance of staying informed about any product recalls or upgrades.

Despite these challenges, the current generation of P320s has proven to be reliable and safe, demonstrating Sig Sauer’s commitment to addressing and overcoming these early setbacks. It’s a sobering reminder of the complexities involved in firearm design and the importance of ongoing safety evaluations in the industry.

Standing Tall Against Glock

In our years of business, we’ve sold countless Glocks. They’ve been the gold standard in polymer-framed, striker-fired pistols for decades. But the Sig Sauer P320 isn’t trying to be a “Glock killer” – it’s carving out its own legacy.

What we’ve noticed is that the Sig Sauer P320 appeals to a different set of preferences. Customers who appreciate modularity, out-of-the-box features, and a different ergonomic feel are drawn to the Sig Sauer P320. The competition between Sig Sauer and Glock has been fascinating to watch, and it’s ultimately benefited our customers by driving innovation in both platforms.

The Sig Sauer P320 vs. Glock Showdown

At Dirty Bird Guns and Ammo, we’re often asked how the Sig Sauer P320 stacks up against industry stalwarts like the Glock 19. Both are exceptional firearms, but they cater to different preferences. The Sig Sauer P320 Compact is slightly larger and heavier than the Glock 19, which can aid in recoil management but may impact all-day carry comfort. Both pistols offer similar capacity, but the Sig Sauer P320’s modularity is a game-changer, allowing for easy customization and caliber changes. There’s also something to be said about the Sig P320 not needing so much customization. For many, the first thing they do with a Glock is start planning upgrades. That’s not really necessary with the P320.

In our experience, out of the box, most shooters prefer the Sig Sauer P320’s trigger and find its ergonomics more intuitive, especially newcomers to the platform. However, the Glock 19 boasts a longer track record of reliability and unparalleled aftermarket support. The Sig Sauer P320 typically comes at a slightly higher price point, but many find the added features and modularity worth the investment. While Glock has long dominated law enforcement contracts, the Sig Sauer P320’s military adoption has significantly boosted its professional credentials.

Ultimately, both pistols are top-tier choices. The Sig Sauer P320 offers more modularity and out-of-the-box features, while the Glock 19 provides a proven track record and extensive customization options through aftermarket parts. At Dirty Bird Guns and Ammo, we’ve seen dedicated fans of both platforms, and we often recommend trying both to see which feels better in your hands. The competition between these two giants has driven innovation in the industry, resulting in better options for all firearms enthusiasts. Whether you choose the Sig Sauer P320 or the Glock 19, you’re getting a reliable, high-performance handgun that will serve you well for years to come.

The Sig Sauer Ecosystem

One aspect of the Sig Sauer P320’s success that we’ve particularly appreciated is Sig Sauer’s commitment to building a comprehensive ecosystem around the platform. From various grip modules and slides to red dot optics and weapon-mounted lights designed specifically for the Sig Sauer P320, we can offer our customers a one-stop-shop for customizing their handgun.

This ecosystem approach has fostered a strong community of Sig Sauer P320 enthusiasts. We’ve seen customers return time and again to upgrade and customize their pistols, keeping them engaged with the platform long after their initial purchase.

Looking Ahead

As we look to the future, it’s clear that the Sig Sauer P320 has secured its place as one of the most respected handguns in our inventory. Its adoption by military and law enforcement agencies continues to grow, and its popularity among our civilian customers shows no signs of slowing down.
We’re excited to see what new variants and upgrades Sig Sauer will introduce. The recent addition of the Sig Sauer P320-XTEN in 10mm Auto showcases the platform’s versatility and Sig’s commitment to innovation.

Conclusion

In our years at Dirty Bird Guns and Ammo, we’ve seen countless firearms come through our doors. But few have made an impact quite like the Sig Sauer P320. Its innovative design, exceptional performance, and the backing of a company committed to excellence have earned it a place alongside Glock as one of the most respected handguns on the market.

Whether you’re a military operator, law enforcement officer, competitive shooter, or civilian enthusiast, the Sig Sauer P320 offers a compelling package that’s hard to ignore. As we continue to stock and sell this remarkable platform, we’re confident that the Sig Sauer P320 will continue to shape the firearms landscape for years to come. The future of handgun design is here, and it’s modular, adaptable, and user-centric – everything the Sig Sauer P320 embodies.