German Sig?

[Barang]

Are German Sigs = older model? These are the ones that have internal extractor and consider better than the ones that are made in New Hampshire?
I see quite a bit of them for sale on Gunbroker.

[quattrosam]

In a very general sense, yes. Sig has moved most of their production for the US stateside over the past decade. Most of what is sold here, is now made here. The "Classic" folded stamped steel models were all made in Germany, or if older W. Germany. I'm not sure about the internal/extractor issues/debate. I do know that they had issues with the external extractors on their 1911's. I believe the current models with external extractors is primarily to streamline production. I've never had any issue with my "Classic" German-made internal extractors, and they have attained a good reputation.

[thegamettt]

the german ones seem to have a better slide to frame fit in my experience.

[Ronin2]

All the stamped carbon steel slide SiG's were made in WGERMANY or GERMANY depending on date of manufacture. The stamped carbon slides all have internal extractors.

US made slides are milled out a billet of solid stainless steel and SiG moved to this production method as they started chambering their "P" series pistols in .40 and .357 sig which have higher chamber pressures.

Old school SiG fans like myself, favor the German made models. Unlike the American made guns, the German made models have few if any reliability issues. None of my german made SiG's have ever had a FTF or a FTE. Ever!

I don't know that I would say the German models are thought to have superior fit and finish so much as superior reliability and balance (American slides are heavier so balance is different).

[Barang]

Sounds geat! I might just add one in my meager collection. What caliber would you guys recommend for my first all German?

[aca72]

"MADE IN GERMANY" or "MADE IN W.GERMANY"
Matching triple serial numbers on slide, barrel, and receiver.
Nitrocellulose 'N' proof mark
Two letter date code
Kiel Germany "squished 8-legged 2-pincered bug" proof mark

http://www.robotech-aod.com/SIG-FAQ.html

[katranch]

I picked up a new Sig 1911 recently, and I'm very pleased with the overall fit and finish. I looked at many different makes in the $1000 range, and picked the Sig, because of the workmanship. I understand your looking at the older models, I just thought I would say something about the fit of the new 1911s.

[Ronin2]

Sounds geat! I might just add one in my meager collection. What caliber would you guys recommend for my first all German?

Id reccommend the true classic as your first... the P226. The German P226's are 9mm only. Mostof us into SiG's kinda feel that the guns made in the mid 90's represented the zenith for SiG in terms of quality; fit/finish and reliability.

Look for P226's with the following date codes/serial numbers...

1994 "KE" "U 505,xxx"
1995 "KF" " U 530,xxx"
1996 "KG" "U 559,xxx"

If you find one LNIB with all original box. paperwork, test target etc... I would snap it up but not as a shooter but as a safe queen. If you want a shooter, lots of ex police P226's out there with LOTS of holster wear and very few rounds down the tube that would serve you very well.

FYI.. the transition for SiG from "MADE IN WGERMANY" to "MADE IN GERMANY" was +/- 1993/94 or so.

[Ronin2]

Barang:

It is a tough choice sometimes. Do you buy a gun made 20 years ago. Kept under unknown conditions, possibly with no SIG Sauer lifetime warranty? That you will need a good SIG armorer like www.goingquiet.com to look over, replace parts and make ready? Or go with a recently manufactured gun with the lifetime warranty?

If you do choose an older German made SiG, I suggest y ou do what I did as I built up my collection; send the gun back to SiG and spend $85 for this:

[Ronin2]

Why do high end collectors and experts like yourself,...As a high end expert and collector yourself.

Who ever said I was a "high end collector/expert"?? I certainly did not. I simply indicated I was "into SiG's"... How you extrapolated that I was somehow representing myself as a "high end collector/expert", I do not know.

[cineski]

The older SIG's from a collector standpoint are quite fun to have. They are not, however, the zenith of guns. It's amazing what modern technology has done for firearms. Make sure it comes with the original grips or at least be able to slap a pair on from time to time.

[1CavScout]

My one and only Sig is a W. German built P230 that I carried as a BU gun for years. It's got some wear on the slide, but not sure If I want to get it refurbished by Sig. Very nice gun...

[norcalAF]

Id reccommend the true classic as your first... the P226. The German P226's are 9mm only. Mostof us into SiG's kinda feel that the guns made in the mid 90's represented the zenith for SiG in terms of quality; fit/finish and reliability.

Look for P226's with the following date codes/serial numbers...

1994 "KE" "U 505,xxx"
1995 "KF" " U 530,xxx"
1996 "KG" "U 559,xxx"

If you find one LNIB with all original box. paperwork, test target etc... I would snap it up but not as a shooter but as a safe queen. If you want a shooter, lots of ex police P226's out there with LOTS of holster wear and very few rounds down the tube that would serve you very well.

FYI.. the transition for SiG from "MADE IN WGERMANY" to "MADE IN GERMANY" was +/- 1993/94 or so.

^This! I really like my West German P226 and P6!

[JWHuey]

I have a 1994 "Made in Germany" P220. It was the 1st handgun I ever bought. It has never failed to function through many thousands of rounds.

My friend liked shooting it so much he went out and bought himself a P220 Equinox a few years ago. He hates it. It doesn't shoot to point of aim & has been back to SIG twice (they say it's fine & tell him to use the "combat sight picture")
He still can't get used to shooting it.

Oh yeah,the 3 year old Equinoxs night sights recently burned out so he is getting ready to send it in for the 3rd time.

My opinion? The new Sigs fit and finish is undoubtedly far more refined and aesthetically pleasing than my old German model. Would I trust my life to the Equinox or trade mine for his?

Not in a million years....ymmv

[Barang]

Thank you guys and I appreciate the advice. Sad to say, I think German 9mm will be my last project for a long time (who knows what future holds.) due to my lovely wife's hunt for a new van. Her current Camry is very old and need to be replaced soon. The good news is, I have allocated enough cash to fund 2 more for future purchases. After that, a loooong hiatus.