Am I the only one not crazy about the Sig P220?

[Kestrel]

I have a P220. It is a new model. The factory grips are very slippery. It makes me feel like I don't have complete control over the gun. I replaced them with Hogue (non-finger groove) rubber grips and it feels better, but a bit heavier. Also, the grip is a bit large for me, although I don't have small hands. (The full size USP .45 is a bit large for me, too.)

The DA trigger reach is just the slightest bit long for me to feel real confortable with it. SA is fine. It's very reliable, shoots fine.

It seems like everyone regards these as being one of the best .45s out there and I agree. I want to like it, it just doesn't fit me like I want. (I'm used to 1911s and Hi Powers.)

I like the weight of the gun and the concept, it points fine, it just doesn't feel as good in my hand as the 1911 and Hi Power.

Does anyone else have reservations about them?

Steve

 

[Meowhead]

Does anyone else have reservations about them?

I'd like to reserve yours if you're looking to get rid of it (hey, this response was going to come up sooner or later. might as well be now ).

Anyway...the stocks are my only complaint about the P220, and indeed all classic Sigs. The checkered plastic is too slippery. But Hogue makes those rubber grip panels, so no problem..

For me, the grip shape and overall size of the gun are perfect. Just as good as a BHP. It comes down to personal preference.

 

[cslinger]

Yes.

 

[sanchezero]

I'm not a fan of any of Sig's guns. I know they're good; they just don't fit me well.

 

[CPR]

Sounds like you should have spent more time with it before you bought it

I bought a new manufacture P220 recently and there is nothing that I dislike about it. It fits my medium to large paws very well with the standard trigger and to me the grips aren't slippery at all. You may want to have the short trigger installed, it may help your reach a little.

The often claimed statement is that the P220 is the best D/A handgun out there, although in my opinion, it is the best .45 available! I'm tired of fidgeting with 1911's to get them running right and the P220 I have has been perfection out of the box.

Also, shoot it as much as you have your 1911's and Hi Powers and then come back with a status report

Take care,
Chris

 

[Boats]

Last time I was out shopping for a DA/SA .45 for a change-up range banger, I went back and forth between the SIG 220 and the Beretta 8045. I just couldn't bring myself to tolerate the SIGs ergonomics for my huge hands and the Beretta won and I saved myself over $100.00* Nothing against the SIG, but its reputation had preceded it and I was simply disappointed to find I didn't like its fit, even after borrowing a friend's for a flawless 200 round range session. It works for others just fine.


*(I traded the Beretta four years later for yet another 1911 purchase. )

 

[9x19]

I get along much better with Ruger's KP97D, than I did with a Sig P220 (or 226 or 229). Trigger reach and other ergonomics made it a no-go for me.

 

[Lexter]

I looked at a Sig 220 also. It just didn't feel right to me. You said it best by stating you didn't feel like you had perfect control of it. That's my feeling as well.


Lexter in NC

 

[Kestrel]

Possibly I should try the short trigger and shoot it a lot more. Does anyone know of a site with instructions on installing the short trigger? I actually have one, but have never used it.

I always thought the P220 would be a good nightstand gun...

Thanks for the input,
Steve

 

[Handy]

Agree with the above.

The only thing preventing you from loving the thing may be a short trigger and hogue grips. Maybe not? Probably worth trying.


My reservation, if any, about Sigs is the alloy frame. I don't think they'll fail, but on such a nice gun it would just be nice if the frame rails were tougher and more wear resistant. Some much shot police turn ins have fairly sloppy slide fit.

But, there are more than a couple 226s with over 100,000 rounds through them, and counting. It's a damn fine example of the DA/SA handgun.

 

[Black_Talon]

I think the P220 is the best non-1911 45ACP pistol you can get.

My only beefs with it are the feel of it( the line-of-bore sits rather high above your hand), the DA/SA transition (not limited to the P220, obviously a "feature of any DA/SA pistol), and the durability of the aluminum frame.

 

[Rob96]

Last March I was in a gunshop getting ready to buy a P220, when I spotted a Ruger P90T in the case. I asked to see it, and took it home instead. Never looked back.

 

[HSMITH]

I don't like the 220 either, if I was given one I would sell/trade it off in a flash. Darn fine pistol, but it just does not suit me.

 

[George Hill]

SIG sells a "Short Trigger" that you can have installed.
You can get checkered wood grips for it too. Nonslip and they are very handsome.
The SIG P220 truly is one of the best .45ACP handguns out there.

 

[agony]

I'm a great proponent of the SIG P220. My favorite .45ACP pistol line.

Consider the short trigger. It may help.

Check out SIGforum for more info about the short trigger etc.

Consider the older style checkered P220 grips. These have more bite than the new-style pseudo-stippled grips available on current production 220s. Also as Mr. Hill mentioned, Hogue and Nill makes great wood grips...smooth, checkered, or stippled.

Some guns just don't fit, no matter what. I read a lot of praise for the Beretta 92 series for instance, but I cannot group with it to save my life. It took me 15,000 rounds through my old 92FS to learn my lesson. (traded it for a SIG P220ST).

 

[MJRW]

There are many guns that are like that for me. Most Beretta 92s and 96s. Only the Vertecs feel ok in my hand. All HK USPs. Most Sig double stacks. These are all GREAT guns. But I can't get my short fingers around those grips. Strangely, the Glock 19 is no problem for me.

But I have not answered the question. Even though they don't fit me, I'm still crazy about all of the above guns. They are all great and wouldn't hesitate at all to keep them on my list of great firearms. I see a Sig 220 at the range and I'm still like "ooooooh, lemme see!" I keep picking them up hoping that I will find a magical one that fits.

 

[boing]

Don't force it.

Play with the short trigger (I have) and different grip options and see if something clicks.

You're not alone. I love my Sig, but it doesn't love me. Oh well.

 

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's All-

Thanks for the great responses, concerning my much
beloved SIG-Sauer "Classic" P-series line!

As most of you know, I have been shooting the P220
for many, many moon's. Over those years, it has been
a very plesant surprise; not only by functioning without
a hitch, but also by being one of the most accurate guns
I have ever owned or shot!

Mine is the older model P220, with the "green recoil"
spring and the older style grips. I have not changed a
thing on this gun; it remains in its original configuration.
My current P220 is the 2nd one that I've owned; as I
purchased it NIB on the 31st day of March, 1995. There
was nothing wrong with the first one; a fellow LEO who
needed a duty weapon and had lots of cash bought it
for his 1st duty weapon. My current SIG P220 has been
in service since its arrival; with 0 malfunctions of any
type. I feel like it has and will continue to serve me well!
I would not hesitate to recommend this fine handgun; or
purchase another one myself. That is how confident I am
with SIG-Sauer "Classic" P-series self-loader's.

I do admit, they are not for everybody. In some few
cases, it simply takes getting use to the firearm. It has a
few operational differences, that one must become some
what accustom to before use. All of you that have read
my previous post from day to day, also know that I don't
care too much for the "European" grip angle of the P226;
or the balance of the P229. With that said, I still think that
the SIG-Sauer "Classic" P-series line ranks as one of the
best self-loaders available to the consumer.

In closing, I simply would like to thank you folk's for trying
to like these gun's. One shall never know until he and/or
she takes one for a test drive!

Disclaimer: I do not work for, or am I associated
with the company known as SIG-Sauer, SIGARMS, SIG-
Hammerli, J.P. Sauer & Sons or any other affliate. I'm just
a bonafided SIG Lover at heart.

Best Wishes To All- Stay Safe and Shoot Straight!

Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Berg01]

I like the weight of the gun and the concept, it points fine, it just doesn't feel as good in my hand as the 1911 and Hi Power.

Frankly, there aren't too many guns that fit better in my hand than the 1911 and the BHP. But the P220 ain't bad!

 

[Grayrider]

I had one very briefly. Terrible trigger, did not fit my hand, and was not accurate in comparison to a good 1911. Passed it on to a friend who really wanted a Sig. He likes it, but it still doesn't impress anyone for accuracy. I suppose part of it is what you are used to. I will say this, it is very reliable.

GR

 

[DonGlock26]

I just bought a P245(compact P220) and I'm planning on getting a P220 soon. They are great pistols. I really think the FBI and DoD should have adopted this fine pistol back in the 1980's. We would have got the P245 a lot sooner. And, I don't know if we would have the .40S&W or .357Sig today. Things that make you go Hmmm....

 

[CPR]

night stand gun

Steve,

If you keep the P220 and end up liking it, the SureFire Nitrolon pistl light (and training) is a great addition for a night stand P220 (if you're into that kind of thing).

Take care,
Chris

 

[Nero Steptoe]

I'm not too nuts about the 220. I don't like the limited mag capacity; high bore axis; loooooong first trigger pull. Accurate, well-made pistol; just don't like 'em for the reasons stated.

 

[Sean Smith]

To answer the topic question: no.

I have alot of respect for their objective performance. I just dislike them subjectively. If they work for you, you have an excellent firearm.

 

[10-Ring]

I had a 220 a few years ago. After years of wanting (mostly from reputation since I had never shot one before) one, I finally broke down & bought one. Sold it after a few thousand rounds and trip back to the factory for warranty work. It just never worked right.