News

Sig Sauer is once again at the center of attention following the release of an FBI report into an uncommanded discharge involving a P320-series pistol, even as the company announces a major production milestone in support of U.S. defense programs.

A newly released document from the FBI’s Ballistic Research Facility has sparked renewed concern over the P320/M18 series after a Michigan State Police officer’s sidearm reportedly discharged while still in its holster during a July 2024 incident. The FBI tested the pistol involved but did not reach a conclusive determination regarding the cause of discharge. The findings, which were made public via a Freedom of Information request, have reignited debate around the P320 platform’s safety record, which has already been the subject of multiple lawsuits and modification programs.

Technical findings and response

The report highlighted two areas of concern. First, the striker safety spring, designed to prevent the striker from moving forward without a deliberate trigger pull, shifted during testing, although this was observed only after the FBI had modified the slide. Second, agents were able to force the gun to discharge empty primed cases by manually overriding the internal sear locks under test conditions. However, the FBI did not replicate these results in real-world scenarios, and the testing procedures themselves have not been fully disclosed.

Sig Sauer has stood by the safety of the platform and confirmed the authenticity of the report. No recalls or federal procurement changes have been announced in response, and the P320 series remains widely deployed by military and law enforcement agencies.

Ammunition capacity milestone in Arkansas

While defending its civilian and law enforcement pistol platforms, Sig Sauer continues to expand its industrial footprint in the defense sector. The company recently announced that its Jacksonville, Arkansas-based manufacturing complex has achieved an annual production capacity of 100 million rounds of 6.8mm ammunition, a key component of its support for the U.S. Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) program.

“Achieving 100 million rounds of 6.8mm ammunition capacity is a proud moment for Sig Sauer and our all-American workforce in Arkansas,” said Sean McGee, Vice President of Ammunition Operations. “Our 6.8mm ammunition, paired with the M7 and M250 rifles, delivers unmatched performance to meet the demands of today’s battlefield.”

The Jacksonville plant, now comprising six facilities on a 100+ acre site, features a newly opened 210,000 square foot expansion designed for high-volume, precision production of next-generation cartridges. Sig Sauer has pledged to double its output in the coming years, further modernizing the U.S. military’s small-arms capability.

Strategic investment and state support

Since breaking ground in Arkansas in 2017, Sig Sauer has invested over $225 million into its facilities, created more than 675 jobs, and generated an estimated $300 million in annual economic impact.

“This incredible accomplishment proves what we already know: Arkansas is an arsenal for democracy,” said Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. “Congratulations, Sig Sauer, I’m proud that you chose Arkansas to plant your roots and continue to deliver on your commitment to our workforce, community, and Arkansans’ right to keep and bear arms.”

The juxtaposition of ongoing legal scrutiny with major advancements in defense manufacturing underscores Sig Sauer’s complex position within the global firearms industry, navigating both civilian legal challenges and ambitious federal contracts with long-term strategic impact.