Sig P229, he has good eyes/taste
1. medium to full size auto
2. caliber 45 ACP or 9mm
3. has a hammer
4. has a manual safety or decocker
5. Has to be under $800
His top choices so far are the SIG 229,
...
Hammered gun/s
IF he can find a NIB Sig for under 800 bucks, then he should be looking at:
Sig P220/45 or its smaller P220 Carry 45.. full size (commander size) and medium size - Carry model
Sig P229 (and I agree here) as having both mentioned, he will find all the he requires in a NIB "forgiving gun": (full size - P226)
Most come with Sig night sights.. 3-dot (others come with 2-dot combat sights)
All have frame mounted decocker-only.. best placement IMO, as one never need sacrifice a good 2-hand grip to utilize it..
Most come with smooth, great DA and SA triggers out of the box and only get better with use.. (this he can test/choose from those he see's, and inspects) and simply take the one that feels best to him before buying.. along with a good inspection of frame/slide/ tightness and finish
Sigs mentioned also are one of, if not, the easiest guns to dissemble, inspect, clean, and reassemble out there, bar none.. Big benefit IMO
Sigs CS (from the few times I have used it) is quick, CS friendly and they "care" and treat their customers like they do..
They require no break-in, none of mine ever missed a beat from round 1 on thru, agv, 4000 flawless rounds thus far.. (each)
Accessories are huge: grips, laser grips, lighter main springs (from Wolff) to lighten, smooth out feeling via easier, quicker DA pulls.. if desired
Just make sure to inspect, feel tightness of slide to frame, DA pulls and clean SA breaks, and take the one, out of many NIB ones for sale out there, that passes in his own inspection or help from a friend that knows about these areas and he'll be happy camper.. without doubts
OMMV,
Ls