The SIG Sauer P320: A Dangerous Delay in Accountability
A History of Known Failures
The SIG Sauer P320 has a problem. And it’s not new. Reports of the pistol discharging without a trigger pull—often when dropped—have circulated since at least 2017. That same year, SIG launched a voluntary upgrade program and the U.S. Army still adopted the weapon, rebranding it as the M17 and M18 for military use.
What followed was a steady stream of lawsuits, injuries, and investigations. Officers were injured during routine draws. Civilians reported spontaneous discharges. And internal documents suggest SIG had been warned about the issues long before the first wave of incidents went public.
The Turning Point: A Tragic Death
In 2025, a U.S. Airman stationed at F.E. Warren Air Force Base was fatally shot—reportedly due to an accidental discharge from a P320. Only now are federal agencies taking real action. ICE and the Air Force’s Global Strike Command have pulled the weapon from service. The Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission has banned it from its facilities.
But it’s too late for the Airman who died. And it’s far too late considering how long this issue has been public knowledge.
From Battlefield to Bureaucracy
Between 2018 and 2020, the Department of Defense began replacing Glock 19s with the SIG P320 across special operations units. It was framed as an upgrade—a modular, adaptable platform for the modern warfighter. But many in the community were skeptical then, and the skepticism has only grown as the lawsuits and incidents piled up.
This wasn’t just a case of growing pains with a new platform. This was a systemic failure to act, even when credible reports and confirmed injuries were stacking up.
SIG's Silence Speaks Volumes
It’s hard not to conclude that this was a calculated decision—one made in a boardroom. Recall the product and eat the cost, or keep selling and hope the lawsuits stay manageable? It seems clear which path they chose. And now they’re paying for it anyway, with settlements and a tarnished reputation.
The death of a 21-year-old service member shouldn’t be what it takes to finally trigger accountability. Yet here we are.
What Needs to Happen Now
The P320 needs to be pulled from circulation—completely. Every agency, department, and distributor should take it off the shelf. Contracts need to be reimbursed. Settlements need to be made. And SIG needs to step up publicly and accept responsibility—not just with a polished statement, but with real change.
Too many people trusted this weapon in good faith. Too many were injured. One is now dead. The timeline of inaction is indefensible.
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Disclaimer:
This blog reflects my personal opinions and experiences and is not legal advice. Always follow your local, state, and federal laws regarding firearms. Get trained. Stay informed. Be responsible. And above all, shoot safe—know your limits, your gear, and your surroundings.
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Jimmy G. responds to the tragic consequences of ignoring years of warnings about the P320.