Estimated studying time: 4 minutes
Amid rising media consideration and a wave of lawsuits alleging uncommanded discharges, SIG Sauer is pushing again exhausting, with Director of Product Administration Phil Strader stating flatly: “The gun can not fireplace with out a set off pull.”
Strader sat down for an prolonged on-camera interview with Navy Arms Channel’s Tim Harmsen to handle the controversy swirling across the P320. The dialog came about at SIG’s New Hampshire facility, the place Harmsen was given full entry to the manufacturing unit ground, testing labs, and inside testing knowledge.
“I’m not right here to defend or condemn the handgun,” Harmsen mentioned on the outset, “I’m right here for informational functions.”
What adopted was some of the complete breakdowns but of SIG’s inside security mechanisms, testing protocols, and response to public concern.
Addressing the SIG P320 Drop-Hearth Controversy
A lot of the controversy dates again to early drop-test movies the place unaltered P320s have been proven discharging when dropped at particular angles.
Strader defined that the unique fashions—compliant with each SAMMI and NATO drop requirements on the time—might be induced to fireside if dropped from larger heights and at unconventional angles.
That prompted SIG’s voluntary improve program, which lowered the mass of inside parts just like the set off and striker, and added a secondary sear notch and a captive striker security lever.
“We did quite a bit to verify we might survive an unreasonable drop check,” Strader mentioned.
No Replicable Failures
Strader was adamant that regardless of claims on social media and in authorized filings, nobody—inside or exterior the corporate—has been in a position to replicate an uncommanded discharge within the lab with out bodily pulling the set off.
“We together with main police departments, companies, and even the consultants employed by attorneys attacking the firearm have all come to the identical conclusion: they can’t replicate these incidents with out a set off pull,” Strader mentioned.
Holster Interference a Actual Danger
Strader demonstrated how poorly designed or incompatible holsters can enable international objects like keys or seatbelt buckles to enter by the hole between the holster physique and set off guard—particularly with obligation lights hooked up.
He cited the Montville Police Division incident, the place video seems to indicate a key dangling from a belt keeper slipping into an obligation holster and miserable the set off as an officer stood up.
“This isn’t a gun problem—it’s a system problem,” Strader mentioned, exhibiting examples of comparable vulnerabilities with Glocks and different striker-fired pistols.
He praised holster corporations now updating designs to dam set off entry completely.
One other flashpoint got here when the U.S. Military swapped out its early M17s. Some speculated this was associated to security considerations.
Strader clarified it was a part of a deliberate improve involving slide weights and management finishes for enhanced reliability with military-issued ammunition—not any mechanical defect.
“There have been no questions of safety,” he mentioned. “It was a reliability improve—and the timing with the lawsuits was simply actually unlucky.”
Tens of millions in Circulation, Microscopic Failure Fee
Strader estimated SIG has produced greater than 3.5 million P320s, and that uncommanded discharge claims symbolize “0.00001%” of these weapons.
“That’s one one-hundredth of a %,” Strader mentioned. “The extra weapons are on the market, the potential for claims like this are going to go up… however that doesn’t imply it’s an issue with the gun.”
Rigorous Testing Exceeds Navy Requirements
Based on Strader, SIG’s inside testing exceeds army requirements, with extra drop orientations, vibration testing, mud and sand testing, and salt-fog publicity than the official protocols demand.
He additionally confirmed that international militaries and home legislation enforcement companies proceed to undertake the P320, at the same time as some departments reevaluate or pause new purchases.
“All we ask is that selections be based mostly on info,” he mentioned.
Handbook Language Clarified
Strader additionally addressed considerations that SIG’s up to date proprietor’s handbook discourages carrying with a spherical within the chamber. He known as that declare deceptive
He emphasised that whereas carrying with a spherical chambered is totally secure for educated customers, SIG additionally acknowledges that much less skilled gun homeowners would possibly desire further warning.
The handbook outlines safer carry choices, however it doesn’t discourage condition-one carry for many who are assured and correctly educated.
Last Phrase: “We Stand Behind the 320”
Strader closed by stressing SIG’s transparency and continued evolution. “That is probably the most examined firearm we’ve ever made,” he mentioned. “And we’re nonetheless testing, enhancing, and listening to finish customers day-after-day.”
Harmsen echoed that sentiment.
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“I’ve toured manufacturing services everywhere in the world,” he mentioned. “And I’ll say that the extent of producing I see happening right here and the expansion is really spectacular.”
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