The SIG Sauer P320 has quickly become one of the most widely used handguns across the U.S. by civilians, law enforcement, and military personnel. However, it’s currently facing significant safety concerns due to multiple incidents of unintended discharges.
Originally, the P320 had a known issue where the gun could fire unintentionally if dropped at certain angles, primarily due to the heavy trigger assembly design. In response, SIG Sauer released a voluntary upgrade in 2017, replacing heavier trigger parts and adding an inertial disconnector to resolve the drop-safety problem.
Despite these changes, reports have continued to surface regarding the P320 firing unintentionally—even while holstered—resulting in more than 100 injuries nationwide. This has raised serious questions about other potential safety flaws, particularly around the pistol’s fully cocked striker system and the lack of an external manual safety, which critics argue make accidental discharges more likely.
Most recently, the United States Air Force Global Strike Command paused the use of its M18 pistols (a military variant of the P320) after a fatal accidental discharge at F.E. Warren Air Force Base. This tragic event intensified scrutiny of the gun’s design.
SIG Sauer insists their firearm is safe and maintains that no independent testing has successfully recreated an unintentional discharge without trigger engagement. Nonetheless, a growing number of major organizations and law enforcement agencies have either paused or reconsidered using the P320 in light of these concerns.
Major Organizations Currently Reviewing or Suspending SIG Sauer P320 Use:
- U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command: Temporarily halted use following a fatal discharge incident.
- Houston Police Department: Joined lawsuits due to injuries from accidental discharges.
- Milwaukee Police Department: Paused usage pending further investigation.
- Stamford Police Department (CT): Suspended pistol use after unintended discharges by officers.
- Virginia State Police: Reviewing potential discontinuation due to ongoing safety concerns.
As investigations and legal actions continue, the safety debate surrounding the SIG Sauer P320 remains unresolved, leaving agencies and users alike closely watching for further developments.
