Sig Sauer Issues a Hard Statement Addressing P320 Controversy

Sig Sauer has released a forceful statement today directly confronting the ongoing narrative surrounding the P320 pistol. The declaration, titled 'The Truth About the P320,' begins with an unequivocal assertion: "The P320 CANNOT, under any circumstances, discharge without a trigger pull – that is a fact." This emphatic response comes amid continuing litigation and public discourse about the firearm's safety features.

Sig Sauer says that the P320 pistol cannot discharge without a trigger pull. The company strongly refutes allegations against the firearm, characterizing them as profit-motivated claims that misrepresent negligent discharges as design flaws.

The statement emphasizes that the P320 has undergone extensive testing by military and law enforcement worldwide over the past decade, consistently demonstrating reliability and performance. Sig Sauer notes that multiple lawsuits claiming unintended discharges have been dismissed, with even plaintiffs' experts conceding the impossibility of the P320 firing without trigger actuation.

Sig Sauer has pledged to actively combat what they describe as misinformation campaigns by anti-gun groups, media, and trial attorneys. The company warns the firearms industry that similar "lawfare tactics" could target other manufacturers in the future, concluding with the declaration: "Today, for SIG SAUER - it ends."

The P320 controversy dates back to August 2017, when Sig Sauer implemented a "Voluntary Upgrade Program" for P320 pistol trigger mechanisms. It's important to note that this initiative was not classified as a recall, which would have indicated an acknowledged product defect requiring correction. Instead, Sig Sauer's position has consistently been that while the original trigger design was adequate, it could be enhanced. The voluntary upgrade remains available to owners of P320 pistols with the original trigger system. This program was initiated following circulation of videos showing P320 pistols discharging when dropped at a particular angle.

The situation has evolved significantly since then. In subsequent years, multiple lawsuits have been filed against Sig Sauer alleging "uncommanded discharges" of P320 pistols. These legal actions claim that the firearms discharged in various circumstances, including while holstered, without trigger manipulation. Several of these cases have progressed to trial, with two verdicts currently standing against Sig Sauer, though these decisions are under appeal.

A notable pattern in many P320-related lawsuits is the involvement of Attorney Jeffrey Bagnell, who represented the first P320 plaintiff and has participated in numerous subsequent cases. In March 2022, Sig Sauer filed a defamation lawsuit against Bagnell, which continues despite a change in venue.

Sig Sauer's legal complaint specifically addresses an animation used by Bagnell to illustrate his theory of uncommanded discharges. Bagnell responded with an affidavit summarizing his involvement with P320 cases, noting his status as a permit-holding gun owner and Second Amendment supporter, while presenting his perspective on the animation. His affidavit includes detailed images of internal components from P320 pistols allegedly involved in uncommanded firing incidents.

Sig Sauer maintains a position contrary to Bagnell's characterization, and the litigation continues, with additional complexities including an ACLU amicus brief opposing Sig Sauer's position.

Sig Sauer appears firmly committed to confronting allegations regarding the P320. The company maintains a strong defense of the pistol's safety, suggesting the situation extends beyond standard product liability cases. Sig Sauer has employed terminology such as "lawfare" and suggested that anti-gun organizations are specifically targeting both the company and the P320 pistol.

This statement likely signals the beginning of a new phase in Sig Sauer's response strategy. Industry observers anticipate a comprehensive public messaging campaign to counter claims against the P320. Additionally, there are indications that Sig Sauer may pursue legal action against what they characterize as "clickbait farming, engagement hacking grifters" through defamation, tortious interference, or similar claims.

As this situation continues to develop, the firearms industry will be watching closely to see how Sig Sauer's defense of one of its flagship products unfolds in both legal arenas and public discourse.