Sig P320 Compact Review

by Travis Pike

June 6, 2022

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SIG held out on producing a striker-fired, polymer-frame pistol for some time. They loved their hammer-fired greatness and resisted the urge to conform. Well, for a while, as you know now, SIG produced the P320, and today we have the compact variant in our hands. 

Sig p320 9mm Specs

  • Overall Length 7.2 inches
  • Barrel Length 3.9 inches
  • Width 1.4 inches
  • Weight 25.8 ounces
  • Capacity 15 rounds
  • Caliber 9mm

Meet the P320C 

The P320 came in hard, fast, and mean. Right off the bat, SIG’s striker-fired gun met great success. Although, it wasn’t without controversy. While the gun passed standard drop test procedures, it was discovered that the P320 could fire if dropped a certain way at a certain angle. SIG issued a voluntary recall, and since then, it’s been a gravy train for the little SIG that could. 

This includes adoption by the United States military after winning the Modular Handgun Contest as the M17 and M18 series pistols. On top of that, the P320 has become a hit with law enforcement forces, and the P320C has been a solid hit with the civilian market. 

The compact variant of striker-fired handguns always seems to be the most popular. Ever since the Glock 19 offered the best of both worlds, the compact size has remained somewhat holy among striker-fired, polymer-frame pistols. The SIG P320C offers you a handgun that easily doubles as a tool for concealed carry and home defense.  

The P320 series offers unbeatable modularity, and so does the compact model. The serialized portion of the firearm is the Fire Control Unit. This is a chassis system that pops out of the frame and allows you to swap slide and barrel lengths, as well as frames, without having to go through an FFL. It’s unique and has drawn a massive aftermarket. 

Heck, my P320C uses an aftermarket grip module, a Mirzon specifically. This grip module offers a better grip design, reduced recoil, and heck, I even like the look a bit more. On top of that, I equipped the gun with a flat-faced trigger and SIG Romeo1PRO. Why wouldn’t we want to embrace modularity? 

Sig P320 Compact Features

1 Optics Ready
2 Ambi Slide Lock
3 Reversible Magazine Catch
4 Picatinny Rail

The Perfect Compact – Our Take

The P320C is just right size-wise for a variety of tasks. In terms of shootability, the gun handles very well. The grip is just long enough to fill the hand and offer maximum control over the gun. No worries about hanging pinkies here. Going bang and going bang quickly won’t offer much challenge to an experienced shooter. The gun stays on target and recovers quickly. 

Recoil and muzzle rise are present but don’t provide a significant challenge to the average shooter. It’s calm, capable, and easy to hold onto. It’s an easy gun for new shooters to get a grip on and some experience with. The P320C is still sized just right for easy concealment and tucks away easily in your waistband or when carried appendix. The full grip makes it easy to draw and quick to reload as well. 

Combine the full-sized grip with good sights and solid trigger, and you get a fairly accurate weapon as well. The SIG XRAY3 sights are big and easy to see in all lighting conditions. They feature glowing tritium vials and polymer inserts for easy daytime use. The striker-fired trigger breaks consistently and cleanly, and it’s a predictable trigger. 

This all comes around to making a solid handgun that’s capable of excellent accuracy. With my red dot, the gun is accurate out to 50 yards on a ten-inch gong target. It’s easy to see and get on target with. Putting rapid rounds on target isn’t much of a challenge, and the P320C excels in both tactical shooting environments and standard marksmanship trials. 

Embracing the P320C 

Let me get the ergonomic complaints out first, or well, my one complaint. Like all SIG Sauer pistols, the slide release is tiny and positioned to be perfectly held down by my thumb with a natural thumbs forward grip. This renders the last round slide hold open useless and drives me nuts. 

Other than that, I don’t have many complaints. The grip is that 1911-like angle that’s quite comfy. The magazine release is large and easy to engage, and the slide offers more than enough texture to grip and rip. The trigger guard undercut, and basic beavertail keeps things comfy and allows for a high grip on the gun. This helps the control factor and makes it easy and comfy to grip. 

Winning the MHS contest was probably more than enough proof of reliability. It’s certainly more than I could give. However, I will say in my experience that the P320C is crazy reliable. I haven’t experienced a single malfunction, even with aftermarket and SIG brand grip modules. The gun runs like a clock with any 9mm ammo I put through it. 

The P320C just runs and runs and runs. 

Also, of note, this 9mm not only made it in my list for best 9mm’s, it also took #1 – but it was a close race between that and #2. So, be sure to check that out.

Sig P320C Pros and Cons 

  • Modular 
  • Ergonomic 
  • Accurate
  • Optics and Light Ready 
  • Slide lock is easy to pin down

Report Card

Shootability

Recoil and muzzle rise is minimal, and it’s an easy shooting gun. You won’t face slap heavy harshness or slide bite with the P320C.

A
Reliability

The SIG P320C chews through whatever ammo I put through it, and it does so without complaint. The P320C is a reliable and capable little pistol.

A+
Ergonomics

The gun is rock solid, but nothing special. The ergos work, but I swapped the grip module for a reason. The slide locks suck pretty hard.

B
Accuracy

It’s tough to find a more accurate compact handgun. At various ranges, the P320C shines, especially when equipped with a red dot sight.

A
Value

The P320C competes with companies like Glock but offers more for the money. From optics compatibility to unbeatable modularity, the SIG offers an excellent value-priced pistol.

A

Our Grade

A-

Reviewed by Travis Pike

Reader’s Grade

A-

Based on 92 Reviews

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Sig P320 Deals

Sig P320 Ammo

Range Rounds

MagTech-9mm-Ammo

MagTech 9mm 115 GR FMJ Ammo

Marketplace
Cost Per Round
Natchez Shooter’s Supply $0.24
Brownells $0.23
Palmetto State Armory $0.34

Best Defense Rounds

Box of Hornady 9mm pistol ammunition

Hornady Critical Defense 115 GR

Marketplace
Cost Per Round
Cabela’s $1.24
Midway USA $1.24

Sig P320 Starter Pack

So what’s next? Well, if you decide to get the Sig P320, you’re going to need to pick up some must-have basics. Here’s our recommendation for what you need to get started.

  • Gun Cleaning Kit: Otis All Caliber Elite Range Box on Amazon or build your own personalized cleaning kit with premium components.
  • Shooting Glasses: All it takes is one piece of rogue hot brass, and you’ll learn the importance of shooting glasses. But not all glasses are built the same. See our recommendations for the Best Shooting Glasses.
  • Hearing Protection: Firing a gun without wearing proper ear pro can be very dangerous and detrimental to your hearing. Find out the best hearing protection for you in our full length review.
  • Storage: Check our our article on the Best Biometric Gun Safes
  • Targets – If you’re wanting a great resource for shooting practice or zeroing your optics on your optics rifle or pistol, download our FREE Sighting in Targets below.

With the basics outta the way, let’s jump into some cool accessories you might want to consider when purchasing your Sig P320.

Sig P320 Upgrades and Accessories

There’s a bunch of different options available to accessorize the Sig P320. However, if we had to choose only a few options… Here’s our picks.

Sig P320 Accessories

Streamlight TLR-7 Weapon Light
  • White LED produces 500 lumens
  • IPX7 Waterproof
  • Low Profile
Check Amazon
Pineworld Biometric Gun Safe
  • Reliable Biometric Scanner
  • Sturdy and Well Built
  • Cheaper Than Most Biometrics
Check Amazon
Decibullz Custom Molded Earplugs
  • Great In-Ear option
  • Custom molded – super easy and comfortable
  • NRR: 31
Check Amazon
Sig P320C Magazine
  • Constructed of high carbon heat-treated steel
  • TIG-welded for strength
  • 15 Round Capacity
Check Price

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR Sig P320

Not only do you need to keep your firearms safe and secure, you’re also going to need to know how to take care of it. While scouring the internet, we came across this excellent video;

For more info regarding the Sig P320, check out the following resources:

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About Travis Pike

Travis is a former United States Marine Corps Infantryman and currently a firearms writer, instructor, and works in Emergency Management.

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