earlthegoat2
Member
Probably not enough guns listed for options.
First & Last Defensive Handgun - SIG 226 or 1911
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BigGuy52
Member
I have a Sig P226 and a Kimber Raptor. Of the two, I'd go with the Kimber.
The 45 has a lot more punch to it, and I shoot more accurate with it.
Not to throw a wrench in the question, but my sawed-off 12ga is my primary weapon of defense.
The 45 has a lot more punch to it, and I shoot more accurate with it.
Not to throw a wrench in the question, but my sawed-off 12ga is my primary weapon of defense.
rbernie
Contributing Member
I have owned multiples (many multiples) of both platforms, and I can tell you that I have not observed any reliability difference between the two. My P226s have choked on crap ammo and bad mags just as much as my 1911s. When using appropriate magazines and decent ammo, my 1911s have been quite dependable.
Then again, I run Colt/Checkmate magazines and full-size 1911s instead of crap magazines or micro 1911s.
Let's keep in mind that the 1911 platform provided "to hell and back reliability" to three generations of US servicemembers, through multiple wars under all sorts of conditions. The platform is probably the most tested platform out there.
rellascout
member
I agree with rbernie...
I own or have owned over 10 1911s and have never felt the need to tinker and adjust them in order to get them to run 100%
People bubba their 1911's more often then any other gun. They then blame the platform.
I own or have owned over 10 1911s and have never felt the need to tinker and adjust them in order to get them to run 100%
People bubba their 1911's more often then any other gun. They then blame the platform.
Any reason why you're not considering the P220 instead of a P226? The P220 is much more comparable to the 1911 since they are both single stack designs in .45 ACP.
I do agree that if there is going to be chances you'll be carrying it around, a somewhat smaller weapon may be more desirable.
You need to find a platform you like (i.e. Sig, Glock, etc.) and a caliber you like (I would be OK with either a 9MM or .45 ACP but others may have a preference), and then it will be easier to make a decision.
I do agree that if there is going to be chances you'll be carrying it around, a somewhat smaller weapon may be more desirable.
You need to find a platform you like (i.e. Sig, Glock, etc.) and a caliber you like (I would be OK with either a 9MM or .45 ACP but others may have a preference), and then it will be easier to make a decision.
LeonCarr
Member
Sig P226
Have had big time reliability issues (any jam you can think of) with 1911s in the past, all makes and models.
Just my .02,
LeonCarr
Have had big time reliability issues (any jam you can think of) with 1911s in the past, all makes and models.
Just my .02,
LeonCarr
BHPshooter
Member
You know, Sig makes 1911s too...
Wes
Wes
I have a recent 1911 and it's really a great, accurate handgun, great power. I also have 3 wonderful 9mms. Two of them have > 16 round capacity. Just my impressions of shooting lots of iron targets and other assorted breakable objects, for a housewarming present, i'd probably grab my SR9 or CZ75 because I have more chances of hitting the intruder. I have faith in the 9mm as a defensive weapon. Those who want you to get a shotgun are right about it's use for home protection, but for all around
confidence and firepower - the Sig would be my choice for something you can use in house or around town.
confidence and firepower - the Sig would be my choice for something you can use in house or around town.
krs
Member
Sig 220 instead of 226. .45 instead of 9mm.
If you like 1911's and can spend the time needed to learn how they work there's no reason you can't have one that you trust completely. They don't have to be " a gun you have to tinker with and always wonder if it is properly "tuned".
If you like 1911's and can spend the time needed to learn how they work there's no reason you can't have one that you trust completely. They don't have to be " a gun you have to tinker with and always wonder if it is properly "tuned".
rellascout
member
They make a 1911 like pistol. External extractors are odd on 1911s.
I used to own a Gen 1 GSR. It was a good gun. Better than the ones being sold today.
The original GSRs we all premium parts. Storm lake barrels. Caspian frames. Now everything is in house. not bad but not as good.
rellascout
member
Again take a look at this pic. Top is a P228 and then the bottom is a P226.
The size difference is huge when carrying everyday.
The size difference is huge when carrying everyday.
AK103K
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I have too, and I havent been as lucky with the 1911's. Of all the 1911's (30+) I've owned, better than a third of the were problematical, and required work out of the box, or soon had issues down the road. Most of these were non Colt guns purchased in the late 90's, early 2000's.
The most reliable were the Colts or GI guns, and a few early Springfields, back when they still made them to, or closer to the original specs. The worst were the later Springfields. Of the 8 or so of their guns I've owned, the first two I bought back in the mid 80's were the only ones that worked without issue. Even then, I still had to do something to the guns to get them to the point I could use them, but that was more of a preference thing, sights, T&P, etc.
These days, I wouldnt trust any of the 1911's, other than the Colts, until I shot them, and these days, I'm even a little leery of Colt.
The SIG's on the other hand (17 to date), have required nothing, other than replacement night sights on a couple of used guns, and a couple of main springs on a couple of P6's to correct a heavier than necessary DA trigger. Other than that, load the mags and shoot, and right out of the box when new.
I suppose some are overly sensitive when it comes to size and weight.
I have both, and have carried both, and never noticed a bit of difference. The biggest difference between the two, is about a half inch in barrel length. I've also carried 1911 Government Models and Commanders, and again, no difference.
With the SIG's, you will really see no difference in size between their full and "compact" size guns, until you get into the P230/232, or the new P238. The others are all pretty much the same size, with at most, a half inch here or there being the difference.
Since you already have so many responces
and I have only read a handful, I will keep my answer as short as possible. Either is a great gun. If the Springer is reliable and you are well practiced with it I would chose it over the Sig because it is a 45 and the sig is a 9mm. 1911's can be finicky though, regardless of brand, and the Sig is probably more reliable out of the box. I have owned 3 1911's over the past twenty years. The first two were both Colts and I couldn't trust them to work as anyhting more than a hammer. After a 15 year hiatis I bought the Taurus and it absolutely reliable. Gag if you want, it works and it looks good too.
But since you asked which gun you would grab if you absolutely positively need it to work right now, I would grab my Glock 23 or my Glock 32. I have always thought I wanted a Sig, and someday I might own one, but honestly, I don't realy feel the need for one right now. But, Sprinnfields and Sigs are both great guns.
and I have only read a handful, I will keep my answer as short as possible. Either is a great gun. If the Springer is reliable and you are well practiced with it I would chose it over the Sig because it is a 45 and the sig is a 9mm. 1911's can be finicky though, regardless of brand, and the Sig is probably more reliable out of the box. I have owned 3 1911's over the past twenty years. The first two were both Colts and I couldn't trust them to work as anyhting more than a hammer. After a 15 year hiatis I bought the Taurus and it absolutely reliable. Gag if you want, it works and it looks good too.
But since you asked which gun you would grab if you absolutely positively need it to work right now, I would grab my Glock 23 or my Glock 32. I have always thought I wanted a Sig, and someday I might own one, but honestly, I don't realy feel the need for one right now. But, Sprinnfields and Sigs are both great guns.Sigs are absolutely reliable and ready to rock right out of the box. I have three, the P225 .45 Auto, P226 9mm, and P239 40SW. Any of the three are fine handguns. All are a bit on the large size for CCW's, but of the three, perhaps the P226 9mm is the smallest and least expensive to shoot frequently. There are many who prefer the Colts. I have shot my share of them over the years, including a nicely tricked out custom 1911 from the Springfield Armory. But somehow, my large hand, trigger finger, and eyesight prefer the Sigs. Ultimately, I suppose it is a matter of personal preference. If possible, you should make the effort to try to shoot both before you decide.
It looks like for my needs I will be choosing the Sig 226 or 229 platform with JHPs. I will spend a considerable amount of time at the range comparing the pistols, and will update you all when I acquire my firearm with a range report and some pictures.
I sincerely appreciate all of the input I've received from you all. I look forward to becoming more of an active member in these forms. There is also a chance I will work for the defense industry and if that happens, I'll be looking here for input for future firearms. Take care everyone and thanks again.
I sincerely appreciate all of the input I've received from you all. I look forward to becoming more of an active member in these forms. There is also a chance I will work for the defense industry and if that happens, I'll be looking here for input for future firearms. Take care everyone and thanks again.
MHBushmaster
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Sig P226 with trijicon night sights = optimal self defense handgun as a secondary weapon to my long arm of choice.
Handguns are for fighting your way to your rifle/shotgun.
I can't carry my AR out in the world, so I carry my P226 (or my Glock 19
).
Handguns are for fighting your way to your rifle/shotgun.
I can't carry my AR out in the world, so I carry my P226 (or my Glock 19
).Sheepdog1968
Member
I chose the 1911 over the Sig 226 because I would rather have a 45 ACP over a 9 mm from a stopping power is those are truely your two choices.
Having said that, if you made it a Sig 226 in 40 caliber vs the 1911 then I'd go with the 226. I have Sigs and 1911s and I perfer the Sigs. My nightstand gun, back up to the shotgun, is a Sig 220. If you can get a CCW (I can't where I live) and carry then weight and ammo capacity would likely be my main considerations. Of all of the choices out there, for carrying purposes, I'd go with a Springfield XDM in 40 caliber. Light, reliable, amazing capacity.
I agree with others that the shotgun wins hands down over a handgun. If you do end up choosing a 1911 don't buy a high end one (not as a college student that it's likley). The 1911's that are the most unreliable are the high end $2000 and $3000 dollar ones. The reason is that the high end ones tighten everything up so that they can get 1" groups at 50 yards. By having it so tight they are much more fussy. If you are looking for a 1911 to be reliable, having one that rattles a bit is much better such as an old WWII/Vietname era one. Just make sure it is well lubed.
Good luck and let us know what you choose.
Having said that, if you made it a Sig 226 in 40 caliber vs the 1911 then I'd go with the 226. I have Sigs and 1911s and I perfer the Sigs. My nightstand gun, back up to the shotgun, is a Sig 220. If you can get a CCW (I can't where I live) and carry then weight and ammo capacity would likely be my main considerations. Of all of the choices out there, for carrying purposes, I'd go with a Springfield XDM in 40 caliber. Light, reliable, amazing capacity.
I agree with others that the shotgun wins hands down over a handgun. If you do end up choosing a 1911 don't buy a high end one (not as a college student that it's likley). The 1911's that are the most unreliable are the high end $2000 and $3000 dollar ones. The reason is that the high end ones tighten everything up so that they can get 1" groups at 50 yards. By having it so tight they are much more fussy. If you are looking for a 1911 to be reliable, having one that rattles a bit is much better such as an old WWII/Vietname era one. Just make sure it is well lubed.
Good luck and let us know what you choose.
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In my opinion the 1911 has yet to be surpassed as a defensive handgun. It is easier to carry and the trigger is the same on every shot.
Whichever gun you get..............shoot it as much as you can afford and get training if at all possible. Training will keep you alive.
Whichever gun you get..............shoot it as much as you can afford and get training if at all possible. Training will keep you alive.
Thank you all for your input and advice, I genuinely appreciate it. It's been a long time coming now and my funds permitted me to purchase a long gun (surprisingly cheaper than a sig226). I think it is better suited to the task of home defense. Luckily now I have a car to drive around problematic areas in the city instead of walking near and around them like before. I keep her locked up and stored away so people I know don't get any foolish ideas. Again thank you all so much for your input, I will use your advice when I graduate and get a "real job" and can afford a handgun. Thank you for your time gentlemen and I look forward to contributing to this forum in the future. Take care. - JP
You've named two of my favorites. When someone says '1911' I tend to think '.45 ACP', although I know I shouldn't assume that. You could have either platform in 9mm or in .45 ACP, however (the P226 in .45 being a P220). And so there's my choice for you, even though you didn't offer it up: the P220. I prefer .45, but I also prefer the feel.
Another option is the Sig 1911 Compact...basically an all-steel CCO format 1911; unless you like that whole capacity thing as an important factor. I do not.
Another option is the Sig 1911 Compact...basically an all-steel CCO format 1911; unless you like that whole capacity thing as an important factor. I do not.
Both are going to be huge to CCW. I'm not saying that it can't be done (I'm no CCW expert), but it will be much more difficult with the 1911 or (especially) the double stack 226. If you're going to CCW, you might seriously consider a colt commander or a single stack sig, or some other smaller 9mm pistol. Or maybe even a small .380 like the Ruger LCP or a 5 shot S&W .38 special revolver. The smaller the gun, the easier it is to conceal, the less it will weigh, and the less of a pain in the arse it is gonna be to you. JMHO, others don't mind carrying a big hunk of heavy metal inside of their pants, lol!
I'm sure you understand that you probably can't possess that gun on your person or inside of your car while on school property, right? And that if someone sees you printing (or otherwise finds out that you possess a gun) that they will call the police, you will be arrested, you will lose your gun, face criminal charges, and the school will kick you out? You probably already know this, just want to make sure.
And be careful about keeping a gun stored in your car. People love breaking into cars, and they will certainly steal your gun if they find it.
And apparently my reading comprehension sucks, I didn't even see posts 45 & 46. DUH! Congrats on your new gun, that outta do the job!
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Jed Carter
Member
SIG P226 .40S&W / .357SIG period, end of story, nuff said, but I'm word happy. The 1911 is a great gun, the SIG P226 is a great weapon. If I want to compete in a pistol match I choose the 1911 platform, if I want to win in CQB I use the SIG P226, not my Glocks, not my H&K, not my FN and not any of my fantastic 1911s. 1911 fun guns, pretty guns, SIG P226 ugly weapon, fun weapon, trusted weapon, even my tactical rifle is a SIG 556, now if SIG made a auto loading shotgun...
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