The Official Standard
The Anatomy of P320 Safety
Engineering, Validation, and Military-Grade Testing Standards
The SIG SAUER P320 features a mechanical safety system designed to exceed the industry’s most rigorous standards. Through the Modular Handgun System (MHS) selection process, the P320 platform (M17/M18) was subjected to and passed the U.S. Military’s strict drop testing and safety protocols.
The Safety Features of the P320 FCU
Validated Against World-Class Standards
Validated Against World-Class Standards
| Test Protocol | DROP STANDARD MET/EXCEEDED | Description |
| ANSI/SAAMI Z299.5 | Meets & Exceeds | 4FT drop height on 1in rubber mat backed by concrete at six orientations: Horizontal, upside down, muzzle up, muzzle down, and on both sides. |
| NIJ Standard 0112.03 | Meets & Exceeds | 4FT drop height on 1in rubber mat backed by concrete at six orientations: Horizontal, upside down, muzzle up, muzzle down, and on both sides. |
| TOP 3-2-045 | Meets & Exceeds | 1.5M drop height on concreate at five orientations: Horizontal, muzzle up, muzzle down, 45deg from vertical-grip down, 45deg from vertical-muzzle down. |
| NATO | Meets & Exceeds | 1.5M drop height on concreate at five orientations: Horizontal, muzzle up, muzzle down, 45deg from vertical-grip down, 45deg from vertical-muzzle down. |
| Test Protocol | ANSI/SAAMI Z299.5 |
| DROP STANDARD MET/EXCEEDED | Meets & Exceeds |
| Description | 4FT drop height on 1in rubber mat backed by concrete at six orientations: Horizontal, upside down, muzzle up, muzzle down, and on both sides |
| Test Protocol | NIJ Standard 0112.03 |
| DROP STANDARD MET/EXCEEDED | Meets & Exceeds |
| Description | 4FT drop height on 1in rubber mat backed by concrete at six orientations: Horizontal, upside down, muzzle up, muzzle down, and on both sides |
| Test Protocol | TOP 3-2-045 |
| DROP STANDARD MET/EXCEEDED | Meets & Exceeds |
| Description | 1.5M drop height on concreate at five orientations: Horizontal, muzzle up, muzzle down, 45deg from vertical-grip down, 45deg from vertical-muzzle down. |
| Test Protocol | NATO |
| DROP STANDARD MET/EXCEEDED | Meets & Exceeds |
| Description | 1.5M drop height on concreate at five orientations: Horizontal, muzzle up, muzzle down, 45deg from vertical-grip down, 45deg from vertical-muzzle down. |
Chosen by the U.S. Military
The P320 platform was selected as the M17/M18 for the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force. This selection followed one of the most exhaustive testing trials in firearms history, where safety and reliability were paramount criteria.
The Voluntary Upgrade Program (VUP)
In 2017, SIG SAUER initiated a Voluntary Upgrade Program to enhance the P320's trigger mechanism and add a mechanical disconnector. All P320s produced after August 8, 2017, feature these changes. The upgrade includes a reduced-mass trigger, sear, and striker, further enhancing drop safety.
FAQs
Is the P320 drop safe?
The P320 meets and exceeds ANSI/SAAMI, NATO, NIJ, and TOP industry drop-test standards. Its internal striker safety lock prevents the striker from releasing unless the trigger is moved to the rear.
Does the P320 fire when dropped?
If any firearm is dropped, it is strongly recommended that you immediately return it to the manufacturer for testing and evaluation. When the P320 was developed, it was tested to numerous rough handling industry standards, including ANSI/SAAMI, NIJ, FBI/DOJ, U.S. Army TOP, and state-specific (CA/MA) requirements, much like most firearm companies. No failures or discharges were ever recorded using these standards. Additional testing was performed with the development of the voluntary upgrade program. Since 2017, we have subjected the P320 to the most robust rough handling tests, dropping the P320 over 120 additional times, at 19 or more orientations, 20% higher than our competitors, and on a concrete block instead of a standard rubber durometer mat. As designed, the pistol passed all additional testing.
What is the difference between the P320 and M17 safety?
The M17/M18 is the military version of the P320. Both share the same internal safety mechanisms. The M17/M18 includes an external manual safety lever, which is also available on many commercial P320 models.
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