Over the past 10 years, more companies have been manufacturing air pistols designed to look like some sort of real gun. They have been successful, as long as you do not look too closely or ask them, "Which real gun do they mimic?" The manufacturers usually reply that their air pistols are just stylized versions of real firearms. In other words, they are not intended to mimic or copy any particular real pistol.

The SIG Sauer ASP air pistols (and air rifles) are not designed as toys, although they are a lot of fun to shoot. SIG spent considerable in house time and resources in the development of a P320 Advanced Sport Pellet (ASP) clone that would mimic the handling and function of the SIG P320 firearm. Their purpose was to produce an inexpensive replica that could be used by military and police units for training, avoiding the expense of high value training weapons, as well as costly ammunition.

With the development of the P320 ASP air pistol, SIG designed and produced a superb training tool for law enforcement, as well as a very fine air gun for the civilian market. It will be especially useful now that the military has selected the SIG P320 as their standard service pistol, replacing the Beretta M9.

Design characteristics of the P320 ASP Air Pistol

• This is a classic double-action only pistol. As with all double action triggers, it has a heavy pull (approx. 6 lbs. 5 oz.).
• The 3-dot sights make it easy to acquire the target for accurate placement of the pellets.
• The magazine release functions much like the P320 centerfire pistol. Since there is no spent cartridge case to eject, there is no slide stop/release, but that in no way detracts from this gun.

Specifications:

• Caliber: 0.177 (4.5 mm pellets or BBs)
• Velocity: 450 fps max.
• Propellent: 12 gram C02 cartridge in grip
• Action: Semi-automatic
• Magazine capacity: 30, belt-fed
• Safety: Manual
• Overall Length: 8 in.
• Overall Height: 5.5 in.
• Overall Width: 1.25 in. grip / 1.0 in. slide
• Barrel Length: 4.7 in., rifled
• Weight: 28.5 oz. (P320 - 29.4 oz)
• Slide Material: metal
• Frame material: Polymer
• Trigger Pull: 6 lbs 5 oz.
• Sights: Fixed (white 3-dot pattern)
• Accessory Rail: Picatinny
• Color: Black or Coyote Tan
• 2017 MSRP: $119.99

The magazine is unique in the market. The belt holds 30 pellets. Just make sure that you insert the magazine properly. SIG etched the back of the magazine to make sure that we do it correctly.

To load the magazine, open the loading gate and hold the magazine at the top. Rotate the belt on the right side DOWN as you load each pellet. If you try to push the belt up, it will likely jam. No damage will occur, but it makes it difficult to load the belt. Once inserted, the magazine feeds flawlessly and ejects quickly for reloading.

Note, the belt is not made to be completely removed from the magazine. The picture above illustrates how it can be partially removed for cleaning out debris.

To load the CO2 cartridge, simply remove the back panel of the grip, drop in the cartridge and tighten the screw to activate the cartridge. Finally, replace the grip's back panel.

This pistol is not made for hunting. It is a training, plinking and fun gun, so do not be concerned that the velocity is only rated "up to 450 fps." In fact, it is unlikely that you will achieve that given the effect of altitude and temperature on the pressure in the cartridge. At our altitude of 5,232 feet in New Mexico, we averaged 400-450 fps, depending on the temperature. However, the lower velocity does not affect the accuracy.

The P320 ASP is a very well made air pistol. It is, in fact, one of the best air pistol buys on the market today. If you are looking for a good source, AirgunDepot.com is usually well stocked.