Buying a sig p220 - but which one?

[DerGlock]

After shooting one the other day I decided I have to get one. From my research so far there is quite a few different variations available. Besides cosmetics the major differences appear to be SRT trigger/standard and barrel length (3.9, 4.4, 5.0). Does the carry shot noticeably different from the standard barrel? Anything else I should consider before making my choice?

Also, any wood grip version would be a no go for me since the grip is to big.

[RobG]

Check out Sigarms.com for the different variants. Just be aware some may not be on the "safe list." I had a carry model and did not shoot it as well as a full size. It just didn't feel quite right although it was a fine weapon and 100% reliable. The SRT is an option you can add later if you like or send it to Sig armorer extraordinaire, Bruce Gray at Grayguns. I would suggest an older used model. They are generally regarded as "better" than later models, although this is mostly subjective, and a used pistol will be significantly cheaper. New Sigs, as much as I love mine, are stupidly overpriced, IMO.

[Miltiades]

I went with all stainless

I went through the same decision process a year or two ago. I decided I wanted a Sig P220 but couldn't decide which type - there are quite a few alternatives. I finally went with the all stainless P220ST, which is the heaviest since it is all steel. This was to be a range gun, and I always shoot better with heavier guns. Light weight or short barrel were not a consideration since I would never carry it.

I found a 9 year old slightly used model for $670 and bought it. It turns out to be a great shooter, perhaps my most accurate .45. I put Hogue aluminum grips on it, which are nice and thin but adhere very well to my hand.

[masameet]

I've shot the SIG P220 Elite SAO. Great gun. If you can get one via PPT, buy it.

Though I agree that a stainless steel frame, like Miltiades' P220, is beautiful.

[shoupdawg]

Go for a longer barrel if you can. If you have the srt parts I can help walk you through putting it on. I have a west german proof stamped 220. I'm on the lookout for a railed 220st with an external extractor.

[DerGlock]

Miltiades - The stainless looks great! Is it really a noticeable weight difference vs the non stainless?

Also, if going with a used gun would it be worth looking for a german made gun?

Masameet - Elite models are also an option (roster exempt) but it would have to be DA/SA.

[masameet]

We can get the P220 Elites via PPT. Some of these SIGs are SAO. Some are SA/DA. Just sayin'.

P.S. 9mmepiphany always drums the "Get the German made SIG." He's a long-time gun owner and he's extremely knowledgeable. But what gun you buy is all up to you.

[calishine]

Go stainless. Without a doubt.

The weight difference is somewhat noticeable, but you won't notice it after awhile.

For a CA version, get the P220 ST. A new P220 ST comes with an external extractor vs. internal. While I have not known anyone that has had issues with the internal extractor, the external one is preferred.

For a non-roster, get the P220 Stainless Elite. It will have wood grips on it, but you can swap them out with aluminums, or Hogue rubber for a cheap price. This a great choice over the standard P220 because it has the beavertail grip, short trigger, SRT trigger, and I like the front cocking serrations.

Another benefit to the stainless P220 is that if you ever scratch it, scuff it, you can send it to Sig, and they will bead-blast it and it will look like the day you bought it--new. The Aluminum version, if you mar or scratch the frame, Sig will not refinish it. The frame is anodized, not Nitron finished like the slide. You will have to go with an aftermarket finish. Again, this is a cosmetic consideration.

Finally, I like the stainless because it is perfectly balanced, reduces recoil, and helps you back on target faster. You will notice more muzzle-flip on the Aluminum version (though not much). As a result, I personally am more accurate with the Stainless.

Whatever you choose, you can't go wrong with any P220. Good luck!

[9mmepiphany]

first you'll need to decide which trigger system you want: DA/SA, SAO (Carry only) or DAK (DAO)

barrel length and slide: Carry or Standard

material:
1. stainless or alloy frame
2. stainless milled or stamped carbon slide
3. blued (milled or stamped) or stainless slide (milled)

i prefer the standard length slide/barrel for both balance and reliability. the alloy frame carries better (lighter) while the stainless soaks up recoil and works better during long range sessions...i have both. i prefer the lighter stamped slide, but i got 2 all stainless ST models at a great price and use them when teaching. they were CPO models and i go them for $600 each

[shoupdawg]

I have a 226st and its one heavy gun. But its in .40 and I have a drop in 357 sig barrel, both of which are snappy rounds. I specifically wanted full stainless because its not a carry piece and I wanted it to help tame the recoil.

And it does it quite well.

[Miltiades]

Answer to question of DerGlock

Miltiades - The stainless looks great! Is it really a noticeable weight difference vs the non stainless?

I believe the weight differential between the stainless and aluminum P220 is about 7 or 8 ounces, so it is a noticeable amount. The stainless P220 weighs roughly the same as an all steel, full size 1911.

Mine has the internal extractor, as shown on the right side picture below. It is similar to most 1911s in this respect. It is also similar to an old (1991) nickel P226 that I have. The extractors on both Sigs have never given me a problem.

[rag9393]

I bought a P226 from yzernie here on the board. That guy knows about Sigs and has the best prices. Here is the link to his ad. http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=257865

[DerGlock]

Ok, I ordered my gun The stainless just looks to good pass up so I ended up getting a p220 match elite- da/sa, 5" , beaver tail and aluminium grips.

Looks like this - but hopefully with the older dark style sig grips instead of the ones in this picture.

[9mmepiphany]

Ok, I ordered my gun The stainless just looks to good pass up so I ended up getting a p220 match elite- da/sa, 5" , beaver tail and aluminium grips.

that might be complicated, it's not on the approved roster

[HappyG]

Combat.