Finally a Sig P228 (W.German)

[VoodooSan]

Several years ago I had to sell off a majority of my guns. I have been slowly trying to replace a few things here and there. I was almost about to buy one of the the new Sig M11-A1's or maybe a P229. I was at the gun show in Fort Worth and found a CPO 228 DAO. Condition was ok but I didnt want a DAO. Played with the M11-A1 but just held off.

Then I found a member selling his Sig 228 on the forum locally and I picked it it up. It was too good to pass up. I figure I can buy a M11-A1 later if I want one. My 228 is in really excellent condition. I was totally surprised at the condition in fact. Its a CPO so I am sure it was refinished but it looks great. Its a West German KA date code (1990) imported thru Herndon, VA before they started going thru Exeter. Standard Sig sights (which I really like) and I am leaving those on. Triple matching serial numbers too.

I have been so out of the loop I didnt know the W. German 228's were so sought after until I started doing more research. So I think it was fortunate I got it when I did.

I could not believe how smooth the action is. The single action pull is amazing and even the double action is really smooth. I miss my Sigs. All of them were great. But there is something about this classic 228. I mean I was about 17 when this thing was made. Thats kind of neat to me.

I did get it to carry. Not to stick in my safe. If it was a new or like new in box 228 in the original box that I came across then yea I would put it away sure. The picture I took is terrible but I felt I should at least toss one out there.

 

[chez323]

very nice pick up on a great gun. I've got one and I love it, as I'm sure you do too. If it doesn't have night sights keep an eye out for a deal from Sig customer service. They run specials to install night sights and they take apart the gun, clean/lube it up and replace the springs. I do that with all the Sigs I pick up used.

http://www.sigsauer.com/Customshop/SpecialCTU.aspx

SIG Service Package –The best way to protect your used pistol!

SIG SAUER® now offers a special service for used SIG SAUER pistols called the SIG Service Plan (SSP). When you buy a used pistol, whether it's from a shooting buddy, a retail store or at a gun show, contact SIG SAUER Customer Service for shipping instructions. Then, ship your pistol to the factory for a complete cleaning and our “full service package” for just $144.95. This special offer includes installation of new SIGLITE® Night Sights* – a $120 value. Our expert armorers will inspect your pistol top to bottom. Should your pistol show signs of misuse or damage caused by a previous owner, SIG SAUER's armorers will advise you and offer cost-effective solutions to repair your pistol.

Here's a pic of my Sig P228



The SIG Service Plan includes*:

Full disassembly of pistols down to frame and slide
Complete detailed cleaning
Expert factory inspection of all critical components
Replacement of springs (recoil, slide catch lever, trigger bar, decocking lever)
Reassembly and lubrication to factory specifications
Installation of SIGLITE® Factory Night Sights (excluding P232®)
Function test


This service, valued at $225, is yours for just $144.95 and brings your used SIG SAUER® pistol back to peak operational readiness.

 

[RedAlert]

I just got an email offer today from Sig. They are offering the above service for $99! I suggest you get on the horn asap if you want this offer.

Red

 

[VoodooSan]

Wow that's a good deal. I do want to keep the stock sights on it though. But still at $99 that's awesome. I already ordered a spare parts kit from Top Gun Supply just to have on hand.

 

[moxie]

It is a nice gun. That's why we got them for the AFOSI back around 1990 to replace the custom .45s they had been carrying.

 

[chez323]

Sig will return all the parts they remove during servicing, including the old sights. So if you wanted you could at some point put them back on. But the Sig night sights are great! And if you send it in to Sig in a card board box instead of a case, they will return it to you in a nice black/grey Sig case at no charge.

thanks RedAlert......... just called in and got the $99 special for my P226.. it's going out today

 

[kvtcomdo]

Great gun.

One of my favs for sure.

 

[PabloJ]

Why is West German P228 desirable? It looks like old school S&W with alloy frame and steel slide.

 

[HOOfan_1]

The older German guns have stamped and folded carbon steel slides. Modern US guns are forged and milled stainless.

Not sure why the forged stainless wouldn't be better

 

[Rob G]

Why is West German P228 desirable? It looks like old school S&W with alloy frame and steel slide.

It doesn't shoot like an old school S&W. It's definitely a higher quality of gun. That's not to put down the old S&Ws, many of which were excellent pistols, but the Sig really is in a different league.

Not sure why the forged stainless wouldn't be better

It makes the gun heavier when it doesn't need to be and changes the balance a bit. I've shot the 229 with a stainless slide and I own an old 228. They're both fantastic pistols that shoot really well, but you can feel the weight difference and the 228 definitely balances better in the hand. YMMV of course.

 

[HOOfan_1]

As I understand it, if it is chambered in .40 or .357 SIG, you want that extra weight.

 

[VoodooSan]

The W.German 228's with the stamped slides are only 9mm

 

[bannockburn]

I use to use my brother's German made P-228 as a test bed for my 9mm. handloads because it would reliably feed anything and deliver top notch performance while doing it. Great ergos in its design and a great feel in terms of its balance and handling.

 

[Fishbed77]

I figure I can buy a M11-A1 later if I want one.

If I had a West German P228, I wouldn't even bother with an Exeter-made M11-A1.

The older German guns have stamped and folded carbon steel slides. Modern US guns are forged and milled stainless.

Not sure why the forged stainless wouldn't be better

The fit, finish, and balance of the German guns are better.