The SIG Sauer P320 is the gun of choice used by the United States military. As you’d expect, it’s a reliable handgun that makes a great choice for beginners and veterans alike. But is it the right pistol for YOU? In this Sig Sauer P320 review, I’ll be looking at every aspect of this famed handgun to help you better determine if it is a good fit for your needs. Just because the Sig Sauer P320 is a popular choice among gun owners doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll like it. We, have Sig P365 review, as well.
So let’s jump right in to see what all the fuss is about.
SIG P320 Review
When you’ve finished reading this review of the Sig Sauer P320 compact, you’ll know whether it’s a hit or miss. I’ll tell you the important things you need to know about this historic handgun so that you can make an educated buying decision. For another classic pistol, you may be interested in our Springfield 1911 Mil Spec review.
So with that, let’s begin by taking a look at the difference between striker and hammer models.
Striker vs Hammer
Striker-fire handguns are the de facto choice among military and police and for good reason. There are a ton of benefits to choosing a striker-fired gun over the older hammer-style pistol.
For one thing, the trigger alone gives you much greater consistency when firing the gun. There are also much better safeties inside of the gun. These are the main reasons that militant groups opt for striker-fired pistols.
Those who have long used hammer-style guns are gradually making the switch to the much more reliable striker-fire. But it’s not just ease of use that makes striker-fire the preferred style of a gun to wield.
The truth of the matter is that striker-fired components are cheaper and easier to make. As is true with most things, it all comes down the almighty dollar. With striker-fire being cheaper to make, they are also easier to mass-produce.
They are easier to assemble, as well, which plays a big role in their ability to be pumped out at a faster rate than that of the hammer-style counterpart from yesteryear.
Sig Sauer was at one time known for its hammer-fired handguns. But with the need to cater to a larger market and make guns as quickly as possible, Sig Sauer is now opting for the striker-fired variation.
Where their past models proudly used hammers in their firing, the newer P320 is updated to make use of the striker-fired method of shooting.
And with this consumers can count on getting a pistol that offers greater quality, better reliability, and easier, more widespread support.
You see, it’s also much easier to service striker-fire handguns. So by investing in a P320, you’re getting improvements all the way around.
General Opinion and Background
I’ve been firing off a lot of different handguns as of late. And my first impression of the Sig Sauer P320 was that it’s a solid performer. But the more time I spent with it, the more I realized that it’s a pistol I could very much use every day.
After having spent a week acclimating myself to the Sig 320, I can safely say that this is a great handgun to own. While I maintain the P320 pistol isn’t quite as solid as, say, a Beretta 92FS, it is a very well-made handgun in its own right.
The construction is very much on point. It feels solid, sturdy, and with plenty of workmanship put into it.
It’s not the beefiest pistol by any means. Quite the contrary. The Sig Sauer P320 Compact is fairly lightweight. This makes it ideal as an everyday carry, unlike the much bigger model we covered in our Sig P220 review.
The price of the P320 compact is on par with similar handguns in its class, too. So you’ll have to weigh your research on the competition against the P320 to help you determine if it’s worth the investment over the other guys.
Let’s move on to some of the features you can expect to find in the P320 pistol. This is an important part of deciding whether this handgun is right for your needs.
Features
As you’ll see in the following features, there’s a lot to like about the Sig P320 compact 9mm. It’s a robust handgun that caters to those looking for a reliable and user-friendly shooting experience.
Is this the right pistol for what you plan on using it for? Let’s read on to find out.
Safety
The Sig Sauer P320 comes with safety features in the trigger bar and firing pin, providing you with a handgun that is safe and secure in its use. It’s just as safe as any of the other offerings from Sig Sauer.
But what separates the P320 compact from other striker-fired pistols lies in its trigger. You see, this handgun comes equipped with a single-piece trigger. It’s true that other pistols make use of a two-piece trigger.
But I found the difference in firing the P320 to be truly remarkable. The trigger is exceptionally smooth in its actuation.
I love the feeling this provides when shooting. If you’re looking for an enjoyable shooting experience, the P320 surely delivers the goods.
I found firing this gun to offer consistency across the board. I can’t recommend it enough for first-time gun owners who are looking for a reliable and well-made handgun. The reset is short, allowing you to fire follow-up shots with little effort.
Fire Control Unit & Caliber X-Change
Perhaps the most unique feature on the Sig Sauer P320 is that its parts can be swapped out using Sig Sauer’s Caliber X-Change Kits. This includes the slide and magazines, giving you a completely new shooting experience.
This allows you to effectively change the gun into a Sig Sauer P320 subcompact, or even to a Sig P320 full-size handgun. By using the Caliber X-Change Kits, you can up the caliber from 9mm to .357.
With the kit, you get a new grip module, upgraded slide, and the necessary magazine in relation to the upgrade kit you’re using. Shooting a Sig Sauer P320 full size in a whole new experience, as is the Sig P320 subcompact.
I have to say, this is a unique concept that works surprisingly well. It’s like getting a brand new gun – all while using the same Sig Sauer P320! You have to wonder if new kits are in the making, as this is a relatively new concept.
The only downside I see here is the price. The Caliber X-Change Kits are pretty pricey. Depending on your needs, you might be better off just investing in a whole new gun and keeping your Sig Sauer P320 the way it is.
It’s true that the Caliber X-Change Kit is the cheaper option. But switching back and forth between the P320 and, say, the subcompact could prove to be more annoying than anything.
This is especially true if you like to use the P320 rather frequently. Not only that, but you have to take into account the cost of buying new magazines for your new Caliber X-Change Kit.
While it’s a unique and interesting concept, it could get pricey really quickly, especially if you find out you like it and want to invest in more kits. If you’re on a tight budget as it is, you’re probably better off just buying a new handgun and keeping your P320 as it is.
But if you have the scratch and can afford it, there’s no denying that the Caliber X-Change Kits will provide you with a lot of fun.
Grip Frames
The great thing about the P320 is that it shares the same grip frames at the P250. With this feature and ability, you can change the grip of the 320 to better suit your tastes for shooting.
And swapping out the grip frame is a breeze. It’s just a plastic housing, so you don’t have to worry about completely disassembling your pistol to make the switch. And since the P320’s serial number isn’t on the grip frame, you can easily order them online without any hassle.
This is a great addition to the P320 that allows you to tinker with different grip frames to ensure that you get the one that feels most comfortable to you. It won’t break the bank, either. So even if you’re on a budget, chances are you can afford to try it.
Integrated Red Dot
Like many other pistol manufacturers, Sig Sauer’s P320 has a place set aside for an integrated red dot. The great thing about the P320 is that it’s available in a special model that sports Sig Sauer’s very own Romeo 1.
Known at the RX, this handgun comes with the red dot preinstalled. It works remarkably well and is a worthy contender on the range.
Accuracy & Reliability
I was blown away by how accurate the P320 is in action. You could easily use this in competitions without missing a beat. I was able to beat some personal bests using the P320 if that’s any indication of how precise it shoots.
With that being said, it did take some time to get used to. The trigger, as great as it is, sports a big curve to it that isn’t easily mastered on your go-around.
That said, it doesn’t take much pressure to actuate, enabling you to fire off several rounds in quick succession without breaking a sweat. Even better, I didn’t notice any stacking taking place with each shot I fired.
If you’re like me, you might want to consider ordering a different grip frame to better adjust the comfort of the pistol. Still, as it is, you can count on getting a very solid shooting experience right out of the box.
Now, while it’s true that the P320 isn’t as well-built as other 9mm handguns out there, it is very durable. If you want to add a gun to your collection that is solid and long-lasting, the P320 is a great addition.
It feels most excellent in hand. There is no part of this pistol that feels cheap, save for the plastic grip frame. But even then, it doesn’t detract from the performance and reliability of the gun.
I shot the P320 countless times throughout my time with it. Not once did it fail in its performance. I like the build quality of this pistol. It consistently delivered accurate shooting during all of my tests.
As long as you take the time to give this gun a proper cleaning and follow up on its regular maintenance, you will find the P320 to provide you with plenty of use and serviceability.
As with any gun, it’s important to properly clean and maintain your investment. Doing so will ensure that you get lots of use out of it.
Don’t let the decision to use a plastic grip frame sway you in your decision to buy the Sig Sauer P320. It’s a finely made handgun that delivers an excellent and safe shooting experience.
Ergonomics
Like other Sig Sauer guns, the P320 definitely has its own unique feel to it. If you’ve ever handled a Sig before and are comfortable with them, you’ll know what I’m talking about.
It’s very comfy to hold and shoot, no doubt about it. Shooters of all shapes and sizes should feel right at home with the P320. The Sig P320 carry-ready design makes it ideal for concealed use.
And that is perhaps the main reason most gun owners will invest in the P320. Its compact design makes it perfect for such use. It’s very comfortable to carry around on your person throughout the day.
I never once had any trouble carrying it. And it’s even better on the range. Its size and weight make it a great shooter, although many experienced shooters will likely want to make adjustments to the grip.
Fortunately, this is easy to do thanks to Sig’s convenient grip frame swapping. Still, right out of the box, you’ll find the P320 to provide you with comfortable shooting and excellent accuracy.
It’s very well-balanced, and this makes it a wonderful addition to your arsenal for a variety of reasons. The P320 is perfect for practicing and improving your accuracy. The feel it has when handling it tells you right away that you’re shooting a well-crafted and polished handgun.
If you’re new to shooting, I believe you will feel safe and comfortable with the Sig Sauer P320. It’s designed with Sig’s touches that make it excellent in use. Give it a try. You won’t be disappointed with your investment.
Quality & Durability
The P320 is very well made, although Sig Sauer did use some plastic in its construction. But don’t let that deter you from giving it a look. This handgun is definitely worthy of your consideration.
I’ll be the first to admit that it isn’t as well-made as some other 9mm pistols. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t a solid gun. The biggest difference you’ll notice is the grip frame. As a piece made out of plastic, you may be led to believe that this gun doesn’t live up to the hype.
But that’s simply not true. I found the plastic frame to work just fine. Never once did the P320 fail me during my time spent with it.
It makes an excellent entry-level gun for someone who is just starting out. Beginners will appreciate its build quality, and veterans will love its accuracy and comfort.
With the proper care and maintenance, the P320 is a pistol that will last you a lifetime. If you take the time to provide it with the proper upkeep, you will find that the P320 makes a great companion in nearly any capacity.
Applications
The Sig Sauer P320 carry-ready handgun is perfect for concealed use. It also makes a great investment for protecting yourself at home or while you’re out and about.
If you just need a pistol for target practice, the P320 is great for that, too. It’s also very suitable for combat use.
As mentioned, there’s a reason this is the gun of choice for the military and police force. It’s grown in popularity ever since and will make a great investment on your part for just about any purpose.
Conclusion
I had a lot of fun with my Sig P320 review, and I’m very pleased with what this gun delivers. It’s a solid gun through and through, with excellent build quality and construction. You can’t go wrong choosing this pistol.
It’s ideal for a variety of uses, ranging from self-defense to combat use. You’re getting a finely-crafted handgun that is sure to serve you well in any capacity.
And with the addition of the Caliber X-Change Kits, there’s no limit to what you can do with this pistol. It boasts all of Sig Sauer’s trademark attributes, providing you with a commendable and respectable pistol that easily lives up to its fame.