Top 10 Issues with the Sig P320: Common Problems and Owner Concerns

The Sig P320 has become one of the most widely used handguns among civilians, law enforcement, and the military. While its popularity continues to grow, users have reported several problems that can affect its safety and performance.

Understanding the most common issues with the Sig P320 helps owners make informed decisions about maintenance, upgrade options, and safe handling practices. This article will outline the top concerns reported by users and provide a clear overview of what new and experienced shooters need to know.

1) Uncommanded discharges without trigger pull reported

The Sig P320 has faced ongoing reports of firing without the trigger being pulled. Law enforcement officers, military personnel, and private gun owners have claimed that their pistols discharged unexpectedly while holstered or during handling.

A report from the FBI’s Ballistic Research Facility in 2024 reviewed a specific case where a P320 allegedly fired without a trigger pull. The technical evaluation found it is possible for the gun to fire under certain conditions if several safeties fail. This raised concerns about the pistol’s design and real-world safety incidents. Those interested can read more about the FBI report on P320 uncommanded discharges.

Additionally, the P320 has been linked to a number of legal claims from people who said they were injured by unintentional discharges. At least one federal court found SIG Sauer liable in a shooting accident involving this handgun, which created further debate in the firearms community. More details are available in a report on SIG Sauer's liability for P320 safety issues.

Despite these claims, SIG Sauer maintains there is no design defect and disputes that the P320 can fire without a trigger pull.

2) Lever interference issue affecting reliability

Many Sig P320 users have reported problems with the takedown lever. The lever can sometimes interfere with the guide rod, especially during takedown or cleaning. This interference may make it hard to remove the slide or reassemble the gun.

When this happens, it can slow down maintenance. In some cases, users notice extra resistance or awkward movement when trying to operate the lever. This can create frustration for both new and experienced owners.

Any interference in the takedown process could affect confidence in the firearm's reliability. For people who rely on the Sig P320 for work or personal protection, this is an important concern. Some owners have learned to work around the issue, but it does not eliminate the problem.

More information on this lever issue, including user experiences and solutions, can be found in reviews and on community forums like this one on common Sig P320 problems. This issue has led many in the firearms community to look for updates or modifications to prevent the problem from happening.

3) Failures to fire and extract occurring in the field

Failures to fire and extract are commonly mentioned with the Sig P320. These issues can be frustrating when they happen during regular use.

A failure to fire means the gun does not shoot when the trigger is pulled. This problem may happen because of defective ammunition, a dirty firing pin, or issues in the trigger system. Replacing faulty parts or cleaning the internals can help.

Failure to extract happens when a spent casing stays stuck inside the chamber after firing. This can be due to a worn or damaged extractor, weak extractor spring, or buildup of dirt in the chamber. When this occurs, the next round cannot load properly and the gun may jam.

Some users have noticed an increase in failures to fire or extract after shooting several hundred or thousand rounds. Worn extractor claws or weak springs are common reasons for this, and cleaning or replacing these parts is often the fix, as also discussed on SigTalk and GunsAdvisor.

Regular maintenance and proper cleaning can reduce the chance of these malfunctions. Ensuring quality ammunition and checking for worn parts is important for dependable use.

4) Safety concerns lead to rethinking by police departments

Many police departments across the United States have started to question the use of the Sig P320 due to safety concerns. Reports have shown that some officers have been injured after their holstered P320s fired without the trigger being pulled.

Departments in cities like Milwaukee have reported multiple incidents involving unintentional discharges. Some officers faced injuries, and these cases raised alarms among law enforcement leaders. As a response, several departments decided to look for alternative handguns better suited for safety needs.

Worries about possible accidental discharges have sparked internal reviews of firearm policies in many police organizations. Law enforcement groups, like the Fraternal Order of Police, have formally asked Sig Sauer how they are addressing these concerns.

With more reports and lawsuits coming from both officers and civilians, attention on the P320’s safety record is growing. Some departments have already switched to different handguns after reviewing these cases and researching the available options. For more details, see how police departments are rethinking their use of the Sig Sauer P320 pistol and why agencies are questioning its safety.

5) FBI evaluation inconclusive but raises questions

The FBI recently examined the Sig Sauer P320 and documented its findings in a public report. This evaluation focused on accidental discharges that happened without the trigger being pulled. According to the report, one tested M18, which shares its platform with the P320, fired unintentionally during standard use.

The FBI’s tests found that certain movements and handling could potentially disable the internal striker safety. This means that some safety features may not work as designed if specific conditions are met during routine law enforcement duties.

While the FBI did not claim that all P320 pistols are unsafe, the findings suggest that the design could allow for accidental discharge in rare situations. The evaluation has encouraged further scrutiny of the pistol’s safety systems.

This report has prompted agencies and users to think more critically about the risks and review how they handle and carry these firearms. Some departments have reconsidered their policies or suspended use of the P320 while further investigations continue.

6) Drop safety problems addressed in design updates

The Sig P320 had a well-known drop safety problem in early models. Testing and real-world incidents showed the pistol could fire when dropped at a certain angle, especially if it landed on the back of the slide.

This issue was serious enough that Sig Sauer responded with a voluntary upgrade program. The company redesigned certain internal parts to make the gun safer if dropped. They made the updated components available for both new production and older pistols through this program.

Reports indicated that the fix lowered the risk of unintended discharges from impacts. Owners were encouraged to send in their pistols for the upgrade to help prevent accidental firing. Sig Sauer said their changes brought the P320 in line with safety standards.

Even after these changes, some concerns and debate continued about whether the upgrade fully eliminated the issue. However, many users and independent tests reported that the latest design performed better in drop tests. Details about the drop safety failures and the upgrade can be found in articles discussing drop safety concerns with the P320 and the voluntary upgrade program.

7) Lawsuits allege inadequate consumer warnings

Many lawsuits have been filed against Sig Sauer, claiming the company did not give enough warning to users about possible risks linked to the P320. Some owners say the gun can fire unintentionally, even when they did not pull the trigger.

In one case, a jury decided that Sig Sauer failed to properly warn buyers about this danger. The company was held liable in court for not providing clear information about potential accidental discharges with the P320. These lawsuits include reports from law enforcement, military veterans, and civilian gun owners.

Some court documents claim the P320 is more likely to fire by accident compared to similar pistols. Several users argue that if Sig Sauer had warned them about the risk, they might have made a different choice. There is growing pressure on the manufacturer to give better warnings and consider changing the gun’s design.

To learn more about recent legal actions and allegations, see this report on SIG Sauer P320 lawsuits over safety concerns.

8) Reported life-threatening injuries from accidental discharge

Several incidents have been reported where Sig P320 pistols discharged unexpectedly, even when holstered and not touched. Some of these events have led to life-threatening injuries for users, including law enforcement officers.

For example, a police officer was badly hurt when his locked and holstered P320 fired by itself, prompting concerns about the gun's safety. There are reports of multiple similar incidents involving officers across the country.

More than 100 claims have surfaced from people experiencing accidental discharges with the P320. In some cases, victims have suffered serious or even permanent injuries. Lawsuits and news coverage have brought national attention to these situations.

Court cases have ruled against the manufacturer, with juries awarding compensation to some of the injured. Ongoing concerns about accidental discharge continue to affect the pistol's reputation and user confidence.

9) SIG Sauer denies possibility of untriggered firing

SIG Sauer has publicly stated that the P320 cannot fire unless the trigger is pulled. The company has called reports of unintentional discharges "baseless allegations." They argue that the P320 uses several internal safeties to prevent accidental shots.

After concerns were raised by some law enforcement agencies and lawsuits, SIG Sauer responded with a detailed statement. They claim that independent testing and internal reviews show the P320 to be safe. The company also points out that accidental discharges happen with other firearms as well.

According to SIG Sauer, no reliable evidence proves the gun can fire on its own. The manufacturer says the reports are often driven by misunderstandings or individuals looking for financial gain. Legal battles are ongoing, but SIG maintains its position that the P320 is not defective in this way.

More details regarding SIG Sauer's perspective can be found in their public response, such as on The Firearm Blog and statements posted on their official website.

10) Air Force Global Strike Command pulling M18 pistols

In July 2025, Air Force Global Strike Command made the decision to pause the use of all M18 pistols after a fatal incident at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming. The order affected thousands of airmen across the command. This pause was announced soon after new concerns about unintentional discharges related to the weapon.

The M18 is a military version of the Sig P320. Problems with the P320 series pistols had already been discussed for several years, with some reports raising questions about their safety. The incident at the Wyoming base led to an official safety investigation and immediate action by Air Force leadership.

All training and operational use of the M18 stopped until further notice. The decision was intended to ensure airmen’s safety while investigators examined what happened. The issue drew national attention because of the M18’s high profile within the military and public concerns about unintentional discharges from P320-type pistols.

More information about the pause can be found in official statements from the Air Force, as well as detailed news reports, including at Air Force Global Strike Command pauses use of M18 pistol after airman's death.

Understanding the Sig P320 Design

The Sig P320 is a striker-fired pistol known for its modularity and adaptability. It has unique safety features, but certain design traits have led to points of debate and improvements.

Overview of Key Features

The Sig P320 uses a modular frame system. This means the fire control unit can be moved between different grip sizes and slide lengths, letting owners easily customize their pistol. Its striker-fired action gives a consistent trigger pull each time.

A standout feature is the lack of a trigger safety tab commonly seen on other modern pistols like Glock. The P320 has internal safeties, including a striker safety and disconnect safety, intended to prevent accidental discharges if dropped. The standard design does not require a trigger pull for takedown, which can lower the risk of unintentional discharge during cleaning.

The pistol’s polymer frame helps reduce weight. Many models include an accessory rail and interchangeable sights, allowing for further customization. SIG Sauer introduced a voluntary upgrade program to improve drop safety after reports of the gun firing when dropped, leading to design enhancements and updated internal parts. These features and changes have made the P320 popular but also subject to ongoing scrutiny from both civilians and law enforcement. More information can be found in this detailed SIG P320 design overview.

Holster Compatibility Considerations

Holster fit plays a crucial role in the safe carry of the P320. The pistol’s slide and frame dimensions are similar to other duty pistols, so most major holster makers offer models for the P320. However, due to different grip modules, some holsters may not fit all frame sizes equally well.

Selecting a quality holster that fully covers the trigger guard is important for safety. Because the P320 lacks an external manual safety, guarding the trigger from accidental contact during holstering reduces the risk of unintentional discharges. Some holster designs, especially older or soft models, may allow objects to access the trigger, raising concerns about safe carry.

Users should regularly check holster wear, retention, and fit, especially after changing the grip module or adding attachments like lights. This attention to holster compatibility helps address some of the main safety criticisms discussed in community threads about P320 issues.

Maintenance Best Practices

Proper care keeps the Sig P320 running dependably and can prevent many common problems. Key routines like regular inspections, correct cleaning steps, and consistent lubrication extend the firearm’s life and improve safety.

Regular Inspection Tips

Owners should look over the Sig P320 both before and after use. They need to check that the slide, barrel, and frame are free from obvious cracks, unusual wear, or buildup. The trigger and safety parts should feel smooth and move freely.

It is also important to examine parts that often wear out, like recoil springs and pins. If the slide doesn’t lock back, the magazine catch may need attention. Replacing worn or damaged parts on a set schedule helps prevent unexpected malfunctions.

A quick checklist:

• Inspect barrel for obstructions and excessive fouling

• Check slide rails and frame contact points

• Confirm the magazine seats fully and releases easily

Cleaning and Lubrication Guidance

Clean the Sig P320 after every use or after exposure to moisture, dust, or dirt. Disassemble following the manual’s instructions, making sure the chamber is empty first. Use a nylon brush and solvent to clean the barrel and breech face.

Pay special attention to carbon buildup on the feed ramp and locking block. A clean, dry cloth should remove debris from other metal surfaces. Apply a small amount of gun oil to the slide rails, barrel lugs, and any part that shows wear.

Do not over-lubricate. Too much oil can collect dust and slow the slide. Lubricate lightly and reassemble, checking for smooth, even motion when the slide is racked. Proper maintenance ensures the P320 operates reliably and safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Several important questions have come up about the Sig P320 due to reports of accidental discharges, safety recalls, design changes, and legal claims. Issues with the trigger mechanism and takedown lever have gotten attention from gun owners, law enforcement, and the courts.

What improvements have been made to address the discharge issues with the Sig P320?

Sig Sauer updated the P320's internal design after reports that the pistol could discharge if dropped at a certain angle or with enough force. The company introduced a voluntary upgrade program that installs a new trigger, sear, and disconnect safety. These changes lower the risk of unintended firing.

How can I check if my Sig P320 is affected by the recall?

Owners can check their P320’s serial number on Sig Sauer’s website or call customer support. The company provides guidance to see if the pistol qualifies for the voluntary upgrade. All P320s made before August 2017 should be reviewed for possible safety updates.

What steps should I take if my Sig P320 is having problems after the voluntary upgrade?

If the upgraded P320 still has issues like not firing or reliability problems, Sig Sauer recommends contacting their customer service right away. They may suggest shipping the pistol in for inspection or additional repairs. Users should avoid using the firearm until the problem is professionally resolved.

What are the known safety flaws in the Sig Sauer P320, and how have they been rectified?

Key safety concerns included uncommanded discharges without pulling the trigger and takedown lever interference. Sig Sauer claims the voluntary upgrade addresses these by improving the trigger components and adding a mechanical disconnector. These fixes target the main causes identified by test results and user reports.

What legal actions have been taken against Sig Sauer regarding the P320 model?

Sig Sauer has faced several lawsuits from individual gun owners, law enforcement, and government agencies. Plaintiffs allege accidental discharges even after safety updates, as well as injuries from the gun firing without the trigger being pulled. Some cases have resulted in settlements or ongoing litigation.

Has the Sig Sauer P320 been discontinued, and if so, why?

The Sig P320 is still in production as of mid-2025. The handgun remains available in multiple configurations. While there have been calls for a recall or withdrawal due to safety concerns, Sig Sauer continues to sell and support the P320. The company states its current models meet modern safety standards.