The SIG Sauer P320 and M17 have subtle but distinct differences.
In 2017, the popular Sig Sauer P320 was chosen to replace the 1980s vintage Beretta 92 (M9 in military parlance) as the US military’s primary sidearm. Sig beat out Glock and other competitors in a hotly-contested award that included lawsuits and other typical government contract fun – and a controversial drop safety issue that had the losers crying foul. But in the end, the drop safety issue was fixed and Sig was awarded the contract for a modified version of the P320, called the M17.
Let’s look at what sets the government-issued M17 apart from the stock P320 you can pick up at your local gun shop!
Color
The most obvious difference is the color: M17 in flat dark earth frame and coyote slide while the P320 dons all black. This was a new standard for the competition, never required in the old Beretta M9s, which were all black. This new color makes complete sense since most of our current conflicts are in desert regions and the gun now matches the desert camo.
Little known fact: there is a black version available for civilian consumption, the M17 Bravo, which has all the mechanical features (see below) of the military sidearm but in all black.
Manual Safety
In addition to the now-working aforementioned drop safety, the M17 also includes a manual thumb safety that is absent on the P320. This ambidextrous 1911-style safety was a government must, a carryover from the Beretta. This seems out of place on a striker-fired gun, but at least it’s better than the old de-cocker and safety combo on the M9.
Sights & Optics
The M17 comes standard with Sig’s factory night sights, which are better than the plain factory P320 sights. And if you want to add an optic, the military version includes an optics plate in the slide that fits most standard red dots, an option on the civilian version.
Frame
One of the military’s requirements in the Modular Handgun Program was that all-important first word: modular. To bring down costs and improve reliability, parts had to be interchangeable between two versions, the SIG Sauer M17 (based on the full-size P320) and the M18 (based on the smaller P320 Compact).
So, unlike the P320, the M17’s frame does not cover the entire bottom of the slide, stopping short at the front to allow modular frame integration with its shorter M18 cousin.
Loaded Chamber Indicator
While the SIG P320 has a visual port to check the chamber, the M17 goes one step farther with a tactile loaded chamber indicator that rises above the back of the chamber. This sounds like an odd placement since it seems like it would block sights, but Sig did a great job of engineering so that it’s not in the way after all.
Magazines
While there are many differences between these two guns, one commonality – thankfully – is the magazines. Normal P320 mags will work in both civilian and military systems, just as they do between the full size and compact versions. So if you have any P320 or M17 mags, they will fit in four different guns.
Real World Reaction
Like or dislike the differences, either way, it’s clear the military now has a solid 21st century sidearm platform that will last for many years of reliable service in the field.
What do you think of these SIG handguns? Do you carry a P320 or P320 Carry? Sound off in the comments, we want to hear from you!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
David Workman is an avid gun guy and a contributing writer to several major gun publications. In addition to being an NRA-certified RSO, David trains new shooters on basic handgun skills and CCW requirements and is a strong advocate for training as much as you possibly can. “Real life shootouts don’t happen at a box range.”
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©MTC Holsters, LLC and CrossBreed Holsters Blog, 2020.
Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to David Workman and the CrossBreed Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
I carry the SIG SAUER P320 TAC-OPS, I installed the SEE-ALL day-night sight. It seems to work out GREAT, with the exception, of the home modifications I had to make to ALL of my carry holsters BUT now I have a reliable fire-arm that I can carry in a multitude of carry options!!! I did however purchase an additional, 17 round mag. for daily carry, as 1 of the 4-21 round mags. sticking out of the grip, was like carrying a hockey stick around in my pocket!!!
I’ve carried the m17 extensively and I must say, I’ts hands down my favorite full size 9mm…and .40 and .357 sig. Gotta love that modularity!! It feels fantastic in the hand, the night sights are pretty great and it has hands down the best stock trigger that I’ve ever experienced on a striker fired handgun. My one and only complaint about the M17 is that the finish on the slide isn’t real durable and it will wear off within about 6-12 months if you carry it daily. That being said, it’s a tool and i’m not about to have a mental breakdown over some honest wear. I’m just going to cerakote it at some point and I guess maybe eventually I’ll buy an extra slide just so I have a pristine one to keep in the safe.
I have a p320c, and it’s a great pistol.
Is there a M18 Bravo in black the size of a 320 Compact with the optics plate option?
What’s with the mag release on the P320? It sticks out way too far and is easily tripped. Is there an aftermarket fix? btw I love your symbol on your holsters.
I have 2 p320 one a M18 the other a regular P320 with a wilson combat lower, i want to put the wilson lower on my M18 which will fit and function, and my M18 Lower on my P320. But the M18 lower on my P320 , the gun will not function , it will not reset the firing pin to be allowed to shoot,.
I dont understand why it will not work , i have asked several people and i have come up with no answers.
any help or advise will be gratefull.
Before he succumbed to Leukemia, my son-in-law purchased a Sig P320 compact. When I visit my Daughter and grandchildren I leave my guns in the safe and carry that Sig. That saves having to fly with a firearm and only cost me a new holster. At home my EDC is also a striker fired polymer without an external safety by another maker, so manual of arms is the the same. Only the feel of the grip is different.
My EDC has been the P320 since Jan 2017. This weapon just gets better and better.
Its a SIG ! No more that has to be said.
IMO.
I also carry a SIG P-365 w/15rnd extended mag in a Crossbreed Holster when I need POWER but in a compact concealed form.😎👌
I have a P365XL and it’s my favorite carry gun I carry concealed also with a CrossBreed IWB Holster.
I think even with one of the 13 td. mags the combination “prints” too noticeablly so purchased (actually traded with my favorite gunsmith) one of them for a 10 td. and purchased, from Sig, 2 15 rd mags.
Weapon is a beast for accuracy and handling. I added a green dot and green laser & I love the combination! 👍
I carry the M18 version as duty carry in Security work right out of the box it shoots like a charm. I am a former firearms instructor, and have shot a lot of different handguns over the years. Sig to me has done a good job with the 320 version . I owned one of early model sig 250’s carried as a duty carry never had a malfunction except with guide rod broke, sig replaced it with sig 229 guide rod never had an issue again run flawlessly. Accurate and Smooth shooting pistol.
My experience with Sig handguns is all positive. Carried a P220 in Somalia 93-94. Never any issues.
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The Magazine fits 6* different handguns not 4*, don’t forget the one that’s started it all for the 320s/17/18 the Sig P250.