P320 OOB ND - A tale of safety & caution

[shootsacanon]

Came across this. Warning Graphic Photo.

how i accidentally shot myself

I've decided to post about this on this forum in the hopes that it will be instructional and maybe a warning to people who, just like me, thought they were the safest guy in the room when it came to handguns. I've been on this forum a long time and considered what speaking about this can bring...

www.gulfcoastgunforum.com

 

[GFB]

That doesn’t look like fun.

 

[Timber Cruiser]

Another P320 thread.

 

[300_whisper]

I’m on that forum. I’m close to the panhandle in Florida. His account and detail was pretty epic.

 

[6Bones]

Interesting counterpoint to these claims.

P320 out-of-battery testing

Conclusion: the SIG Sauer P320 out-of-battery firing narrative is a myth at best, a pernicious lie at worst.

grayguns.com

 

[ReservoirDawg10]

Interesting counterpoint to these claims.

P320 out-of-battery testing

Conclusion: the SIG Sauer P320 out-of-battery firing narrative is a myth at best, a pernicious lie at worst.

grayguns.com

I'm not seeing those address the main issues of the 320 series. Cool, don't run double charged ammo. That goes with all guns. And the 320 IS "duty ammo" rated. The expectation is to safely run said ammo.

Just some more mental gymnastics.

 

[fast306stang]

I’m on that forum. I’m close to the panhandle in Florida. His account and detail was pretty epic.

That bit about trying to even find a hospital was a grueling read. That's AWFUL!

 

[6Bones]

I'm not seeing those address the main issues of the 320 series Cool, don't run double charged ammo. That goes with all guns. And the 320 IS "duty ammo" rated. The expectation is to safely run said ammo.

Just some more mental gymnastics.

I thought it all boiled down to out of battery fire and disconnector distance which appear to be de-bunked by these tests.

Do I have that wrong? I’m not a gunsmith nor have I experienced any issues of any kind with my 320s except how dang expensive the mags and accessories cost…SIG Tax.

 

[ReservoirDawg10]

I thought it all boiled down to out of battery fire and disconnector distance which appear to be de-bunked by these tests.

Do I have that wrong?

Yep. That's only one issue. The more pressing one is..... read any other sig320 article.

 

[6Bones]

Yep. That's only one issue. The more pressing one is..... read any other sig320 article.

I asked Google Gemini and got this.

The Sig Sauer P320 series of pistols has faced several notable issues and concerns, primarily related to unintended discharges.

Here's a breakdown of the alleged problems:

1. Drop Safety Issues and Unintended Discharges:
* Original Design Flaw: Initially, some P320 pistols were found to be capable of firing when dropped at certain angles, particularly with the bore facing upwards. This was demonstrated in a 2017 video by a Texas gun store. The impact could cause the trigger to move rearward due to inertia, leading to a discharge even without the trigger being pulled.
* Voluntary Upgrade Program: In response to these safety concerns, Sig Sauer launched a voluntary upgrade program. This program involved redesigning internal components, including a lighter trigger and other modifications, which reportedly eliminated the drop-fire issue.
* Ongoing Allegations of Uncommanded Discharges: Despite the upgrade, numerous lawsuits have been filed alleging that P320 pistols can still discharge without a trigger pull in various situations, including while holstered. These incidents have resulted in injuries to many individuals, including law enforcement officers.
* Lack of External Safeties: Some argue that the P320's design, particularly the absence of a manual safety or a trigger safety like a "tabbed trigger" found on many other striker-fired pistols (e.g., Glock), contributes to the risk of unintended discharges. Sig Sauer initially designed the P320 with a tabbed trigger but removed it based on unspecified customer preferences.
* Trigger Issues: Owners have reported trigger-related problems such as a gritty or rough trigger pull, failure to reset properly, or a complete failure to fire. These issues can stem from a dirty trigger mechanism, worn or damaged parts, or a misaligned trigger bar.

2. Design and Manufacturing Concerns:
* "Drop-In" Fire Control Unit (FCU): The P320's modular design, featuring a removable FCU, has been cited as a potential area of concern. Some argue that the ease of swapping FCUs between different frames could introduce inconsistencies or safety risks if not done correctly.
* Striker Safety and Sear Spring Issues (Early Models): Older versions of the P320 had potential issues with the striker safety lever and sear springs, which could become entangled, leading to the disengagement of the striker safety and potential unintended firing upon impact. Sig Sauer implemented rolling changes to the FCU design to address these issues.

3. Holster Compatibility:
* Some incidents of alleged uncommanded discharges have been linked to specific holster designs that may inadvertently put pressure on the trigger. It's crucial for P320 owners to use high-quality holsters specifically designed for their model and to ensure proper holstering techniques.

Sig Sauer's Response:

* Sig Sauer has consistently maintained that the P320 will not discharge without the trigger being pulled. They attribute alleged incidents to factors such as improper handling or aftermarket modifications.
* The company has stated that lawsuits claiming the P320 can fire without trigger pull are baseless and motivated by profit or attempts to avoid personal responsibility for negligent discharges.
* They emphasize that the voluntary upgrade program was not a recall acknowledging a defect but rather an enhancement to the original design.

Important Considerations for P320 Owners:

* Check for Upgrades: Owners of older P320 models should check if their pistol has received the voluntary upgrade. This can usually be done by checking the serial number on Sig Sauer's website.
* Use Quality Holsters: Employ reputable holster brands designed specifically for the P320 and ensure proper fit and retention.
* Practice Safe Gun Handling: Adhere to the four rules of firearm safety at all times: treat every firearm as if it were loaded, never point the firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy, keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target, and be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
* Be Mindful of Aftermarket Parts: Exercise caution when installing aftermarket triggers or other components, as they may affect the pistol's safety and reliability.

It's worth noting that while these issues and allegations exist, the Sig Sauer P320 remains a widely used pistol by law enforcement, military units (with specific modifications like a manual safety), and civilians. Many users have had no issues with their P320s. However, the reported problems and ongoing legal battles highlight the importance of understanding the potential concerns associated with this firearm.