Sig Sauer has long been known for producing high-quality firearms, and its P320 model is no exception—at least in terms of popularity. In January 2017, the P320 won the U.S. military contract to replace the aging Beretta M9, beating out Glock, Smith & Wesson, Beretta, and FN. The military adopted two versions: the full-size M17 and the compact M18. By 2020, nearly a million P320s had been manufactured, and in the years since, production has only increased into the millions.
However, controversy has dogged the P320 platform. Allegations surfaced that the pistol was not drop-safe, meaning it could discharge unintentionally if dropped. Reports of unintended discharges—some resulting in serious injuries and deaths—have led to multiple lawsuits. While it is common for gun owners and attorneys to claim a firearm malfunctioned in shooting incidents (consider Alec Baldwin’s widely disputed defense in the “Rust” shooting), the claims against the P320 have been more persistent and legally damaging to Sig Sauer.
One of the key reasons for the P320’s popularity is its modular design, allowing users to swap grip modules, barrels, and slides to customize the gun. Like many modern handguns, it is striker-fired with a polymer frame, making it lightweight and adaptable.
Sig/Sauer recalled the P320s calling them an upgrade, avoiding that incriminating word, RECALL. Many P320s have gone through this process, including some owned by Chicago cops.
The Chicago Police investigating P320 unintentional discharges, involving department members.
Concerns over the P320 resurfaced after several as a result of a dropped P320. This apparently was the catalyst for the department to call officers on a Sunday warning them about the potential hazards. The officers were also told that representatives from Sig/Sauer would be contacting them about the “upgrade“.
These incidents have prompted the Chicago Police Department (CPD) to reconsider its approval of the P320 as an authorized duty weapon. Unlike some departments that issue standard firearms to officers, CPD requires officers to purchase their own duty weapons using their uniform allowance. If the P320 is banned, officers using it would have to replace it at their own expense. No final decision has been made yet, but CPD leadership appears to be leaning toward a ban out of an abundance of caution. If such a ban occurs, this could lead to a domino effect for many other departments that look to Chicago Police for guidance. This is something that Sig/Sauer cannot ignore
Sig Sauer’s Response and the Legal Battles
Sig Sauer has aggressively defended the safety of the P320, insisting that the gun is safe when used as intended. The company is facing multiple wrongful death and injury lawsuits, several of which have resulted in multimillion-dollar verdicts. Additional cases are pending, and the issue is being fought in courts across the country.
The bigger question looming over Sig Sauer is whether the U.S. military will continue its contract for the M17/M18 pistols. If systemic flaws in the design are proven, the government could demand damages, a refund, or even a recall to correct potential safety issues.
For now, Sig Sauer is locked in a battle that will not be settled by words alone. The future of the P320 will likely be determined by comprehensive forensic testing, scientific analysis, and ongoing litigation.
I’ll continue to monitor the situation and report any new developments.
For much more on the P320 check out this link: https://cjtc.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2025-02/Sig%20Sauer%20P320%20Report%20February%202025.pdf
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