Sig P320 vs. Glock 19 – Comparison Review [2022]

| Last Updated:
September 16, 2023

In a battle between the SIG P320 versus the Glock 19, who would win? You might have settled for either side or have no idea which pistol is better. If you’re looking for a pistol and have a hard time choosing between one or the other, you’re not alone. 

We’ll be taking a look at how both pistols function and their most notable characteristics and features as well as their ideal applications. We’ve also put together a list of six total pistols. These are three different P320 and Glock 19 models.

This way, once you’ve made a decision on which pistol is best for you you’ll be able to find a model that will best fit your personal preferences and needs. Now, let’s begin this with a tale of the tape comparison of these pistols so you get a good idea of which one will resonate with you the most. 

Comparison of the Best SIG P320 and Glock 19

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Includes a striker-fire action.
  • The barrel length of 4.7 inches.
  • Runner-up for best overall SIG P320.
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  • Includes night sights.
  • Best overall Glock 19.
  • Chambered in 9mm shots.
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What is a SIG P320?

The SIG P320 is a made from Sig Sauer. At the outset, it was a pistol that the US government has used to replace the Beretta 92FS as the standard sidearm. Choosing this over the Glock might have very well stoked the flames of this epic battle. The P320 is considered to be one of the best striker pistols in the business.

Another thing that makes a pistol enthusiast marvel is the trigger. While the break-in doesn't take too long, it will become one of the smoothest pulling triggers that many pistol enthusiasts and users have come across. Not to mention, the size is ideal to fit most hand sizes as well. Small hands, mid-sized, or large it won't seem to matter.

The functionality is probably part of the reason why the US government decided to go with this pistol. The pistol is probably one of the most ergonomic friendly pistols on the market. Plus, with a smooth, crisp trigger pull with 6 pounds of pull weight makes it good enough to make quick shots and even quicker follow up shots. 

What is a Glock 19?

Despite being jilted by the US government in terms of being the standard sidearm, the Glock remains one of the more venerable pistol brands in the world. The Glock 19 is probably one of the best sidearms used by law enforcement and military personnel the world over. That’s not to say that it doesn’t have a following in the US.

The Glock 19 is one of the top pistols that is much preferred by concealed carry practitioners. That’s because it’s at a small enough size to be considered more concealable compared to other pistols. As far as size goes, it’s roughly the same size as the SIG P320.

As for the trigger pull, it’s smooth but has the pull weight advantage over the SIG by a good 1 pound. So you’ll have the time advantage over P320 users when it comes to follow-up shots. While it may not have its place in the sun among some governments, it remains one of the most popular pistols among the legion of civilian concealed carry users today. 

Review of the SIG P320 

Now, we’ll be taking a more detailed look at the SIG P320. We’ll be talking about the pros and cons along with its common purposes and what type of calibers you’ll find with this pistol in particular.

If you plan on making some modifications in the future, we’ll also include a list of which accessories and modifications are ideal for this type of pistol. Here’s a tale of the tape of the SIG P320:

Pros

Preferred Sidearm by the United States Government

This might be one of those “who cares” kind of pros. But if something is trusted by the US government, there’s a good chance that some of the characteristics have to be good. We’re certain that they won’t settle for anything less than the best.

The trigger is smooth, crisp, and consistent.

Even at around 6 pounds, the trigger pull is decent. Plus, it’s smooth and has no grittiness. Each time you pull the trigger, it’s the same result. Of course, you get shots off quickly and much faster follow-up shooting.

Super Durable

Most of this pistol is made from polymer. If we know a thing or two about polymer, it’s considered one of the best materials to include on either firearms or their accessories. 

Great Ergonomics

The design makes it more comfortable for those using it. It will definitely be a plus for those who are spending the day shooting off countless rounds at the range. Hand fatigue or straining will become a thing of the past.

Easy Field Stripping

One of the areas where the P320’s predecessor failed is the trigger had to be pulled in order for the pistol to be field stripped. That issue was addressed with the P320. Now you can easily disassemble it without worrying about doing damage to the striker. 

Cons

Tough to Reassemble

Yes, while it can be easily disassembled it’s reassembly that’s going to be a challenge. That is unless you know how to be patient and get to know the pistol itself. It will be easy to do once you have a good idea of how to put everything together. 

Unattractive Aesthetics

A lot of people don’t really care about aesthetics. They just want to fire the dang thing. If you’re among those who love a pistol for its looks then you will probably be disappointed. You’d be better off not worrying about it.

Sig Sauer P320 Full size 9mm Pistol

Might Not be for Large Hands

Clearly the size is small enough for concealability. As far as handling it goes, it fits a lot of hand sizes. But those with larger sized hands may struggle with handling it. It might take some getting used to, but even those with big hands might know when to make a switch.

Ideal Uses

One of the best uses of the SIG P320 is that it’s one of the most preferred pistols for those who conceal carry. Strictly speaking, it can be used for self-defense applications. It might also be used for tactical purposes among those who are in law enforcement or the military. Nonetheless, it proves itself to be a reliable sidearm for those who often use heavy-hitting rifles in the high-stress applications their job sees on a regular basis. 

Caliber

The SIG P320 is available in four different calibers: 9x19mm Parabellum, .357 SIG, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. Of the four, the 9mm caliber is among one of the more popular for those who are civilian concealed carry practitioners. 

Best Accessories and Modifications

Here are the main SIG P320 Accessories:

Night Sights

Since we’re talking about concealed carry and self-defense, it wouldn’t be smart to exclude night sights from the list of best modification. A great home-defense pistol would be used both in a day time and night time situation. So you definitely need a good night sight that will help you get a better advantage against attackers and prowlers that won’t see you coming.

Magazine Extensions

Sometimes, your standard magazine might not be enough. So you can easily add on a few extra rounds using a magazine extension. Most come as standard baseplates, but some of them have an added spring to allow for better support for the additional rounds.

Trigger Assembly

OK, while the trigger isn’t too shabby it might not be enough for the most finicky of users. There are some trigger assemblies that will be compatible with the P320. The pull weight will be lighter than the standard trigger it comes with.

Review of the Glock 19

We’ll now turn our attention to the Glock 19 and discuss the pros and cons it has. Are there some things where the P320 falls short? What are some things the Glock 19 can do that the P320 cannot? Let’s find out by getting right to it:

Pros

Safety Features

This is one of the things that the Glock 19 is best known for. In fact, there are three different types of safeties: trigger safety, firing pin safety, and the drop safety. The trigger safety is probably one of the most important since it's designed to prevent accidental discharge. The problem is a good handful of people will have some concerns regarding this type of safety and where it's placed. But rest assured, a lot of users will appreciate why it's there, to begin with.

Excellent for Concealed Carry

While it’s at a similar size of the P320, it’s small enough to be concealable without creating any bulges from most holsters. If you conceal carry and need a pistol that won’t cause any bulging that attracts undue attention, the Glock 19 is probably going to save you the headaches in this regard.

Superior Reliability

If reliability matters most to you (as it should), then a pistol like the Glock 19 might be your cup of coffee (or tea). It is less likely to jam or have any issues with the inner workings. Especially with the 9mm caliber. When you want it to work, it will rise above and beyond the call of duty in any application.

Easy to Clean and Maintain

This pistol will be easy to disassemble and reassemble. At the same time, you’ll be able to easily clean it and make some routine maintenance if needed. It won’t be as challenging when compared to the P320 pistol.

Affordable for Most Budgets

If you’re a budget shopper, there’s a good chance that you’ll lean towards the Glock 19 if you’re looking for something more affordable. Granted, it is a high-quality pistol that will take some abuse and impact. While the price might be an important thing to consider, the quality will always trump all.

Cons

Safety Positions

Trigger safety is one area of concern. Since it’s on the trigger itself, there’s a legitimate reason why some users are worried that it’s a disaster waiting to happen. One way to improve it is to place it elsewhere where it can still disable the trigger from being pulled.

Sights Are Not the Best

If accuracy is more of your thing, the factory sights that come with this pistol will be more of a disappointment. Since the Glock 19 firing range is quite decent, you’ll need sights that will actually give you a bit more accuracy and precision so you can make the most out of hitting your targets from various distances.

Only Comes in One Caliber

Unlike the P320, the Glock 19 comes in one caliber and one caliber only. However, for most concealed carry users it won’t be much of a big deal considering that it’s one of the most popular calibers out there (we’ll reveal that here shortly).

Ideal Uses

This will be used for concealed carry. In other words, its uses lie in the application of self-defense or tactical (law enforcement or military). However, it will be best used in casual or competitive target shooting. Either way, the pistol is concealable and considered one of the best multi-purpose pistols on the market.

Caliber

It only comes in one caliber: 9mm. The Glock 19 9mm is said to be one of the most reliable when compared to other 9mm caliber pistols. This means it will be less likely to jam or have any type of functionality issues.

Best Accessories and Modifications

Here are the main accessories for Glock 19:

Sights

As mentioned, the sights on a Glock 19 is more of a disappointment. So it would be wise to find a good sight set that will make it more precise and accurate. We recommend a sight set that consists of front and rear sights. Tritium or fiber optic sights are two of the most popular types that will go nicely with the Glock 19.

Pistol Light

Of course, you’ll need to navigate around dark corners and obstacles if you’re going to use this on attackers or prowlers at night. So a good pistol light will be your saving grace here. This way you can move much more fluidly and not make a sound in the process. That’s because you’ll know where the obstacles are. That will keep bumping into things to a minimum.

Grips

If you want a better hold on your pistols (especially in a high-pressure situation that can make you sweat), a great pistol grip will get the job done. More specifically, talon grips are probably your best choice when you want excellent gripping ability.

Sig P320 vs. Glock 19: Similarities and Differences

While both pistols have similarities, they also have their own differences. At this point, you may know what some of them are. But to make sure you’re kept up to speed, we’ll give you a brief list of how they are similar to each other and how they differ.

Accuracy

Both pistols have the ability to hit targets effectively at ten yards out. The shooting groups are roughly similar to each other when you go through the entire cartridge. We can probably consider this a tie on which pistol provides the best accuracy. One thing to note is that the shooting groups may differ if the targets are situated beyond 10 yards.

Price

Most pistol owners are often looking for the best deal. This is where the price tag will be relevant. Both pistols are of the best quality so either way, you have the best pistol that you can possibly afford. On average, a new Glock 19 will go for an average market price of $550. Meanwhile, a new P320 on average will be about $130 more. While the price may not be important to some, it’s the value that will usually matter the most.

After Market Upgrades

Depending on what you’re considering for upgrading purposes, there will be some similarities and differences. In plain English, some accessories will fit both pistols perfectly. Some will fit a Glock 19 (but not a P320) and vice versa.

A good accessory that won’t be much of an issue when it comes to compatibility will be your sights. Especially your rear and front sights that can be used for better accuracy. However, the Glock 19 itself might just be constructed from aftermarket parts themselves. One upgrade that may differ from each other is the frame or slides since they differ in measurements (the numbers don’t lie, but they do matter to some extent).

Top Pick Between the SIG P320 & Glock 19

Now, we’re going to take a look at the application where each pistol will shine the brightest. While you don’t have to follow our recommendations, we’ve tested both pistols to determine which one does a great job with target shooting, hunting, and self-defense. Let’s begin:

Target Shooting

As mentioned before, both the P320 and Glock 19 both have tight shooting groups. In fact, they’re both identical to each other. As for which pistol will be best for this application, it’s really hard to make the determination of which one will be better. So we’ll call it a dead-even tie. 

Hunting

Yes, you can hunt with a pistol where it’s legal. But which one will get the job done against varmints, small predators, and yes even hogs? The Glock 19 is tough and reliable in this regard and it definitely makes it stick itself out as the ultimate handgun for hunting purposes. The P320, however, will fall short here in this application. It doesn’t have the appropriate caliber for hunting purposes.

Self-Defense

This is where both pistols shine the brightest. The comparisons will end here. Reliability wise, the Glock 19 is legendary. It won’t jam, it fires nice and smooth and definitely brings a great deal of firepower to the table. That’s not to say the P320 is inferior at all when it comes to self-defense (after all, the government trusts it). Grip wise, the P320 is where it wins the battle because you get a great hold right out of the gate.

With Glock 19s, it might not be the case unless you decide to upgrade to a better pistol grip. Caliber wise, the P320 gets the nod here because of its variety. Depending on which caliber you use, the rounds can actually do some serious damage. A .357 round will do a lot more damage than a 9mm. It can literally turn an apple into applesauce if you fire it just right. 

Review of the Each Model

The following are three of the best pistols each from the SIG P320 and Glock 19 families. There are different models of each that you can choose from. It’s important to find one that will fit your personal needs and preferences along with your intents and purposes.

Regardless, it’s also a good idea to make a note of some of the characteristics and features so you know which pistol is the best option for you. Now, let’s kick off the list by introducing the P320 models:

Best SIG P320 Overall:
Sig Sauer P320 M17 9mm Pistol

Pros

  • Easy to Conceal
  • Super Accurate at Various Ranges
  • The Slide Can Accept Some Optical Sights
  • Great For EDC and Self-Defense Purposes
  • Very Reliable After 200+ Rounds, No Jamming to Speak of

Cons

  • Grip Might Not Be as Reliable
  • The Trigger Could Have Been Better Overall
  • Sights Included May Not Be Visible to Some Users With Bad Eyesight

What Recent Buyers Report

A lot of the new buyers were looking for a pistol that was tough all-around and had no issues regarding the reliability. Sure enough, they found a pistol that fit the bill. Most users were happy with the overall performance. The firing is smooth, reliable, and not to mention quite accurate. The shooting groups were tight when shooting targets at about 25 to 30 yards out.

Why it Stands Out To Us

One of the things that makes this pistol great is that it has the least likelihood of jamming on you after so many rounds. For this reason, it can make for a great self-defense pistol considering that it won’t jam and leave you in a potentially dangerous situation.

Who Will Use This Most

This P320 will probably be a homeowner’s best friend. Especially when they’ll need something that will ward off any home invaders. Not only that, but it’s also great for target shooting as well if you’re planning on putting it to good use.

What Could Be Improved and Why

Some work needs to be done with the trigger. For starters, the pull weight can be a bit lighter. It’s also a good idea to investigate why there is some grittiness to the trigger pull itself. Another improvement is to make the sights brighter so it's more user-friendly for older shooters.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for the ideal self-defense pistol, your search might end here with the Sig Sauer P320 M17 pistol. Of all the P320s on the list, this will probably give any Glock 19 a run for its money when it comes to reliability. And that’s what makes this great debate between the two pistols all the better.

Best Overall Glock 19:
Glock 19X Gen5 9mm Pistol

Pros

  • Fits On Most Duty Belts and Holsters
  • Concealable, It Doesn’t Bulk Up At All
  • Night Sights Work Really Well in Low-Light Settings
  • Super Reliable, No Jamming After Hundreds of Rounds
  • Excellent Start Glock For Those Getting To Know the Brand

Cons

  • Some Are Not Too Fond of the Dark Earth Finish
  • Trigger Safety Might Be a Cause For Concern For Some Users
  • The Sight Might Be a Little Off-Center, Some Adjustments May Be Required

What Recent Buyers Report

For most recent buyers, this is their first time owning a Glock. When they started using it at the range, they were satisfied with the accuracy and the smooth firing ability. Even one user said that it was way better than his previous 9mm pistol. In an indoor range, the night sights were quite visible in a low-light setting.

Why it Stands Out To Us

This is considered one of the best Glock 19s on the market, because of its jam-free reliability It’s the reason why it’s deserving of the best overall honor, and it’s relied upon by many in law enforcement. Especially when it can fit most holsters and tactical belts.

Who Will Use It The Most

This will be a popular choice among law enforcement officers. Especially when they need a pistol that can be reliable around the clock (including the evening hours). The night sight will work to their advantage when they need to use it in low-light or complete darkness. Homeowners who are looking for a pistol for home defense may also benefit from this as well.

What Could Improve And Why

One of the major improvements would be to replace the trigger safety elsewhere. This way, it will alleviate any concerns of accidental discharge that some people may have. Safety matters, but the placement of a trigger safety should be anywhere but the trigger itself.

Bottom Line

If you’re a fan of the Glock 19 and want nothing but the best, the Glock 19x GEN 5 will obviously be the standout choice for you. Especially when you’re looking for a pistol that’s known for its awesome firepower and reliability.

3. Sig Sauer P320 Full Size 9mm Pistol

Pros

  • Easy to Grip and Control
  • It Provides Excellent Firepower
  • Really Nice Trigger Quality, Easy to Take Apart
  • Concealable, Perfect For Concealed Carry Purposes
  • It Can Hit Some Targets From as Far as 160 Yards Out

Cons

  • None

What Recent Buyer Report

A lot of recent buyers were happy with this pistol overall. The firing is smooth, had no jamming, and was able to hit targets accurately with tight shooting groups. For concealed carry users, it was small and compact for them to carry it with them without having to deal with any noticeable bulges.

Why it Stands Out To Us

This pistol is tough and reliable. And it’s for this reason why it can still do some damage and get the work down after a few years (or more) of use. Of course, this doesn’t mean you have to neglect the usual cleaning and maintenance. Overall, the pistol is easy to use and is ergonomically comfortable for most.

Who Will Use This Most

This will serve its purpose as an EDC pistol. Meaning there will be those who will carry it every single day. While they won’t face situations where they’ll need to use it every day, it’s better to carry it on you just in case you ever catch yourself in a dangerous situation.

What Could Be Improved and Why

While there are no obvious cons to point out, we can at least make a suggestion of what should be added as a bonus. A good night sight would be ideal, especially in situations where you’ll have an excellent accuracy advantage over any attacker or prowler that dares to invade your home. 

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a P320 pistol that is considered one of the best in the business, you better believe that the Sig Sauer P320 Fullsize 9mm will serve you well. It doesn’t matter if it’s self-defense or target practicing, you have a pistol that will go above and beyond the call of duty if and when you need it the most.

4. Sig Sauer P320 Compact 9mm with Night Sights

Pros

  • Excellent For EDC Purposes
  • Affordable For Most Budgets
  • Great as a Sidearm For Most People
  • Very Accurate and Easy To Keep On Target
  • Night Sights Work Very Well in Low-Light and Complete Darkness

Cons

  • Some Muzzle Rise May Still Occur For Some
  • It Might Be Difficult To Reassemble After Maintenance
  • The Trigger Might Be a Bit Heavy and Mushy For Some

What Recent Buyers Report

This pistol was affordable for most recent buyers. According to one user, he says that it’s a pistol that gives him more than what he paid for. The general consensus will likely agree here. The night sights work as advertised and have given users an excellent advantage over their targets. Aside from the sights, the shooting groups were tight at various distances.

Why it Stands Out To Us

This pistol functions like it should be worth more in price. At the same time, it’s a pistol that will be your sidekick when a prowler or home invader dares to enter your home at odd hours of the night. The night sights are visible to all users, especially those suffering from poor eyesight.

Who Will Use This Most

This might be an excellent pistol of choice by those who intend to use it during the night. It could be useful for not just EDC/concealed-carry users, but it might be a great pistol for those in law enforcement and the military as well. After all, since it is the sidearm choice by the federal government, it has to be great even with the addition of a night sight.

What Could Be Improved and Why

Once again, the trigger might be something that will warrant improvement. For starters, lighten the weight so it can be a much smoother trigger pull. Secondly, it makes it easier to assemble and disassemble. At some point, this needs to be cleaned and maintained regularly. It shouldn't have to be a chore just to disassemble it.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a great P320 pistol without having to shell out too much money, the Sig Sauer P320 with Night Sights will definitely stand out among the rest. Especially when you’re looking for a pistol that will give you quite the edge over everyone else in a nighttime self-defense situation.

5. Glock 19 Gen5 9mm Pistol with AmeriGlo Bold Sights

Pros

  • Super Durable
  • Very Reliable Firing Power
  • Accurate at Various Distances
  • Great For EDC/Concealed Carry
  • Has the Potential To Last You Years or Even Decades

Cons

  • None

What Recent Buyers Report

As expected, new buyers had nothing but good things to say about this pistol. The AmeriGlo sights were quite visible, especially for older shooters who are dealing with poor sight. One user said that the sights don’t look distorted and he can still fire accurate shots from a pretty good distance despite his astigmatism. 

Why It Stands Out To Us

This might be the best Glock 19 pistol that can be used for night time home defense. It might be another Glock 19 that police and military personnel can depend on as well. Yet, it’s the polymer frame that wins the day here. It’s tough and has the ability to take on all kinds of impact and abuse. It would be dang near impossible to break even if you dropped it multiple times.

Who Will Use It The Most

This will be an excellent EDC pistol for those who love the Glock brand over the Sig Sauer. And it’s also the best EDC pistol when it comes to durability. So long as you can take care of it, it will certainly take care of you.

What Could Be Improved and Why

Despite no major cons, one idea would be to include something as part of a package deal for CCW users. Include a holster or a tactical belt that will fit this pistol. This way, you’ll kill two birds with one stone here when you purchase a new pistol. Plus, it might also be enticing for those that are on a budget.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a Glock 19 that is tough in firing power and in construction, the Glock 19 Gen 5 definitely meets those requirements. The question is: is it enough to meet your standards? If so, then you’ll have a pistol that will be reliable around the clock for any intended purpose you can think of.

6. Glock 19 Gen5 9mm Pistol with Glock Night Sights

Pros

  • Great For EDC Use
  • Very Reliable After 200+ Rounds
  • Night Sight is Clear and Very Accurate
  • Durable All Over, It Will Last You Years or Decades
  • The Magazine Follower is Very Bright and Allows For Easy Reloading/Loading

Cons

  • Some Have Had Concerns About the Trigger Safety
  • Night Sight Might Be a Little Off and May Need Some Adjustments
  • Some Have Had Issues With Loading the Last Two Rounds Into the Magazine

What Recent Buyers Report

Most recent buyers found this Glock 19 to be just like the others. Except it was a lot more affordable than most of the models on the market. Most were quick to say that they got a lot more than what they’ve paid for. The shooting accuracy was tight at most distances and they were able to quickly draw this out of the holster in a matter of seconds. 

Why it Stands Out To Us

One of the things that makes this pistol stand out is that it features a lot of components that are either re-designed or modified. This definitely ups the game when it comes to reliability. This is probably one of the more improved versions of the Glock 19 and it shows.

Who Will Use This Most

This will be excellent for those who are devoted concealed carry users who want nothing more than a new, improved 9mm pistol that will deliver the best reliability possible. If you’re looking for a pistol that will do its job when you need it the most, this Glock 19 is guaranteed to work in even the most dire situations. Simply put, this pistol will save your life in a home defense situation if used properly.

What Could Be Improved and Why

The night sight can be brighter. It’s a white color that might be hit or miss (and we don’t mean shooting wise). It can be visible by most, but those with poor eyesight may not be able to see it in broad daylight. If anything, it should be bright enough to be visible in either a day or night time setting. 

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a new and improved Glock 19 that will blow the competition (and your targets) away, this Glock 19 Gen 5 would be perfect for any concealed carry user. Especially when they’re looking for a pistol that won’t suck the life out of their bank account.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a fan of the SIG P320 or the Glock 19, any version of these pistols will be yours to own. It all comes down to what your personal needs and preferences are and which application you intend to use it for. Regardless, the debate on which pistol is better than the two will rage on. But only you can decide by choosing one of the six pistols above. Choose wisely since it will probably be a pistol that you’ll be using for the long-term.

Michael Lutes

Michael Lutes is the managing editor and owner at Gun Mann. He is a veteran, gun enthusiast, 3 gun competitor, and 2a advocate. Mike has a passion for innovation and education across the industry to create great content, training, and insights from the best and brightest.

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