Can Your Gun Fire Without You Pulling the Trigger?
If you’ve been anywhere near the firearms world lately, forums, gun counters, or even mainstream news, you’ve probably heard the chatter: the SIG Sauer P320 is under fire. Not just metaphorically, but literally, according to several lawsuits and social media claims.
So, what’s going on? Is the SIG P320 unsafe? Or is this just another case of internet hysteria outpacing reality? As Director of Training here at C2 Tactical, I want to cut through the noise, lay out the facts, and give you a grounded perspective on what this means for shooters, law enforcement, and everyday concealed carriers.
The Timeline of Trouble
The Sig P320 launched in 2014 and quickly became a rising star in the striker-fired world. It won the U.S. Army’s Modular Handgun System contract in 2017, giving it immediate credibility. But shortly after, videos and claims began circulating of the pistol firing when they dropped. SIG responded with a voluntary upgrade program, modifying components like the trigger, striker, and sear.
Fast forward a few years, and lawsuits began stacking up, some from civilians, others from law enforcement officers, alleging the gun discharged without a trigger pull, even while holstered. Some departments pulled the Sig P320 from service entirely. Others doubled down on training and holster selection.
Fact vs. Fear
Let’s be clear: any mechanical device can fail, especially when subjected to abuse or poor maintenance. But modern firearms are designed with multiple layers of passive and active safety. In SIG’s case, the original Sig P320 design lacked a trigger safety tab, common on Glock-style designs, which raised eyebrows early on.
SIG’s voluntary upgrade addressed several of these concerns. Third-party drop tests showed improved safety post-upgrade, and newer models reflect this redesign. Yet, the stigma lingers. And that’s where we need to separate emotion from evidence.
Here’s what’s rarely said: some alleged discharges involved aftermarket modifications, poor holster choices, or unclear chain-of-custody issues. The vast majority of upgraded Sig P320s have never exhibited any such problems under regular use.
A Trainer’s Take
At C2 Tactical, we’ve trained a ton of shooters. The Sig P320 shows up frequently. We’ve never witnessed an unintentional discharge with one at C2. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible, but it does mean the sky isn’t falling.
I’ve seen more issues from cheap holsters, dirty guns, and bad habits than from factory defects. And that’s the takeaway here: gun safety begins and ends with the shooter. Yes, the tool matters, but so does the training. And frankly, if you’re relying on mechanical safety alone, you’re already doing it wrong.
What You Should Do
If you own a Sig P320, here is our advice:
- Check if your gun is part of the upgrade program. If it is, send it in.
- Stick with reputable holsters that fully cover the trigger guard.
- Keep your weapon clean and well-maintained.
- Practice good trigger discipline, every time, no exceptions.
If you’re still unsure, come see us. We’ll walk you through it, no charge.
The Sig P320 controversy makes headlines because “a gun fires on its own” is a terrifying prospect. But beneath the headlines is a more nuanced truth: this isn’t a horror story, it’s a reminder. Train smart. Maintain your gear. Don’t outsource responsibility to the weapon.
At C2 Tactical, we don’t just sell guns, we build competent, confident shooters. If you have questions about the Sig P320 or any platform, come talk to us. Better yet, take a class. You’ll walk away with more than opinions; you’ll leave with skills. Contact our experienced instructors today to schedule personalized guidance, safety assessment, and practical training tailored to your needs and confidence.
C2 Tactical. Train smarter. Shoot better.