A new patent submitted by a former Sig Sauer engineer outlines a potential safety fix for the controversial P320 firearm. The design proposes a backward-compatible kit that could stop sear movement unless the firearm is set to fire, aiming to negate the unintended discharges.
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NEW HAMPSHIRE (4-minute read) — A newly filed patent could mark a major turning point in the ongoing safety concerns surrounding the Sig Sauer P320, a popular striker-fired pistol that’s been at the center of controversy over unintended discharges. The firearm has been scrutinized for firing without a trigger pull, even when holstered or at rest, sparking lawsuits and consumer outcry.
Breaking the news was YouTuber Protraband, who has covered the P320 multiple times before.
According to patent application US-20250164203-A1, the P320’s current internal safety system is described as “incomplete and unsafe.” The design flaw stems from the firearm’s inability to fully prevent sear movement when the manual safety is engaged. While the trigger bar is blocked, the sear (a key part that holds back the striker) can still shift downward under sufficient force, potentially causing an unintentional discharge.
The patent proposes a solution: a backward-compatible safety upgrade kit that introduces a secondary engagement between the safety lever and the sear. This would ensure that the sear cannot move unless the manual safety is disengaged and the firearm is in a ready-to-fire condition.
What makes this even more compelling is the source of the patent: Brian McDonald, a seasoned research and development engineer with direct ties to Sig Sauer. His resume, publicly visible on LinkedIn, reveals that he was employed with Sig from November 2011 until March 2016. According to his profile, he was also contracted as recently as October 2024 to troubleshoot and develop enhancements for firearms, although working with Sig at this time isn’t specified.
What Could This Mean For Sig?
The recent patent filing by former Sig Sauer contractor Brian McDonald naturally leads to questions about how long the company may have been aware of the sear movement issue in the P320. While there’s no direct evidence indicating what Sig Sauer knew or when, the context surrounding the patent is worth examining.
It’s also important to note that the P320 has undergone multiple changes since its release, including a voluntary upgrade program and design alterations aimed at improving drop safety. Throughout this time, Sig Sauer has consistently maintained that the firearm is safe when used as intended, and that reported incidents were isolated or involved external factors.
The patent, however, describes the existing safety mechanism as “incomplete and unsafe” and proposes a relatively simple, backward-compatible fix that addresses a specific mechanical vulnerability: the ability of the sear to move downward under force, even when the safety is engaged. Whether this constitutes a design flaw or simply a new enhancement opportunity is open to interpretation.
At this point, there is no public documentation proving that Sig Sauer deliberately ignored known safety concerns. However, the fact that a former engineer developed and filed a patent for a fix while referencing known mechanical behavior of the P320 could raise questions within the firearms community and legal sphere. Ultimately, it may take further legal discovery or corporate disclosures to determine the full timeline of awareness and action.
Additionally, the patent filing could indicate either a lack of agreement with Sig Sauer on implementation or possibly a dispute over intellectual property rights and royalties.
Could This Kit Be the End of P320’s Unintended Discharge Problem?
If validated and manufactured, this add-on could offer a real solution to P320 owners worried about unintended discharges. Since the kit is designed to be compatible with existing P320 models, it could provide both peace of mind and improved safety, without requiring firearm owners to purchase an entirely new model.
The P320’s issues have not gone unnoticed in law enforcement and civilian concealed carry communities. Some departments have even stopped issuing the P320 due to these safety concerns. This newly proposed solution, if made available and adopted, could potentially restore trust in the platform.
As always, if you’re carrying a firearm for self-defense, ensuring it’s in proper working order and outfitted with the latest safety improvements is crucial.
Safety Tip: Always test your firearm’s safeties with snap caps and inspect it regularly for mechanical issues. When in doubt, consult a qualified gunsmith or armorer before relying on it for personal protection.
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