5 Sig P320 Problems (Took Me 30 Minutes Of Work To Fix Them)

While I still carry my Glocks, I own several P320 pistols, and like their performances a lot. Shout out to the Sig Sauer firearms company which is dedicated to manufacturing good firearms. 

Sig P320 is one of the leading handguns every hunter would wish to acquire. But it’s not without some issues. I have had malfunctions after firing several thousand rounds through it. 

You have a right to be concerned with Sig P320 problems, possibly when it’s having a trigger issue. This post takes you through these unwelcoming problems and their solutions. 

Overview of Sig P320 problems and solutions

If you have encountered problems with your Sig P320, you aren’t alone. More than 100 people I came across allege that their P320 misbehaved.

1. Firing without trigger pull

Much like how most gun owners have reported, it’s purely true that the P320 pistol fired without a trigger pull. This malfunction can pose significant safety risks and is usually linked to internal issues within the firearm. 

Specifically, the problem involves the striker or sear assembly. These components are critical in controlling the firing mechanism; if they become misaligned or malfunction, the gun might discharge unintentionally. 

Another factor can be the failure of the trigger safety mechanism. If this safety feature does not engage correctly due to internal faults, it could allow the gun to fire without deliberate trigger action. 

Cause and solution

The root cause of this problem lies within the internal mechanisms of the gun. It often results from an issue with the striker or sear assembly. The gun might fire unexpectedly when the components fail to function correctly,

Another possible cause is a malfunction within the trigger safety system. The P320 features a trigger safety to prevent accidental discharges. 

If this safety becomes obstructed, it might not properly prevent the gun from firing when it shouldn’t.

Addressing the issue of firing without a trigger pull involves several steps. First, ensure that the firearm is unloaded and safe to work on. 

Disassemble the gun according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Inspect the striker and sear for signs of wear. You can replace any faulty components.

2. Lever issue

One alarming issue with the Sig P320 concerns the lever. The takedown lever can hinder the disassembly and maintenance of the firearm. 

I found that the lever is difficult to operate due to interference from the guide rod [an essential part of the recoil spring assembly) 

The wrong alignment obstructs the lever’s movement, so it doesn’t perform necessary maintenance or field stripping. 

Cause and solution

The primary cause of this problem is interference from the guide rod. When the guide rod is not correctly aligned, it can obstruct the takedown lever’s movement and operations.

In some cases, the issue may also arise from the assembly of the firearm. If the slide is not installed properly, it can exacerbate the problem with the takedown lever.

To fix the takedown lever issue, first ensure the firearm is unloaded and safe. Lock the slide back to gain access to the guide rod. 

Check if the guide rod is canted. Adjust the guide rod by nudging it into a parallel position relative to the slide. You should hear a click when it is set up properly. Once aligned, the takedown lever should function smoothly.

If the problem persists, further inspection may be needed to determine if there are other underlying issues with the lever mechanism.

3. Failure to extract

The Sig P320 may encounter a failure to extract problems. This is where the firearm fails to eject a spent shell casing properly. 

The issue is often exacerbated when using certain types of ammunition, such as TulAmmo, and can result in a spent casing becoming lodged inside the firearm. It is usually due to problems with the extractor or spring assembly. 

Causes and problems

This problem occurs when the firearm fails to eject a spent shell casing properly. It can be particularly problematic with certain brands of ammunition. 

The issue happens when there is a blockage preventing the casing from being removed. A more severe case involves an empty shell casing becoming lodged inside the firearm. 

This situation can prevent the slide from operating correctly and may require additional effort to resolve.

You need to check and reposition the extractor spring. This helps the extractor engage properly with the spent shell casing.

If you encounter a shell casing lodged inside, you might need to use a non-marring plastic hammer to gently tap the top of the barrel while applying force to the slide. 

Contact Sig Sauer’s customer service for further assistance is the last resort. They may suggest a replacement if necessary.

4. Failure to fire (FTF)

Failure to Fire (FTF) can be a frustrating issue with the Sig P320 after reassembly. This problem pop up when the slide is not fully seated. 

During reassembly, if the slide does not fit properly, it can prevent the firearm from firing. Misalignment issues get their place if the internal clearance is obstructed. 

Causes and problems

Failure to Fire (FTF) is a daunting issue that runs after reassembling the Sig P320. One potential cause is related to the internal clearance of the firearm. 

If the slide or other components are obstructed, it can prevent the firearm from firing when intended.

To mitigate such mishaps, always use the slide lock to make sure internal components are correctly aligned. All parts are properly seated. 

In case you continue experiencing FTF issues, double-check the reassembly steps to confirm everything is in its correct place. 

Consulting the user manual for reassembly instructions can also be beneficial.

5. Unintentional firing

Unintentional firing is a significant safety concern associated with the Sig P320. This problem, which can lead to accidental discharges, has been the subject of recalls and safety updates.

Causes and problems

A defect in the firearm’s trigger mechanism or safety features can lead to this problem. If the trigger mechanism is faulty, the gun might discharge unintentionally.

This problem was serious enough to prompt a recall for affected units. Sig Sauer addressed the issue by offering a free fix to all affected customers and updating safety features in newer models.

Ensure that your P320 is checked if it is one of the affected models.

Newer P320 models come with updated safety features designed to prevent this issue. If you are using an older model, consider contacting Sig Sauer to inquire about upgrades or replacements. Ensuring that your firearm has the latest safety enhancements is crucial for preventing accidental discharges.

Alternatives to Sig P320

There are several other handguns that offer similar features as the Sig P320. 

Glock 19 Gen5

The Glock 19 Gen5 is renowned for its consistent trigger pull and robust construction. It offers a similar capacity to the Sig P320 and is highly customizable with various aftermarket parts. 

The Glock 19’s reputation for reliability and ease of use makes it a strong contender for those seeking a dependable sidearm.

Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0

The M&P 2.0 offers a comfortable grip with interchangeable backstraps and a proven track record of reliability. 

The enhanced trigger and improved grip texture provide better control and accuracy. Additionally, the M&P 2.0 features a durable design suited for various conditions.

Heckler & Koch VP9

The VP9 stands out with its customizable grip panels and low recoil, enhancing shooting comfort and accuracy. 

Its precise trigger and robust construction are notable advantages. The VP9’s modern design and high-quality materials make it a strong competitor in the handgun market.

FAQS

Is the Sig P320 available in different calibers?

Yes, the Sig P320 is available in several calibers. While the most common version is chambered in 9mm, Sig Sauer also offers the P320 in .40 S&W, .357 SIG, and .45 ACP. The modular design of the P320 allows users to easily switch between calibers by changing the barrel and magazine.

What is the modularity feature of the Sig P320?

The modularity of the Sig P320 is one of its standout features. It allows users to customize the firearm by swapping out various components, including the grip frame, barrel, and slide.