sig sauer p320
Grip photo courtesy of Carrin Welch. P320 photo courtesy of Sig Sauer.
The P320 is Sig’s first striker-fired double-action-only pistol. With its modular design, it is likely the most versatile handgun on the market. There are other guns that offer “modular” options with grip plates, adjustable backstraps, or through conversion kits, but the P320 is truly modular! Everything from the caliber to the trigger can be swapped out, and easily. One of the coolest features of this gun is the interchangeable frames and different grip sizes. This feature takes the well-known quality of Sig and transforms it into a whole new realm of user adjustable variations. After your initial investment in the P320, you can purchase an additional frame for about $50, to allow shooters with different-sized hands or grip requirements to handle it comfortably. Additional grips are available in small, medium, and large. Alternately, if you have a full-size model, you can spend the same amount and get carry-size frame, giving you a smaller version for easier carry. It is available in 9mm, .357sig, and .40 S&W in full, carry, compact, and subcompact sizes. It is also available in .45ACP in full and carry sizes. There are caliber conversion kits available for around $400. The variations aren’t limitless, but they are impressively flexible. I have the P320 Carry in 9mm with a medium grip. Fully loaded, it feels hefty for having a polymer body. It’s possibly a little too hefty for everyday carry for me, but not out of the question. The P320 has some of the look and feel of a traditional Sig, but overall it feels more modern. In true Sig fashion, the bore axis is high, as this is a necessity due to how the trigger is designed. While there are shooters who say that this significantly affects their overall experience in shooting, I have never felt this has any effect on my ability to shoot. I like the stock trigger and night sights, but I know many shooters who are very picky about those things, especially triggers.
There are two stock trigger options: standard and a tabbed version that works like a Glock trigger. I don’t know how readily available this option is and I don’t know anyone who has tried it yet. With the modular trigger group and all of the interchangeability between frames and calibers, this seems like a great gun for trigger-picky people; as the trigger group can stay the same once it’s been dialed in and easily transfer to a another frame. It’s not 100% love fest, though; I have had a couple of minor issues with this gun: The three point takedown system typically makes it very easy to take down and re-assemble. However, initially my takedown lever would only turn about halfway, which meant I couldn’t take the gun apart. I clean all of my own guns and I like to be able to disassemble and reassemble them with ease. I took it to my local range/gun store and one of the guys there was able to get it to turn. There are a few videos online showing the trick, so this must be a common problem with the P320. I am right-handed and shoot with thumbs forward, resting along the side of the gun. The slide catch lever is right where my left thumb usually rests, which presents a problem. I definitely feel the slide catch lever when I am shooting, and after about 30 rounds, it starts to irritate my thumb. It does not affect my ability to shoot, but it’s annoying. As I understand it, this is a known problem and Sig has come up with a replacement part that has a lower profile and many shooters are finding that this fixes the issue. I definitely intend to try it out. The Sig P320 is innovative, ergonomic and truly flexible. The Sig P320’s MSRP ranges from $628-$713. For more information, visit sigsauer.com. - Carrin Welch
subcompact
compact
carry
full
sureshotsmagazine.com | 51