Before You Buy - The SIG Sauer P320
The SIG Sauer P320 Nitron Compact is a handgun that has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. This firearm is known for its accuracy, reliability, and compact size, which makes it a great option for concealed carry. In this article, we will explore the features, pros, and cons of the SIG Sauer P320 Nitron Compact. I’ve carried one on and off for the last 4 years of my life and the firearm most often gets used as my “go-to” gun when I don’t really have a specific firearm in mind. This means I mostly keep the gun on the nightstand or in a vehicle such as a truck, or small plane, or in a backpack when I’m out camping or hiking. The Nitron Compact fits a lot of small gaps in my carry lineup that I have from mostly carrying only sub-compact or micro-compact firearms.
Specifications of Sig P320
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 15+1 rounds
- Barrel Length: 3.9 inches
- Overall Length: 7.2 inches
- Weight (without magazine): 25.3 oz
- Sights: Contrast Sights
Features of Sig P320
- Modular design: The P320 Nitron Compact features a modular design via the SIG FCU or Fire Control Unit that allows for easy customization and adaptability. The gun can be easily disassembled and reassembled without the need for special tools or training.
- Ergonomic grip: The gun's grip is ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in the shooter's hand, and the texturing provides a secure grip even in wet or slippery conditions.
- Striker-fired: The P320 Nitron Compact is a striker-fired pistol, which means that it has a consistent trigger pull every time, leading to better accuracy and control.
- Siglite Night Sights: The P320 Nitron Compact comes equipped with contrast sights that are easy to acquire and help the shooter stay on target. These sights are also designed for low light conditions, making them perfect for home defense or tactical situations.
- Accessory rail: The gun features an accessory rail that allows the user to attach a variety of accessories, such as lights or lasers, to the gun for increased versatility and customization.
- Trigger pull: The P320 Nitron Compact has a trigger pull weight of around 6 pounds, making it easy to shoot and control but also safe enough to carry in the waistband in Sig P320 holster.
Overall, the P320 Nitron Compact is a highly capable and versatile pistol that offers a number of features that make it ideal for a wide range of applications. Its modular design and accessory rail make it a favorite among enthusiasts and professionals alike, while its ergonomic grip and striker-fired design make it easy to shoot and control.
Range Experience with Sig P320
The SIG Sauer P320 Nitron Compact has received high praise from users, many of whom have reported an excellent experience while using the firearm. The firearm is most notably very versatile because of its inherent modular design. While I own more than one model of the P320, both of the fire control groups can be swapped out without any changes in the function or safety of the firearm, instead, if I wanted to, I could swap the standard carry trigger of the P320 Nitron Compact with my much lighter SIG XCarry Legion Trigger. Since both firearms use the P320 Fire Control Unit.
The Nitron Compact does have a few drawbacks due to its smaller frame and relatively short grip - the gun recoils quite a bit. Part of this not only has to do with the short grip but the slightly higher-than-normal height that the barrel sits over the centerline of the gun. This isn’t an insurmountable obstacle though hand you can still make very rapid initial and follow-up shots with the P320 Nitron compact.
One aspect of the P320 that might be a pro or a con depending on who you are is its standard magazine capacity. The P320 Nitron Compact is already quite heavy, but it is made even heavier with its 15+1 capacity. With most modern Micro-Compact pistols being much lighter and having the same magazine capacity, the P320 Nitron Compact may be an unattractive option for you if you prefer to prioritize concealability over comfort. However, the P320 Nitron Compact is easily concealed when wearing fall, winter, or even clever summer clothing. It’s even easier to conceal if you’re a particularly tall or burly individual.
The Pros and Cons of Sig P320
Overall, the SIG Sauer P320 Nitron Compact is a great option for anyone looking for a reliable, accurate, and versatile handgun. The firearm has a number of features that make it a standout option, including its modular design, safety features, and compact size. While there are some cons to consider, such as the price and recoil
Pros
- Modular design: As mentioned, the P320 Nitron Compact has a modular design that allows the shooter to customize the firearm to their specific needs. This makes the handgun very versatile and adaptable.
- Accurate: The P320 Nitron Compact is known for its accuracy. The firearm has a short reset trigger and a smooth trigger pull, which helps the shooter to stay on target.
- Reliable: SIG Sauer is known for making reliable firearms, and the P320 Nitron Compact is no exception. The firearm has a reputation for functioning flawlessly, even after thousands of rounds.
- Compact size: The P320 Nitron Compact is a great option for concealed carry. The handgun is small enough to be easily concealed, but not so small that it is difficult to shoot.
Cons
- Price: The P320 Nitron Compact is not a cheap handgun. The firearm typically retails for around $700, which may be too expensive for some buyers.
- Recoil: Some shooters have reported that the P320 Nitron Compact has a relatively high recoil. While this may not be a dealbreaker for experienced shooters, it may be a concern for those who are new to firearms.
- Magazine capacity: The P320 Nitron Compact has a magazine capacity of 15 rounds. While this is not a bad capacity, it is not as high as some other firearms on the market.
- Magazine release: Some shooters have reported that the magazine release on the P320 Nitron Compact is difficult to reach. This may be a concern for shooters with smaller hands.
- Sights: The standard sights on the P320 Nitron Compact are not the best. Some shooters may want to upgrade the sights to something more accurate.
Sig P320 Holster
Falco Sig Sauer P320 holsters & Sig Sauer P226 holsters are designed to provide secure and comfortable carry options for this popular pistol. There are several types of these hand-crafted pieces available. Based on the material you can choose from Kydex Sig P320 holster, leather Sig P320 holster, nylon Sig P320 holster, and hybrid Sig P320 holster.
Sig P320 Kydex Holster
Each Falco Kydex holster is made from genuine American Kydex that offers excellent retention and protection for the firearm. They are hand-made, lightweight, waterproof, and provide a secure fit for your P320.
Sig P320 Leather Holster
Leather holsters are a classic choice known for their traditional appeal and comfort. Falco leather holsters are made from full-grain Italian leather and offer a snug fit & comfortable every day carry of your P320. With hand-crafted stitching, multiple customization options & in-house coloring process, you can rest assured you are going to get truly unique & long-lasting piece of gear.
Sig P320 Holster With Light
Available for more than 40 lights & lasers, Falco custom light-bearing holsters can be made of full-grain Italian leather, genuine American Kydex or comfotable nylon. Thanks to our unique configurator you can specify everything from color, cant & retention screw, all the way up to the embossing & laser engraving.
When selecting a holster for your Sig Sauer P320, consider factors such as your preferred carry style, comfort, and retention. Each type of holster has its own advantages, so choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
Last Thoughts
My personal user experiences with the P320 Nitron Compact have been overwhelmingly positive. It is a reliable, accurate, and versatile firearm that is comfortable to shoot and highly customizable, if not just a bit expensive and hard to control if you’re a newer or inexperienced shooter. Its modularity makes it a great choice for a wide range of users, from law enforcement and military personnel to civilian shooters and hobbyists meaning you can use it for self-defense, competition, or even just for fun at the range. I’d highly recommend checking one out if you’re on a budget for all three types of guns and want something that can not only fill all three duties but gives you room to expand on it in the future!
Luke Cuenco
6.6.2023
