The P320 AXG Scorpion has a very unique claim. Out of the many variants of Sig Sauer’s P320, this was the first Sig Custom Works pistol and was only offered in limited production. What makes this gun so unique is the all-metal frame, which is a contrast to the polymer or even tungsten-infused polymer frames the P320s typically get assigned.
AXG stands for “Alloy X Grip.” These grips are Signature Scorpion G10 grips from Hogue, which come in with a pattern to compliment the FDE Cerakote. More than just looks, this package offers performance. This platform is ideal for competitive shooters in defensive divisions, home defense, and range fun. So, off to the range I went with the AXG Scorpion in hand to see what the hype was really all about. First, let’s go over some more of the features.
Sig Sauer’s Modularity
What’s interesting about the P320 series is that the serial number is not located on the frame. Instead, Sig etches it into the modular fire control unit. Because the modular FCU is S-7 steel, there is no mating of dissimilar metals with the alloy frame. The modular fire control unit also gives the option for further customization, and swapping out the frame and upper is a snap.
This could be particularly useful if you want to get a lighter frame to carry or want to throw on a different slide for the range. Without tools, you can easily customize this platform for many different applications.
The AXG Scorpion that I have today came in used from the Guns.com Vault and looks to be geared for performance. Helping the AXG Scorpion to shoot flatter is an aftermarket Killer Innovations barrel and compensator. A compensator goes a long way in making a firearm shoot flatter, and it also improves the balance.
Scoop on the AXG Scorpion
The first thing you might be wondering about is that aluminum frame. Metal has a different feel from polymer, but a big benefit can actually be the added weight. This is the first metal grip module for the P320 Series. Comparing it to the standard P320 Compact, it comes in at 6 ounces heavier and also feels thicker. If you liked the P226, which utilized alloy frames with steel slides, you’ll love this.
Sig’s Custom Works Shop didn’t stop at just the alloy frame and removable grip panels, they also took a note from the XFive Legion and installed their competition model’s lightened, skeletonized, flat-blade trigger. Being a seasoned shooter of Sigs – I have some New Hampshire roots – I can attest that this trigger is improved over almost any Sig non-Legion trigger. It has a crisp wall and short take up, it also comes with a flat-faced shoe out of the box.
Wrapping your hand around the gun, you’ll discover deep undercuts and an extended/upswept beavertail that helps in gaining a nice high grip. This is very helpful in managing recoil to stay on target. After running the AXG Scorpion through some drills, it had a big gun feel in a compact gun package. Follow-up shots and transitions had little muzzle flip, and the ergonomics felt natural.
Fully ambidextrous controls allowed for dual-sided slide releases and a reversible magazine release. The specs speak for themselves, so here are some additional notes on specs:
- Barrel: 3.9 inches, carbon steel
- Overall Length: 7.4 inches
- Overall Width: 1.3 inches
- Height: 5.5 inches
- Weight: 31.3 ounces
- Frame: Alloy
- Capacity: 17+1
- Sights: X-RAY3 Day/Night Sights
- Optics: Pro Series optic plate. Made of metal with front tritium
To give a true custom shop feel, the AXG Scorpion comes with a certificate and challenge coin from Sig Custom Works. Seeing New Hampshire on the coin sure made me feel at home! I could almost imagine grabbing this lockable, padded case in their Pro Shop. That, of course, would no longer be possible as this limited run has run its full production. The AXG Scorpion is now discontinued for new purchases, which makes spotting one pretty special.
At the Range
With any new gun I test, there is a minimum of 300 rounds that go through it on the first day. The Scorpion had zero malfunctions. Though, I will mention that the aftermarket compensator and barrel on this particular pistol was not ejecting brass very far, which indicates a different spring might be better with the compensator.
Running the Scorpion through basic drills, the tritium front sight always seemed to align perfectly with the blacked-out U-notch rear, making sight acquisition quick. The tritium is excellent for low-light conditions, and the blacked-out rear is ideal for target shooting at the range. Speeding things up, the trigger is noticeably different from many of its P320 siblings. It’s lighter, at around a 4.5-pound pull, and the wall is crisp and the reset is shorter.
Sig has gotten some flack about its higher axis. The extended beavertail addresses this and allows for a high grip. Paired with the heavier frame, felt recoil in the Scorpion is much less than what you might observe in a standard P320 Compact. To say it simply, this gun is a flat shooter. Just slightly smaller than a Glock 19, it’s large enough to get a full grip and perform well at the range, yet it’s compact enough to have as a great defensive gun.
Who is the AXG Scorpion for?
A lot of firearm owners are fans of compact pistols. They are great to use for concealed carry, target practice, self-defense, and even competition. The AXG Scorpion stands out from the pack with an all-metal frame not commonly seen on striker-fired pistols of this size. The added weight is a benefit that improves shooting performance no matter the application. On top of its compact performance, the unmatched modularity of the P320 series means something like the AXG Scorpion is also perfect for the person who likes to tinker and potentially has a few setups.
Lastly, as a no-longer-produced limited-run gun, the Scorpion is ideal for Sig collectors. As the first release from Sig Custom Works, this pistol holds a special spot in the P320 lineup.
