NRA Gun Of The Week: SIG Sauer P322

SIG Sauer is no stranger to semi-automatic handguns, especially .22-cal. rimfires—guns such as the Mosquito come to mind, a P226 lookalike chambered for the ubiquitous .22 Long Rifle cartridge. Now the company released its P322, a semi-automatic inspired by its centerfire P320. Bearing a hardcoat-anodized slide and a black polymer frame, the P322, at first glance, is reminiscent of the many handgun configurations we’ve seen from SIG. In addition, the 17.1-ounce semi-automatic P322 is an optic-ready pistol that bears a great set of adjustable fiber-optic sights for pin-point shooting. Watch the video above to see the SIG Sauer P322 in use on the range.

The frame of the P322 includes stainless steel internals for rigidity and SIG Sauer-style texturing on the exterior of its grip. Though perceived recoil is scant from this rimfire pistol, the frame’s high beavertail radius and under-cut trigger guard allow for positive purchase, which makes range sessions more enjoyable. The grip also mirrors that found on the P320 for training and added familiarization. The P322 is also adaptable to left- and right-handed shooters, thanks to ambidextrous controls. A reversible magazine release is positioned on the gun’s left side. 

Shot after shot, the P322 placed rounds on target effortlessly. The fiber-optic three-dot sighting arrangement is bright, and we found that the gun’s controls are easy to manipulate as well. Our testers noted that its two, 20-round magazines are well thought-out and easy to load. And the flared lower portion of the grip frame improves purchase with large hands while internally providing magazines with an easier path into the gun.

The gun’s 20 round magazine drops with ease and is a breeze to load, thanks in part to tabs attached to its follower. SIG includes a handy magazine loader, too. The sights are easy to see and its screw-adjustments allow you to dial in the gun perfectly. We found the slide’s shape, optic cut and serrations to be obvious bonus features that aid in training for centerfire guns, particularly those in the P320 series.

Specifications
Manufacturer: SIG Sauer
Action Type: blowback-operated, semi-automatic, rimfire pistol
Chambering: .22 Long Rifle
Slide: hardcoat-anodized alloy
Frame: stainless-steel reinforced, black polymer
Barrel: 4" threaded
Sights: screw-adjustable, two-dot fiber-optic rear; fiber-optic post front
Magazine: 20-round detachable box
Height: 5.5"
Length: 7"
Width: 1.4"
Weight: 17.1 ozs.
MSRP: $399