About the AXG Equinox
With so many P320 variants available, I’ve almost given up trying to keep them all straight. If you mention one outside of the standard options, I’ll give it a quick Google search and then we can proceed to chat.
SIG’s Custom Works line puts unique spins on the most popular pistols that it offers, including the P210, P220, P226, P229, P365(XL), and of course, the P320. Narrow it down one step further within the Custom Works space, and you’ll find the AXG (Alloy X Grip) line. Here, SIG has chosen a classic metal-framed grip module that provides an exceptional balance of weight, performance, and reliability.
Related: A Complete Look at the Famous SIG Sauer P320 Lineup
UNBOXING THE EQUINOX
At this price point, a pistol better not come in a standard cardboard box with only one magazine. Don’t worry, that is not the case with the Equinox.
The pistol is safely delivered in an exclusive Negrini Custom Works case. The combination locking hard case holds the pistol and all accessories securely in place with a custom-cut foam insert. Within that foam, you’ll find three 17-round magazines and a Custom Works challenge coin.
Is the challenge coin worth much from a monetary perspective? Nope, but it sure is cool – just like the patches we all collect.
Related: SIG P320 AXG Classic – Reviewing A Classy Carry Pistol
FEATURES & SPECS
As with any P320, the main selling feature is its modularity. At the heart of every P320 is the fire control unit (FCU), which contains all the important stuff, including the serial number. You can simply remove the FCU and place it in a different grip module with a different barrel/slide and be ready to go in seconds with essentially a whole new firearm.
Aside from the FCU, there isn’t much that the Equinox has in common with your standard P320. Starting from the bottom and working our way up, the metal grip module features an undercut trigger guard, a beavertail, and an accessory rail. The heft of the frame feels great in hand and seems to help mitigate the already minimal recoil even more.
All the controls, including the skeletonized trigger, are nickel-plated and complete the aesthetic nicely with the polished slide. The trigger has a light, smooth, and consistent pull, followed by a crisp break. The reset is quick but a bit soft, so I do wish it was more defined and tactile.
Having an optics-ready slide is becoming standard at this point, but SIG takes it a step further and tops off this slide with a polished two-tone finish and night sights. You’ll find front and rear slide serrations. They are rather shallow, but you can still manipulate the slide just fine.
Overall, the quality and attention to detail immediately sets the Equinox apart from many of its P320 siblings.
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 17+1
- Barrel Length: 3.75 inches
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Weight: 28.8 ounces
RANGE REPORT
Earlier this year I tested and reviewed a P320 outfitted with Zev Technologies components. I surprisingly wound up rather disappointed in my accuracy with the tricked-out P320. I’ll admit, it could have been attributed to the shooter (me) having a couple of off days at the range…who knows?
That said, I tailored my expectations a bit for this Equinox. Thankfully, I wound up shooting it significantly better than the Zev Tech model. The trigger was similar, with a smooth and consistent pull but a faint reset. Regardless, I was happy with my groupings within my test range of 25 yards.
Over the course of my three range sessions with the Equinox, I put a total of 270 rounds through it. Of those, 250 were 115-grain Range Dynamics FMJs, and the remaining 20 were 124-grain Speer Gold Dot HPs. All 270 rounds fed, shot, and extracted without a single issue.
PROS & CONS
Pros:
- Optics-ready polished slide with night sights
- Alloy X Grip feels excellent in hand
- Nickel-plated flat-faced trigger
- Ambidextrous/reversible controls
- Accurate and reliable
- Modular and customizable – plenty of aftermarket support
- Comes with three 17-round mags
Cons:
- Pricey, but that shouldn’t come as a surprise
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Heavier (obviously) than the standard P320
FINAL THOUGHTS
Whether you’re like me and not a huge fan of the standard P320, or if you’re a P320 stan, the AXG Equinox is hard not to like.
It provides the sought-after P320 modularity but adds so much more to the shootability and aesthetics departments. While it is pricey, it seems that “you get what you pay for” in this scenario.
The Equinox, along with the other Custom Works pistols, is well worth checking out for yourself if you’re interested in a P320.
As always, stay safe, train hard, and have fun.
