In the realm of modern handguns, the SIG Sauer P320 has carved out its place as a versatile, reliable and highly customizable firearm. The P320's innovative design has won accolades from military, law enforcement, competition and civilian users worldwide. However, when it comes to the specialized SIG DH3 P320 9 mm handgun, the manufacturers have taken an already renowned platform and refined it to deliver an even more exceptional performance.
New from SIG Custom Works and developed in collaboration with Team SIG's Daniel Horner, the P320-XFIVE DH3 is designed to offer the perfect blend of competition and tactical features. Built from the DNA of the venerable P320-XFIVE LEGION, the SIG Custom Works P320-XFIVE DH3 features an optic-ready stylized slide with suppressor-height X-RAY3 day-and-night sights ready to co-witness with your optic of choice.
The DH3 stands for Daniel Horner 3-Gun, just like the M400 SIG AR released last year. Moreover, few names are more respected in the world of shooting sports than Daniel Horner, who has famously employed the SIG DH3 P320 in his competitions. With a name synonymous with professional shooting, Horner is known for his expertise in both USPSA and multigun competitions. A multiple-time champion and U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit veteran, Horner has dominated the shooting sports landscape for years. His transition to the SIG DH3 P320 has further cemented the firearm's status in the shooting community.
What sets the SIG DH3 P320 apart are its competition-specific enhancements. One of the standout features of the SIG DH3 P320 9 mm is its lightened slide. This feature not only reduces the firearm's overall weight but also aids in reducing recoil and muzzle rise. Additionally, the aggressive slide porting helps to further manage muzzle flip, allowing for quicker, more accurate follow-up shots.
The trigger system on the SIG DH3 P320 9 mm is specifically designed for competition-grade performance. The trigger exhibits a crisp break and quick reset that lend themselves to rapid-fire shooting scenarios, while the overall tuning of the trigger mechanism offers a level of control and consistency that competitive shooters will appreciate. In a competition, every second counts. The SIG DH3 P320 9 mm enhances speed by offering an extended magazine capacity, meaning fewer pauses for reloading during shooting stages. Furthermore, the flared removable magwell facilitates rapid and reliable reloading, enabling shooters to maintain their focus on the target.
The ergonomics of the SIG DH3 P320 9 mm are designed with user comfort and practicality in mind. The grip is contoured for a comfortable and secure hold, allowing for better control and handling during shooting. An extended beavertail protects the shooter's hand and allows for a higher grip, contributing to better control and reduced muzzle rise.
Horner has made use of the SIG DH3 P320 in many of his recent competitions, attributing much of his success to the firearm's performance. According to him, the main draw of the SIG DH3 P320 is its adaptability. The ability to configure the pistol to his personal preferences, including grip size and slide length, allows him to tailor the gun to specific competition requirements. Further, Horner praises the gun's trigger system, which enables precise control during rapid firing—a vital factor in competitions. The robustness and reliability of the SIG DH3 P320 have also been mentioned as key factors in his impressive performances.
The ergonomics of the SIG DH3 P320 9 mm are designed with user comfort and practicality in mind. The TXG tungsten-infused heavy XFULL grip module is Cerakoted Coyote Tan and treated with silicon carbide to provide maximum grip in all conditions. The grip is contoured for a comfortable and secure hold, allowing for better control and handling during shooting. The TXG module on the DH3 is a slimmer design than the modules on the 320 X-FIVE Legion and P320 Max. It is noticeable when you grip the gun. An extended beavertail protects the shooter's hand and allows for a higher grip, contributing to better control and reduced muzzle rise. With the silicon carbide and slimmer grip profile, the DH3 feels great in the hand.
Similar to its counterpart the P320- XFIVE LEGION, the P320-XFIVE DH3 includes a five-inch match-grade bull barrel, a one-piece stainless-steel guide rod, and both a 14-pound and 12-pound 1911-style recoil spring, allowing for an easily customized shooting experience. With three 21-round steel magazines included, the P320-XFIVE DH3 is ready for the range for USPSA and multgun competitions.
At the range, shooting the DH3 felt great. I brought along an X-FIVE Legion for comparison, particularly to see the differences in how the two guns reacted and felt during shooting. The slimmer grip and silicon carbide treatment made the DH3 feel more secure in my hands. During several rapid-fire drills, the DH3 felt better overall, despite my accuracy being slightly better with the X-FIVE. With the slimmer grip, I noticed my trigger finger landing more on the joint rather than the pad. Once I realized this and made a conscious effort to ensure the pad was on the trigger, my accuracy improved significantly.
I fired approximately 400 rounds of various 9 mm ammunition during the single range trip. Accuracy-wise, the 147-grain SIG Match Elite and the 147-grain Eley Minor Competition produced the best results. I had switched the recoil spring to the 12-pound one and added the SIG Romeo1Pro, which mounts directly to the slide. The X-Ray suppressor height sights co-witnessed excellently with the Romeo1Pro.
Out of the box, you are ready to enter your next multigun competition in the Tactical division, or you could add an optic for the Modified division. Keeping the magwell on will place you in Limited or Limited Optics in USPSA, or you could remove it for Carry Optics and go with iron sights for Production division. That’s a lot of choices from one firearm.
The SIG DH3 P320 9 mm handgun, with its performance-enhancing features and sturdy construction, is a testament to SIG Sauer's commitment to continual innovation. It provides an impressive option for those seeking a reliable, customizable, and high-performing firearm, whether they're engaging in competitive shooting or looking for a reliable self-defense pistol. Go to sigsauer.com.
Article from the July/August 2023 issue of USPSA’s magazine. All photos by Jake Martens.
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