SIG GETS REFUGE FROM LAWSUITS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

By Bob Walsh

 

Those of you who follow the gun press or police safety issues are probably aware of assertions of serious safety problems with the SIG P320 semiautomatic pistol.  The claims are that these guns are capable of firing by themselves while in the holster or while otherwise being handled safely.  There are at least several instances where surveillance footage and multiple, competent independent witnesses support these assertions.

SIG USA is headquartered in New Hampshire.  The legislature of New Hampshire recently (May 23, 2025) enacted a law specifically to protect SIG, which is a major employer in the state.  The law specifically protects all gun manufacturers and FFL licensees in product liability issues which relate to the "absence or presence" of four specific safety devices.  One of those safety devices addressed in an external mechanical safety.

SIG has prevailed in some of the cases against it.  They have lost big-time in two cases.  Approximately 22 cases are pending.  SIG asserts that these apparent problems are in fact caused by operator error or the use if incompatible holsters.

It is possible to buy the pistol either with or without a manual external safety.  The vast majority of them are sold WITHOUT the safety.  Many states, including California, require a mandatory external safety on semiautomatic pistols.