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.
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.
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:
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.
**UPDATE** As of 31 July 2025, the IDPA has officially banned the SIG Sauer P320 and its variants from all IDPA events. Read the details >>HERE<<.
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.
If you made it this far, thanks for reading! Writing isn’t my full-time profession, and nearly everything I do comes out of my own pocket. Between ammunition, tuition, range fees and more, expenses add up fast. If you like what I have to offer, consider making a donation to my Patreon.
Every bit helps bring more work like this to you, and contributes to shortened timelines or more in-depth work on my part. You’ll also have more direct access to me, offering suggestions for future projects, looking behind the scenes, and getting early access to some content. You can find my Patreon >>HERE<<
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