First Impressions of The Gun Company SIG P320 Magwell
The SIG P320 has become a mainstay in the firearms world, known for its modularity and adaptability. The The Gun Company SIG P320 Magwell promises to enhance that adaptability, offering faster reloads and a more positive grip. The Gun Company aims to provide a high-quality, functional upgrade with this magwell. I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype, especially considering the importance of efficient reloads in both tactical and competitive scenarios.
As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’m constantly seeking ways to improve my firearm handling and efficiency. The need for quicker, more reliable reloads is paramount in any high-stress situation. A well-designed magwell can be a game-changer in shaving off precious seconds during reloads.
Upon unboxing The Gun Company SIG P320 Magwell, my initial impression was positive. The black hard anodized finish looked clean and professional, and the 6061-T651 aluminum felt sturdy and well-machined. The weight was surprisingly light, adding minimal bulk to the pistol.
I considered other magwells from Strike Industries and Springer Precision, but ultimately chose The Gun Company due to their reputation for quality and the magwell’s minimalist design. I preferred the cleaner look and the promise of compatibility with my existing grip modules. My hope was that this magwell would offer a noticeable improvement in reload speed and consistency without sacrificing concealability. However, initial impressions can be deceiving, and only real-world testing would reveal the true value of this upgrade.
Real-World Testing: Putting The Gun Company SIG P320 Magwell to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with The Gun Company SIG P320 Magwell was at my local shooting range. I ran several drills focusing on speed reloads and magazine changes under pressure. The range environment allowed for controlled testing, but it didn’t fully simulate real-world stress.
The first few reloads felt awkward. The magwell’s opening wasn’t as generous as I’d hoped, and I found myself fumbling more than usual. It was clear I needed to adjust my technique and develop new muscle memory.
After about an hour of practice, I started to get a feel for the magwell. My reloads became smoother and faster, and I appreciated the slightly enhanced grip it provided. However, I did notice that the magwell seemed more sensitive to magazine angle; a slightly off-center insertion would occasionally cause the magazine to hang up.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, The Gun Company SIG P320 Magwell has held up reasonably well. The hard anodized finish shows minimal signs of wear, despite regular use and holster draw practice. I’ve cleaned the magwell after each range session, and it’s proven easy to maintain.
The 6061-T651 aluminum construction appears durable and resistant to impacts. I’ve accidentally bumped the magwell against various surfaces, and it hasn’t shown any signs of bending or cracking. However, my initial concerns about magazine compatibility were validated.
I experienced multiple instances where my OEM 15-round magazines failed to seat properly. This issue was especially pronounced during rapid-fire drills, where the added stress seemed to exacerbate the problem. Compared to my experience with a Magpul magwell on a Glock 19, the The Gun Company magwell felt less reliable and consistent.
Breaking Down the Features of The Gun Company SIG P320 Magwell
Specifications
The Gun Company SIG P320 Magwell boasts several key specifications that define its functionality and intended use. It is designed specifically for SIG P320 X-Series Full and X-Series Carry Grip modules. The material is 6061-T651 aluminum, chosen for its strength-to-weight ratio.
The finish is a hard anodize per Mil-A-8625, Type III, Class 2, which provides excellent corrosion resistance and durability. Its weight is minimal, adding only a negligible amount to the overall weight of the pistol. The package includes a screw fastener for secure installation.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the magwell’s performance and longevity. The aluminum construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of regular use, while the hard anodized finish protects against wear and tear. Proper fit with the X-Series grip modules is essential for reliable magazine insertion and overall functionality.
Performance & Functionality
The Gun Company SIG P320 Magwell is designed to improve reload speed and consistency. When installed correctly, it does provide a slightly larger opening for magazine insertion, theoretically speeding up reloads. However, the performance falls short due to magazine compatibility issues.
The magwell’s biggest weakness is its inconsistent performance with OEM 15-round magazines. Multiple users have reported that these magazines often fail to seat properly, leading to malfunctions and frustrating delays. While it improves grip slightly, the primary function of faster reloads is hampered by this reliability issue. It doesn’t meet my expectations for a high-quality magwell.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of The Gun Company SIG P320 Magwell is minimalist and aesthetically pleasing. The black hard anodized finish blends seamlessly with the SIG P320’s frame, creating a cohesive look. Its weight is negligible, adding minimal bulk to the pistol.
However, the ergonomic benefits are limited. While it does provide a slightly enhanced grip, the magwell’s opening isn’t as flared or generous as some competitors, making reloads less intuitive than they could be. There’s a slight learning curve to get used to the feel, but the core issue remains the compatibility problems.
Durability & Maintenance
The 6061-T651 aluminum construction and hard anodized finish suggest that The Gun Company SIG P320 Magwell is built to last. After weeks of testing, it shows minimal signs of wear, and the finish remains intact. The simple design makes it easy to clean and maintain.
A quick wipe-down with a cloth and some solvent is all that’s needed to keep it in good condition. The durable construction and easy maintenance suggest that this magwell should provide years of reliable service, provided the magazine compatibility issues are resolved.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Gun Company SIG P320 Magwell comes with only one accessory: a screw fastener for installation. There are no additional customization options directly associated with the magwell itself. However, it is compatible with a wide range of SIG P320 accessories, such as different grip modules and magazine baseplates.
It is worth noting that the magwell’s compatibility with aftermarket magazine baseplates can further exacerbate the seating issues with OEM magazines. Users may need to experiment with different baseplates to find a reliable combination. There are no official The Gun Company accessories specifically designed for this magwell.
Pros and Cons of The Gun Company SIG P320 Magwell
Pros
- Durable 6061-T651 aluminum construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Sleek, minimalist design enhances the aesthetics of the SIG P320.
- Easy to install and maintain, requiring minimal effort.
- Hard anodized finish provides excellent corrosion resistance.
- Slightly improves grip and facilitates faster reloads once muscle memory is established (in theory).
Cons
- OEM 15-round magazines frequently fail to seat properly, causing malfunctions.
- Magwell opening not as generous as some competitors, hindering reload speed for some users.
- Limited ergonomic benefits compared to more aggressively flared magwells.
Who Should Buy The Gun Company SIG P320 Magwell?
The Gun Company SIG P320 Magwell might be suitable for competitive shooters who primarily use specific aftermarket magazines known to function reliably with the magwell. Those who prioritize a minimalist design and are willing to experiment with different magazine baseplates may also find it appealing. It could work for casual range users who want a slight aesthetic and grip improvement without breaking the bank.
Those who rely on OEM 15-round magazines or need a guaranteed reliable setup should skip this product. Tactical users or anyone who cannot afford malfunctions in high-stress situations should consider alternatives with better magazine compatibility. A must-have modification would be thorough testing with various magazines to identify a reliable combination.
Conclusion on The Gun Company SIG P320 Magwell
The Gun Company SIG P320 Magwell presents a mixed bag of qualities. The durable construction and sleek design are appealing, but the magazine compatibility issues are a significant drawback. The promise of faster reloads is undermined by the inconsistent performance with OEM 15-round magazines.
At $91.99, the price is not justified, considering the reliability problems. While the magwell has potential, the magazine seating issues need to be addressed before I can recommend it. I would suggest exploring alternative magwells with better-documented magazine compatibility. I hope The Gun Company addresses these issues in future iterations.