I’m diving into a thrilling comparison between two renowned firearms: the SIG P320 X5 Legion Vs Walther Q5 Match. Both these guns have made waves in the shooting community, and it’s time to put them to the test.
In this article, I’ll share my hands-on experience with both models, evaluating their features, performance, and overall feel.
My goal is to determine which of these top-tier guns stands out as the ultimate choice for shooters like you and me. So, let’s get started and see how these two stack up against each other!
| Feature | SIG P320 X-5 Legion | Walther Q5 Match |
| Caliber | 9mm Luger | 9x19mm |
| Magazine Capacity | 17 rounds | 15 rounds |
| Length | 8.46 inches | 8.1 inches |
| Width | 1.38 inches | 1.3 inches |
| Height | 5.91 inches | 5.3 inches |
| Slide Material | Steel | Steel |
| Action | Single Action (SA) | Single Action (SA) |
Overview of SIG P320 X-5 Legion
The SIG P320 X-5 Legion is a powerhouse of precision and performance, designed for the discerning shooter seeking top-notch functionality.
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Magazine Capacity: 17 rounds
- Length: 8.46 inches
- Width: 1.38 inches
- Height: 5.91 inches
- Slide: Steel
- Safety: Trigger-controlled firing pin safety
- Action: Single Action (SA)
- Total Weight (including Magazine): 43.5 ounces
Overview of Walther Q5 Match
The Walther Q5 Match, a blend of elegance and performance, offers a unique shooting experience with its sleek design and superior ergonomics.
Specs
- Caliber: 9x19mm
- Length: 8.1 inches
- Height: 5.3 inches
- Width: 1.3 inches
- Barrel: 5 inches
- Weight: 27.9 ounces (with empty magazine)
- Capacity: 15 rounds
Features Comaprison: SIG P320 X-5 Legion VS Walther Q5 Match
1. Grip and Ergonomics
SIG P320 X-5 Legion
The SIG P320 X-5 Legion’s grip is an impressive fusion of functionality and design. It boasts a tungsten-infused polymer construction that significantly increases the firearm’s heft to 43.5 ounces.
This added weight plays a crucial role in stabilizing the pistol during rapid-fire sequences, offering a noticeable reduction in recoil. The grip texture is aggressively sandpaper-like, ensuring a secure and firm hold even under strenuous conditions.
This thoughtful design caters to shooters who prioritize precision and control in their shooting experience.
Walther Q5 Match
On the other hand, the Walther Q5 Match presents a grip that emphasizes comfort and ergonomic fit. The grip is sculpted to fit snugly in the hand, with contours that naturally align with the shooter’s grip posture.
While it lacks the aggressive texturing of the SIG, its smoother finish is not without merit, especially for shooters who may find the SIG’s texture overly harsh.
Weighing in at a lighter 27.9 ounces, the Q5 Match is more maneuverable, making it a preferred choice for extended shooting sessions or for those who value a lighter firearm for ease of handling.
Winner
The SIG P320 X-5 Legion emerges as the superior choice in grip and ergonomics. Its innovative tungsten-infused grip sets it apart, offering unparalleled stability and recoil management.
This feature is particularly beneficial for precision shooting and maintaining control during rapid firing. Compared to the Walther Q5 Match’s lighter and less aggressive grip, the SIG’s design caters more effectively to the needs of serious shooters who demand reliability and control in high-stress scenarios.
2. Trigger Mechanism
SIG P320 X-5 Legion
The trigger mechanism of the SIG P320 X-5 Legion is engineered for precision and consistency. It features a distinct take-up leading to a solid, well-defined wall, culminating in a crisp trigger break.
This setup is ideal for shooters who prefer a clear indication of the trigger’s firing point. However, the SIG’s trigger does have a longer reset, which may not be as tactile as desired.
This could potentially impact the shooter’s ability to perform rapid follow-up shots, as the reset may not be as intuitive or quick to engage.
Walther Q5 Match
The Walther Q5 Match excels in the trigger mechanism department. Its trigger exhibits a slightly longer take-up compared to the SIG, but this is followed by an exceptionally crisp break, a feature that many shooters will appreciate for its predictability and responsiveness.
The standout aspect of the Q5 Match’s trigger is its reset, which is shorter and far more tactile than the SIG’s. This quality makes the trigger reset not only easier to feel but also quicker to re-engage, enhancing the shooting rhythm, particularly in scenarios where rapid successive shots are required.
Winner
The Walther Q5 Match takes the lead in the trigger mechanism category. Its combination of a crisp break and a short, tactile reset offers a more refined shooting experience.
This design is particularly advantageous in rapid-fire situations, allowing for quicker and more accurate follow-up shots.
When compared to the SIG P320 X-5 Legion’s longer reset, the Q5 Match’s trigger provides more intuitive and responsive feedback, making it the preferred choice for shooters who prioritize speed and precision in their shooting.
3. Slide Release and Magazine Well
SIG P320 X-5 Legion
The SIG P320 X-5 Legion impresses with its thoughtfully designed slide release and magazine. The slide release is strategically positioned for easy accessibility, allowing shooters to quickly engage it without the need to adjust their grip, a critical advantage in high-speed shooting environments.
Adding to its functionality, the SIG features a removable, weighted magazine well. This addition not only facilitates faster and more efficient magazine changes but also contributes to the overall weight distribution of the firearm, enhancing stability and control during firing.
Walther Q5 Match
In contrast, the Walther Q5 Match opts for a different approach in its slide release and magazine well design. The slide release is notably longer and ambidextrous, catering to a wider range of shooters and shooting styles.
This design ensures that the slide release is effortlessly reachable, providing a smooth and reliable operation. However, the Q5 Match does not come standard with a mag well, though one is available as an optional add-on.
While this might be seen as a drawback for some, it also allows users the flexibility to customize their firearms to their specific needs and preferences.
Winner
The SIG P320 X-5 Legion emerges as the winner in this category. Its integration of a weighted magazine as well as a standard feature, coupled with an efficiently placed slide release, makes it a more user-friendly option, particularly in situations where speed and efficiency are paramount.
Compared to the Walther Q5 Match’s optional mag well, the SIG’s design demonstrates a commitment to providing shooters with an out-of-the-box solution that enhances both functionality and performance.
4. Optics and Sights
SIG P320 X-5 Legion
The SIG comes equipped with Dawson precision fiber optic front sights and an adjustable rear sight. The slide has an optics cut specifically for the Delta Point or Romeo1 Pro, limiting compatibility.
However, it lacks additional plates for other popular optics, which could be a downside for users who prefer different red dot sights.
Walther Q5 Match
The Q5 Match also features a fiber optic front sight and an adjustable LPA rear sight. A significant advantage is the inclusion of three different plates for optics compatibility, covering the most common red dots like Delta Point, RMR, and Holosun. This versatility in optics options is a standout feature.
Winner
The Walther Q5 Match takes the lead in optics and sights, mainly due to its versatility in accommodating various red dot sights, a feature where the SIG is somewhat limited.
The inclusion of multiple plates with the Q5 Match provides greater flexibility compared to the SIG’s more restrictive optics cut.
Pros & Cons of SIG P320 X-5 Legion
Pros
- Tungsten-infused grip for added weight and stability.
- Aggressive grip texture.
- Dawson precision sights.
- Removable chassis system.
- Weighted mag well included.
Cons
- Limited optics compatibility.
Pros & Cons of Walther Q5 Match
Pros
- Lighter weight for easier handling.
- Comfortable grip shape.
- Superior trigger reset.
- Versatile optics mounting options.
- Good balance and ergonomics.
Cons
- Less aggressive grip texture.
Similarities Between SIG P320 X5 Legion & Walther Q5 Match
- Both have 9mm caliber.
- Equipped with steel slides.
- Feature fiber-optic front sights.
- Have adjustable rear sights.
- Designed for single action.
- Both offer options for optics mounting.
- Each has a polymer frame design.
Differences Between SIG P320 X5 Legion & Walther Q5 Match
- SIG has a tungsten-infused grip; Walther does not.
- SIG weighs 43.5 ounces; Walther is lighter at 27.9 ounces.
- SIG’s mag well is weighted; Walther’s is not included.
- SIG has limited red dot compatibility; Walther offers more options.
- SIG’s trigger reset is longer; Walther’s is shorter and more tactile.
- SIG’s grip is more aggressive; Walther’s is smoother.
- SIG’s length is 8.46 inches; Walther’s is slightly shorter at 8.1 inches.
Final Verdict
After thoroughly testing both the SIG P320 X-5 Legion and the Walther Q5 Match, it’s time to draw a conclusion.
Both firearms exhibit exceptional qualities, making this a challenging decision. However, in most comparisons, the SIG P320 X-5 Legion emerges as my top choice. Its blend of precision, control, and advanced features aligns perfectly with the needs of a serious shooter.
The tungsten-infused grip and heavier frame provide outstanding stability and recoil management, essential for both competitive shooting and tactical scenarios.
FAQ’s
Is the SIG P320 X5 Legion Optics Ready?
Yes, the SIG P320 X5 Legion is optics ready, featuring a Romeo1PRO optic-ready slide, a 5” bull barrel, and Dawson Precision® fiber optic adjustable sights, setting a high standard in the pistol category.
Does Walther Q5 have a safety?
Yes, the Walther Q5 Match SF has a loaded chamber indicator, trigger safety, and automatic internal safeties, ensuring reliable and safe operation.
What red dots fit on a SIG P320 X5 Legion?
The Holosun HS507C-X2 fits perfectly on the SIG P320 X5 Legion, offering a large window for a wide field of view, a clear, bright reticle suitable for all lighting conditions, and robust durability.
Does the P320 X5 Legion have a threaded barrel?
Yes, there is a threaded barrel option for the Sig P320 X-Five & X5 Legion, specifically a BULL barrel threaded 1/2×28. Note that this doesn’t apply to the X-CARRY Legion, which requires a non-bull P320 Compact threaded barrel.
