Saga of the Sig Sauer P320

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Michael A Ferber

Michael A Ferber

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It's been close to two years now since Sig brought the P320 to market. Shortly after their introduction, I bought a pair of 320's, a compact for carry and a full size for range shooting. Right out of the box bot performed beyond my expectations. Sig's first striker fire gun was a pleasant surprise.

Then came the Omaha Outdoors BS drop test, indicating that if the gun is dropped at a specific angle it may go off based on their findings. For the record, the P320 met all the ANSI standards applicable to the product. Because of all the superficial BS regarding Omaha Outdoors, Sig decided to offer a trigger upgrade on a voluntary basis, not a recall.

Fast forward, you could have the trigger replaced or not. I didn't, it met all the safety standards required. Anyway, the P320 in any configuration is a superb gun for the money. As accurate as my hammer fire Sigs and at half the price. If there was ever a true Glock killer, it's the Sig P320. Just ask the US Army. 36719785825_68e3e8354e_k (3).jpg 36532782510_34a3168ddb_o (1).jpg
 
Funny, I own and shoot Glocks and Sigs. Both have their +/-. I truly appreciate the simplicity of the Glock, but for me, I can shoot more accurately with the 320. A lot has to do with grip angle, not the quality of the gun.
 
Michael A Ferber said:
...Then came the Omaha Outdoors BS drop test, indicating that if the gun is dropped at a specific angle it may go off based on their findings. For the record, the P320 met all the ANSI standards applicable to the product.
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Sorry, no matter what method or test was used, it certainly wasn't "BS". The gun would fire if dropped a certain way. That it passed the ANSI/SAAMI test isn't germane as the gun WOULD fire if dropped at a specific angle. This indicates fault with the gun design and with the SAAMI test.

It's like saying the drunk driver that drove the wrong way and caused a collision wasn't at fault because he had passed his drivers license test.



Because of all the superficial BS regarding Omaha Outdoors, Sig decided to offer a trigger upgrade on a voluntary basis, not a recall.
Click to expand...
No, it wasn't "superficial BS", but a egg all over the face. SIG screwed up, thinking no one would ever discover what the military did...…..that the design of the 320 allowed it to fire when dropped.



Fast forward, you could have the trigger replaced or not. I didn't, it met all the safety standards required.
Click to expand...
Sorry, but a gun that fires when dropped doesn't meet "all the safety standards". It may have met the SAAMI standard, but now we know that standard is woefully flawed. But keep repeating it if it helps you sleep at night.




Anyway, the P320 in any configuration is a superb gun for the money. As accurate as my hammer fire Sigs and at half the price.
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It IS a great gun.....but SIG isn't a great manufacturer. They knew months before the Omaha Outdoors video that people were getting shot from that design, even the military told them so. Heads should roll at SIG for knowing of the 320 problems and not addressing them immediately.


If there was ever a true Glock killer, it's the Sig P320. Just ask the US Army.
Click to expand...
Fanboism aside, Sig won the contract based on price, not quality.
Believing the 320 is a Glock killer? The market disagrees.
 
I'm a P320 fan. I shoot it by far better than any other full/compact size pistol. I don't keep stuff I don't shoot or need around, so it displaced my Glocks and FNS.

That said, the safety of the gun firing if dropped was concerning. While I think SIG should have called it what it was, a recall, and apologized, they did handle it pretty well compared to some of the other safety issues other manufacturers have had.

Getting the trigger replacement was painless. I had my gun back in just a couple of weeks with a new plastic case and the trigger is even better than it was before. I highly recommend it.

Either way, I find the 320 to be my go-to pistol for most every full/compact size need. I currently have my full size slide on a small size (thinnest) compact grip module to reduce printing and loaded with a 15 round mag. If I am packing a double mag pouch, I keep a 17 and 21 round mag for back up.

I really love this gun.
 
Fiv3r said:
I'm a P320 fan. I shoot it by far better than any other full/compact size pistol. I don't keep stuff I don't shoot or need around, so it displaced my Glocks and FNS.

That said, the safety of the gun firing if dropped was concerning. While I think SIG should have called it what it was, a recall, and apologized, they did handle it pretty well compared to some of the other safety issues other manufacturers have had.

Getting the trigger replacement was painless. I had my gun back in just a couple of weeks with a new plastic case and the trigger is even better than it was before. I highly recommend it.

Either way, I find the 320 to be my go-to pistol for most every full/compact size need. I currently have my full size slide on a small size (thinnest) compact grip module to reduce printing and loaded with a 15 round mag. If I am packing a double mag pouch, I keep a 17 and 21 round mag for back up.

I really love this gun.
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Yeah, why folks stubbornly refuse to get a known flaw fixed, especially one that could kill you or a loved one, for free when the fix improves the trigger pull is beyond me.

I dont like how Sig handled the issue from a PR standpoint, but I do applaud their actions to rectify the faulty design.

The standard 320 offers me nothing over my Glocks, but I do like the feel of the Xframe and specifically the VTac, that one I liked.
 
And a new THR record: the very first post after the OP in a thread about another brand's pistol brings up Glock ... some people just can't help themselves [sigh] ...

I carry another maker's offering for work. But given the choice:
20181015_110351.jpg
 
dogtown tom said:
Sorry, no matter what method or test was used, it certainly wasn't "BS". The gun would fire if dropped a certain way. That it passed the ANSI/SAAMI test isn't germane as the gun WOULD fire if dropped at a specific angle. This indicates fault with the gun design and with the SAAMI test.

It's like saying the drunk driver that drove the wrong way and caused a collision wasn't at fault because he had passed his drivers license test.




No, it wasn't "superficial BS", but a egg all over the face. SIG screwed up, thinking no one would ever discover what the military did...…..that the design of the 320 allowed it to fire when dropped.




Sorry, but a gun that fires when dropped doesn't meet "all the safety standards". It may have met the SAAMI standard, but now we know that standard is woefully flawed. But keep repeating it if it helps you sleep at night.





It IS a great gun.....but SIG isn't a great manufacturer. They knew months before the Omaha Outdoors video that people were getting shot from that design, even the military told them so. Heads should roll at SIG for knowing of the 320 problems and not addressing them immediately.



Fanboism aside, Sig won the contract based on price, not quality.
Believing the 320 is a Glock killer? The market disagrees.
Click to expand...
You really haven't a clue what went down. No lawsuits to settle. You really think Sig is that stupid. Obviously, you dislike Sig so enjoy whatever you shoot.
 
Michael A Ferber said:
You really haven't a clue what went down.
Click to expand...
Then enlighten the forum with your insider knowledge.;)


No lawsuits to settle.
Click to expand...
Horsehockey.
At least three people have been injured and as many lawsuits have been filed against SIG over the 320:
https://www.guns.com/news/2017/08/09/sig-sauer-hit-with-personal-injury-lawsuit-over-p320/
https://theblast.com/sig-sauer-lawsuit-sheriff-deputy/
https://www.news-leader.com/story/n...-sauer-p-320-pistol-dangerous-flaw/601377002/

The fact that you are unaware of these highly publicized incidents makes your knowledge of the 320 problems laughable.



You really think Sig is that stupid.
Click to expand...
Yes, I do.
Sig knew about the problems with the 320 design (from the military) and failed to correct/recall the same design sold on the commercial market.
Sig only responded when Omaha Outdoors threw egg on their face.



Obviously, you dislike Sig so enjoy whatever you shoot.
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Yes, I hate SIG the company, I think they need to replace the leadership that allows such nonsense to happen. Guns are machines, machines break, recalls and fixes occur.....I can excuse that. What cannot be excused is Sig's response, a response that occurred only AFTER people got shot and Omaha Outdoors published their video. Sig will pay millions in settlements 'cause they sure as heck can't afford a jury verdict.

The 320 is a great gun if it didn't fire when dropped.
I own four Sigs (228, 229, 230 & 232) oddly none will fire when dropped. And I enjoy shooting them all.
 
My issue with the drop safety issue wasn't that I really thought it was an issue. I mean, I was concerned, but that was mostly because the universe seems to have it out to bite me in the butt whenever possible.

From a turn around perspective, SIG did alright by me. I filled out the form online. They told me that they would contact me a few weeks prior to them needing my gun back. In the meanwhile I purchased a Ruger American in .45 to carry while the 320 was waiting for the upgrade (which didn't really didnt fit my hands, but that's a another story). I figured it would be 3 to 4 weeks to get the notice then another 3-8 weeks to get my gun back from SIG.

Actually got the notice in just a couple weeks, and I think SIG had my pistol back to me in less than 10 days. I was thinking it would be done first of the year, but i had it back before Thanksgiving. New plastic box, cleaned, and with a SIG sticker.

Once again, safety issue fix aside, I think the new trigger upgrade makes an already great striker fired trigger even better. I'd have it done even if the 320 didn't have a chance to go off if dropped the wrong way.

I really can't complain.
 
Michael A Ferber said:
Then came the Omaha Outdoors BS drop test, indicating that if the gun is dropped at a specific angle it may go off based on their findings. For the record, the P320 met all the ANSI standards applicable to the product. Because of all the superficial BS regarding Omaha Outdoors, Sig decided to offer a trigger upgrade on a voluntary basis, not a recall.

Fast forward, you could have the trigger replaced or not. I didn't, it met all the safety standards required. View attachment 808591 View attachment 808592
Click to expand...

I own two P320's, the RX and a 40/357 Sig and sent them in for the voluntary recall. If you don't, have a ND due to a drop and injure or kill someone, you can expect lawyers to come calling. The recall is free. I'd recommend sending it in.
 
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I've had my vtac 320 for about four months. Came with the updated trigger so never felt the prior version. I like the gun. About 750 love rounds and probably double in dry fire.

Glock vs sig. Meh, not a big deal to me. Shoot what shoots best for you. I'm not used to a glock and they point "off" for me. Could I easily learn it, yes, but my czs,sigs, and springfield point perfect. Again for me.
 
I love my compact P320 in .45acp. It has replaced my 1911s for everyday carry. It’s fairly new with the upgraded trigger. It has smooth edges and carries more comfortably than my 1911s. I use Sticky Holsters for all my carry guns. No failures of any kind after hundreds of rounds of handloaded fmj or with various factory self defense cartridges. It’s my first striker fired pistol.
I think Glocks look ugly.
 
Michael A Ferber said:
dogtown tom, very fitting. And, you have your law degree from where?
Click to expand...

Michael,

I have a law degree and am a former LEO. If you don't want to send yours in for the upgrade don't, but please understand that you are unnecessarily opening yourself up to a lawsuit, or if you were to be sued anyway for a ND, you're giving the plaintiff's attorney additional facts to make you look irresponsible. As I mentioned, the upgrades are done at no charge and the turnaround is generally pretty quick. You lose nothing having them done but avoid potential problems.

Tom

Edit: The other consideration is how you'll feel if you do have an avoidable ND and you injure someone else. That's going to be a tough thing to live with.
 
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TomJ said:
Michael,

I have a law degree and am a former LEO. If you don't want to send yours in for the upgrade don't, but please understand that you are unnecessarily opening yourself up to a lawsuit, or if you were to be sued anyway for a ND, you're giving the plaintiff's attorney additional facts to make you look irresponsible. As I mentioned, the upgrades are done at no charge and the turnaround is generally pretty quick. You lose nothing having them done but avoid potential problems.

Tom

Edit: The other consideration is how you'll feel if you do have an avoidable ND and you injure someone else. That's going to be a tough thing to live with.
Click to expand...
Tom, I really do appreciate your concern, but I have no exposure in owning a virgin 320. I don't carry a 320 and I shoot it sparingly on my own property. Again, thanks for your concerns.
 
I dearly love the feel of the small-grip 320. The other day I went back and held the customized Glock 19 that I left with my ex-wife. Even with the grip frame customized, the stock small-circumference 320 grip is far superior.
 
The P320 is superior to the Glock when it comes to Ergonomics. Does not mean it's a better gun, just a better fit for some folks. Just my 2 cents!
 
Michael A Ferber said:
The P320 is superior to the Glock when it comes to Ergonomics. Does not mean it's a better gun, just a better fit for some folks. Just my 2 cents!
Click to expand...

for you

Apart from the xcarry/VTAC frame I find the 320 uncomfortable, my hands always want to grip higher on the beavertail than it allows. The extended beavertail "x frame" 320s feel about equivalent as a Gen4/5 with medium beavertail backstrap, so good, no better.

M&P, Walther PPQ, VP9, P10c all feel better than Glock for me, not the 320.
 
I have a 320 X5 and like it very much.
I have a Glock and a PPQ. No complaints.
I have an M&P. No complaints.
There are others as well.
They are all just variations on the general theme of a plastic framed, striker fired, pistol.
They are not much more than commodities.
You will probably find that one fits your hand and you like shooting it better than the others.
It may be one that doesn't ring my bell.
That's ok with me.
 
ddc said:
I have a 320 X5 and like it very much.
I have a Glock and a PPQ. No complaints.
I have an M&P. No complaints.
There are others as well.
They are all just variations on the general theme of a plastic framed, striker fired, pistol.
They are not much more than commodities.
You will probably find that one fits your hand and you like shooting it better than the others.
It may be one that doesn't ring my bell.
That's ok with me.
Click to expand...
Agree on all points.
 
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