The Genesis of a Concern
The Original Design Flaw
The P320, introduced to the market as a groundbreaking pistol, was designed around a modular chassis. This meant the serialized component, the fire control unit (FCU), could be easily swapped between different grip modules, slides, and barrels, offering unparalleled versatility. However, this innovative design was, in its initial form, vulnerable in a way that led to the safety questions.
The Fallout and the Fix
The revelation that the P320 could potentially fire if dropped initiated a massive response. The safety concerns were not something SIG Sauer or the public could ignore. The news quickly spread through the firearms community, leading to considerable negative press, and the scrutiny of independent reviewers.
The Validation Through Testing: Scrutinizing the Results
Once the upgrade was implemented, the crucial question was: did it work? The answer came from a combination of testing performed by SIG Sauer and independent evaluations by others. The testing became essential to build confidence that the changes made were a viable solution.
The Fallout and the Fix
The Redesign and Upgrade Process
The response from SIG Sauer was swift, though it took time to fully develop. In August of a certain year, SIG Sauer announced a voluntary upgrade program for all P320 pistols. This upgrade was designed to rectify the drop safety issue.
What the Upgrade Entailed
The heart of the upgrade involved modifications to the trigger and the firing pin safety. The trigger mechanism was redesigned to reduce its movement, while changes were made to the firing pin safety to increase its resistance to inertia. The combined changes were intended to render the pistol drop safe. The goal was simple: to prevent the firing pin from moving forward unless the trigger was intentionally pulled.
Implementation Details and Identification
This upgrade was offered free of charge to P320 owners. It’s a testament to the company’s commitment to addressing the safety issues. The process for receiving the upgrade was straightforward. Owners could send their pistols to SIG Sauer for modification, or they could bring their pistols to a certified gunsmith for the upgrade. SIG Sauer also provided guidance on how to identify whether a P320 had received the upgrade. Pistols manufactured after a certain date incorporated the updated design, and those prior to that date needed the upgrade.
The Validation Through Testing: Scrutinizing the Results
SIG Sauer’s Testing Methods
SIG Sauer, as part of their due diligence, conducted its own drop tests after the upgrade. They tested the upgraded P320 under various conditions, including different drop heights, angles, and impact surfaces. These tests were designed to assess whether the upgraded pistol would fire unintentionally if dropped. According to SIG Sauer, the results of their testing demonstrated that the upgraded P320 was indeed drop safe.
Independent Testing and Results
However, as with any critical evaluation, independent verification was important. It was vital to cross-reference manufacturer-conducted testing with outside analysis. Various firearms reviewers, industry professionals, and testing labs conducted their own assessments of the upgraded P320. These independent tests provided an unbiased assessment of the upgrade’s effectiveness. They provided another layer of analysis.
The Meaning of the Tests
The results of this independent testing were generally positive. While the specifics of the test methodologies varied, many independent evaluators found that the upgraded P320 did not fire when subjected to drop tests that previously caused unintentional discharges. Some testing, of course, revealed some failures. These were primarily in testing that would realistically never occur, such as dropping the pistol from an extreme height onto a surface with perfect alignment. However, the overwhelming conclusion was the upgrade made the pistol drop safe in realistic drop scenarios.
Beyond the Tests: What to Expect from the Upgraded Pistol
Functionality after the Upgrade
Beyond the drop tests, gun owners needed a sense of how the upgrade would affect the day-to-day operation and overall performance of the P320. The changes should have no impact on functionality.
User Feedback and Reliability
One of the primary questions was whether the upgrade would alter the feel of the pistol during normal use. The answer is largely no. The upgrade did not drastically change the way the P320 feels or functions. The primary goal was to address the drop safety issue without compromising the pistol’s other characteristics, like trigger pull. The updated trigger is a slight variant of the prior version.
Durability and Impact on Performance
Another concern was the reliability of the P320. The primary goal of the upgrade was to increase safety, not to compromise reliability. The upgrade was designed to enhance safety without changing the pistol’s inherent reliability. The general consensus among users is that the reliability of the upgraded P320 remained excellent. The pistol continued to perform consistently during live fire exercises.
The Ultimate Question: Is the SIG Sauer P320 Drop Safe Now?
Summary of Key Findings
After years of scrutiny and testing, the primary question remains: is the SIG Sauer P320 drop safe now? The answer is a qualified yes. The upgrade program addressed the original design flaws, and comprehensive testing demonstrates that the upgraded P320 is significantly more resistant to unintentional discharges if dropped.
The Final Verdict
The upgrade has been found to be very successful.
Final Thoughts and Considerations
While no device is 100% foolproof, the P320’s current design has a significant reduction in the risk of accidental firing. The upgrade represents a major step forward in addressing the safety concerns associated with the original design. The result is a pistol with a better safety profile.
Recommendations and Disclaimer
Therefore, if you own a P320, and you are not certain if your pistol has been upgraded, it is strongly recommended that you determine if your pistol has the upgraded components. If it has not, you should arrange for it to be upgraded. This provides confidence in the safety of the firearm.
It’s important to be aware that this information is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional gunsmithing advice. If you have any questions or concerns, always consult with a qualified gunsmith or firearms expert.
The P320, in its upgraded form, is a reliable and capable handgun. With its improved drop safety features, it has become a more secure choice for law enforcement, military, and civilian users alike. The upgrade program demonstrates SIG Sauer’s commitment to addressing the safety concerns and ensuring the long-term viability of their flagship pistol. The improvements, coupled with the company’s response, make the P320 a top choice among many pistol enthusiasts.
The P320’s success is well deserved, and the improvements have made it a safe firearm for all.
