The Sig Sauer P320 has been a popular handgun choice for both law enforcement and civilians, but its early history was marred by controversy surrounding accidental discharges. This article will delve into the details of the drop safety issue, the improvements Sig Sauer implemented, and whether these fixes truly addressed the concerns. We'll explore the facts, separating hype from reality to provide a comprehensive and unbiased assessment.
The Initial Drop Safety Concerns: Understanding the Problem
The original P320 design faced criticism due to reports of accidental discharges when dropped, specifically when impacting the rear of the slide. This was attributed to the firing pin's potential to be struck by the striker, even without the trigger being pulled. This issue impacted the reputation of the firearm and led to numerous lawsuits and extensive media coverage. The crucial point was the lack of a sufficient mechanical blocking mechanism to prevent the firing pin from inadvertently engaging the primer in a drop scenario.
Sig Sauer's Response: The Recall and Redesign
Facing considerable pressure, Sig Sauer responded with a substantial recall and redesign of the P320's firing mechanism. This wasn't a simple tweak; it involved a significant overhaul of the internal components. The company implemented a redesigned drop safety mechanism, aiming to prevent accidental firing under similar conditions. This involved adding a physical blocking bar to prevent striker movement without trigger activation, a pivotal change in the firearm's design.
What Exactly Changed? The Key Improvements
The improvements weren't merely superficial. Sig Sauer incorporated a crucial element: a drop safety that physically blocks the striker from moving forward unless the trigger is pulled. This redesigned safety feature directly addressed the original design flaw that allowed for accidental discharges upon dropping the firearm. This involved modifying the internal components to create a more robust and reliable mechanism.
Furthermore, the redesigned P320 underwent rigorous testing procedures to ensure the effectiveness of the implemented changes. Sig Sauer publicly released information regarding these tests, aiming to regain public trust and demonstrate the reliability of the improved design. This transparency was a key part of their strategy in rebuilding public confidence.
Is the P320 "Fixed"? Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Changes
After the recall and redesign, the number of reported accidental discharges significantly decreased. However, it's important to note that completely eliminating the possibility of malfunction in any firearm is nearly impossible. The improvements made by Sig Sauer dramatically reduced the likelihood of accidental discharges, making the P320 significantly safer than its earlier iterations.
While the vast majority of P320 owners report no problems with the updated models, it's crucial to emphasize responsible firearm handling practices. Regardless of the safety features implemented, proper training, storage, and handling remain essential for safe firearm ownership.
Conclusion: A Safer, But Not Perfect, Handgun
Sig Sauer's response to the P320's drop safety issue was significant and largely effective. The redesigned drop safety mechanism addresses the core problem and significantly reduces the risk of accidental discharges. While no firearm is entirely immune to malfunctions, the improvements made to the P320 have demonstrably increased its safety and reliability. Potential buyers should research the updated models and always prioritize responsible firearm handling practices.
