The XFive DH3
The P320 family of pistols is incredibly popular, likely due to the variety and customization of its models. The XFive series brings full-sized function for serious pistol work, and the DH3 model was developed with input from SIG’s professional shooting team member Daniel Horner. It hosts features ideal for competitive and action shooting, like a flared magwell, X-Ray3 sights, accessory rail, optics-ready slide, and more.
I’m no stranger to the P320 XFive, as I’ve been shooting one for several years now. Upgrading to the DH3 model seemed easy, and some of the differences are notable. The tungsten-infused XFive grip modules give the durability and function of polymer, yet still feel like a metal pistol frame. The DH3 adds to this quality feel by embedding silicon carbide in the grip area to enhance the feel. It feels like skateboard tape, but it can’t come off.
The X-Ray3 suppressor-height sights are good day or night and allow the use of a suppressor, as well as co-witnessing with your favorite red dot. There are also some of the same features you’ll find on other XFive pistols, like two included recoil springs to customize operation. Of course, you’ll find the accessory rail under the slide to mount your favorite weapon light. And the flared magwell makes quick mag changes smooth and secure.
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Length: 8.5 inches
- Width: 1.6 inches
- Height: 6.5 inches
- Weight: 43.5 ounces
- Optics footprint: Deltapoint Pro
- Magazines: 21 rounds; 3 included
- Barrel & Slide material: Stainless steel
- Finish: Coyote Tan Cerakote
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Sight radius: 6.6 inches
Range Ready
Since I already have an XFive Legion, it was easy to move some accessories over to the DH3 to get it ready to shoot. It was also convenient that it fit the same Safariland holster, which would make shooting the gun on the go even more fun.
I installed a Romeo1 Pro red dot sight on the DH3, which fit perfectly and allowed use of both the red dot and the X-Ray3 sights. A Surefire X300 weapon light completed the ensemble.
In addition to those accessories, I grabbed my Armory Craft threaded match barrel, as well as my Yankee Hill Machine Nitro N2.0 suppressor. There was nothing standing between me and a great time now.
I grabbed a few boxes of Federal Champion 115-grain ammo, and it was time to hit the range.
On the Range
Getting some trigger time with the DH3 couldn’t come soon enough. As soon as time would permit, I was on my range getting the pistol broken in. Stuffing the 21-round magazines full of ammo would ensure some good hot testing, following that with some single-round loaded magazines to test my reloading skills.
As I expected, the DH3 shoots as smooth as I could ask – maybe not like a tuned-out competition 2011, but good enough to bring smiles all around. The weight of the XFive pistols feels fantastic while shooting, as the gun moves very little and barely strays from the target.
The trigger is crisp and resets cleanly, while the mag release easily drops the magazine, making way for you to stab another. The flared magwell makes even a clown like me reload quickly. The grip texture made the pistol feel anchored to your bones.
Picking up the glow of the X-Ray sights in low light was easy, but it was easier still to look through the Romeo1 Pro. Hits kept coming every time I lined ’em up right. The accuracy was excellent, just like my other XFive. Keeping shots touching at 10 yards was easy.
Suppressor Time
I love suppressed shooting, and the DH3 would make a great host if it shot anything like my other XFive. For that I swapped out the barrels and installed my titanium suppressor. Adding the weight to the front only further tamed the DH3, and the hushed pops of each shot will please any true gun nut.
I usually have better accuracy results when shooting suppressed. This time, I’m not sure if it was because of the suppressor or the match-grade Armory Craft barrel. Regardless of the reason, it felt like nothing within pistol range could escape me and the DH3.
Pros & Cons
This feature-rich pistol has a little something for everyone. You’ve got all the standard things like accessory rail and undercut trigger-guard, but you’ve also got the drop-dead gorgeous Cerakote color and contrasting silicon carbide grip texturing – as well as the slide cuts and X-Ray sights.
The optics cut is a must-have nowadays, and the Romeo1 Pro is a great fit. The extra included 21-round magazines function flawlessly, keeping you pumping lead steadily. The extra recoil spring also gives you the option to customize the function of your X-Five. The rich aftermarket support for these pistols gives you all kinds of options. I would strongly recommend one due to that added benefit.
I have no shame in claiming the moniker of a SIG-ophile. Saying I am a fan of these pistols would be an understatement. I suppose that makes it a little bit hard for me to be completely candid about the downsides of this pistol. But I will give it my best.
As cool as the slide cuts are on the DH3, I found that they engaged occasionally with the retention clip in my Safariland SLS holster. This is probably something that can be mitigated, but it was a little irritating.
The silicon carbide texturing is fantastic. I love it, because the only time my hands receive any kind of ointment is when they are bleeding. However, if you’re the kind of guy who wears socks to bed, you might need to wear your Isotoner gloves while shooting.
Pros:
- Feature-rich with gorgeous aesthetic
- Optics cut with suppressor-height sights
- Excellent grip texturing
- High-capacity magazines
- Extra recoil spring
- Highly customizable
- Great aftermarket support
Cons:
- Slide cuts look cool but tended to catch on holster retention clip
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Silicon carbine texturing might be rough on soft hands
Concluding Thoughts
Adding the DH3 to the family of XFive pistols was a great idea, in my opinion. Perhaps there isn’t a huge difference between it and the other XFive models, but variety is the spice of life. Based on this pistol’s performance, I think it would be an excellent choice for a serious pistol shooter.
The SIG Sauer P320 XFive DH3 brings a plethora of excellent features. It’s outstanding to shoot, smooth to reload, and I feel like I shoot better when it’s in my hands. That last one, of course, is likely in my head, but sometimes that’s all it takes.
If you have some serious pistol shooting in mind, and you’re not afraid of a full-sized pistol, the XFive DH3 will fit perfectly on your belt.
