Help me pick a P220

Which would you pick?

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Well fellas, I'll be 21 in 140 days, and I am planning on buying my first brand new handgun as soon as I get the permit crap back, and I need help picking the one... I'm getting a P220, I know that, but I'm stuck on two models...
The P220 Stainless Elite - $1138 local
P220-elite-stain-detail-L.jpg

P220 Dark Elite - $1022 local
P220-Dark-Elite-Detail-L.jpg


Both have the Short Reset Trigger, night sights, the beavertail, and very comfortable grips. I will find them cheaper than the prices posted, hopefully, but I do expect about $100 difference for the Stainless over the Dark. So what would you guys pick, if given the two choices? I just can't decide.

I voted Stainless, just so I don't have to click "View results."
 
Very very hard choice. They are both beautiful guns!

I am leaning toward the all business look of the Dark Elite. Plus the grips look more 'functional' than the Stainless's Rosewood.
 
Yeah, I am going through the same exact thoughts... The Dark is pretty serious-looking, but the Stainless sets it apart and is quite a looker. And the price difference makes it even harder, because there isn't much of one.
 
Man, I looked at them again and I am thinking of getting the Dark Elite myself. Thanks :mad: I really needed to add another gun to my want list!
 
The Stainless has adjustable sights as well... well, "driftable," at least.

That is a good point, though.
 
I think the Dark has a stainless slide too but with the nitron coat.

I have the nitron on my P226. It's a very hard tough coating.

BSW
 
I voted for the Dark Elite as I prefer it's more "all business" appearance. You really can't go wrong with either model. Have fun choosing!
 
The Elite Stainless is more than 8oz heavier than the Elite Dark, but at 39oz it's on par with many 5" 1911s so it's not a big deal. I've been thinking about adding an Elite Stainless and/or a Carry Elite Stainless to my P220 collection so my vote is for the stainless model. Good luck!
 
Thanks guys... I find myself leaning towards the Dark today, where as yesterday was the Stainless... This is painful.
I think the Dark has a stainless slide too but with the nitron coat.

I have the nitron on my P226. It's a very hard tough coating.

BSW
Click to expand...
I have a Sig with the Nitron coating, and I do like it a lot. Haven't had any issues out of it.

I didn't like my 220, so is there an 'other' option?
Click to expand...

There isn't one because that isn't what I asked.
 
I'm not a "flashy" person, and stainless to me is flashy. Particularly for a CC weapon. But stainless does/can hold up better over time. But than again, the dark finish will hold up well too.
Go with the dark.
 
I chose the stainless one because it should be a bit heavier, dampen recoil a bit more, and in theory last longer than the alloy frame model (though my alloyed frame 220 has over 10,000 rounds through it and looks fine). Also, if you don't like the shine but want the stainless, you can always send it to Robar. They have a process which can darken stainless sort of like blueing. Will run on the order of $200 to $300.
 
Elite Dark for sure, although if i was gonna go with a P220 id go with a P220 SAO, but thats just cause im a 1911 nut, and love to carry Cocked and Locked
 
I'm not a "flashy" person, and stainless to me is flashy. Particularly for a CC weapon. But stainless does/can hold up better over time. But than again, the dark finish will hold up well too.
Go with the dark.
Click to expand...
It's not a CCW piece, more of a home defense/range/show off gun. If I carry, it'll be open, and at that point it could be chrome, and I wouldn't care. lol
I chose the stainless one because it should be a bit heavier, dampen recoil a bit more, and in theory last longer than the alloy frame model (though my alloyed frame 220 has over 10,000 rounds through it and looks fine). Also, if you don't like the shine but want the stainless, you can always send it to Robar. They have a process which can darken stainless sort of like blueing. Will run on the order of $200 to $300.
Click to expand...
I believe the weight difference is minimal, but I do like that the entire gun is steel on the Stainless. Just a little bit of cool factor for me there.
Elite Dark for sure, although if i was gonna go with a P220 id go with a P220 SAO, but thats just cause im a 1911 nut, and love to carry Cocked and Locked
Click to expand...
I love 1911's, but I would never carry one... I don't train with them, so if I needed it, I would have a really expensive club. I know I'd forget the safety. Most of the training/practice I do revolves around DA/SA style guns, or more recently, DAO.
 
I just recently bought a brand-new 220 Carry Elite Dark. Since I knew I wanted to have the option of carrying it concealed, I wanted the slightly shorter Carry slide, and the lighter Dark frame. If I were to go with the full-size 220 Elite, I probably would not consider carrying it concealed, therefore I'd probably want the added heft of the stainless frame to help a little with recoil, and heavy reloads.

So, full-size 220 Elite - Stainless.

Carry Elite - Dark.

P.S. - I love my Carry Elite Dark. It's my first Sig, and I'm sure it won't be my last. Beautiful, durable, and tight as a drum. The new ultra-slim Hogue aluminum grips that come on the Dark are fantastic.

My rear sight came loose after the first 100 rounds, which I read about happening to a few other people on various websites. I had to really twist the tiny little hex screws out to break them loose from whatever gunk Sig had put on them to try and keep them put, then torque them back in tight.
 
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I love 1911's, but I would never carry one... I don't train with them, so if I needed it, I would have a really expensive club. I know I'd forget the safety. Most of the training/practice I do revolves around DA/SA style guns, or more recently, DAO.
Click to expand...

Gotta carry what you know, otherwise it wont do you any good! Personally ive always carried 1911's although i did carry a G23 for a while.
 
I voted for the Dark. It just looks more like a no nonsense pistol and I like the looks of the grips on it. The stainless is beautiful though.

I have a 226 similar to the Dark. I love it. I will warn you that the anodized frame will get some small, pen point sized, chips in it, usually around the mag release. And the bottom of the mag well will show wear pretty early. I to let you know in case you are anal about wear marks on your guns. The Dark will get some, for sure. The stainless might hold up better but then those woods grips can get dings in them as well.

All that aside. You can't go wrong with a Sig. I would love to get a 229, 2022, or even another 226.
 
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