Sig P320 Compact Review: Balanced Performance for Personal Defense

The SIG Sauer P320 Compact is a notable entry in the realm of modern firearms, recognized for its versatility and adopted by various law enforcement agencies and armed forces around the world, including the United States Military. As a modular, striker-fired pistol, it offers users a range of customization options. Its compact design does not compromise on the firearm's performance or capacity, making it an appealing choice for both on-duty carry and personal defense.

The P320 Compact's design allows for easy interchangeability of parts, which provides a personalized fit for different hand sizes and shooting preferences. The availability of various calibers, including 9mm, .357SIG, .40S&W, and .45ACP, as well as different sight options, such as the contrast or SIGLITE Night Sights, underscores the firearm's adaptability. Moreover, the handgun's reliability and ease of maintenance are further accentuated by features like a smooth trigger pull and a simple 3-point takedown process.

Key Takeaways

• The SIG Sauer P320 Compact is a modular handgun favored by law enforcement and the military.
• Its compact form factor is balanced with customizable features and multiple caliber options.
• Reliability, ease of use, and a range of available accessories underscore its practical design.

Overview of the SIG Sauer P320 Compact

In the landscape of compact pistols, the SIG Sauer P320 Compact emerges as a versatile striker-fired option. It stands out for its modularity and its craftsmanship in the 9mm caliber.

Compact Model Features

The SIG Sauer P320 Compact is designed with adaptability in mind, allowing users to change frames, barrels, and calibers with ease. Its defining feature is the serialized fire control unit (FCU), which is the part of the gun considered to be the firearm by law. This feature permits extensive customization. The P320 Compact model typically comes with the following features:

• Caliber: 9mm
• Modularity: FCU facilitates easy swaps for different frames and calibers
• Size: Compact enough for concealed carry
• Magazine Capacity: Varies, but standard mags included

Comparisons With Other Compact Pistols

When compared to other compact pistols such as the Glock 19 or the M&Pc, the SIG P320 Compact holds its ground with a unique blend of features. Each of these pistols is designed with a different user experience in mind, but here are some specifics:

• Glock 19: A staple in the compact pistol market known for its reliability and straightforward design.
• M&Pc: Offers ergonomic grips and is praised for its comfortable handling.
• SIG P320 Compact:
• Striker-fired system with a consistent trigger pull.
• Stands out for its aforementioned modularity.

By examining these features and comparisons, the SIG Sauer P320 Compact establishes itself as a prominent choice for enthusiasts seeking a reliable, customizable, and compact 9mm pistol.

Modularity and Customization

The SIG Sauer P320 Compact excels in flexible design options, enabling users to tailor the pistol to their specific needs. Foremost is its modularity that allows easy interchangeability of parts without compromising on the original functionality and performance.

Grip Modules and Ergonomics

A central aspect of the P320 Compact's modularity is the selection of grip modules. Users can select from different grip sizes and circumferences to ensure the handgun fits comfortably in their hand. Customization is enhanced by interchangeable backstraps which further refine the handling and ergonomics of the pistol.

Caliber and Slide Options

With the P320 Compact, changing caliber options is straightforward owing to its modular fire control unit (FCU). It permits users to switch between various calibers by replacing the corresponding parts. Furthermore, the pistol provides diverse slide options, each sustaining the high standards of SIG Sauer's craftsmanship. This flexibility makes the handgun adaptable for different scenarios and preferences.

Performance and Handling

The Sig Sauer P320 Compact stands out for its modular design which allows for a customizable handling experience. Tailored ergonomics and a smooth trigger mechanism contribute to the reliable performance that suits various user preferences.

Trigger Mechanism and Pull

The trigger system of the P320 Compact offers a crisp, consistent pull crucial for accurate shooting. It's a striker-fired pistol, which means the trigger pull is the same from the first to the last shot, providing a predictable break. This consistency can improve a shooter's confidence and precision.

• Trigger Pull Characteristics:
• Consistency: Remains uniform for every shot.
• Weight: Generally light with a smooth uptake.
• Reset: Short and tactile, beneficial for quick follow-up shots.

Recoil and Shooting Experience

Recoil management in the P320 Compact is generally favorable, attributable to the handgun's smart engineering. Although it has a slightly higher bore axis which could increase felt recoil, many shooters find the recoil quite manageable, especially with the proper grip size.

• Shooting Experience Factors:
• Ergonomics: The grip design, which may feel short and thick to some, affects how comfortably the handgun sits in the hand, thereby influencing the shooting experience.
• Bore Axis: Higher than average, but does not severely impact recoil.
• Sights: The pistol often comes equipped with SIGLITE night sights, which aid in target acquisition and boost shooting performance in low-light conditions.

Handling the P320 Compact can be intuitive for a broad range of users, with the grip and trigger ergonomics contributing positively to the overall shooting experience. The recoil, while perceptible, is mitigated by the pistol's design and does not significantly detract from its performance.

Safety and Reliability

The SIG Sauer P320 Compact is a striker-fired pistol renowned for its built-in safety features and rigorous fire control and takedown procedures. Committed to the high standards of safety and reliability, the SIG Sauer P320 Compact is designed to meet the requirements of both civilian and professional use.

Built-In Safety Features

The SIG Sauer P320 Compact incorporates several safety features aimed at preventing accidental discharges and enhancing user safety. The firing pin safety ensures that the firing pin is blocked, preventing it from moving forward unless the trigger is intentionally pulled. The lack of an external safety lever is compensated by a robust internal mechanism that includes:

• Striker safety
• Disconnect safety

These redundant safety measures are critical components of the pistol's design, ensuring it remains safe to handle when loaded.

Fire Control and Takedown Procedures

The fire control unit (FCU) is the heart of the P320 Compact's modularity and safety. As a serialized component, it houses the internal safeties and allows for:

• Tool-free disassembly
• Safe takedown without trigger manipulation

To disassemble, the user must first remove the magazine and ensure the chamber is clear, then lock the slide back and rotate the takedown lever. This procedure negates the need to pull the trigger, a significant safety feature that eliminates risk during disassembly.

Purchasing and Legal Considerations

When purchasing a Sig Sauer P320 Compact, it is crucial for the buyer to be aware of and comply with all federal, state, and local regulations. This includes understanding age restrictions and varying state-specific gun laws that impact the acquisition and ownership of handguns.

Age Verification and Purchase Restrictions

Federal law mandates that handgun buyers must be at least 21 years old. This age requirement is strictly enforced through various verification processes at the point of sale. Here are the specific steps that usually take place:

• Verification of Age: A government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport, is required to confirm the buyer's age.
• Background Check: The retailer conducts a background check through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to ensure the purchaser is legally eligible to own a firearm.

State Regulations:

• Vary by location and may impose additional purchase restrictions beyond federal law.
• Could include waiting periods, the need for a purchase permit, or mandatory safety training.

Local Laws:

• May place further constraints on magazine capacity or the inclusion of certain firearm features.

Potential buyers should consult their local laws to ensure they meet all criteria and legal obligations before attempting to purchase the Sig Sauer P320 Compact.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following are concise answers to the most common inquiries regarding the Sig Sauer P320 Compact, providing clarity and essential details for prospective users.

What are the key differences between the Sig P320 Compact and the P365 models?

The Sig P320 Compact is designed with modularity in mind, featuring a serialized fire control unit that is swappable with various frames, barrels, and calibers, unlike the P365 which is a micro-compact designed primarily for concealability. The P320 offers more customization options.

Is the Sig P320 Compact considered a suitable option for concealed carry?

Yes, the Sig P320 Compact is considered a strong option for concealed carry due to its compact size and design, which facilitates ease of concealment without sacrificing the handgun's functionalities.

What optic options are available for the Sig P320 Compact?

The Sig P320 Compact supports various optic options as it can be outfitted with a Romeo1 Pro Reflex Sight and is also compatible with the Deltapoint Pro footprint, providing enhanced sighting for users.

What are the barrel length specifications for the Sig P320 Compact?

The Sig P320 Compact features a barrel length of 3.9 inches, which balances concealability with performance and accuracy, making it a versatile choice for various users.

Has the Sig P320 faced any safety controversies and have they been resolved?

The P320 did face safety controversies related to accidental discharges when dropped at a specific angle. Sig Sauer addressed this issue with a voluntary recall and implemented design changes to ensure the handgun's safety.

Are there different caliber options for the Sig P320 Compact, such as the 45acp?

The Sig P320 Compact is available in multiple calibers including 9mm, .40 S&W, and .357 SIG. However, for the .45 ACP, Sig Sauer offers a different version of the P320 given the size of the cartridge.