SIG Sauer has brought another P320 out, but the company is throwing a lot of weight around with this one. Let’s do a little recap of the P320 and its different incarnations over the past several years.
The P320 has been on the market for a decade now; the original P320 hit the market in January 2014 and has continued to gain momentum in the marketplace with the many variants that followed. The .45 ACP version was released the following year. The Department of Defense selected the SIG P320 as the standard sidearm, replacing the aged Beretta M9. The P320 is referred to as the M17 for military use, followed by the M18, which is the compact version.
The first competition model to arrive was the P320 X-Five, which was introduced at SHOT Show 2017. X-Five in SIG lineage has usually been referred to as an enhanced model for competition, or a model with competition features, such as extended controls and sights. By July of 2019, the next big thing in the P320’s bag of tricks was the TXG grip module. This is where the gun started to really take off in competition. The TXG (Tungsten Infused Grip Module) was not only innovative, but added much-desired weight that competition shooters crave. It was the best of both worlds, with a heavy grip with the ability to help soak up recoil like a polymer grip, and allowed for modifications like aftermarket stippling.
Additional variants were hitting the shelves left and right, including the 320MAX. SIG Sauer Team Captain Max Michel and SIG Custom Works designed the gun to arrive ready from the box to hit the range for competition. Shipped with the original Romeo3MAX optic installed and fitted with the TXG grip and unique optics-only slide, SIG was all in with this model for competition.
That same year, the AXG models became available. The AXG was the first metal P320 grip module using an alloy as the base. and the overall shape and feel was similar to the 226 models. But this begged the question of if you can do it in alloy, can you do it in all steel?
Well, now we know the answer to that question. Released in June of 2024 was the new SIG Sauer P320 X-Five SXG. These are now available, and I received my test and evaluation sample just before leaving for the 2024 USPSA Nationals.
The slide on the new model is the X-Five slide that is equipped with adjustable rear sight with a fiber-optic front sight. The slide is optics-ready. Both the slide and the grip are stainless with a bead-blasted finish. SIG Sauer isn’t covering up this beauty with a tacky paint job. The stainless combined with the black controls and barrel makes for a striking handgun. As for the features of the gun, they are the same as the P320 X-Five Legion with regard to controls, the fire control unit, sights and small parts. Where this gun changes the game is the SXG grip module.
The grip module’s design is purpose-built for match use, offering both ergonomics and control that are essential in the fast-paced, fast action-shooting of USPSA and other competition shooting sports. SXG stands for Stainless Steel X Grip. The SXG grip is a blend of aggressive texturing and a precisely contoured shape that allows the shooter to maintain a consistent, firm hold on the firearm, even during rapid-fire strings and transitions. The front strap of the metal grip is nicely checkered for a firm grip. The grips are LOK G10 grip panels, with an aggressive pattern matching the G10 backstrap. The combination of the front strap checking, grip panels and backstrap keep this gun locked in your hands during shooting.
The palm swell and undercut trigger guard also play a significant role in comfort and control. These ergonomic features ensure that the pistol sits lower in the hand, helping to reduce felt recoil and improve control during rapid firing. This means quicker follow-up shots and smoother transitions between targets, which is crucial for shaving seconds off your overall time. A solid, consistent grip allows shooters to focus more on their performance and less on adjusting their hold or dealing with recoil.
The SXG ships with an attached magazine well and ready for USPSA Limited Optics after installing a red dot, or Limited minor. Remove the magazine well and you are set for USPSA Carry Optics or Production division. You can even swap out the grip panels for other sets, the same with the AXG grip.
The SIG Sauer P320 X-Five SXG is designed with competition shooters in mind, and beyond the grip, it offers several other features that directly impact accuracy and precision. The pistol comes equipped with a five-inch, match-grade bull barrel that delivers superior accuracy right out of the box. The gun also includes a fully adjustable rear sight paired with a fiber-optic front sight, perfect for quick target acquisition and precise aiming. The combination of these sights allows shooters to quickly align their sights during fast-paced stages, giving them an edge in both accuracy and speed. For competitors who prefer running optics, the SIG Sauer P320 X-Five SXG is optics-ready, featuring a slide cut that can accommodate a variety of red-dot sights, further increasing its versatility for USPSA competitors in divisions such as Carry Optics and Limited Optics.
Another important consideration for competitive shooters is the weight and balance of the firearm. The SIG Sauer P320 X-Five SXG is designed to provide a well-balanced feel, which is critical during high-speed shooting and transitions between targets. Weighing in at 49.4 ounces with an empty 21-round magazine, this added heft in the grip results in a lower center of gravity, which contributes to better control during rapid strings of fire. This translates into faster splits and improved recoil management, allowing you to stay on target and make precise hits in less time. Moreover, the extended slide and barrel length not only improve accuracy but also help to balance the pistol, making it easier to manage during transitions from one target to the next.
As for the trigger, the SIG Sauer P320 X-Five SXG features a skeletonized flat trigger, designed to provide a clean, crisp break, and it’s tuned to provide a light pull weight—typically around 4½ pounds—with a short reset, enabling quicker follow-up shots. The flat-faced trigger allows for a more consistent trigger pull, as it encourages the shooter to apply even pressure straight back. This is crucial for competition shooting, where consistency and control over the trigger can directly affect accuracy and shot placement. A smooth, responsive trigger like this can make a significant difference in both speed and precision.
The SIG Sauer P320 X-Five SXG is a firearm built with the competitive shooter in mind, and it excels in all the key areas that matter for USPSA competitors and for all action shooters. The SXG grip module offers a solid combination of ergonomics, aggressive texturing and weight. The additional weight in the grip, combined with the precision of the match-grade barrel and optics-ready design, gives USPSA shooters the tools they need to dominate the competition.
With its modular design, adjustable features, and focus on performance, the SIG Sauer P320 X-Five SXG is not only an ideal platform for competition, but also a highly versatile option that can be tailored to fit any shooter’s needs. Whether you’re competing in Carry Optics or another USPSA division, the P320 X-Five SXG offers the kind of reliability, accuracy and performance that gives you a competitive edge.
For USPSA competitors looking for a firearm that can keep up with the demands of fast-paced shooting and deliver top-tier performance, the SIG Sauer P320 X-Five SXG is a powerhouse handgun that is worthy of serious consideration.
Learn more about the SIG Sauer P320 X-Five SXG handgun chambered in 9 mm Luger at sigsauer.com.
Article from the November/December 2024 issue of USPSA’s magazine.
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