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NEWINGTON, NH — SIG Sauer has issued a strong rebuttal against ongoing lawsuits and media reports alleging that its popular P320 pistol can fire without a trigger pull. In a March 7, 2025, press release titled The Truth About the P320, the company firmly stated that the firearm “CANNOT, under any circumstances, discharge without a trigger pull – that is a fact.”
This statement comes in response to years of litigation and accusations that the P320 is prone to unintended discharges. SIG Sauer asserts that these claims are being driven by individuals seeking financial gain or to push an anti-gun agenda, rather than being based on legitimate safety concerns.
Background on the P320 Controversy
The SIG Sauer P320 was introduced in 2014 and gained widespread adoption, particularly after being selected as the U.S. Army’s Modular Handgun System in 2017, under the designation M17 and M18. However, not long after its release, reports surfaced of the pistol discharging when dropped or jarred—without the trigger being pulled. This led to a voluntary upgrade program in 2017, in which SIG offered modifications to the pistol’s trigger mechanism and striker assembly to prevent potential issues.
Despite this upgrade, lawsuits continued, with plaintiffs claiming the P320 discharged unexpectedly in holsters or while being handled normally. Some lawsuits have been dismissed, and in others, expert testimony has reportedly supported SIG Sauer’s assertion that the pistol will not fire unless the trigger is deliberately actuated.
SIG Sauer’s Position
SIG Sauer maintains that all claims against the P320 have no factual basis, citing extensive testing and evaluations conducted by military and law enforcement agencies worldwide. According to the company, “lawsuits claiming that the P320 is capable of firing without the trigger being pulled have been dismissed in courtrooms around the country,” and expert witnesses for plaintiffs have acknowledged that the pistol will not fire unless the trigger is fully engaged.
In the press release, SIG Sauer directly calls out media outlets and attorneys pushing these lawsuits, accusing them of “clickbait farming, engagement hacking grifters” and warning that similar legal tactics could be used against other gun manufacturers in the future.
Looking Ahead
The P320 remains one of SIG Sauer’s most popular handguns, widely used by civilians, law enforcement, and military personnel. While some lawsuits are still active, SIG’s latest statement suggests that the company is taking a more aggressive approach in countering what it sees as misinformation.
For gun owners, this controversy underscores the importance of proper firearm handling, holster selection, and adherence to safety practices. Regardless of manufacturer claims, safe gun handling remains the best way to prevent unintended discharges.
This situation also serves as a reminder of the legal challenges firearm manufacturers face in an era of increased scrutiny and litigation. Whether SIG Sauer’s firm stance will put an end to the controversy remains to be seen.
