There been a lot of controversy over the SIG P320 Pistol, especially after a false narrative was shared following the death of an Air Force Airman last summer at the hands of another Security Forces Defender. Rather than take responsibility for the death of his fellow service member, the perpetrator claimed the M18 Modular Handgun, a P320 variant, fired in an uncommanded discharge. Despite that being a lie, the internet went wild for it.
Quite a few instructors as well as some professional organizations and ranges joined in on the hysteria and banned use of the firearm in events and classes sponsored by them. While many revised their position after the truth came to light, some continue the ban.
This week, the Texas Tactical Police Officer Association released a statement regarding reinstatement of the P320 TTPOA-sponsored events and training. However, it should be read in full.
Here is the statement:
The Texas Tactical Police Officers Association (TTPOA) Executive Board has completed an extensive due diligence review regarding the Sig Sauer P320/M17/M18 platform and has voted to lift the prior restriction on the use of the P320/M17/M18 in TTPOA-sponsored training and events.
The original restriction was implemented in response to numerous publicly circulated incidents and videos alleging the Sig Sauer P320/M17/M18 platform were capable of firing without a trigger press, including incidents where the firearm was reportedly holstered at the time of discharge. Additional online videos and demonstrations attempted to replicate these occurrences outside of the holster environment. Due to the seriousness of these allegations and the potential risk to law enforcement personnel, the TTPOA Executive Board elected to temporarily prohibit the use of the P320/M17/M18 platform during TTPOA events pending further review.
In evaluating whether the restriction should remain in place, the Executive Board conducted a comprehensive review process that included independent testing data, consultation with subject matter experts, direct engagement with Sig Sauer leadership, and review of current litigation and industry information related to the platform.
As part of this process, the TTPOA reviewed independent testing conducted by the Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS) Firearms Unit. The testing involved ten Sig Sauer P320/M17/M18 pistols, including five new pistols and five pistols currently in service use. The testing was digitally recorded from multiple angles and included multiple test parameters designed to evaluate and confirm the function of the internal safety mechanisms incorporated into the P320/M17/M18 design. The TTPOA Executive Board was briefed on the findings and methodology utilized during the testing process. TXDPS currently maintains approximately 7,000 Sig Sauer P320/M17/M18 pistols in operational inventory.
Additionally, Sig Sauer leadership met with the TTPOA Executive Board during the TTPOA Annual Conference to discuss the restriction and provide detailed information regarding the design and operation of the P320/M17/M18 platform. Participants included Sig Sauer executive leadership, legal counsel, law enforcement sales representatives, and subject matter experts familiar with the internal striker assembly and safety systems of the pistol. TTPOA and Sig Sauer legal counsel participated in the discussions, and questions from the Executive Board were addressed in an open and transparent manner. Sig Sauer also offered TTPOA representatives’ direct access to company facilities and manufacturing operations for further evaluation. Subsequently, two members of the TTPOA Executive Board traveled to Sig Sauer Headquarters and manufacturing facilities to conduct an on-site review and meet further with company leadership and technical experts. The visit included discussions with Sig Sauer law enforcement and military sales leadership, legal counsel, and subject matter experts on the P320/M17/M18 design, manufacturing, testing, and quality assurance processes.
Based on the totality of information reviewed through this due diligence process, the TTPOA Executive Board determined sufficient information exists to support lifting the prior restriction on the Sig Sauer P320/M17/M18 platform for TTPOA-sponsored events and training. While TTPOA has lifted its organizational restriction on the P320/M17/M18 platform, TTPOA recognizes and respects the authority of individual contract instructors, host agencies, and host ranges to establish and enforce their own firearms policies and safety requirements. TTPOA cannot compel contract instructors, host agencies, or range operators to permit the use of the P320/M17/M18 platform during training events conducted on their facilities or under their direction. Any such restrictions imposed by those entities remain within their discretion and authority.
The TTPOA recognizes firearms safety remains a shared responsibility among manufacturers, agencies, instructors, armorers, and individual officers. TTPOA will continue to monitor developments, testing, and relevant information regarding duty weapon platforms and reserves the right to reevaluate policies should new information emerge in the future.
TTPOA Executive Board
Additional resources are available here.
