In 2014, Sig Sauer released their very first polymer striker fired pistols: the P320 series. Despite the continued popularity of their metal-framed, hammer-fired 220 series pistols, the polymer pistol market grows every year, and it was clear that the future could get tough for Sig — especially with law enforcement sales — unless they came up with a modern striker-fired pistol to compete with Glock, Smith & Wesson, and others.
So far, the overall reception of the P320 series has been positive, but somewhat reserved, thanks to Sig’s late entry to the market. I got an early look at the Sig P320 back at SHOT Show 2014 when they were first debuted, but I didn’t get to actually fire one until Sig sent me one of this year’s new P320 Subcompacts in 9mm to evaluate. Lucky Gunner Lounge contributor Jim Grant has also been trying out a 9mm P320, but he’s got the slightly larger compact model. So, we decided to team up for what you might call a “double blind” first impressions Sig review. We didn’t discuss our experiences with the P320s before doing these write-ups, and neither of us read the other’s review until both were written. Some of the parallel conclusions we reached might give the impression that we compared notes in advance, but the reviews were written independently.
Jim’s Review: Sig Sauer P320 Compact
Compact pistols are the most versatile handguns on the planet. Big enough to hold plenty of ammo and small enough to conceal, they are the Swiss army knives of the firearms world. The problem most of them have is bulk. Concealment takes effort, and the grips are too large for small-handed shooters. Since my qualms fall into both categories, I’ve never been comfortable carrying one. And that’s why I was so excited when I saw the advertisement for the SIG P320, with its dehorned appearance and ludicrous amounts of customizability.
Other guns in the past that feature interchangeable backstraps delivered less than impressive results. Since they don’t allow a wide enough range of sizes to fix the ruined ergonomics of handguns whose grips resemble 2x4s. So I was pretty skeptical of the interchangeable frames until I held the medium-sized one.
“It fits!” I cried out like the prince in Cinderella, finally finding his lost love. I can eject mags, drop the slide and fire the pistol without having to rotate the gun in my hand. Out of curiosity, I tried the small size, which wasn’t uncomfortable at all. I could easily use the P320 with that smallest grip installed, but found that my support hand would overlap my firing one a little too much. Though that could just be hands reporting a conflict with my previous muscle memory.
Thus far, I’ve fired about 500 rounds through the gun, and my impression of the pistol has changed slightly. Initially, I thought the trigger was OK, though arguably better than a factory Glock trigger. Now, I feel that after a solid break in period, it has one of the best triggers on a polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol.
Ergonomics aside, the pistol has a slightly higher-than-average bore height which amplifies felt recoil. In the 9mm version tested, this is a non-issue – especially if a shooter it using a grip that properly fits their hands.
The P320 Compact feels like a cross between a VP9, a Glock 19 and an M&Pc; with the best attributes of all three. The only addition I’d like to see made available would be either a frame that doesn’t include a railed dust cover or a rail cover for existing ones. I feel that would make this gun draw easier from concealment, though a quality holster can do much to remedy this.
Hip-shot verdict: the P320 is on par or surpasses all major brands of polymer-framed handguns in terms of functionality, usability and accuracy, and I would argue it has better ergonomics and trigger pull than the vast majority of its competition. I can’t personally think of a striker-fired handgun with a better trigger, though the newest Century TP9SA and H&K VP9 come in a close second. I wouldn’t sell my Glocks to purchase the P320, but if I weren’t already invested in Glock pistols, the P320 is a very attractive option.
Sig P320 Compact Technical Specs
| Barrel Length | 3.9″ |
| Overall Length | 7.2″ |
| Height | 5.3″ |
| Width | 1.4″ |
| Weight (unloaded w/ magazine) | 1.61 lbs (25.8 oz) |
| Sights | SIGLITE Night Sights |
| Action | Striker-fired single-action |
| External Safety | N/A |
| Ammo Capacity | 15+1 |
| Measured trigger pull weight | ~7 lbs |
| Included Accessories | Two 15-round magazines, injection molded paddle holster |
| MSRP | $713 ($628 w/o night sights) |
Chris’ Review: Sig Sauer P320 Subcompact
Since the first P320s hit the market in mid-2014, I had read a few reviews but didn’t really have a ton of personal interest in actually trying one until the subcompact model was released earlier this year. My daily carry gun is a Smith & Wesson M&P compact, and the Sig P320 compact is very similar in size and has the same magazine capacity. There’s been debate over whether Smith & Wesson made the M&P compact too big or too small, but I’ve always found it to be the “just right” size for me, so I was really eager to find out how the P320 Subcompact compared.
Like the M&P9c, the P320 Subcompact has a double-stack 12-round flush-fitting magazine. I use a pinky extension on all of my M&P compact magazines because without it, my pinky doesn’t fit on the grip at all. The Sig P320 Subcompact grip is slightly longer, and has just enough room for me to get three fingers wrapped around the grip, even without the magazine. That said, it’s a precarious thiree-finger grip at best, and I think a lot of shooters are going to be looking for an aftermarket pinky extension for the 12-round P320 mags in order to get a more secure grip.
When I first picked it up, the P320 Subcompact seemed excessively top heavy. The portion of the slide and frame that sit above the hand make it much taller than an M&P or a Glock. It’s not as obvious on the larger P320 pistols, but with the stumpy grip of the subcompact, the slide seems out of proportion.
This might make a minor difference in how the gun carries in a holster, but it seems to have little impact on how the gun shoots. At the range, the P320 Subcompact delivered noticeably less recoil than my M&P9c, which itself has always seemed fairly mild for a small 9mm. Yes, the bore height is taller on the P320, but in my experience, this isn’t always the deal breaker so many people make it out to be. The rule of thumb I’ve come up with is that a low bore height is often an indication of soft recoil, but a high bore height doesn’t necessarily mean the opposite is true.
The trigger on the P320 series is a definite highlight of the design. Sig’s last attempt at the modular polymer pistol concept was the hammer-fired double-action only P250, which cosmetically, is nearly identical to the P320. The P250 has not exactly been received by the market with enthusiasm, partly thanks to the long trigger pull. For many shooters, the advantage of a striker fired action over a hammer-fired pistol is the ability to have a consistent, manageable trigger without the necessity of an external safety. The P320 trigger is a shining example of what a striker fired trigger can be.
Compared to a factory Glock, M&P, or XD, the P320 trigger can best be described as “crisp” with a short travel. The reset is also short and deliberate, making accurate rapid fire very achievable, even with a small pistol like the subcompact model. I measured the weight of the pull at around 7 lbs on my trigger scale and I expect it to lighten up a little more as I get more rounds down range.
Overall, I’ve been impressed with the P320 Subcompact. In fact, if I were to start carrying it tomorrow, the only thing I would change would be the sights (and maybe the aforementioned extended magazine basepad). The pistol I received from Sig is equipped with the serviceable SigLite night sights, but I always prefer to have a bright contrasting color on the front sight like the Trijicon HDs. Despite the P320 being relatively new, there is already considerable aftermarket support thanks to the parts it shares with the existing P250 pistols.
My experience with the P320 series is admittedly limited so far, but I feel comfortable saying that if I was starting from scratch tomorrow, and not already so heavily invested in the M&P platform, I would definitely consider the P320 subcompact as an everyday carry pistol along with a couple of its larger siblings for home defense and other roles.
Sig P320 Subcompact Technical Specs
| Barrel Length | 3.6″ |
| Overall Length | 6.7″ |
| Height | 4.7″ |
| Width | 1.1″ |
| Weight (unloaded w/ magazine) | 1.56 lbs (24.9 oz) |
| Sights | SIGLITE Night Sights |
| Action | Striker-fired single-action |
| External Safety | N/A |
| Ammo Capacity | 12+1 |
| Measured trigger pull weight | ~7 lbs |
| Included Accessories | Two 12-round magazines, injection molded paddle holster |
| MSRP | $713 ($628 w/o night sights) |
Are you a P320 owner? What have been your impressions of the pistol? We’d love to hear your thoughts below.
I own both the P320 Compact and Sub-compact and really like both. I now carry the Sub-compact instead of my Glock 26. The accuracy is incredible and the trigger is great.
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David, how have you found the profile of the sub-compact version compared to the Glock 26? I’m debating moving to the P320 SC, but the width is a concern for me carrying IWB.
The barrels are about the same on both. the grip on the P320 SC is a little longer but not as thick or as big around. Plus the 320 mag holds 12 while the G26 holds 10.
David, Thanks for the quick response. I went to my LGS today and held the P320c. Definitely a better feel and fit for me over the G26. Will try to rent it at my local range before buying, but I was impressed with it nonetheless. Thanks again David…
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I have owned several 9mm subcompact stryker fire pistols. Recently purchased the p320, love this pistol. Has a great trigger, good balance and fired flawlessly the first 100 rnds.
am awaiting for my extended mag which i ordered from sig two days ago. Can’t wait to get back to the range.
I have had the 320C for about 2 month (300 rounds/2 trips to the range), it will soon become my EDC as it is already my favorite range gun. I have been shooting for 30 years, this is my first striker fire. Have have always been a 1911 and P226 guy, well this 320 has help to change my mind. At SD distances it is far more accurate than needed, trigger, balance and ergonomics are all top shelf. I will be ordering a SC Grip Module, looking forward to my next range day.
I own both the Compact and SC P320 and love both. They both have their own FCU and they are different. The newer one has the so called Adverse trigger. everyone is saying the “Adverse” removes the trigger slap. Personally I like the original trigger best as it is flatter and feels lighter. They are both very accurate and have not had a single failure to do anything, even with slow hand racking full rounds and or snap caps. Great gun for sure!
I first bought the Full Sized 320. Great gun but way to big. Traded it in for a 320c and LOVE it. Perfect blend of capacity, carrying, etc. Probably the biggest comment anyone has that shoots it is its the best striker gun they ever have handled.
Looking for a ALS holster for the 320C any suggestions?
Your mom makes a good holder for my gun.
I really like SIG’s stuff. I think most of the stuff they’ve designed is pretty flawless. When we first got the 320 we got the compact and the full size in 9mm. I had read that the triggers were very nice, and they were. I also cannot wait until I have a little excess cash to purchase one of the new legion 226’s. The 320’s sell pretty well. The compact and the carry models go rather quickly when we have them.
I have become increasingly concerned about personal safety as a woman, and am new to firearms. I started out by going to a gun range that offered ladies nights, I attended two and surprised myself – I could actually hit the target with the majority of my shots in the 9 and 10 areas of the target…. that was with a 22 semi auto. I moved up to 380s and tried several and liked a couple but the cost of ammo was quite a bit more expensive. Enter the 9 mm, I wanted something for concealed carry and I tried pistols from Bersa, Beretta, Taurus, S&W and then read about the Sig P290 and was anxious to try it on my next trip to the range, they didn’t have a rental but suggested that I try the P320 subcompact with a warning that it was heavier than anything that I had used before and would probably have a heavier recoil. I fell in love with this pistol, an infant when it comes to shooting a gun, I still placed all 50 rounds in the target. Today I went and the shop had a P290 and I tried it……terrible gun for me, Il’llstick with the P320, everything about shooting it is easy, a nice weight and I can handle the recoil. Apologies that I am not a gun aficionado, but a 5’2″ woman with serious arthritis in my hands who is new to this and determined to be the master of my own defense and I wanted to offer my thoughts. Thanks guys!
I’m glad the P320 is working for you, Michelle. Thanks for sharing your experience!
P320sc is my first Sig. Went to the store just to look and walk out with new addition in my household.
Got it in .40 S&W very manageable recoil. This is my new EDC.
My mother and I started shooting 2 months ago, After shooting and liking both the 250 and 290, and loving them except for long trigger pull on the 250, I purchased the p320 and so far love it, even though it seems a bit heavier than the Glock or S&W of comparable size (tried them all at the range when deciding on gun for me) the Sigs just fit, I consistently shoot within a softball size grouping with the Sig Not just 320 but the 290 and 250 as well, just love the trigger pull now on the 320. I passed my conceal carry with flying colors all shots within the 9 ring
Sig Sauer kills a single stack Glock and how can any one but a fool compare a S&w M&p 9c to a Sig? Lets face facts Glocks are great . Only a fool would try to compare a singe stack to a double stack. Tehy are a different class of gun. Think of the $ factor alone. (Not to mention the ease of takedown and care involved. I can field strip a p230 in 20 seconds-with no double espresso..can you say the same for the other two-? If you said yes you are not truthful.
I love that by changing the lower module you can have essentially a different handgun. I purchased a P320C and can easily convert to a subcompact by switching out the module. Any other manufacturer, you would have to buy another gun. Brilliant idea Sig!!!
Purchased a full size P320 .40 a few months ago as a first sidearm purchase after not shooting any gun for 30yrs. Have a law enforcement pro as a mentor who recommended a few names and after handling several, chose the Sig. Shot it for the first time this last weekend and love it. Maybe just excited about finally getting some rounds thru it but honestly never felt the recoil. I’m right handed but left eye dominant and made the decision to shoot left handed. A good decision for me. Not at all ackward handling it lefty. The mag release was easy to switch around. Super easy to disassemble and clean. Look forward to getting better. Lot’s of great material and references on your site. Much appreciated!