With the modularity of the SIG P320 users can easily swap out just about everything on the gun and do it affordably. The most popular (and least expensive swap) is the grip module which can be found for as little as $9.99, but usually run around $40 for a polymer frame from SIG SAUER.
And, of course, kits exist that let you reconfigure your P320 from one model to another by providing everything but the fire control unit (FCU). They ship directly to your door.
A conversion kit that interested me was the M17 X-Change to swap a non-manual safety P320 to the US Army’s new service weapon. The X-Change kit includes a completed slide and barrel, grip module, three magazines, a manual very reminiscent of an Army Technical Manual, and a slot for the challenge coin you don’t get when you buy the kit instead of the complete firearm.
Installation/completion is toolless and simple. Remove the takedown lever to remove your FCU from your existing P320. Insert the FCU in the X-Change M17 grip module, then the slide stop, slap the completed slide and barrel on and you’re done.
Since YouTube won’t let us show that– they consider it “gun construction” — we had to film as if it was a complete M17. A look at the kit’s components can be seen in the tabletop video below.
So why would someone buy an X-Change kit instead of the complete firearm? The reason I went for it was financial. The going rate for the kit was about $200-300 less than the price of a complete M17 pistol when I bought it.
I could also see the kit as a way for those living in the US, but outside the Constitutional United States to get an M17 without the rights-defying hassle some states have tacked on to a transfer.
To be clear to any of those who don’t understand the SIG FCU system: The X-Change kit is NOT a firearm and requires an existing P320 fire control unit in order to be used as a firearm. It is for that reason that these kits can be sold directly to consumers without involvement of a licensed firearms dealer.
Included:
- TM-style manual
- Complete M17 slide with barrel
- 1x 17rd magazine
- 2x 21rd magazine (we were able to fit 23 rounds easily)
- Grip module
- MSRP: $549, but available around the web for much less.
After about 60 seconds of fumbling the FCU out of my X-Compact and into the M17 grip module, I had myself an M17 minus the manual safety and plus the X-model straight trigger. To see how the thing ran and experience a “discount” M17 we hit the range for our standard battery of tests.
The video below shows them all unscripted and unedited: absolute first shots, testing the gun and magazine’s ability to run fully stuffed, testing to see what loads the gun would cycle, and more.
The range experience with our conversion M17 was excellent. As one would expect, everything worked perfectly and my compact P320 can now easily become a full size when the need or interest arises.
With three magazines, a grip module, and complete slide the X-Change kit is a great way to experience another model of P320 for less cost and hassle than acquiring another complete pistol.
If you really want the challenge coin, Ebay is your friend…
Nice review; the modular fire control system lets you go steps beyond simple barrel & slide swaps. Thanks!
I wonder – in all seriousness – how long before “those” states try to ban these too.
Don’t give them ideas I enjoy being able to go from a 365XL to a 365L for warmer weather and would like to continue being able to do so.
“I wonder – in all seriousness – how long before “those” states try to ban these too.”
I’m hoping a gun ban (of some sort) gets dropped into the in-basket of Clarence Thomas and we get ‘Bruen 2’ as a result.
He has to be seeing the naked contempt from Leftist Scum ™ like Hochul, and be interested in doing something about it…
Why buy an accessory pack when you could buy a whole other pistol for the price?
For the majority of the country you are exactly right. Some states however make buying a new pistol an unconstitutional pain in the ass and being able to reconfigure one pistol a easier option.
As stated in the review, the kit was about $200 to $300 LESS than the complete firearm at the time I bought mine.
SAFEupsateFML I think makes the best point by far for the FCU in non-free states. However this kit specifically ships with 21 round mags which are not Communist state friendly. Do they make them with 10 rounds too? That would make a lot of sense.
In free states I have a very hard time seeing anyone having a small armory of accessories and swapping components to turn their full size into a sub compact to conceal before heading off to dinner. There have been so many products on the market for modularity, it was a huge marketing fad a few years back. Remember when every other rifle at Shot Show 2013 was rifles with caliber conversions? It’s cute but even the military never bought the concepts despite asking for them to begin with. Only to adopt a rifle built for only one chambering 10 years later (Sig Spear 277 Fury). I bring up cost because pistols are only increasing in quality and reduced in price. We are now seeing viable life dependable pistols for $299. Also….I tried not to bring it up but in free states about $400, P80 Glock builds. They have been modular all this time, swap your frame size, barrel, sights…. no need for FCU when it’s built from home XD
Now all that aside, great depth and details in the review. Keep it up!
Magazine capacity bans are short for this world.
All we need to do is threaten to give it to the high court. Do you think they are eager to get ‘Bruen 2’ rammed down their throats?
Use Rumble not YT.
Would have loved to have picked a kit up just to 80% it down the road. Hopefully the aftermarket starts producing these en masse.
Unfortunately after looking at JSD’s website yesterday it looks like their 80% FCU insert has been taken down ahead of the ATF rule going into effect Wednesday (pending the results of all the lawsuits in progress).
Most of the time I see the X-Change kits for around $400 and the complete M17/M18 pistols for $600-650. So while there might occasionally be a good deal on these, overall I don’t see the point. I’d rather spend the extra $250 and get a complete gun.
$549 for this gimmick when you can just buy another P320 for $399 right now.
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