As a professional shooter, I’ve had the opportunity to test and compare two of the most talked-about firearms in the compact handgun market: the Glock 23 Vs SIG P320 Compact.
Both guns have their loyalists and have stirred up quite the debate in shooting circles. So, I took them out to the field, put them through their paces, and now, I’m ready to share my insights. Let’s dive in and see how these two stack up against each other.
| Feature | Glock 23 | SIG P320 Compact |
| Caliber | .40 S&W | 9mm |
| Magazine Capacity | 13 rounds | 15 rounds |
| Barrel Length | 4.02 inches | 3.9 inches |
| Weight (With Magazine) | 31.39 oz (Loaded) | 26.0 oz |
| Trigger Pull | Approximately 6.29 lbs | 5.5 – 7.5 lbs (DA) |
| Overall Length | 7.28 inches | 7.2 inches |
| Overall Height | 5.04 inches | 5.3 inches |
| Overall Width | 1.26 inches | 1.4 inches |
Overview Glock 23
The Glock 23 is designed with both concealed carry and everyday use in mind.
Specs
- Caliber: .40 S&W
- Magazine Capacity: Standard 13 rounds
- Barrel Length: 4.02 inches
- Weight without Magazine: 21.34 oz
- Weight with Empty Magazine: 23.81 oz
- Weight with Loaded Magazine: 31.39 oz
- Trigger Pull: approximately 6.29 lbs
- Overall Length: 7.28 inches
- Slide Length: 6.85 inches
- Overall Width: 1.26 inches
- Slide Width: 1.0 inch
- Height including Magazine: 5.04 inches
Overview Sig P320 Compact
The SIG P320 Compact is known for its modular design and has been a favorite for many shooters.
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Overall Length: 7.2 inches
- Overall Height: 5.3 inches
- Overall Width: 1.4 inches
- Barrel Length: 3.9 inches
- Weight with Magazine: 26.0 oz
- Magazine Capacity: 15 Rounds
Features Comparison Glock 23 Vs SIG P320 Compact
1. Ergonomics and Handling
Glock 23
The Glock 23, with its compact frame, fits snugly in the hand. Its grip has a rough texture, ensuring a firm hold, which is crucial during rapid firing.
Weighing around 21.34 oz without a magazine, it’s light enough for easy maneuverability yet has enough heft to absorb recoil efficiently.
During field testing, it felt balanced and responsive, especially when drawing from a concealed carry position.
P320 Compact
The SIG P320 Compact takes ergonomics a step further with its interchangeable polymer grips, allowing for a more customized fit. Its slightly heavier frame (26.0 oz with the magazine) provided a stable shooting experience.
The grip texture was comfortable yet provided sufficient traction. In field tests, the P320 Compact felt slightly more top-heavy compared to the Glock 23, but this did not significantly impact its handling.
Winner
It’s a close call, but the Glock 23 edges out slightly in ergonomics and handling. Its lighter frame and balanced design provide a slight advantage, particularly for concealed carry and quick draw scenarios.
However, the SIG P320 Compact’s customizable grip is a significant plus for shooters looking for a tailored grip fit.
2. Accuracy and Reliability
Glock 23
The Glock 23’s accuracy is impressive. Its 4.02-inch barrel provides a decent sight radius, aiding in more accurate shot placement.
During testing, it consistently hit targets at various ranges with remarkable precision. The trigger pull, although a bit heavy at 6.29 lbs, was crisp and contributed to its overall accuracy.
SIG P320 Compact
The SIG P320 Compact, with its slightly shorter 3.9-inch barrel, still holds its own in accuracy. The trigger pull, ranging from 5.5 to 7.5 lbs, is comparable to the Glock 23.
Winner
Both guns perform exceptionally well in terms of accuracy and reliability, but the Glock 23 takes a narrow lead. Its longer barrel and consistent trigger pull make it a tad more accurate, especially for those used to Glock’s shooting dynamics.
3. Magazine Capacity and Caliber
Glock 23
The Glock 23 comes with a standard 13-round magazine in .40 S&W caliber, a respectable capacity for a compact handgun.
During testing, the magazine was easy to load and worked flawlessly. The .40 S&W caliber offers a balance between stopping power and recoil, making it a versatile choice for different shooting scenarios.
SIG P320 Compact
The SIG P320 Compact typically holds 15 rounds, giving it an advantage in capacity. During testing, the magazine functioned smoothly without any hiccups.
Its caliber versatility is a major plus, as it’s available in 9mm, .357 SIG, and .40 S&W, providing options for various preferences.
Winner
The SIG P320 Compact wins in this category. Its higher magazine capacity and caliber versatility give it an edge, offering more options for shooters with different needs and preferences.
Pros & Cons of Glock 23
Pros
- Compact and lightweight, ideal for concealed carry.
- Reliable and robust build quality.
- Easy to handle with a balanced weight distribution.
- Sufficient magazine capacity for a compact firearm.
- Consistent trigger pull adds to accuracy.
Cons
- Slightly heavier trigger pull might not suit all shooters.
- .40 S&W caliber can have more recoil than 9mm.
Pros & Cons of Sig P320 Compact
Pros
- Interchangeable grips for a customizable fit.
- Higher magazine capacity (15 rounds).
- Versatile with available calibers (including 9mm).
- SIGLITE Night Sights enhance low-light shooting.
- Striker-fired DAO provides a smooth trigger pull.
Cons
- Top-heavy feel might require adjustment for some shooters.
- Can be a bit more expensive than other compact handguns.
Similarities between Glock 23 & SIG P320 Compact
- Both are designed for concealed carry.
- Similar overall lengths (around 7 inches).
- Both have polymer frames.
- Striker-fired action types.
- Comparable in weight with magazines.
Differences between Glock 23 & SIG P320 Compact
- Glock 23 has a .40 S&W caliber, SIG P320 typically in 9mm.
- Glock 23 has a 13-round magazine capacity; SIG P320 has 15.
- Glock 23 is slightly more compact in height and width.
- SIG P320 has interchangeable grips, Glock 23 does not.
- Trigger pull weight differs between the two models.
- Glock 23 is more focused on simplicity, SIG P320 on modularity.
Final Verdict
After extensive testing and comparing the Glock 23 and the SIG P320 Compact, I’ve reached a conclusion. Both guns have their unique strengths, and choosing a winner isn’t straightforward.
Ultimately, my choice leans towards the Glock 23. Its blend of compactness, ease of handling, and reliability makes it slightly more appealing for my personal use, especially in concealed carry scenarios.
However, the SIG P320 Compact is an equally formidable contender, especially for those who value its unique features.
FAQ’s
Is the Sig Sauer P320 compact good for concealed carry?
Yes, the Sig Sauer P320 Compact is suitable for concealed carry, particularly for IWB carry, due to its compact size.
How far can Sig Sauer P320 shoot effectively?
The Sig Sauer P320 has an effective firing range of up to 15 meters (16 yards) and a maximum range of 50 meters (55 yards).
Is Sig P320 better than Glock?
Whether the Sig P320 is better than Glock depends on personal preference. Both are accurate and feature-rich, catering to different shooter needs.
Is Glock 23 considered compact?
Yes, the Glock 23 is considered a compact firearm, suitable for both open and concealed carry.
