First & Last Defensive Handgun - SIG 226 or 1911

First & Last Firearm

  • SIG 226 9mm

    Votes: 70 59.3%

  • Springfield 1911 .45

    Votes: 48 40.7%
  • Total voters
    118
  • Poll closed .
Status
Not open for further replies.
J

jpeter56

Member
Joined
Jun 23, 2009
Messages
7
Fellow Highroaders,

I've been following you all for a while now trying to decide which handgun should be my first defensive firearm, recently coming of age to exercise my second amendment right and also, to finally enjoy great beer.

I currently live in a very dangerous city as a student with two roommates, so shotguns and long rifles aren't particularly an option for me ;) - I don't want anyone to have access to my firearm other than myself. Additionally, I would like to CCW the firearm when I am going to be around areas that I feel are threatening.

After a lot of range time, reading, and talking to people I realized that everyone has their opinion, and thankfully there is a firearm out to suit every opinion. So I realized that I might ask, "Which gun would you grab if someone was breaking into your apartment - the SIG 226 or a Springfield 1911?" Mainly, when it is time for a fight and all you have is a pistol, which do you grab?

I will shoot the pistol quite a bit to gain proficiency with the system - cost of ammo is not an option for me during practice. If I buy the gun I will be drilling with the firearm to engrain the operation into my muscle memory.

Both guns fit my hands just fine. SA vs DA/SA is not an issue for me, although I prefer the beautifully crisp short trigger pull of the 1911. Price of the guns are the same and is not an issue for me. Mainly, I'd like to hear your thoughts on this. I'd like a firearm that I can keep by my side that will serve my God-given right to life and liberty, whether I'm fighting thugs, aliens, or sons from other countries. Any input will be appreciated, and I apologize beforehand if I've asked the wrong question :D.
 
Neither......

RemingtonPoliceMagnum3.jpg


If I am in my home I am never without my shotgun. Sorry but pistols are not the best choice IMHO.

I do have a 1911 at the ready but I go for the shotgun first.
 
I voted Sig just from an 'out of the box reliability' standpoint.

It's also a very soft shooter, and very accurate.
 
You don't want a gun you have to tinker with and always wonder if it is properly "tuned". Get the Sig.
 
Change the 1911 to a Colt, then take your pick.

Personally, I'd take the SIG (I have Colts too), just for the ammo capacity alone. That and its more likely to come with what you want out of the box, and work out of the box without a break in.

If its an "around the house gun", I'll take an SMG over the shotgun. ;)
 
I'll take the Sig over a Springfield 1911 because I have no experience with Springers, though I've heard they are good.
 
+1 on the shot gun coming first (esspecially with 00 buck), but if it were only out of the two I'd go with the Springfield 1911, as an older A1 full size is my bed side choice almost every night!!
 
I completely understand about not being able to have a longgun. While they are preferable, sometimes they are not an option.

I'd get the Sig, and I'd make damn sure it worked.

1911s are beautiful handguns with excellent triggers and unmatched ergonomics. But they can be finicky. Like a high maintenance girlfriend...
 
Change the 1911 to a Colt, then take your pick.
Click to expand...

+1.

Now keep in mind cc'ing a medium or large frame automatic is not that comfortable all the time. Short barreled, medium frame revolvers like S&W K frames and Rugers make excellent all-around carry and HD guns. I make my "one" gun in that category a 2.5" S&W .357 - a 19 or 66 model. There are equivalent Rugers to choose from for slightly less cost, too.

Also, if you are a college student, you will have trouble CC'ing in many places based on campus rules, and also what age your and how cc licenses are issued in your state. There is much homework you need to do based on variables you have withheld.

Mainly, when it is time for a fight and all you have is a pistol, which do you grab?
Click to expand...

I have not been in a gun fight, so this is going to be theoretical.

Ideal world answer: 1911 with two spare magazines.
Real world answer: S&W 19 2.5" with a speed loader strip., or perhaps a .38 J frame 36/60.

The reason is you grab the gun you have on hand. And if a gun is too bulky/big to carry all the time 24/7, you are going to find at times you leave it behind. Small revolvers reduce that tendency to leave it home sometimes.
 
Also a student in a crummy city here, though I did just add a 12 gauge to the arsenal, I'd likely go for the 1911. I've shot a few sigs and did not care for the way it felt while shooting (except for the sig 230, drool! but granted, it has been a long time since i've shot any other sig). The 1911 packs quite a punch and is surprisingly easy to shoot. My Kimber has been 100% out of the box so I can't comment on all 1911's reliabilities. One thing to think about, if you do indeed get your cpl, is the size of the grip. My CZ pcr, which is comparable to a small frame sig, is a little bulky for me personally while carrying. The full sized 1911 however, is very slim and easy to conceal (also shortened frame/barrel options are available).

Truth be told though, it's been a long time since I've carried anything over a 5 shot capacity on a regular basis, not because I don't think it's necessary (hell, if I could I'd carry my AR strapped to my back!!!), but because that S&W snub nose 442 slips away in my pocket so well that not even my own mother (or my former super P.C., anti gun, anti self-reliance med student roommate) notices it!
 
I went with the Sig 226 but would probably get it in .40 s&w or .357 Sig rather than 9mm, or better yet get a conversion barrel and have both. That's what i did with my 229 at least.
 
Wow guys, thank you for such an overwhelmingly warm response. I really appreciate all of your experiences, and honestly you all are not making it too much easier choosing between these two firearms :).

For the shotgun/AR suggestions, you are right - I really wish I could have that much firepower, but unfortunately it isn't an option because I need to CCW the weapon when I go into bad areas. I could go in like Keanu Reeves from the Matrix with a big ass trenchcoat or like Omar from the Wire, but I'd rather not ;). Don't worry about the forms guys, I got that under control - I will absolutely not be armed on campus.

Also, for all of you suggesting Colt over Springfield, please accept my apologies. Colt is a viable option for the 1911 series. I look forward to hearing more input on these two handguns. Thanks again guys.
 
Cool when I read this I assumed you were looking for home protection.

"Which gun would you grab if someone was breaking into your apartment

I would choose neither. If I had to carry 24/7 I would not choose the 1911 or the Sig P226.

If I wanted a Sig in 9mm I would choose a P229 or P228. Lighter smaller and more compact. Not by a lot but enough that for me 24/7 it would make a world of difference.

The 1911 to me becomes a weight vs capacity issue. Again 24/7 is a killer. I know tons of people will say I carry a 1911 everyday etc.....

But just as many will say I carry a pocket revolver because it is light easy and will get the job done.

If I was looking for an all around light weapon in 9mm I hate to say it but it would be the Glock 19. As much capacity as the Sig P226 lighter and smaller than the P228/P229.

If I had to choose it would be one of these......

Project135.jpg

Colt CCO
 
Colt over SA.

My last few out of the box Colts required no breakin and have no problems what so ever

That is not the same statement I would make on the last new SA I bought.

IF you are willing to put the time in to learn the 1911 then you will find no better defensive handgun in the world.

A 9 mm is not my first choice as a handgun. But that P226 is an excellent option.

No matter which you choose you have made two good choices! (Two good choices if one choice is a Colt)
 
Ok., you ask for a Handgun, It would be the SIG P226. Ammo Capacity is the main reason.
 
my current "ready" 1911 is a S&W 1911SC...with a couple of Colts in the house...but a 1911 isn't what i would depend on in your situation. i do understand, being a college student with roomates isn't easy.

the Sig has the advantage of increased capacity, lower practice cost and faster recoil recovery. while i always carried a 1911 cock-n-locked, i always felt better with the hammer down when i put it in the nightstand...for that, i prefer the DA/SA trigger.

with the right ammo, the 9mm can be as effective as any other calibre. i've carried a 226 and a 220 as duty guns and did not feel at a disadvantage carrying a DA/SA trigger...i did have the option of carrying a 1911 and chose not to
 
I chose the 226 but given the chance I'd take a Colt 70 series or one of my Baers over the 226. Not a big fan of the Sig but the 226 is IMO the best. Also , The SA loaded models are good guns but usually require some tweaking to be 100%. Most new gun owners don't want to bother with tweaking a gun and the 226 should run OTB.
 
All I've got is my Kimber 1911 between the two. Roommate in college has a 220, which is also a slick piece. But, for CCWing, the 1911 edges out the SIG, IMO; ol' slabsides disappears quite nicely. However, if you must CCW the SIG, I would think about getting a 228 or 229.

However, 1911s can be finiky, so be careful what you'd buy. For me, my 1911's the most natural pointer on earth, and has night sights and some crimson trace grips on it to boot, and has only FTF 1 round ever (which it no longer gets fed), so I would not feel the slightest bit undergunned with it. In winter, it comes out of the holster and becomes the nightstand gun; during the summer, I've been CCWing a S&W 638 .38 spl. +P, as it vanishes easier in Kentucky summers.

However, in EITHER case--invest in a .22 kit to get proficient with it. They're cheap, and pay for themselves quickly.

HTH.
 
I'd say 226 for a first one, as others pointed out for the reliability without any tweaking being necessary.

One thought about your posting though...you're younger now, and as you age it might make more sense, but "when I am going to be around areas that I feel are threatening" is a very disturbing thought process. If you're going somewhere you feel is dangerous, why go at all? If I picked and chose when to carry based on situation, I'd just avoid all the places I'd think I'd be more likely to need it.

The thought process should never be (and sorry, not trying to accuse, just clarify my idea) "I'll take the shortcut down the dark lonely alley because I have a GUN!", or "This ATM has two broken lights around it, but I'll be ok since I'm armed", rather do every darn thing in your power to never have to use the darn thing, including avoiding dangerous areas.
 
I have a sig p226 in .40 and have not had any problems with it so thats my pick. My ccw license should be here any day now so for the last month ive been trying different holsters to try and conceal it but not having any luck. ended up getting a kel tec pf-9 for carry.
 
I have the good fortune to be able to grab either of the two choices in the poll from the gun safe. I would first reach for the 1911. If I could not have it, I would happily grab the P226.

But I'd reach for the 1911 first.
 
Thank you CJ for your concern and wise advice, but I would just like to clarify with everyone that I am not looking for a fight. There would be something morally wrong with providing help to such a person.

Rather, I live in Baltimore which has the highest homicide rate among large cities in the US. The thugs here don't discriminate. A 70 year old lady was stabbed to death near campus, which is considered a "safe" part of town - but "safe" parts of town are only a couple of blocks away from the dangerous parts. I have generally avoided these areas, but so much of Baltimore is dangerous that without a car it can't be avoided.

All I want to do is get my degree in engineering and get the hell out of this place. So far from the reviews, a Sig 228/229 seems to be the stronger suggestion. I am still giving the 1911 a chance due to the diehard support, but that is also true for the Sig. I plan on shooting both side by side soon, any tips on what I should be considering during test firing will also be appreciated. Thanks again guys for your support. I hope I can be a contributing member to THR in the future.
 
I own a Sig 239 & a 225 and love them both and I also own a full size Springfield 1911 and a Colt series 80 officers model 1911 and the Colt is my summer carry pistol and the Springfield is my winter carry gun.

Dont get me wrong, I love how my Sig's shoot and they are reliable but I, in MY opinon would rather throw a bigger, slower moving .45 cal round at a bad guy than have a bunch of higher velocity 9mm rounds going through the walls if I miss.

Whatever 1911 I am not carrying at the time is what sits in my nightstand with a pump shotgun in the closet for backup. Just my 2 cents worth....
 
I love 1911's but voted for the Sig P226.

IMHO, it's just more reliable. As someone else mentioned,1911's can be finicky. In a defensive situation, I want "to hell and back reliability".

The Sig has great ergonomics, trigger and is accurate right out of the box.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

G
  • Locked
  • Poll
Sig 226 vs H&K P2000
Replies
6
Views
2K
Monkeybear
M
L
  • Locked
Nickel Sig 226
Replies
1
Views
376
XLMiguel
X
B
  • Locked
New Sig 226 V New Sig 226 German....is there a differnce?
Replies
10
Views
606
Bovice
B
P
  • Locked
Defense ammo Black hills and gold dot for a sig 226 9mm
Replies
2
Views
649
cratz2
C
P
  • Locked
Sig 226 and a Glock 19
Replies
21
Views
1K
Island Beretta
I
Back
Top