The SIG Sauer P320 M.O.D. is Built For Speed

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SIG’s P320 has been around for over a decade, which is hard to believe, and perhaps the reason this gun still seems fresh and relevant is that SIG Sauer continues to update its flagship handgun by adding new models with cutting-edge features. The M.O.D. version is one outstanding example.

M.O.D. means Max Off-Duty, and Max is Max Michel, former captain of SIG’s shooting team, who was instrumental in the gun’s design. The M.O.D. P320 is the official firearm of SIG’s Off-Duty program, which offers discounts on SIG firearms, ammo and more to those who serve and protect.

If the standard P320 is a V-6 Mustang, then the M.O.D. is a Shelby GT500. And like the GT500, the M.O.D. was built for speed. At its heart the M.O.D. is built around the same fire-control system as the standard P320 and utilizes a steel slide and polymer frame just like the standard gun. But the M.O.D. features a two-port slide-integrated expansion chamber that allows escaping gases to vent upward so the muzzle remains flat while firing.

The trigger is an X-Series flat blade, and a Springer Precision magazine catch comes standard. Hogue Heavy Grit Max Michel Edition Wraptor grip tape on the full-size X-Series polymer grip module secures the gun in the shooter’s hand. An integrated grip weight keeps the gun stable while firing, and the mag well speeds up reloads. The pistol ships with three 21-round metal magazines, but it is also available with a trio of 10-rounders if you live where mag capacity is restricted.

Construction and Finish

The metalwork has a matte finish black DLC coating that’s suitable for years of hard use and daily carry. In addition to the front and rear serrations the M.O.D. features Max Michel’s signature engraving. SIG’s excellent X-Ray3 sights come standard, and the stainless steel slide is cut for optics on the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro footprint.

If the “Off-Duty” name leads you to believe that this is a deep carry pistol, let me set the record straight. While the barrel is under four inches at 3.9, thanks to the expansion chamber the overall length is 8.3 inches, comparable in length to a full-size pistol with a 4.5-inch barrel. It’s a tall and relatively wide gun as well, and unloaded weight is 33.2 ounces—about four ounces lighter than a Government 1911 .45.

So yes, the P320 is relatively large, but its size is an advantage to the shooter. The full-size X-Series grip offers good purchase on the pistol, and the weighted magazine well helps keep the center of mass low in the hands to help your arms manage recoil.

I wasn’t sure about the Wraptor grip tape at first, but I grew to like it. The texturing is not overly aggressive, but the gun also doesn’t go anywhere while you’re shooting.

A Grip On Accuracy and Speed

The oversize beavertail prompts a proper high handhold, and the mag well allows for fast magazine changes. Gases venting from the expansion chamber keep the muzzle down, and the flat X-Series trigger breaks at 4.25 pounds after minimal light travel.

Put it all together and the SIG P320 M.O.D. is one of the fastest, flattest shooting 9mms on the market. The slide cuts are very nice as well. The angled serrations on the front of the slide allow for easy press checks, which I appreciate. And there’s ample room on the grip.

The P320 M.O.D. is also a very accurate pistol. On the bench it produced groups at or below two inches at 25 yards with a variety of ammunition, and it shoots groups about a half-inch smaller than many other 9mm factory pistols I’ve tested.

I thought Smith & Wesson’s new Spec Series V pistol might be my favorite out-of-the-box speed pistol, but the SIG P320 M.O.D. certainly gives it a run for its money. The SIG feels bigger but it seems to shoot flatter, and I like the SIG’s trigger better. The SIG doesn’t come with all the accessories like the knife and challenge coin that you get with the S&W, but the P320 is also about $800 cheaper, which is no small consideration.

I once read an article where a Ferrari engineer was asked about the top speed of the company’s F430 sports car. His response—paraphrasing a bit—was something like, “You’ll run out of skill before you run out of horsepower.” So it goes with the P320 M.O.D. It’s a gun that’s built to be run quickly. It is big and rather bulky, but I think even at around $900 it’s something of a bargain. This gun has everything you need to shoot the fastest splits of your life—it’s all about your skill level.

SIG SAUER P320 M.O.D. Specs

• Type: striker-fired semiauto
• Caliber: 9mm Luger
• Capacity: three 21-round mags supplied; 10-rounders available
• Barrel: 3.9 in. carbon steel
• OAL/Height/Width: 8.3/6.3 (21-round mag)/1.6 in.
• Weight: 31 oz.
• Construction: matte black DLC-finished stainless steel slide w/2-port integrated expansion chamber; polymer X-Series Large frame w/Hogue Heavy Grit Max Michel Edition Wraptor grip tape
• Trigger: X-Series flat; 4.25 lb. pull (measured)
• Sights: X-Ray3 day/night; slide cut for Leupold DeltaPoint Pro footprint
• Price: $900
• Manufacturer: SIG Sauer, SIGsauer.com

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