SIG SAUER Releases Comprehensive Defense of P320 Platform Safety

Company Responds to Growing Scrutiny with Detailed Safety Statement

In response to mounting legal challenges and institutional concerns, SIG SAUER has issued an extensive statement defending the safety record of its widely-adopted P320 semi-automatic pistol. The comprehensive response comes as the company faces increased scrutiny from various law enforcement agencies and military organizations regarding the firearm's operational safety.

The timing of this detailed defense follows a series of high-profile incidents and administrative decisions that have placed the P320 under intense public examination, prompting SIG SAUER to provide what it describes as "complete facts" to address public concerns.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Actions

Current Litigation Landscape

SIG SAUER currently faces multiple legal proceedings related to the P320 platform. Among the most notable cases is a lawsuit filed by Houston police officer Rick Fernandez, who alleges he sustained a leg injury from his holstered P320 during what he claims was an unintended discharge.

Military and Federal Agency Responses

The controversy has extended beyond civilian litigation into military and federal law enforcement circles:

• U.S. Air Force Investigation: The service branch is conducting a comprehensive evaluation following a fatal incident involving a P320 discharge that resulted in an Airman's death
• DHS and ICE Actions: Both the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement have implemented temporary suspensions of P320 usage pending further review
• Training Academy Restrictions: The Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC) has prohibited P320 use in training exercises, prompting SIG SAUER to file a lawsuit against the organization

SIG SAUER's Official Response

Company's Safety Commitment Statement

SIG SAUER opened its defense with a clear declaration of priorities, stating: "SIG SAUER has always and will continue to put the safety and security of the U.S. military, the law enforcement community, our consumers and the public first."

Technical Safety Claims

The company emphasized the P320's engineering credentials and testing history:

"To this end, we want to be sure concerned citizens have access to complete facts. The P320 pistol is one of the safest, most advanced pistols in the world—meeting and exceeding all industry safety standards. Its design has been thoroughly tested and validated by the U.S. military and law enforcement agencies at the federal, state and local levels. In addition, the P320 has been rigorously tested and is currently in use by militaries and law enforcement agencies around the world."

FBI Testing Controversy and Resolution

Initial Ballistic Research Facility Report

SIG SAUER directly addressed confusion stemming from an FBI Ballistic Research Facility (BRF) internal report that raised questions about P320 safety. This document was originally prepared for the Michigan State Police following an officer's accidental discharge incident.

Collaborative Investigation and Results

The company detailed their cooperative approach to resolving the concerns:

"SIG SAUER engineers met with the FBI and Michigan State Police on several occasions to review the report and the incident. Ultimately, the FBI conducted a more detailed, repeatable and comprehensive battery of testing using compatible equipment. The subsequent testing resulted in zero instances of failures, and the Michigan State Police are now confidently issuing officers P320-based pistols."

Addressing DHS/ICE Contract Status

Clarifying Misinformation

SIG SAUER specifically addressed misconceptions regarding their relationship with federal agencies, particularly concerning a leaked DHS/ICE internal memo that suggested operational concerns.

"DHS has never raised any safety concerns about the P320, and ICE has since extended their existing contract with SIG SAUER another two years. Since DHS has yet to comment publicly correcting their improperly leaked memo, or any statements questioning the safety of the P320, we are now urging ICE to release all information on P320 testing."

The company emphasized that media reports incorrectly linked the DHS/ICE memo to the FBI BRF report, creating additional confusion in public discourse.

Final Safety Assurance and Technical Claims

Operational Safety Declaration

SIG SAUER concluded their statement with definitive technical assertions about the P320's operational parameters, emphasizing proper handling protocols:

"The P320 cannot, under any circumstances, discharge without the trigger first being moved to the rear. This has been verified through exhaustive testing by SIG SAUER engineers, the U.S. military, several major federal and state law enforcement agencies and independent laboratories."

Commitment to Transparency

The company closed with a pledge of continued openness: "We respect the public's concern and are actively working to provide as much information as possible."

Industry Impact and Moving Forward

This comprehensive defense represents SIG SAUER's most detailed public response to the ongoing controversy surrounding the P320 platform. The statement underscores the company's position that proper firearms handling and adherence to established safety protocols ensure the P320's safe operation, while simultaneously challenging what they characterize as misinformation and incomplete reporting on the firearm's safety record.