SIG Sauer P320 shows high malfunction rate in Swiss Army testing

Research into the SIG Sauer P320, the candidate for the new Swiss Army service pistol, has revealed significant reliability issues. Testing indicated a high malfunction rate, with the weapon jamming on average every 125 shots.

Despite previous formal rejections of the American version of the P320 by military associations and the army's logistics base regarding troop suitability, the procurement process continues. Armasuisse is pursuing a modified, Swiss-made version of the pistol to satisfy domestic production goals. This version is expected to undergo re-qualification testing starting in mid-2027 to determine if it can eventually be declared suitable for troops.

The Swiss National Council is set to decide on the procurement as part of the 2026 Army Message. Critics suggest the decision to proceed with a version that has not yet proven its suitability is a result of industrial and security policy considerations aimed at supporting local production via SIG Sauer AG in Neuhausen.