Sig P220 Survey

[riggins_83]

I think I'll break down and buy a Sig P220 soon. I've not decided between the standard 220 or a SAO.

This won't be a gun I carry on duty (security guard), just a fun gun to have around.

[johnbt]

I haven't tried a standard Sig SAO, but I like SAO guns quite a bit. I bought an X-5 Tac last year and it's SAO, but the trigger is 4.5# and close to perfect. It might be perfect and I'm just looking for one flaw to show up. Fine gun.

John

[Uncle Malice]

To be honest, I have not tried the SAO P220, so I am biased. But I also am not a big fan of SAO, ala 1911. I just prefer DA/SA... call me crazy.


I have a P220 Elite Stainless that is DA/SA with the SIG SRT Trigger. I highly recommend the SRT kit. It makes the trigger so great.

The SRT comes standard on the Elite models but you can upgrade any of them with it. I believe the kit is about $100 from Sig... or you can pay them something like $80 or whatever to install it... it's not difficult though.

Good luck, cheers!

[DBAR]

I think everyone knows how I feel about the P220 SAO. It's the most comfortable .45 acp handgun that I own. If fact, it's my favorite handgun. If you like SAO handguns, then you won't go wrong with the P220 SAO. If you like DA/SA, then get the P220. I've got a Kimber 1911 that is more accurate than my P220 SAO, but I can shoot the P220 SAO better. If that makes any sense? I can shoot 4 magazines, 8 rounds each, rapid fire with the P220 SAO, and still keep a Softball size group at 25 feet. What more would I need?

DBAR

[christcorp]

This won't be a gun I carry on duty (security guard), just a fun gun to have around.

You choose one of the greatest guns of all time; one of the most reliable, dependable, and accurate guns in the world; and the gun that has been carried by more military and police around the world than you can count; and you DON'T WANT to use it for duty, but as a FUN GUN!!!!!. That's like buying an F-250 pickup truck, but you only want to use it for "Cruising". But whatever. But FWIW, the P220 is considered by a very large percentage of people in the gun world, as one of the BEST weapons of all time. Those who don't vote for it, usually do so because they are in the "You have to have 15+ rounds or it sucks" crowd; or they're in the cool-aid drinking glock crowd. One thing's for sure, if you get a P220 and start shooting it, you WILL start carrying it. You'll find a way to use it. It's that good.

[DBAR]

He's right. I take my P220 SAO with me everywhere I go. I hasn't spent one single night in the safe. It's concealable, just not the easiest to coneal.

DBAR

[PeterGunn]

I would strongly encourage you look for a P220 that says... MADE IN GERMANY or MADE IN WEST GERMANY.

It is no secret that the German made Sigs were manufactured with what seems to be a higher quality.

[DBAR]

Either way, you'll have a good gun. It's true that the older guns where made with some better quality materials, and better quality control, but the American made Sigs are fine handguns. I've got an American made Sig on order, and I'm fine with it.

DBAR

[riggins_83]

I ended up going with the 220 SAO. The trigger just feels right... single action on the double/single pistol is different.

[Uncle Malice]

Pics or it didn't happen!

[temmi]

I have a double / single P220... great gun... no reason to change

[burger and fries]

i agree with temmi.

i prefer double/single. if you want a SAO buy a 1911.

bnf

[riggins_83]

Pics or it didn't happen!

I haven't picked it up yet.. it's sitting and waiting for me

[Uncle Malice]

Total bummer dude. I hate waiting to get my gun.

I've had my P229 Stainless Elite paid off since new years and I'm still waiting! I hear the factory has a ton of work.

[bamiller]

I have a Sig P220 Carry SAO and love it. Very accurate and smooth consistent trigger pull.

[Bongo Boy]

Either way I think is fine. Mine is the DA/SA SRT and after spending some time with the trigger (about 12 hours total I'd guess) I have a very smooth DA and a sweet SA. In the IDPA matches at which I shoot it, I've never even slightly noticed a heavier DA...it's not an issue.

Here's my Elite Stainless:



I removed the tac rail, trigger guard hooky thing and about 0.18" off the end of the whale tail. All the photos of these mods in progress are on SigForum, somewhere back around Mar, Apr May of last year.

The trigger on this one is also odd. I first replaced the stock 'long' trigger with the Sig factory short trigger, then modified that until it had to go in the trashcan. Then I got out the long trigger, ground the excess baggage off the back and straightened it out (torch) the requenched it. Now the effect is a medium reach but a lower one--finger is lower on the trigger giving a better feel for me. Overtravel stop is made from that epoxy steel stuff and the Plan of Action is to send it to Grayguns for a final bead blast and Melonite all around. A black P220 Elite Stainless with no tac rail or trigger guard silliness--my dream is realized.

You won't be disappointed, but I'll say it was a long slow ramp up in terms of love for the gun. Mine came with what I thought was just an awful trigger, and until I got that worked out I wasn't fully satisfied. You can really shoot these things into a small group, and put a P226 9mm recoil spring in them and shoot powder puff handloads and they're simply a gut-bustin' blast.

[DBAR]

i prefer double/single. if you want a SAO buy a 1911.

Buy both if you want, but if you've never shot or owned both, then you can't make that statement. I own both, and have shot plenty. The P220 SAO is fine, and so is the P220 DA/SA. A P220 SAO isn't close to a fine 1911, they aren't that closely related.

Here's something to hold you over....



DBAR

[riggins_83]

i prefer double/single. if you want a SAO buy a 1911.

Other than being a single stack single action with a full length guide rod, the P220 SAO is a different animal.


I'm not buying a P220 SAO as a 1911 substitute, buying it because I want a super reliable 45ACP single action that's not a 1911.. I have enough of those.

[TriumphGuy]

Have you thought about the DAK trigger? My Pop has a 229 with it and I swear it's the nicest shooting auto I've ever handled. The first day we took it to the range we were shooting empty shotgun shells out of the target because hitting the bull was too easy.

[Onward Allusion]

I'm probably going to get flak for this, but the latest generation P220 is overrated, and yes - I have shot it and it was accurate. I mean it's a nice pistol but for $700 to $800 online and $900 & above in stores, there are as good if not better and less expensive options out there - and - no, I'm not going to start a this -vs- that debate. Just my .02

[Osageshooter]

I have a Stainless Elite 220 and a 220 Compact. Both are DA/SA. I can shoot the DA round in the same group as the follow up SA rounds. Something that I cannot do with other pistols that are "just as good for less money". The 220s in my hands are as accurate as any of my 1911's, and I have a couple of nice ones. I have never had a malfunction with a 220 and I have shot a lot of rounds with handloaded ammo. I am sure I will, but not yet. I have had more malfunctions with some of the other just as good for less money guns. I like DA/SA. Cocked and locked requires a good holster. In a pinch I can put the DA/SA in a back pack or butt pack without the holster.

[chris in va]

I have an older 220 and think you can do much better with a range only gun. Don't get me wrong, mine has been very reliable but I find it very difficult to shoot accurately.

Have a look at a decent 1911 or CZ 97B.

[rduckwor]

I have an SAO Carry model and like it quite a bit. I came to it from 1911's as well and it works well for me.

I have diligently tried to settle on weapons with a single common manual of arms (SAO) and build consistency from that decision.

My trigger feels to me like a two-stage trigger with a light take-up and then a firm solid break at the end.

Ergonomically, the P220 system works well for me and I avoid the DA/SA dance with SAO only. 8+1 doesn't bother me a bit; If I can't get it done with 9 rounds, it probably ain't gonna get done.

For my money, if you buy one, I'll bet it quickly becomes your carry piece.

Good Luck,

[DBAR]

I'm probably going to get flak for this, but the latest generation P220 is overrated, and yes - I have shot it and it was accurate. I mean it's a nice pistol but for $700 to $800 online and $900 & above in stores, there are as good if not better and less expensive options out there - and - no, I'm not going to start a this -vs- that debate. Just my .02

I have an older 220 and think you can do much better with a range only gun. Don't get me wrong, mine has been very reliable but I find it very difficult to shoot accurately.

Have a look at a decent 1911 or CZ 97B.

That's why there are so many different Gun Manufacturers out there. That's also the reason why there are so many different types of triggers out there. That's also why some like Ford, and some like Chevy.

Some people like Sig, and some don't. Some people like Single Action Only, and some prefer SA/DA.

It's a matter of opinion, and that's why there are choices in life.

DBAR

[Uncle Malice]

+1 DBAR!