I’ve been carrying concealed since I got my first permit in 2007, and today, I officially made a switch. I just pulled the Holosun SCS Carry-GR off my SIG P365XL and mounted it on my Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro.
When I shipped out my Glock 48 for custom work on November 12, 2021, I decided to try the SIG SAUER P365XL. After looking at the models, I chose the 365XL Spectre Comp with a Boresight Solutions grip module. I was blown away at how shootable it was, and it literally just vanishes when carrying concealed. It became my go-to carry pistol for over three years.
At the same time, I bought a P320 Spectre Comp to have a full-size SIG to review, and since I already had the 365XL Spectre Comp, I figured I’d stay within the same Spectre Comp line. It’s about as nice of a pistol as I’ve ever owned. I also thought it might make a good competition gun if I ever decided to go down that path. But after recent developments, that’s off the table for me too.
What Changed
I’ve followed the ongoing issues surrounding the P320 platform: alleged uncommanded discharges, dozens of lawsuits, and some agencies or departments discontinuing its use. I wasn’t convinced the gun was inherently flawed—but I was watching carefully.
Then came the latest incident involving an M18 (SIG’s military version of the P320) and a fatality in the U.S. Air Force’s Global Strike Command. Within hours, every M18 in that command was pulled from service. While SIG and some supporters assert these incidents stem from holsters, user handling, or other factors, the scale of the military’s response was significant enough to make me rethink things.
It’s About Perception and Caution
I like to think of it like a car recall: if Hyundai recalls Elantras, I wouldn’t sell my Tucson just because they’re made by the same company—especially if they’re completely different platforms. But if reports kept surfacing about other models having issues, and dealerships or driving schools started banning certain platforms, I’d probably start paying closer attention. That’s where I found myself with SIG.
Each new report, lawsuit, or update nudged me closer to switching. Then after this week’s incident, the flood gates opened and ranges, gun stores, firearm instructors, and clubs started banning the use of all P320 variants in any configuration. At that point, it became clear to me that it was time to make a change.
So I Switched—and It Was Easy for Me
As someone who reviews guns for a living, I’ve already got other firearms, holsters, and carry options on hand.
I made the decision to compete in my first USPSA competitions in September. With everything surrounding the P320, I decided to run a Springfield Armory Echelon 4.5F in the competitions. And good thing I did, because some competition clubs are also adopting similar policies, excluding the P320 from matches altogether.
So I decided to try carrying the Echelon Compact and the Hellcat Pro to stay on the same platform and brand. I already had Echelon holsters, so I converted one of my PHLSTER Enigmas to carry the Echelon. I’m waiting on a PHLSTER Skeleton for the Hellcat Pro to come in so I can test that out. The Hellcat Pro is closer in size to the 365XL, so I’ll probably be choosing that one as my main everyday carry.
This Isn’t About Hate—or Defamation
I’m not claiming SIG Sauer intentionally built something dangerous. I’m not accusing every incident of being proof of a manufacturing defect. I’ve owned several SIG pistols, rifles, and optics. I still have SIG ammo that I plan on shooting through.
Rather, I’m sharing my decision based on how the situation has unfolded: repeated claims, the U.S. military pulling the M18 from use, growing numbers of lawsuits, and a sharp increase in gun stores, ranges, and instructors choosing to distance themselves from the platform. I’m making my own carry decision based on awareness, not fear.
If each unintended discharge is chalked up to holster angle or user handling, why aren’t we seeing the same pattern in Glock, Smith & Wesson, FN, or other major brands? And why did so many instructors and ranges choose to ban—or re-evaluate—the platform? None of these are definitive answers, but collectively they shaped how I feel.
Final Thoughts
Maybe SIG resolves this issue through testing, transparency, or updated hardware. Maybe the pattern slows. Or maybe it doesn’t.
But for now, after more than three years of carrying a SIG P365XL, I’ve decided it’s time for me to carry something else.
I’m not here to tell anyone else what they should carry. But I do think this deserves attention.
Still carrying a P320? Has your local indoor range, instructor, or match director updated their policy on P320s? Drop your experience in the comments—I’d be interested to hear what you’re seeing.
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