Converting SIG P226, 22LR to higher caliber

[B3Z0]

Bought a SIG P226 .22LR to practice with and to familiarize my wife with something other than the revolver she had been using. One of the selling points made by the dealer was that it came with a certificate that allowed you to purchase an 'upgrade' or conversion kit. The certificate says the P 226 22LR can use all three upgrades: 9mm; 40S&W; & .357SIG. The SIG certificate says the conversion kit(s) will be $399.95. the SIG website itself mentions a cost of $421.

I have heard different feedback questioning the viability of going from a lower caliber to a higher, yet the SIG site itself mentions the capability & offers the product

Would appreciate any feedback about (1) the viability/smartness of such a conversion (2) the smartness of getting the .357 SIG kit instead of the other calibers (3) recommendations on reputable dealers to purchase (4) pricing

Thanks. B3Z0

 

[cougar1717]

(1) the viability/smartness of such a conversion

I have a conversion kit (basically an extra slide and magazines) for a pistol and it makes some sense since you get to practice with 22LR and then shoot with your "regular" caliber. This would also make sense since you could let your wife shoot the 22LR and then convert it to a centerfire caliber for you to shoot.

(2) the smartness of getting the .357 SIG kit instead of the other calibers

I'm not a fan of 357 sig due to cost, availability, and the extra case prep time spent on bottleneck pistol cartridges (if you reload). Performance wise, the 357 sig is great and if you don't shoot a lot, it may be a good solution. But it does take practice to gain proficiency with any firearm.

(3) recommendations on reputable dealers to purchase

Conversion kits are not firearms. You've already bought the gun. Any reputable dealer who has a physical store or deals on the internet can sell you a conversion kit.

(4) pricing

This is the only sticking point for me. The cost of a conversion kit compared to the cost of a complete firearm.

 

[9mmepiphany]

What you have has been referred to as the two-step conversion. You buy the .22lr upper mounted on a full sized frame and they give you the dsicount coupon to get a center fire upper giving you two guns for less than the price of the original CF pistol.

The .22lr upper is an excellent training tool/introduction gun to the Sig Classic P-series line. I see that the price has gone up a bit, when it first came out, it was priced right at $300

I personally prefer the 357 SIG chambering to the .40, as I have found it more accurate...I've also found the 357 SIG is often cheaper than .40.

I've had very good luck getting Sig parts from Top Gun Supply in Ohio, but I thought that the discount coupon for the two-step could only be redeemed from the factory

 

[cougar1717]

I've also found the 357 SIG is often cheaper than .40.

Not trying to be a jerk, but I find that really strange, unless it's on closeout or something. 9E, do you mind if I ask where you can find it for less than what you'd pay for .40?

 

[9mmepiphany]

No offense taken, I didn't believe it when I saw it either.

I was teaching a class in Ashville NC and a student attended with a 229 chambered in 357 SIG. I commented that the price of ammo must be high and he answered that he paid less for it than comparable .40 ammo. He said he watches on-line sites and he was comparing top shelf ammo...I've never seen 357 plinking ammo...but he did show me an ad where CDNN was selling it for a very good price.

There is also a member over on Sigforum who is a great follower of the 229 DAK in 357 SIG who says the same thing...when they see it for a good price, they buy a couple of cases

I consider both of these folks very creditable

 

[kentucky_smith]

I did this. Bought a $400 .22 226 with the railed Elite frame, bought a 9mm upper kit for $350 online. Ended up buying an extra .22 threaded barrel for @$100. Add can and 15 round .22 mags with lrbho and I've got one versatile firearm.

 

[kentucky_smith]

 

[killchain]

Nice Sig!

 

[viking499]

Sweet looking setup.