If you have been on the range lately or browsing gun forums, chances are you have heard the noise surrounding the SIG SAUER P320. Videos, lawsuits, headlines—some say it is the next great danger in your holster, others claim it is much ado about nothing.
Let us set the record straight. As the Director of Training here at C2 Tactical—and as someone who owns and regularly carries a P320—I want to break this down for our members and the greater firearms community with facts, not fear.
What is the Controversy?
The controversy centers around allegations that the P320 can discharge without a trigger pull, either from being dropped or due to external pressure on the slide or frame. Several lawsuits have been filed by both civilians and law enforcement officers claiming unintentional discharges resulted in injuries. The most widely publicized incidents have occurred outside of a holster, often during the process of reholstering or physical interaction with the weapon.
A Look at the Facts
The P320 did have a drop safety issue when it was first released in 2014. SIG addressed this with a voluntary upgrade program in 2017. That program added internal improvements—lighter trigger, disconnect safety, and reduced mass components—to improve safety.
No law enforcement or military contracts have been canceled over the P320. In fact, the U.S. Army adopted the M17 and M18 (variants of the P320), which have seen rigorous testing.
The vast majority of incidents being litigated involve aftermarket modifications, improper holsters, or unusual stress scenarios. While SIG has settled some lawsuits, this is not an admission of fault—it is a smart legal decision in a complex liability environment.
So… Should You Be Worried?
Here is the short version: If you are using a stock, post-upgrade SIG P320 in a proper holster and practicing good gun handling, your risk is extremely low. Like “slip in the shower” levels of low. That does not mean the controversy is fake—it means the context matters.
Let us not forget: other guns (yes, even Glocks) have had isolated incidents under extreme or negligent conditions. The P320 just happens to be in the public eye now. Combine that with social media and an overly litigious climate, and suddenly you have got YouTube videos claiming your gun is a ticking time bomb.
What You Can Do
Check your serial number at SIG’s Voluntary Upgrade page. If you have not done the upgrade, do it. It is free and easy. Use a quality holster that fully covers the trigger guard and retains the firearm securely. Avoid aftermarket triggers or internal mods unless you really know what you are doing. Stay vigilant. Regular maintenance, inspection, and dry-fire practice (with proper safety protocols) go a long way toward safety with any firearm.
Final Thoughts
At C2 Tactical, our job is to train people, not panic them. We have run thousands of hours of range time with the SIG P320—many of us carry it ourselves—and it is proven to be a reliable, accurate, and duty-capable firearm. The truth is, any tool demands respect, knowledge, and proper use. If we give it that, it gives back in performance and confidence.
If you are still uneasy, come talk to us and one of our onsite gunsmiths at either Tempe (Wright Armory) or in Scottsdale (Valley Forge). They will inspect your pistol, walk you through its mechanics, and help you compare it to other options. That is what we are here for—real talk, real training, and real peace of mind.
Stay sharp,
Director of Training, C2 Tactical