For the past couple of months, rumors have been circulating within the firearms community that SIG Sauer was preparing to introduce a new modular-frame pistol. Those rumors finally came to an end last week when SIG unveiled the new P385 at its annual SIG NEXT event.
While SIG NEXT showcased several new projects, the P385 may be one of the company’s more significant additions to its pistol lineup since the P365 series. Now, we’re taking a closer look at SIG’s newest modular pistol and what it brings to the table.
What We Need to Know
- The SIG P385 features a new fire-control unit (FCU) and SIG’s Trigger Block mechanism, a Glock-style trigger safety.
- SIG designed the new Magstrap grip with ReActive laser-cut stippling, allowing for fast and easy customization of grip length, hand size, and grip texture.
- The SIG Recoil Dampening System is a design element integrated into the grip module that is intended to reduce felt recoil for the shooter.
- The P385 comes optics-ready using the SIG-LOC PRO footprint.
- Five different pistol variants were announced at SIG NEXT.
- The five variants announced were the P385 Full Size, P385-Mach3D, P385 Carry, P385 Comp, and P385 Compact.
Specs
P385 Full Size
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel Length: 4.7 inches
- Overall Length: 7.2 inches
- Grip: Magstrap grip module
- Trigger Pull: Unknown
- Sights: SIG XRAY3 Day/Night Sights
- Optic Footprint: SIG-LOC PRO
- Magazine Capacity: 10, 15, 17, and 21 rounds
The Details
SIG Sauer’s Design Philosophy
The P320 and P365 design philosophies are rooted in modularity. They allow consumers to morph a stock pistol into a firearm that better meets the shooter’s needs by using different grip modules that fit their hands more comfortably.
The P320 can also be paired with systems such as the Flux Raider chassis, which can completely change how the firearm is configured and used.
In this context, modularity provides a sense of freedom for the shooter. That same modularity sits at the heart of the new P385.
The Marriage of Concepts
SIG is looking to position the P385 as an all-in-one modular platform. The P385 will be available as a duty gun for law enforcement, a carry gun for concealed-carry users, and a competition firearm, all within the same platform.
It seems like SIG is trying to create one ring to rule them all. Well, in this case, one platform to rule them all.
This type of freedom through modularity opens up a lot of possibilities for shooters if the system continues to evolve and SIG supports first-party components while also allowing third parties to create what the user base needs.
P385 FCU and Grip Module
P385 FCU
SIG’s new FCU for the P385 is based on the SIG P365 platform. The FCU has been sized up with internal components designed for a full-size platform that utilizes P320 magazines, similar to the P211 series from SIG.
The P385 FCU also features SIG’s new Trigger Block System. This is a trigger-style safety that is popular on striker-fired pistols. Unlike the trigger safeties seen on Glocks or Smith & Wesson pistols, which protrude farther from the trigger shoe, the P385’s Trigger Block sits more recessed within the trigger shoe.
SIG claims that its Trigger Block serves as a “redundant drop-safety mechanism.”
Magstrap Grip Module
SIG engineered the new grip module from the ground up to allow for fast and easy customization of grip length and hand size with the Magstrap grip.
The grip module also includes the new ReActive laser-cut stippling, which SIG states delivers “superior ergonomics and maximum contact and control.”
Price & Availability
MSRP: TBD
Availability: Coming Soon
Who Is This For?
- Law Enforcement
- Concealed-Carry Practitioners
- Personal Defense (Home or Car)
- Competition Shooters
The Bottom Line
Last week, SIG introduced the evolution of its modular-frame pistol platform, a design philosophy that began with the P250, evolved into the P320, expanded with the P365, and now reaches its current form with the upcoming P385.
SIG Sauer took its two most popular pistol platforms and combined what it learned from both. The company has potentially created something better by taking the strengths of the P320 and P365 and bringing them together in a single platform.
The P385 is potentially one of the most versatile and modular new pistol platforms on the market.
But the P385 still has a lot of questions to answer in shooters’ minds.
How does it shoot? How are the ergonomics? Is it safe and reliable? Can it survive the rigors of duty use?
These are all questions that will be answered in time by the market.