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The Sig Sauer P320: Addressing Safety Concerns in 2025
Aug
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When it comes to the Sig Sauer P320 as of late summer 2025, we’re reminded of the saying ‘where there’s smoke, there’s probably fire, which is unfortunate as the 320 has long been one of our go-to carry options, especically as the weather gets colder and we start wearing more layers. The idea that we are hesitant to carry a round chambered is too hard to ignore, which has us reflecting on the 320, and the situation now surrounding it.
At Dirty Bird Guns & Ammo, the Sig Sauer P320 has been a favorite for its modularity, reliability, and versatility, but its safety concerns have become a hot topic among our customers and a point of hesitation for us. This issue has taken center stage following a tragic incident at an Air Force base in July 2025, which, while ruled as user error, remains unclear, though signs indicate causes other than a flaw in the Sig design.
Despite this ruling, the event sparked widespread debate and led many firearms instructors to ban P320s from classes. Although we admire our P320s, we share a reluctance to carry them with one in the chamber, pushing us toward alternatives like the Sig Sauer P365 Fuse and the Glock 19X. This review examines the P320’s strengths, delves into its safety issues, presents Sig Sauer’s firm stance that no current problems exist, and explains why we lean toward other options in August 2025.
Sig Sauer P320 Strengths: A Versatile Powerhouse
The P320’s appeal lies in its Fire Control Unit (FCU), a serialized trigger mechanism that allows users to swap frames, slides, barrels, and calibers from 9mm Parabellum to 10mm Auto to suit roles like concealed carry, duty, or competition. Models like the full size M17 (4.7 inch barrel, 17 rounds), compact M18 (3.9 inch barrel, 17 rounds), XCompact (3.6 inch barrel, 15 rounds), X5 Legion (5 inch barrel, 17+ rounds), and AXG Legion (tungsten infused grip) showcase its adaptability. The P320 XTEN Carry Comp, a 10mm with a compensator, pairs well with holsters for secure carry.
The P320’s striker fired trigger, typically 5.5 to 6.5 pounds, offers a smooth pull with a crisp break and short reset, making it a pleasure to shoot. We’ve found its ergonomics exceptional, with grip modules in small, medium, and large sizes that conform to our hands for a comfortable hold during extended sessions. Chosen by the U.S. Army as the M17 and M18, the P320’s capability is undeniable, and our range sessions confirm its accuracy and reliability through thousands of rounds.
CA Compliant
CA Compliant
The Safety Controversy: A Persistent Concern
Since its 2014 debut, the P320 has faced scrutiny over reports of unintended discharges, with estimates exceeding 100 incidents, including at least 80 injuries, often involving law enforcement officers. Early concerns focused on drop safety issues, with tests suggesting the pistol could fire when dropped at specific angles, particularly if the bore faced upward and the frame and slide hit simultaneously. Critics have highlighted the P320’s internal safety design, noting that the primary safety lock tab, disengaged by minimal trigger movement (as little as 0.075 inches), may leave the gun vulnerable to discharge from external pressure, such as in a warped holster or from an inadvertent trigger brush.
A high profile incident on July 20, 2025, at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming, where Airman Brayden Lovan was fatally shot, reignited these concerns. Initial speculation pointed to the M18 (a P320 variant) discharging without a trigger pull, prompting the Air Force’s Global Strike Command to suspend its use across 33,000 personnel pending investigation. While the incident was ruled as user error, specifically mishandling, with signs indicating causes unrelated to a Sig design flaw, details remain unclear, and no formal charges have been detailed publicly. Despite this ruling, the incident fueled a firestorm, leading prominent firearms instructors at ranges like Gunsite Academy and others to ban P320s from classes, citing the cumulative weight of prior incidents and ongoing lawsuits. Our team has experienced no issues with our post 2017 upgraded Sig Sauer P320s, but the controversy’s persistence, amplified by this event, fuels our hesitation to carry with one in the chamber, a concern not present with other firearms.
Sig Sauer’s Response: A Firm Defense of the Sig Sauer P320
Sig Sauer has steadfastly defended the Sig Sauer P320, asserting in a March 2025 statement that no current issues exist when the pistol is properly maintained and handled. The company declared that the P320 “cannot, under any circumstances, discharge without a trigger pull,” emphasizing rigorous testing by Sig, the U.S. military, and law enforcement agencies worldwide. They highlight a 2017 voluntary upgrade that refined the trigger and added a disconnect to address early drop safety concerns, offered free to owners. Sig argues that reported incidents often result from user error, such as improper holstering or poor trigger discipline, and that negligent discharges are not unique to the P320. In response to the Air Force incident, Sig expressed condolences and confidence in the military’s investigation, offering support to clarify the event.
We respect Sig’s commitment to safety and their proactive upgrade program. Our post upgrade Sig Sauer P320s have performed flawlessly on the range, supporting their claim for controlled use. However, the controversy’s persistence, amplified by lawsuits, social media discussions, and the Air Force incident’s fallout, fuels our caution about chambered carry. Some shooters express similar wariness, even with updated models, reflecting a broader unease in the community.
Alternatives: Sig P365 Fuse and Glock 19X
Given our reservations, we’ve turned to alternatives for everyday carry. The Sig Sauer P365 Fuse, the newest addition to the P365 lineup, has become a standout choice. With a 4.3 inch barrel and 17 round capacity, it balances compact concealability with duty ready firepower. Its striker fired trigger mirrors the P320’s smoothness, and its slim profile and ergonomic grip fit our hands well. We’ve found no similar safety concerns with the P365 series, making it a confident choice for chambered carry, and its reliability in our testing solidifies its place as a top pick.
The Glock 19X has also become our go to option, along with the very proven Glock 17. The Glock 19x combines a full size grip of the Glock 17 with a 4.02 inch barrel, it holds 17 rounds and offers a balance of capacity and concealability. Its trigger, around 5.5 pounds, is less refined than the P320’s but predictable, with a clear reset. The grip, while angular, sits high for control. At 24.8 ounces, it’s lighter than the M17’s 29.6 ounces, easing carry. Most critically, the Glock 19X carries no safety controversy, giving us full confidence to carry it chambered, a decisive factor.
Head to Head: Weighing the Options
Comparing the Sig Sauer P320 M17 to the Glock 19X highlights trade offs. The P320’s modularity is unmatched; we’ve tailored it for various roles by swapping grips and slides, a flexibility the Glock’s backstraps can’t rival. The M17’s grip fills the hand comfortably, with a rounded shape that feels more natural than the Glock’s blockier frame, which can feel sharp during extended use. The P320’s trigger is smoother, with less take up, ideal for precision, while the Glock’s has slight creep but stages well for rapid fire.
The Sig Sauer P320 safety concerns, amplified by the Air Force incident and instructor bans, overshadow its strengths. Despite Sig’s assurances, the ruling of user error in the Wyoming case, and our positive range experience, the fear of carrying it chambered persists, unlike our trust in the Glock 19X’s spotless record. The P365 Fuse offers a compelling alternative within Sig’s lineup, but the Glock’s reliability seals its edge.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Confidence in 2025
The Sig Sauer P320 M17 is an exceptional pistol, with modularity, a superior trigger, and comfortable ergonomics we admire, and our range time proves its accuracy and reliability when maintained. Sig Sauer’s firm stance that no issues exist post 2017 upgrades, supported by the Air Force incident’s user error ruling, carries weight. Yet, the controversy surrounding unintended discharges, intensified by instructor bans and ongoing lawsuits, fuels our hesitation to carry it chambered. At Dirty Bird Guns & Ammo, the Sig P365 Fuse is a strong alternative, but the Glock 17 or Glock 19X, reliable, controversy free, and trusted through our testing, wins out. In August 2025, that peace of mind makes the Glock 19X our choice for carry, outshining the Sig Sauer P320 when doubt lingers.