How does the Glock 19 and the Sig P320 Compact stack up against each other?
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Independent George
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Neither is inherently superior to the other; it's all about your personal preferences, none of which anybody here can answer for you.
I own both. P320 makes the Glock feel very dated IMO.
The P320 has significantly better trigger, steel night sights, modular frame, better ergonomics, has "stand-off capability", points like a 1911.
Dont discount the P320s modular platform lightly. Its a major game changer with the ability to switch calibers, frame and barrel sizes in under 20 seconds. Also all magazines per caliber are interchangeable.
The P320 has significantly better trigger, steel night sights, modular frame, better ergonomics, has "stand-off capability", points like a 1911.
Dont discount the P320s modular platform lightly. Its a major game changer with the ability to switch calibers, frame and barrel sizes in under 20 seconds. Also all magazines per caliber are interchangeable.
carguychris
New member
The major upside to the Glock is far superior mag, holster, and accessory availability and - in most cases - pricing of these items. A minor but possibly significant upside is that the gun is marginally lighter and slightly shorter from top to bottom, through the grip; the latter is usually the critical dimension in terms of concealed carry comfort in a belt holster. Additionally, if you may buy used, the assortment of available guns will be far better.
The major upside to the SIG is the ability to change the entire lower frame to suit the shooter. One can also change out the barrel and slide to create an entire different-sized gun or one in a different caliber, but based on the prior and similar P250, the pricing of the add-ons may render this unattractive compared to simply purchasing another gun. (To the OP: I assume you're in the USA. Even in most restrictive U.S. jurisdictions, if a person has approval to buy one handgun, that person can usually buy additional handguns without having to wade through the same bureaucratic red tape. This is NOT the case in several other Western countries, hence the interchangeable slide, barrel, and frame feature.)
Other than this, I agree with Independent George - it's a matter of preference.
The major upside to the SIG is the ability to change the entire lower frame to suit the shooter. One can also change out the barrel and slide to create an entire different-sized gun or one in a different caliber, but based on the prior and similar P250, the pricing of the add-ons may render this unattractive compared to simply purchasing another gun. (To the OP: I assume you're in the USA. Even in most restrictive U.S. jurisdictions, if a person has approval to buy one handgun, that person can usually buy additional handguns without having to wade through the same bureaucratic red tape. This is NOT the case in several other Western countries, hence the interchangeable slide, barrel, and frame feature.)
Other than this, I agree with Independent George - it's a matter of preference.
TunnelRat said:
As my friend was looking for a handgun in .357 sig, I came across the Sig P320 Compact which is close to the same dimensions as the Glock 32. My personal interest in this was more along the lines of 9mm, hence the mention of the Glock 19 although I think it has the same dimensions as the Glock 32. I'll certainly try each out if possible and I'll recommend that he do the same. Thank you.
Limnophile
New member
The SIG looks a lot better than the Glock.
That doesn't take much.
Does that beat a modular backstrap for ensuring a better fit? I realize the modularity, when combined with barrels, offers size flexibility in the SIG, which seems advantageous, but that was promised with the 250, which seems a failed model. Did SIG learn from that experience?
What does this mean?
That doesn't take much.
Does that beat a modular backstrap for ensuring a better fit? I realize the modularity, when combined with barrels, offers size flexibility in the SIG, which seems advantageous, but that was promised with the 250, which seems a failed model. Did SIG learn from that experience?
What does this mean?
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Yeah I wonder about "stand off capability" also. Does this mean range? Contact shooting?
My concern with the SIG would be reliability and durability. The Glock has established itself as a standard in both areas, especially since they apparently fixed the recoil spring issue in the Gen 4s.
My SIG P250--essentially a hammer-fired version of the P320, it looks like--had a cheap feel and was very finicky about what ammo it would feed. I ditched it. Unless there are documented improvements in the 320, I would have the same concerns.
New SIG is not quite the company that produced the P220 series classics we all know and respect. Remember when their executive complained that "reliability isn't that important" when the 250 lost the Air Marshals bid?
My concern with the SIG would be reliability and durability. The Glock has established itself as a standard in both areas, especially since they apparently fixed the recoil spring issue in the Gen 4s.
My SIG P250--essentially a hammer-fired version of the P320, it looks like--had a cheap feel and was very finicky about what ammo it would feed. I ditched it. Unless there are documented improvements in the 320, I would have the same concerns.
New SIG is not quite the company that produced the P220 series classics we all know and respect. Remember when their executive complained that "reliability isn't that important" when the 250 lost the Air Marshals bid?
Glock is still a baby in the grand scheme of handguns. Sig Sauer has been around a hell of ALOT longer than Glock. Its past and current military reputation is unmatched. After all its the choosen weapon of most SOG including the Seals.
There is enough pro reviews out on the P320 to give you a idea of what the P320 is all anout. Google search them and see what the experts like Masad Ayoob are saying about it.
There is enough pro reviews out on the P320 to give you a idea of what the P320 is all anout. Google search them and see what the experts like Masad Ayoob are saying about it.
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I'm at 1000+ rds and counting through my P320 Compact with no failures of any kind. Reliable, shoots great (even for beginners I've brought to the range), and is comfortable in the hand. My only gripe next to a Glock 19 would be the P320 compact is slightly larger. It wouldn't be enough for me to not carry the P320 but it's still a point in terms of size efficiency. I do like it considerably more than the half dozen or so Glocks I've owned, notably for the trigger and the ability to not throw brass in my face.
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. If only the P320 would be made with a 10mm Xchange kit. I am not loosing hope it won't happen.marine6680
New member
All the complaint about Glock triggers.
I think I need to get my hands on a stock version... Mine has been polished up, and other than the spring take up, breaks pretty cleanly. It's not the greatest trigger but I can use it well.
I think I need to get my hands on a stock version... Mine has been polished up, and other than the spring take up, breaks pretty cleanly. It's not the greatest trigger but I can use it well.
There's a difference between personal preference and "use it well". I can use a stock P series HK with a pretty mediocre trigger "well". I can also shoot a Glock "well". But I can still shoot my VP9, M&P with APEX (the stock version too now that I think of it), or P320 better. Some of that is of course ergonomics, but a lot of it is preferences in terms of how the trigger breaks.
No one on the forum should take anyone's personal preference, mine included, too seriously.
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carguychris
New member
As discussed in my first post, I don't think the modularity is very advantageous to U.S. shooters unless SIG were to substantially lower the MSRP of the add-on bits.Limnophile said:
That said, IMHO the P250's problems have been a separate issue from the modular design; IOW the pistol has earned a lukewarm reputation despite the modularity, not because of this feature.
The early P250 had well-documented reliability problems, which SIG unfortunately chose (or had) to address by largely redesigning the pistol including the magazines, thus leaving early buyers in the lurch. SIG seemingly had mag availability problems throughout the early production run and after the redesign; many pistols shipped with 1 mag rather than 2, and retailers couldn't get spares, which understandably annoyed many buyers. Lastly, I just don't think there's a whole lot of market potential in the USA for a full-size (or largish compact) pistol that can only be had with a long-reset DAO trigger. FWIW I actually think the P250 has an excellent trigger for what it is, but apparently not many people want one like this.
Most semis WILL fire in this circumstance. It takes more force than most people realize to push most pistols out of battery.Slimjim9 said:
Sorry, but this statement makes about as much sense as proclaiming that Honda - the world's only major extant carmaker founded after WWII - cannot make as reliable of a car as Mercedes-Benz (Daimler-Benz) because D-B has been around a lot longer and their reputation is unmatched.Mystro said:
Past history does not automatically mean that the company's new products will be any good, particularly when we're discussing an all-new and lower-priced budget line. SIG - and D-B - have had well-documented problems with several of their newer product lines, particularly the lower-priced ones. Conversely, a shorter history and lack of heritage does not mean that an upstart company cannot make great products, as Honda and Glock have demonstrated IMHO.
Also, it's useful to point out that the current metal-frame DA/SA SIG lineup only dates from the mid-1970s - less than a decade before the G17 debuted.
marine6680
New member
Well I shoot it as well as I do my M&P with apex FSS.
Though I am not 100% on the changes to the trigger on my Glock, as I got it used. It measures in between 5.5-6lb on my trigger scale. So I consider it suitable for defense use.
There is the springy feel of the take up, then a wall, and clean snap for the break. I actually don't mind the trigger, and I don't feel compelled to mess with it.
So I need to feel a stock trigger to help my memory.
The 320 does have a very good trigger, a little more overtravel than I like, but it isn't too bad, and I got used to it pretty quick.
On an unrelated note... How do some people get the "originally posted by" stuff into quotes?
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Who is talking about past history??? I am talking right now and what gun the most elite military units chooses to use without any budget constraints or political influences. The Sig P226. Sig Sauer as a company doesn't need any defending. Their past and current reputation stands alone with their products and who chooses to use them above all others. I think its hard for many die hard Glock fans are seeing their 30 year old design being passed by with more advance strikers like the PPQ, VP9 and P320. All current reviews of the polymer striker fire handgun has almost always mentioned the top and best of the breed currently is the PPQ, VP9 and now P320. Its a sliding scale full of advancing striker fire guns. Glock unfortunately chooses not to advance with them. In the same respect that Glock has had its polymer pistols around the longest certainly doesn't imply any superiority either.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion regardless of their priorities.
All I can say is as a RO and CCW instructor I am around about everything and own many of the most popular handguns. I have owned a G17 since its introduction and many Glock models. I have modded my Glocks, shot them suppressed and have enough experience with the Glock to know really know them. I was even a RO at a gun expo this past year at the Glock booth and met and shot with many of their staff. (I had a PPQ that day on my hip)
. Great company and great staff. That said as unbiased and neutral as I can be, Glock feels like a outdated handgun compared to the current top polymer handguns.
The Sig P49/P210 their military handgun was introduced in 1949.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion regardless of their priorities.
All I can say is as a RO and CCW instructor I am around about everything and own many of the most popular handguns. I have owned a G17 since its introduction and many Glock models. I have modded my Glocks, shot them suppressed and have enough experience with the Glock to know really know them. I was even a RO at a gun expo this past year at the Glock booth and met and shot with many of their staff. (I had a PPQ that day on my hip)
. Great company and great staff. That said as unbiased and neutral as I can be, Glock feels like a outdated handgun compared to the current top polymer handguns. The Sig P49/P210 their military handgun was introduced in 1949.
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This very much depends on the pistol. I've noticed on my VP9 very little rearward motion is needed to trigger the disconnect, much less than on the P320. Honestly I don't consider it a huge selling point, as if you need to you can push your off-hand palm on the back of the pistol to put it back in battery and get it to fire.
Sig P220 was in '75. Glock was in '82 (though I think US introduction was '84?). Anyway, 40 years vs 33 years. I could also phrase that as SIG has been producing pistols for 20% longer than Glock. How we phrase it changes the message, especially if I throw an "only" in that sentence.
But again that's you personally, not necessarily every other shooter. What you are seeing as complaints are to me more like expressions of personal preference. I fully admit that sometimes folks, myself included, start passing off personal preference as fact and can exaggerate as well.
I don't remember anyone saying it wasn't "suitable". Again, we're starting to mince words and get into personal preference.
Then we also have the issue of perception, which is also subjective. To me the P320 has relatively little overtravel. But in comparison to what? And how many of each? Is mine an aberration? Is yours? It really gets tricky. I find it very hard to define a "best" of anything. All we can do is share our own experience.
Tapatalk will also do this for you too if you use that application.
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marine6680
New member
I think we went off on a tangent...
But I don't think you can say a Glock is outdated... Any more than you can say DA/SA is.
It's just different than the current trend. Which probably started as a way to differentiate from Glock and have something to brag about... "our trigger is better"
The Glock trigger is different, and can be argued better in the safety department. It's partially cocked, and the trigger bar sits on a ledge to not allow a drop to release the striker.
Other designs, the 320 and M&P for example, have sears that can move independent of the trigger bar, and hypothetically can potentially release the striker with a hard impact. It's unlikely, and the striker block would prevent a loud bang should it happen.
The gen 4 glock address some complaints many had with the pistols. So it feels less dated due to the ability to better fit it to an individual.
There are many options to fit many people and their preferences.
And it's all about preference.
But I don't think you can say a Glock is outdated... Any more than you can say DA/SA is.
It's just different than the current trend. Which probably started as a way to differentiate from Glock and have something to brag about... "our trigger is better"
The Glock trigger is different, and can be argued better in the safety department. It's partially cocked, and the trigger bar sits on a ledge to not allow a drop to release the striker.
Other designs, the 320 and M&P for example, have sears that can move independent of the trigger bar, and hypothetically can potentially release the striker with a hard impact. It's unlikely, and the striker block would prevent a loud bang should it happen.
The gen 4 glock address some complaints many had with the pistols. So it feels less dated due to the ability to better fit it to an individual.
There are many options to fit many people and their preferences.
And it's all about preference.
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