By: Greg Chabot
Photos Sasha Steadman

The XM17 modular handgun system competition resulted in the Sig P320 becoming the new sidearm for the Armed Forces of the United States. It also benefitted the shooting public with new and innovative handgun designs by the competitors – one of them being the Glock 19X, a crossover design that took the market by surprise.

SIG, not to be outdone, released its own version of a crossover, the P320 XCarry. This article will be a comparison of the two models. Criteria is based on features, reliability, and accuracy. Both weapons had 1,000 rounds of mixed ammo fired through them. I used my own funds to procure both specimens. My goal with this article is to give an unbiased opinion with test results to help the reader make an informed purchase. Specifications for each model are available at the manufacturers’ respective sites.

Testing conditions:
Weapons were fired in various locations and weather conditions. To test grip texture, I used mineral oil on my hands. Holsters used during testing were a dual-layer kydex OWB from Steadfast Holsters LLC. 2aholster.com provided a pancake style OWB. Both weapons were cleaned prior to testing and after testing. SEAL-1 CLP was used to lubricate both weapons.

Initial Impressions:
Both samples came in plastic boxes with three magazines each. The SIG came with 17-round mags, the 19X with one 17-round and two 17-round, with plus two extensions. Fit and finish were excellent in both samples. Both had a very tight lock-up in battery. Night sights and a lanyard loop come standard on both models. Owners manuals were well written and easy to understand. The XCarry has a 1913 rail; the 19X has the standard Glock rail. Various lights were tested on both with no fitment issues.

Ergonomics:
The XCarry grip is very 1911-like in my opinion. The beavertail and undercut of the trigger guard allowed me to get a very high and comfortable grip. Magazine release was very easy to reach with my small hands. The 19X wasn’t as comfortable as the SIG for my hands. Some shooters might not like the grip angle compared to the SIG. I had to change my grip slightly to reach the mag release on the 19X. The magazine releases can be switched for southpaws with either weapon. Both have ambidextrous slide releases.

Winner: SIG
Grip texture:

I prefer an aggressive grip texture on handguns. I found the XCarry to be “slick” with oil covered hands. Overall, I feel it needs more aggressive texturing and more coverage from the factory. The 19X has a much more aggressive texture, and it covers more area than the SIG. I had no issue with control of the 19X with oil on my hands. The XCarry wasn’t completely uncontrollable; I had to grip it very tight and make some adjustments while shooting, while the 19X stayed put. My accuracy did suffer with the XCarry during this test.

Winner: 19X
Trigger:

The XCarry comes with a flat trigger, which took me some time to adjust to. Take up was very spongy, with a halfway decent break and reset. The 19X trigger had a very smooth take up and short crisp break with a very short reset. I preferred the 19X trigger over the SIG; during testing the SIG trigger did improve with use. The Glock trigger was consistent right out of the box and didn’t need any break-in.

Winner: 19X
Reliability:

During testing, both weapons performed flawlessly. I use various brands of ammo, including steel case and some mystery ammo of unknown origin – both cycled Ball and JHP of various weights. To further test reliability, both were dropped into a puddle and then loose sand. I was concerned that the cutout on the SIG’s slide would let more debris in than the Glock design. That concern was unfounded; though slightly sluggish while cycling, the SIG continued to function without issue. I did not notice any difference in the function of the 19X. I was unable to induce malfunctions by operator error.

Winner: Tie
Accuracy:

The 19X has a barrel length of 4.02” with polygonal rifling. The XCarry is slightly shorter at 3.9” with conventional rifling. Both barrels have a recessed crown. Sights on both were excellent. I give a slight edge to the SIG sights, as my aging eyes picked them up much more quickly during the day. The Glock sights were not a deal breaker by any means – it is more of a personal preference. At combat ranges, both hit where I put the sights. I shot slightly better with the Glock, as I was getting used to the SIG’s flat trigger. Once I got used to it, I shot both pretty consistently. I really couldn’t tell any difference in accuracy between them. Overall, both will provide excellent combat accuracy, if end users practice the basics of marksmanship.

Winner: Tie
Customization:

I personally don’t consider this a factor in the purchase of a firearm. With the trend of “Gucci- Guns,” I decided to include it for those who like to customize their weapons. The XCarry comes already pre-cut for a red dot. Since it’s modular, end users can order grip modules that have been stippled or DIY. With the 19X, once it is stippled, it is permanent and will void the warranty. I advise trying a Glock that has been stippled to see if it works for you. At the time of this writing, Glock does not offer their MOS slide on the 19X. End users will have to have their slide milled if they choose to run a red dot. Both weapons have great potential to be Guccified by their owners. Both have been on the market long enough that finding a quality holster should not be an issue.

Winner: Tie
Overall winner: Draw

Both weapons performed 100% out of the box. Though I preferred the 19X trigger, other shooters might prefer the XCarry. It really boils down to personal preference to what features the end user wants. My advice to those unsure of which to buy is to try both at a range. I strongly suggest prospective buyers fire a couple of hundred rounds out of each one, then make their choice. I have full confidence in both systems after firing 1,000 rounds through each. In a deadly situation, I would have no issue trusting my life to either one. That is a statement I don’t use lightly.

In memory of MSG(R) Chris Kluck De Oppresso Liber.
Greg Chabot is an Iraq Combat Veteran freelancer, writing from New Hampshire.