Alloy-Frame Cubist – SIG P320
:: Build based on a Sharps Bros. SBGM09 aluminum P320 grip module
:: Compact Alpha Shooting Sports slide assembly & Agency Arms barrel
:: Custom geometric cubist Cerakote pattern by Ape Kote
It didn’t take a crystal ball to predict the aftermarket would embrace SIG Sauer’s “P” series pistols, particularly the top-selling P365 and P320. We’re a bit biased, but it says generally good things about a firearm platform when an entire aftermarket ecosystem sprouts up in support.
The real genius of the SIG P320 and P365 series pistols is their high modularity. Upsizing or downsizing the grip, swapping barrels or slides, even changes for chambering a different caliber, the system is designed to facilitate easy customization based on need or preference. Browse SIG’s custom shop on the official company website to build your own custom version of either one and you’ll begin to see the wealth of possibilities.
One of the more interesting modifications of recent times is the advent of alloy frames—or grip modules, in current SIG parlance—for the P320 platform. Alloy frames are nothing new on the P320, SIG’s own AXG being introduced as far back as 2014. But alloy grips have begun to see an aftermarket renaissance in response to the P320’s ever-growing popularity, which hasn’t slowed down at all these eleven years later.
Alloy grip modules are now available from a raft of third-party vendors, some of them even endorsed by SIG itself. One such is the Sharps Bros. SBG, which forms the foundation for this P320. And being that the Fire Control Unit (FCU) is the P320’s serialized part, it makes both manufacturing and acquiring such a frame all the easier. Try that with a Glock.
Sharps Bros. is probably best known for their custom-milled AR platform lower receivers, which feature everything from Spartan helmets to Flying Tigers shark faces adorning the lower’s forward (magwell) portion. If a company can mill something as intricate as a weathered skull into an AR receiver, you know they have some exceptional machine talent back at the shop. A custom pistol frame should be a lock.
Numerous Sharps Bros. variants of the SBG P320 grip module are available, differing in the metal’s final finish and the grip panels screwed to the sides. This one is the SBGM09, with standard black anodizing for the metal and Brazilian cherrywood grips from the manufacturer.
UN12 contributor, industry photographer, firearms creative, and principal at Violent Art Firearms, Jay Canter, was the driving force behind this build. He explains his desire to build out an all-metal P320: “The factory SIG frame is not bad by any means, but having a more weighty grip module helps with reducing felt recoil, which is great for shooting. At the time of this build, a good handful of companies either were out of stock and many months backordered, or they had one that I just was not into.”
He continues: “Sharps Bros. has always created well-thought-out, high-quality products. Sure, their AR lower receivers are not for everyone, but you cannot deny the quality of the product. Their grip module is more weighty than the factory module, but not so heavy you wouldn’t want to carry it.
Wood makes everything more classy, and having the Brazilian cherry inserts is a great touch. Sharps Bros. also thought about a magwell that would follow the grip module lines, and this one runs the factory AXG magwell, which flows perfectly and allows you to use a variety of basepads for extra magazine capacity.”
While the grip module is full-size, the slide assembly is abbreviated to keep the platform more viable as an EDC. The slide itself is a V5 Executive from Alpha Shooting Sports, which extends flush to the frame’s rail end. The traction areas on the V5 are a unique, knurl-like diamond-cut checkering at the rear, front and top for an effective non-slip grip.
The Alpha V5 slide houses an Agency Arms Mid Line barrel in black DLC sized 3.9 inches, which is the standard size for a SIG carry model. A carry-model recoil spring and guide rod from Rival Arms hold it in place and cycle the assembly, and the slide was buttoned up with a Rival completion kit comprising PVD-coated parts.
The Alpha Shooting Sports V5 comes optics-ready for a standard RMR footprint. To that end, Canter added a Holosun HE507Comp red dot. This is backed up with fixed Trijicon white-dot, suppressor-height open sights at the front and rear. Canter expands on his choice of Holosun: “Deciding on their 507Comp was pretty easy—not only for the price, but the physical size of the window and clarity are great. It fits perfectly, nice and tight, on the Alpha slide.”
The one SIG Sauer part on this build is of course the FCU housed in the Sharps Bros. grip module. The trigger shoe was replaced with an Apex Tactical flat-faced unit with integrated trigger bar; the rest of the internals remain OEM.
The remainder of the controls comprise a Springer Precision magazine release button, including the catch and spring, and an Align Tactical takedown lever featuring an extended profile that allows it to double as a “gas pedal” or indexing point for the shooter’s support hand.
The P320 feeds from factory P320 17-round standard magazines fitted with basepads from Springer Precision. As noted above, Canter opted to apply the SIG AXG flared mag funnel to the lower end of the grip to facilitate reloads and accommodate the basepads.
The final step for any Violent Art build would of course be an outrageous coating scheme, and this carry P320 would not be one to stray from Canter’s standard modus operandi. It was applied in a cubist pattern using various earthy tones of Cerakote, and serves to draw your eye immediately as well as accentuate the classy cherrywood grips to visually tie the build all together.
The Cerakote job was performed by Ape Kote (Ape Defense). Canter explains the method to his madness: “They [Ape] have their niche in doing some super-cool chocolate chip variants inspired by a shoe company. I gave them a few options here, from things that they already had done that I loved to a few I have never seen done before. At that point I let them choose what they were feeling most by looking at the parts.”
He continues: “This design is a cubist-style pattern that apparel brand Warrior Camos had done on a shirt (now long sold out). The colors are not very ‘tacticool,’ and it’s a bit out there with the tan color. But it complemented the wood at the end of the day, and it’s for sure something very unique.”
This build is just a glimpse of things to come. “Compared with the P365 builds I have done, I wanted something physically larger,” Canter says. “It feels superb in your hand and is a great shooter. There’s currently another metal-frame P320 in the design center using a different grip module, a true full-size. You’ll just have to wait and see what comes of that design at a later date.”
Build Sheet – Sharps Bros. Alloy-Frame SIG Sauer P320
Specifications
Caliber: 9×19
Capacity: 17 + 1
Weight Unloaded: 1 lb, 15 oz.
Barrel Length: 3.9 in.
Finish: Cubist-style Cerakote by Ape Kote/Defense
Featured Accessories
Grip Module: Sharps Bros. SBGM09 w/Brazilian cherrywood grip panels
Slide: Alpha Shooting Sports V5 Executive
Barrel: Agency Arms Mid Line
Optic: Holosun HE507Comp
Parts & Accessories: Trijicon suppressor-height iron sights, Rival Arms slide completion kit & recoil spring/guide rod, SIG Sauer FCU, Apex Tactical advanced flat trigger w/trigger bar, Align Tactical takedown lever/gas pedal, Springer Precision mag release & magazine basepad, SIG Sauer 17-rd magazine
