[buzz_knox]

I need a rapid price check in aisle 7. I've found a 95% (just from finish wear and bare rails) 226 w/ classic stamped slide. The serial number is in the U range (any idea on how old?). It comes with three original capacity mags, and a Galco belt holster and Miami Classic holsters. The shop is asking $639 plus tax, title, etc. Any thoughts on if this is a good price? It's been fully checked out by their smith and comes with a one year warranty from the dealer.

[Duke of Lawnchair]

buzz,

I'm not sure on how to verify build date via serial# other than calling it in to Sigarms, but there is another way to find "circa" date. Turn the gun over and look under the slide, the portion that protrudes from the dust cover nearest the muzzle. There should be two letters. These letters represent the proof date, not the "born on date". This code can be used to determine "circa" date.

A = 0
B = 1
C = 2
D = 3
E = 4
F = 5
G = 6
H = 7
J = 8
K = 9

*NOTE* that there is no 'I', don't ask why.

If this P226 is a German made/U.S. assembled sig, then it will more than likely not have the two letter date code. Even some stamped slides made it here to America for assembly.

Another way to determine an even rougher estimate "circa" date is the date clock on the inside of the grip panels, which requires their removal. There is a circular ring of numbers from 1 to 12 with an arrow in the center pointing to one of the numbers. The arrow points to the month. A number is on each side of the arrow, representing the year. The major problem with this method is that it only tells you the month/year on which the grips were made.

Personally, I feel that the asking price is on par with what's out there. Not the greatest and certainly not the worst.

Jim