dh3 Archives

Introduction

Few names command recognition in the firearms world like Sig Sauer. When I first picked up a P226 over thirty years ago, even as a youth I was greatly impressed with it. Sig Sauer has been manufacturing excellent firearms since its inception in Europe. The company was more recently moved to America, no doubt a good move for all involved. I have been a Sig fan for as long as I can remember, so I am happy to bring you today’s subject: the Sig Sauer P320 X-Five DH3.

The P320 family of pistols is incredibly popular in our firearms market, likely due to the incredible variety and customization of its models. The X-Five series brings full size function for serious pistol-work. 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.

The Sig Sauer P320 X-Five DH3

I’m no stranger to the P320 X-Five, 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 X-Five grip modules give the durability and function of polymer, and yet still feel like a metal pistol-frame. The DH3 adds to this quality feel by embedding silicon carbide into the grip area to enhance your feel of the grip. 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 X-Five 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.

Caliber	9mm
Length	8.5 inches
Width	1.6 inches
Height	6.5 inches
Weight	43.5 ounces
Optics footprint	Deltapoint Pro
Magazines	21 round 3 included
Barrel & Slide material	Stainless steel
Finish	Coyote Tan Cerakote
Sight radius	6.6 inches

Shop this and more Sig Sauer pistols at Palmetto State

Range Ready

Since I already have an X-Five Legion, it was easy to simply swap some accessories over to the DH3 to get it ready to shoot. It was also very convenient that it fit the same Safariland holster, which would make shooting the gun on the go even more fun.

In addition, I also installed a Romeo 1 Pro red dot sight on the DH3. It fit perfectly and allowed use of both the red dot and the X-Ray3 sights. All that was left was installing a Surefire X300 weapon-light to complete the ensemble.

In addition to those accessories, I also 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 with the Sig Sauer P320 X-Five DH3

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. And following them up with some single round loaded magazines to test my reloading skills would come next.

As I expected, the DH3 shoots as smooth as a guy could ask for. Maybe not like some tuned out competition 2011, but good enough to bring smiles all around. The weight of the X-Five pistols feels fantastic while shooting. The gun moves very little and barely strays from the target.

The Trigger is crisp and resets clean, while the mag release easily drops free the magazine making way for you to stab another. The flared magwell makes even a clown like me reload pretty quick. 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 Romeo 1 Pro. Hits kept coming every time I lined em up right. The accuracy was excellent, just like my other X-Five. Keeping shots touching at ten yards was easy.

Suppressor Time

I love suppressed shooting, and the DH3 would make a great host if it shot anything like my other X-Five. 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.

the P320 X-Five DH3 looks even better with a suppressor

I usually have better accuracy results when shooting suppressed. But this time I’m not sure if its 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 and Cons

There is no shame for me 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.

Cons

As sexy 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 when it occurred.

The Silicon carbide texturing is fantastic. I love it because the only occasion 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

This feature rich pistol has a little something for everybody. You’ve got all the standard things like accessory rail and undercut trigger-guard. But you’ve also got the dead sexy 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 Romeo 1 Pro is a great fit. The extra included 21-round magazines function flawlessly, keeping you pumping lead steadily. The extra recoil spring included also gives you the option to customize the function of your X-Five.

The rich aftermarket support for these pistols give you all kinds of options. I would strongly recommend one due to that added benefit.