A Girl & A Gun Statement on the P320
The safety of our members and friends requires that we take the following action: Effective immediately, the SIG Sauer P320 in all its variants is prohibited from all A Girl & A Gun events. While no specific technical defect has been identified, the growing public controversy and volume of reported incidents means we can no longer rely on awareness alone. A Girl & A Gun has made the decision to prohibit the P320 at all events in order to ensure the safety of all participants.
This ban applies to the following models:
- P320
- P320 AXG
- P320 AXG Pro
- P320 AXG Scorpion
- P320 FLUX Legion
- P320 XFIVE
- P320 XFIVE Legion
- P320 M17
- P320 M18
- P320 MAX
- P320 MAX 2.0
- P320 M.O.D.
- P320 RXP
- P320 Spectre Comp
- P320 SXG
- P320 VTAC
- P320 XCARRY
- P320 XCOMPACT
- P320 XFULL
- P320 XTEN
This list includes the specific models named as well as all other variants of the P320, regardless of safety enhancements, factory upgrades, or premium features.
While participants may not use these handguns at A Girl & A Gun events, attendees may use different model firearms from SIG Sauer or appropriate firearms from other manufacturers. As always, participants must follow the 4 Rules of Gun Safety and certify that their firearms are in safe working condition.
Issues and Background
Introduced in 2014, SIG Sauer’s P320 quickly became one of the most popular handguns in the U.S., with more than 2.5 million sold. In 2017, the U.S. military adopted the M17 and M18 versions. Shortly after, a Department of Defense report identified a “drop fire” issue, where the pistol could discharge when dropped. SIG acknowledged the flaw in early models and launched a voluntary upgrade program, which remains available today.
Despite the fix, concerns persist. Multiple lawsuits claim the P320 can fire uncommanded, even while holstered. After a Michigan trooper’s incident, the FBI analyzed the M18 and found that under certain real-world conditions, such as movement and friction, the striker safety might not function as intended, potentially causing a discharge without a trigger press. Further testing was recommended to evaluate the risk.
Many of the claims involve upgraded models, raising concerns among some observers about aspects of the P320’s design. The tragic case involving a U.S. Airman at F.E. Warren Air Force Base is still under investigation. The controversy surrounding the P320 remains unresolved, with ongoing legal challenges and investigations continuing to influence public perception and institutional trust in the platform.
SIG Sauer’s Position
SIG Sauer has consistently defended the safety of the P320, citing both internal and independent testing. Over the past seven years, the pistol has undergone extensive evaluations well beyond industry standards by SIG, law enforcement agencies, and experts in civil litigation. Their findings have been that the P320 does not discharge unless the trigger is pressed.
The company claims that at the SIG Sauer Academy, P320s have fired millions of rounds without a single unintentional discharge during holstering or handling. SIG emphasizes that proper training, safe handling, and correct gear are essential for all firearms.
SIG Sauer acknowledges the intense scrutiny the P320 has faced due to its widespread use and the company’s prominence in the firearms industry. Some online creators have shown how to cause discharges by applying force to internal parts, like manipulating the sear to release the striker. SIG Sauer emphasizes that such demonstrations do not represent real-world conditions or typical duty wear.
Training Community’s Response
Some instructors have expressed concern about the volume of reported incidents compared to other platforms. Out of caution, many military, law enforcement, and commercial training organizations restricted or prohibited the use of the P320 at their facilities and events. Below are some of the groups that have prohibited the P320 and its variants:
- Gunsite Academy
- Citizens Defense Research
- Rangemaster
- The Complete Combatant
- Active Response Training
- West Coast Armory North
- Modern Samurai Project
- Massad Ayoob Group (MAG)
- U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC)
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC)
- Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST)
- Oklahoma CLEET (Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training)
- Delaware Tactical
- Cougar Mountain Solutions
- Buckeye Shooting Center
- Strategic Applications Firearms Education
- Shoot GTR
- Rochester Personal Defense
- Valortec
- Lionspride Training Group
- Cherokee USPSA
- Tac Wolf Training Solutions
- Black Swan Defense
- FRC Range
- Middle Tennessee Firearms Training
- Braveheart Training Academy
- Otero Practical Shooting Association
- Rocky Mountain 3-Gun
- Black Ring Tactical
- Achilles Tactical
At A Girl & A Gun, safety is our highest priority, and we stand in alignment with our training colleagues.
What Should I Do If I Own a SIG Sauer P320?
If you own a P320, you may be evaluating your options and considering how best to move forward. A Girl & A Gun is committed to supporting responsible gun ownership, and we want to provide clear guidance to help you make informed decisions. Here’s what you need to know if you have a P320 in your collection:
Always Follow the 4 Rules of Gun Safety
The foundation of safe gun handling begins with the Four Rules of Gun Safety. These rules are not suggestions; they are essential principles that every responsible gun owner must know, practice, and teach to others. They are:
- Treat every gun as if it is loaded.
- Never point a gun at anything you are not willing to destroy.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target and you have made the decision to shoot.
- Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
When these rules are followed 100% of the time, negligent discharges and tragic accidents can be minimized and prevented. Owning a firearm means committing to safety, not just in the range environment, but in every aspect of daily life.
Learn more about the 4 Rules of Gun Safety.
Maintain an Empty Chamber
While the P320 is not permitted at A Girl & A Gun events, owners should evaluate their personal circumstances and consult official manufacturer guidance when determining how to proceed. The SIG Sauer P320 Operator’s Manual offers clear guidance on safe carry practices. On page 5, the manual states:
“THE MOST EFFECTIVE SAFETY IS TO CARRY YOUR PISTOL WITHOUT A ROUND IN THE CHAMBER, AND TO LOAD A ROUND IN THE CHAMBER ONLY WHEN READY TO FIRE.”
If you have a round is in the chamber and the trigger is pressed or some other factor causes the striker safety lock to be defeated, the firearm will fire. Page 6 of the manual reinforces this by advising:
“ONLY load a round in the chamber when ready to fire.”
This approach, often referred to as “Israeli carry,” is one layer of precaution that can reduce the risk of unintended discharges. Every gun owner must weigh the pros and cons of this method based on their environment, skill level, and personal readiness, and decide if this is appropriate based on information about the P320, range policies, and restrictions of any applicable training organization.
Stay Informed of SIG Sauer’s Official Statements
SIG Sauer continues to address questions about the P320 platform through testing, public statements, and legal responses. The company maintains a dedicated page for updates:
Visit the official SIG Sauer P320 Truth page.
P320 owners might want to regularly check this site for up-to-date information. It’s important to separate verified facts from online speculation or media headlines.
Use an Alternate Firearm at AG & AG Events
Many shooting ranges, including some of A Girl & A Gun’s host ranges, offer firearm loaner programs. If available, you can rent a different model pistol directly from the facility to use during AG & AG events or for personal practice until you decide on a long-term solution.
Explore Firearm Discounts Through AG & AG Partnerships
If you’re considering replacing your P320 or purchasing an alternate firearm to use in the meantime, A Girl & A Gun offers exclusive member discounts through our trusted partners. Firearms from some manufacturers are available to members at a reduced price.
Whether you’re looking for a striker-fired, hammer-fired, or revolver platform, there’s likely a model that fits your hand, your budget, and your training goals.
Explore available discounts from AG & AG partners.
Owning a firearm is a serious responsibility. If you own a P320, we encourage you to stay informed, follow best practices, and seek out information and training that helps you stay safe and confident. A Girl & A Gun is here to support your journey every step of the way.