The SIG Sauer P320 is one of the most popular duty and carry pistols in the United States and across the globe. Variants find themselves in the holsters of the entire Department of Defense, along with the militaries of Canada and more. Despite their popularity, the P320 has been the source of controversy from nearly inception back in 2014. Things seem to be changing in the firearms landscape for the polymer pistol, and not for the better.
Tragedy Strikes in Wyoming
In mid-July of 2025 we were alerted to the death of an Airman at FE Warren AFB in Wyoming. While official reports have yet to come out, rumors are already circulating from those nearby. The alleged cause of death is an un-commanded discharge from an issued M18 (a P320 variant), with the bullet striking the Airman in the chest.
Following this, Air Force Global Strike Command, the Combatant Command for FE Warren, issued a pause on the use of all M18 pistols across AFGSC. This includes bases like Whiteman, Minot, Ellsworth, and others. In addition to this, I’ve seen reporting that similar actions are being taken by units outside of Global Strike.
Some people are calling this a smoking gun, while others claim hysteria. We’ll have to wait and see what the investigation finds, but the world is responding to this incident.
SIG P320 Bans Grow in the Training World
Over the past few days we’ve seen a number of high-level trainers ban the use of the P320 in their courses. The list continues to grow, but here are just a few who have joined in:
- Gunsite Academy
- Modern Samurai Project
- Tactical Defensive Institute (TDI)
- Sentinel Concepts
- The Complete Combatant
- Hunter Freeland Shooting
- West Coast Armory North (banned in 2024)
- *Presscheck Consulting (added 24JUL2025)
- *Citizens Defense Research (added 24JUL2025)
There are some prolific names on this list, and the style of schools range dramatically. When folks like Jedi and Gunsite are on the same page, it’s hard to accuse someone of fuddery or pearl clutching. The training community isn’t the only one who is putting the axe to P320’s in class.
Several law enforcement agencies have been shelving their SIG pistols over the past few years. Chicago, Dallas, and Milwaukee PD’s make up several large police departments who now prohibit the P320. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have also put the 320 on ice recently. In short, things aren’t looking good for this polymer pistol.
Moving Forward with (or without) the SIG Sauer P320
It will be curious to see how the future plays out for not only the P320, but SIG Sauer as a whole. Brand confidence is shaken, despite some hard-core supporters and current contracts. Who else will move to ban the pistol from their facilities? Personally, I wouldn’t recommend the P320 to anyone, but I’m also not excited to see trouble for people whose livelihoods are built around supporting the gun.
It’s important to look at things objectively when selecting a firearm for yourself. Maybe you don’t believe everything you read online, and are planning on sticking with your P320. Brand loyalty does nothing to help you in an emergency, nor does it make (alleged) issues disappear. Whatever you choose to do, try to think objectively. There’s probably something that works just as well, if not better, with a less contentious track record.
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