Gun Review: SIG SAUER P320 AXG Scorpion 9mm Pistol

SIG’s modular P320 and the universe of options around it just keeps growing. SIG’s been releasing new variants of the P320 twice a year or so, and 2021 has seen the introduction of the SIG SAUER P320 AXG Scorpion.

That’s a mouthful, but adequately describes what’s become SIG’s first Custom Works gun. SIG Custom Works is a new experiment by SIG SAUER to allow users to customize their P320’s around the platform’s famed Fire Control Unit.

Inside the AXG Scorpion

AXG stands for Alloy XSeries Grip, and as you’d expect from the word alloy, the AXG Scorpion has a metal grip module. That’s a first for the SIG P320 series, and SIG is selling the AXG module separately from this specific firearm.

As SIG likes to do, the Scorpion moniker is assigned to the FDE series pistols outfitted with custom G10 grip inserts. We’ve seen a variety of SIG Scorpion pistols, and this is the latest.

The AXG Scorpion series is the ‘Carry’ model SIG P320. SIG’s Carry model combines the slide of a SIG P320 Compact with a Carry grip module.

SIG’s Carry grip modules have a full-length grip with a shorter dust cover. It accepts the standard P320 full-size 17 round magazines, but is shorter in the front end. Why this particular combination is so popular, I’m not quite sure. I’d personally prefer the full-sized slide mated to the compact, easier to conceal frame. But that’s just me.

However, as it stands, the AXG module has a very nice, comfortable grip that fills my big paws. SIG wisely included in a Legion series trigger in the AXG Scorpion. This flat-faced trigger is skeletonized and lightened extensively. The Legion series has become SIG’s premium line of guns, and their triggers are outstanding.

SIG includes the SIG Pro Series optic plate and cut in the AXG Scorpion model. Below the optic’s covering plate sits mounting points to accommodate both the SIG Romeo1 Pro Series as well as the famed Trijicon RMR and SRO series. You’re open to using Trijicon optics, Leupold DeltaPoint Pro, Holosun, Swampfox, and some more that I am surely missing.

SIG AXG Ergonomics

The AXG frame adds something more than just some spice to the gun. One of the big draws of the AXG grip module for many people are the removable grip panels.

The G10 grip panels are quite heavily textured, and you also get a textured rear G10 insert. The front also has some clean checkering so when you grip the AXG Scorpion, it grips back.

Beyond the aggressively textured grip, the AXG also has an ambidextrous slide release. This might be the first SIG series pistol my fat thumb doesn’t pin down the slide release, which renders the LRBHO useless. The textured magazine release button is reversible for lefties, and just as a heads up, does not appear to be compatible with other standard P320 magazine releases.

A standard P320 mag release is triangular, but the AXG Scorpion uses a round 1911-like magazine release. I don’t expect aftermarket P320 options to work with the AXG Scorpion. It’s slightly extended, large, and easy to reach and engage.

The rear end of the AXG Scorpion sports a P226-like beavertail. It’s nice and wide, long enough, and allows for that high-up-on-the-grip hold. I love it as a big-hands man that likes a high grip on his handguns.

As you’d imagine, the metal grip frame of the AXG Scorpion weighs more than the average polymer frame. Total weight of the gun is 31.3 ounces unloaded, compared to the normal carry model, which weighs 26.5 ounces.

The grip feels a little thicker as well. I have an X-Series compact grip, and it’s noticeably thinner than the aluminum AXG Series grip. It’s not too thick or uncomfortable, but if the standard P320 feels thick to you, then the AXG is gonna feel dummy thicc.

Pew, Ping, and Pow At The Range

The AXG Scorpion is stupid accurate. For some reason, I decided to start shooting at the 50-yard line. I was shooting rifles that day and was already at that range, zeroing an AR optic. I loaded ten rounds of 115-grain ammo and aimed at a 10-inch gong. I squeezed the trigger ten times at that gong, and eight out of ten times, I heard it go ding.

I fired in an offhand standing position for this little test and felt awfully good about myself. This performance became standard at the various ranges I fired the weapon at. At 15 yards, I was dinging a four-inch gong over and over again. I could hit that precious T-zone repeatedly on failure to stop drills.

What helps make the SIG AXG Scorpion so easy to shoot is that amazing trigger. It really is great, and I see why Legion owners are Legion owners. There’s a little take-up, then a wall, then a bang. Nothing more than that, and the trigger is wonderfully consistent.

I guess if I had to find a complaint, it would be the reset is light and barely audible. However, it’s 2021 and I might have been the last guy to stop pinning my trigger and riding it forward, but even I’ve realized that it’s silly.

Additionally, the SIG X-RAY3 Day/Night Sights are great. The front sight has a high visibility insert for daylight shooting and a tritium lamp for low light situations. The sights are made of metal and the rear sights are serrated to reduce glare.

Comfort in Spades

With its added weight, the SIG AXG Scorpion is extremely comfortable to shoot. Rapid-fire shooting produces minimal recoil, and you can control the gun without difficulty. That beavertail allows a nice high grip, and the excellent texturing ensures the gun stays put. Even with 124 +P JHPs, I found the gun to be quite controllable and easy to handle.

The SIG AXG is easy to handle, quite accurate, and a lot of fun to shoot. It brings me back to the reason why I like guns. At the core of my love of firearms is the joy of creating small, handheld explosions and making tiny holes in paper. The SIG AXG does that admirably and delivers a healthy dose of satisfaction in the process.

In terms of reliability, I’ve seen no issues with any type of ammo. From steel and brass case 115 grain to SIG 124 +P JHPs. I even put some reloaded 147-grain rounds through it. Listen, we all know how ammo is these days, so just mind your business if you see me buying gun food from a sketchy guy in a trench coat behind the local 7-Eleven.

What’s the Purpose?

The SIG AXG Scorpion makes for one mighty “Guccified” CCW. It could make a great production class or optics carry competition gun. It’s a little heftier that most carry guns these days, but fulfills most of the requirements I look for. It’s also something of a collector’s gun for nerds who do stuff like that.

Specifications: SIG SAUER AXG Scorpion P320

Barrel Length: 3.9 inches
Overall Length: 7.4 inches
Width: 1.3 inches
Weight: 31.3 ounces
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 17+1 rounds
MSRP: $999

Ratings (Out of Five Stars):

Ergonomics: * * * * *
The P320 already had outstanding ergonomics, but the AXG model takes it a step further with the custom grip panels, extended beavertail, and magazine release. It’s an outstanding addition.

Accuracy: * * * * *
I don’t think I’ve ever gone 8 for 10 at 50 yards on my first magazine with a pistol. At closer ranges, it’s a laser. At longer ranges, it’s more precise than it needs to be. The great trigger and sights combine to make it quite an accurate handgun.

Reliability: * * * * *
I shoved a wide variety of ammo that varied in design and quality, and yet it chewed its way through it all.

Overall: * * * * *
I love the SIG AXG Scorpion. This is my first P320 and might end up being my last. I don’t see much of a reason to try another. SIG made a metal frame striker-fired pistol that’s accurate, easy to handle, and good-looking. After shooting the AXG, I almost feel like moving to a polymer frame variant would disappoint me.