Sig 320 or M&P??

[Redcoat3340]

Probably my last pistol purchase for a while and I've read a lot of good stuff about the Sig 320. I'm not too interested in changing calibers, I shoot 9mm and that's about it.

Rather, I like the idea of changing from full sized to compact....I don't need another carry gun, I can't see anything getting any better than my Shield (with full Apex job and night sights).

I'm talking more about the out-of-the-box trigger....it was really pretty damn good on the Sig, while the M&P I played with in the LGS clearly needed to be introduced to Mr. Apex.

The Sig also felt better in my hand, but that is a very subjective observation, albeit an important one.

Sig quality is also pretty good, but then I've never had any problems with my Smiths, even my older 39s and 59s. My poly Smiths (a SW990 and SD9VE) have behaved flawlessly and I can't say enough good stuff about the Shield.

Just wondering if anyone has any hands-on experience with the two guns and would like to comment on one versus the other.

While the Sig is more expensive ($585 without any haggling, which I can do with these guys) it comes with a total of three "frames" as in the plastic part the working "innards" fit in to (one full sized and two compact) and as I think they are going for about $50 each, the actual gun price is around $485.

I'm going to be trading a couple of guns as well....I find my 908 S&W sitting in the safe as it was replaced by my Shield (and frankly a Star UltraStar that's pretty amazing) and I'm also going to ditch a Star 28 PK which I don't shoot.

I'm interested in hearing folks' opinions.

 

[eveled]

Get the Sig, the versatility of the 320 is amazing.

 

[dmar]

As you say, that Sig trigger is great right out of the box, the Smith, not so much. I've got an M&P, but if I had the choice to make today, I'd go with the Sig.

The only thing I don't like about the 320 is that it has a pretty high bore axis. But, that's a Sig thing and it either bothers you, or it doesn't...

 

[dsink]

I would give another vote for the Sig P 320. I picked up a 320C about a year ago and I love it. Hands down the best trigger out of the box on a striker fired handgun, trigger reset is very short and the grip just fells good in my hand.

 

[Hunter8282]

I really want a P320 Compact in .45! Or I might get a 9mm to fill the gap between my Full Size M&P 9 and my Shield 9.

 

[Arik]

I like the Sigs versatility but I don't like the little round grip. I understand that each size can be had with 3 different types of grips but I don't like guns where I have to buy it and then something else to make it work for me. If the store carried differebt frames for me to try i might buy one but so far i havent found such a store. Otherwise it's a nice gun with a great trigger and reliability

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[Paper Maker]

I just bought a Sig P320 Compact in North Carolina for $529 + NC sales tax. I have a (1) Shield 9mm and (1) M&P 9L 5". The Sig has the best trigger of all as they say "out of the box". The Shield has a pretty good trigger, the 9L not so much. I have not modified any of my S&W triggers. The Sig comes with a medium size grip module with small and large available from Sig and other sources, such as Midway. I have started to see "used" medium grip modules show up on local gun forums classifieds. I guess when folks buy the small or large grip module for their preference, they sell the medium. I do like the modular versatility of the Sig but don't know that I will ever take advantage of it. I like mine just fine as it came in the box. Oh, by the way, I have been considering a M&P9c for my next purchase and the Sig won out over the 9c. The Sig is a beautiful gun.

 

[M29since14]

The SIGs I have handled do have better triggers. Pains me to say it. But how could they not? M&P triggers generally win the race to be worst among whatever.

On the other hand, the interchangeable frame thing just seems silly to me. You'll probably settle on one so what do you do with the other two high priced pieces of plastic?

I guess this is like shooting at the south end of the northbound buffalo - "no shot at all." Between these two choices I'd be inclined to keep looking. On the other hand, if you're just itching to trade, it sounds like you already favor the SIG so go with your own best guess.

 

[MMT]

I have both (in 9mm) and the Sig is the one that gets shot while the M&P sits in the safe. I think you've already outlined many of the benefits of the 320 yourself. The bore-axis of the Sig has been brought up but I wouldn't be concerned about it, I get back on target just as fast with the 320 as I do with my Glocks. That said, I pretty much shoot the 320 and the M&P the same, which is pretty much on par with my Glocks, so on a shoot-ability basis I can't tell you one is better than the other. Then again I think equipment, as long as it is high-quality (which both pistols are) is the least important part of the shooting equation.

 

[hardluk1]

Buy the sig . I gave my m&p 4.25 40 ato a daughter after shooting a pair of p320 at the range . One was match prepped full size , the other was his edc , a compact p320 . Accuracy is far better and I found the polygonal barrel a faster shooting barrel . The pistol is also quicker shooting on target with repeated rounds . Timers don't lie . Chamber are also far better fit than m&p , easier on brass with a much stronger lock up . I have no interest in X Change kits . Don't see the point in owning a box of unless parts with out a FCU .

 

[dsink]

I am torn on the changeability part. I can see buying the 320C to carry, then getting the Carry frame and full size mags to shoot a match with for the extra rounds but the biggest thing I like about it being modular is the fact that the whole trigger group comes out easy and is a snap to clean. I cant say the same thing about M&Ps or Glocks.

 

[Arik]

Most people who own a Glock 19 also own a Glock 17. Most people who own a M&P full size also own a compact. Both cost $500 +/-. So the idea of owning one that can be both is nice and cheaper........ however, you can't just swap the trigger group from one frame size to another. You still need the correct barrel and slide. If you have a compact your barrel and slide are not going to work on a full size.......too small. Now you buy those parts (different frame/slide/barrel) and you're only about $100 away from buying another full gun. You do save a little and you don't have a background check or fee because it's just parts.

If you wanted to go from 9 to 40 in the same size you'd just need the barrel and mags

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[bigwheelzip]

Last Week, I was talking to one of the countermen at my LGS who is also a SC Trooper and expert marksman, and he mentioned that the state had just granted them permission to carry the Sig 320. We walked over to the Sig counter and he pulled out the 320 to inspect it. Right away, It had multiple trigger reset failures, and he said he would never carry it.

Your post reminded me of this, so I also did a quick google search on "sig 320 trigger reset problem". Seems this issue is a known problem.

P320 Double click / Failure to reset - Topic

Hopefully this gets addressed, because the modular concept seems tailor made for citizens in gun-limiting states.

 

[WVSig]

Last Week, I was talking to one of the countermen at my LGS who is also a SC Trooper and expert marksman, and he mentioned that the state had just granted them permission to carry the Sig 320. We walked over to the Sig counter and he pulled out the 320 to inspect it. Right away, It had multiple trigger reset failures, and he said he would never carry it.

Your post reminded me of this, so I also did a quick google search on "sig 320 trigger reset problem". Seems this issue is a known problem.

P320 Double click / Failure to reset - Topic

Hopefully this gets addressed, because the modular concept seems tailor made for citizens in gun-limiting states.

This is not a real issue. If you read the post you linked to you will see that it is not an issue. It is a design quark not a defect. If you super marksman friend had actually fired the gun he would have realized he was short stroking it.

I think the P320 is a much better out of the box gun than the M&P. If you do a full Apex job on the M&P then you have a real contest but you are not comparing apples to apples. A tuned gun vs a factory gun is a bit unfair IMHO. An Apex M&P vs a Gray Guns P320 is more of an honest comparison.

I would take a Gray Guns P320 over an Apex M&P but they are both fine weapons. It would really come down to personal preference at that point not a objective one is better than the other.

 

[swsig]

I have a P320 Compact with nearly 4000 rounds through it, and an M&P 40c with nearly 6000 rounds. The P320's trigger is as good as all of the other posters say it is. The M&P's trigger was not nearly as good out of the box, but smoothed out well between 500 and 1000 rounds, but is still a bit heavier. It doesn't really bother me.

As you can tell by the round counts, I like them both a lot. They are very accurate at my usual practice distances of 15 - 20 yards, and both have been totally reliable. I like my 40c so much, it has become my EDC, winning out over my Shield 9. I find that the P320 is a bit too large to carry, and I like the thumb safety on the 40c.

As to the P320's "double click" problem, I'd never heard of it until I read bigwheelzip's post. I certainly have never experienced it. As to the P320 bore axis issue, I say, "Bore axis, schmore axis." Maybe it's the triumph of an uncluttered mind, but if it's ever affected my shooting, I've been unaware of it. I also have no interest in the SIG's modularity, so I can't comment on that.

The only gripe I have about the P320 is the design and intrusiveness of its takedown lever. It's only an issue if you use a high-thumb grip with your off hand. My natural grip places my thumb between the takedown lever and the slide catch. If I do this, the thick, blocky, sharp-edged takedown lever will slam into my thumb on every shot, and it hurts. I have to carefully place my thumb so its back edge just brushes the slide catch. That gets it out of the way of the takedown lever, but not so far back that it engages the slide catch. If you use a low-thumb grip, this becomes a non-issue. In contrast, the 40c has a rounded-off, recessed takedown lever that slides right under my thumb when fired -- an excellent design for us high-thumb types.

The P320 is a fine gun, but if you choose an M&P, I suggest shooting the heck out of it before deciding on an Apex job. You may be pleasantly surprised at the trigger you end up with by doing a "firing range trigger job".

Both guns are excellent. Either way, you can't go wrong.

 

[MMT]

The only gripe I have about the P320 is the design and intrusiveness of its takedown lever. It's only an issue if you use a high-thumb grip with your off hand. My natural grip places my thumb between the takedown lever and the slide catch. If I do this, the thick, blocky, sharp-edged takedown lever will slam into my thumb on every shot, and it hurts. I have to carefully place my thumb so its back edge just brushes the slide catch. That gets it out of the way of the takedown lever, but not so far back that it engages the slide catch. If you use a low-thumb grip, this becomes a non-issue. In contrast, the 40c has a rounded-off, recessed takedown lever that slides right under my thumb when fired -- an excellent design for us high-thumb types.

Have you tried using the TDL as a thumb-rest? That's what I do and I find it to help get back on target quicker and build consistency into my grip. If you can get your thumb on top of the TDL and push forward/downwards on it I would give it a try. I know I am in the minority of people that like the big TDL because Sig changed their design and now ships 320s with the flat TDL, but the top of them are both the same so you can still use the new slim one like a mini thumb-rest as well. Just an idea as it works well for me.

 

[1blindref]

I just bought my third P320 yesterday (two compact's and a full size - all 9mm)

The Sig P320 fit me better than the M&P, Walther PPQ M2, and the Glock.
IMHO, the P320 trigger is also one of the best out of the box, striker fired triggers out today.

The new P320's are shipping with the smaller slide stop lever, and take down lever. The older larger take down levers never really bothered me, other than they are f-ugly.

Here's a picture of the new P320C with the smaller controls (excusese the rain drops!)

and the older P320C with the larger controls

My advice to you would be to shoot them both and choose the one that you shoot and fits you better.

BTW - I paid $529.00 each for them (with night sights)

 

[WVSig]

I swapped out my slide lock lever on my P320 Fullsized 45 ACP but left the take down lever. With my high 1911 hold I found I activated the slide lock causing the gun to not lock back on the last round.

Other than that the gun is stock. I am considering sending it to Gray Guns and having them do an action clean up. I was able to shoot one with this touch up last year and it was amazing.

 

[bigwheelzip]

This is not a real issue. If you read the post you linked to you will see that it is not an issue.

My post had a google search query that I used to find that link. It was one of many "hits" on that search indicating a potential issue to be aware of, being experienced by many. The link I pulled was from someone who experienced this during live fire. The issue eventually got better after four months and more than 600 rounds fired. There were many others like that one.

Your right, this is not an issue. I'm just relaying info of a failure I witnessed and web info indicating that it might not be a rare problem. The OP asked "I'm interested in hearing folks' opinions." and I tried to be helpful. Now it's up to him to do his due-diligence.

 

[eveled]

you can't just swap the trigger group from one frame size to another. You still need the correct barrel and slide. If you have a compact your barrel and slide are not going to work on a full size.......too small. Now you buy those parts (different frame/slide/barrel) and you're only about $100 away from buying another full gun

Actually, it will work fine will look funny, but go bang.

I have p250's I like to run my compact slide and barrel on my subcompact frame. The other things you can do, can be pretty cool. Take a full size grip frame, trim it to the subcompact length. Now you have subcompact barrel length with a full size grip and rail.

The grip frames are cheap, they cost about the same as a spare magazine.