My first 45 that's NOT a 1911: Sig P220 Carry Equinox

[loplop]

Having tired of my Colt Defender 3" 1911 and the niggling issues I had with it, I went out in search of something else. I've always had issues with 3" 1911's, so I decided to move away from the platform for a carry piece.

In the meantime, when searching for a suitable carry weapon, I decided to pick up a P220. Back when I purchased my first handgun (a Colt 1911 in 2004) I heavily considered the P220 platform, so I figured now would be a fine time to give it a shot. My interest was piqued by the new "Carry" model and my local shop had a great deal on the Equinox version, so I grabbed it.

Darn if this thing doesn't shoot as well as any 1911 I've ever shot. I took to it instantly. Now, mind you, I'm no expert, so take this with that in consideration. I found the P220 Carry to shoot very well, with mild recoil, quick re-acquisition of target, and with pretty amazing accuaracy... This is very good for me (25 feet):

The front sight is really great; it picks up a lot of stray light and is very visible. The night sights are great in the dark. I like the arrangement.

I like this gun a lot. So much that I've decided to shoot SIGs regularly as my carry pieces, and relegate the 1911's to range and safe duty. The P220 Carry will fill the role of nightstand and range gun... It is a tad big to carry for me (not a big guy, 5'10" 165lb.), although it disappears well enough under cold weather clothing. I bet the new Compact (with shorter grip) would be easier to conceal in the summer, if you're looking for something with a shorter grip.

All in all, it's a nice piece. I'm impressed with my first SIG, and I already picked up a P239 for a carry piece. I'm sure I'll add some more in the coming years. Thanks for looking.

 

[82Magnum]

Beautiful!

That's a great looking piece. I've already got a standard 229 with .40 and .357 sig barrels, but I've been looking pretty hard at the Equinox line. I like the rail option and I think that brushed slide and the wood grips look pretty sharp. How do those grips feel compared to the plastic ones? Thanks for the report. -Magnum

 

[loplop]

I haven't shot a P220 with plastic grips, so I don't know for certain... but the wood grips did seem a bit fatter to me. I have smaller than average hands, so this could have constituted a problem... However, in practice, it all feels and works great.

In contrast, even though the P239 initially felt "better" in my hand (due to the slim grip) it moves around a tad on me. I always seem to do well with the P220, so I guess the woodies are designed well. I think the grips looks great, to boot.

I'd love to shoot a 357SIG one of these days. It's on the list of "stuff to try." How do you like your P229?

 

[Baphomet]

I have a Sig 229 Equinox myself and as for the grips:

* The factory wood grips ARE kinda chubby.
* The Hogue rubber grips (no finger-grooves) are slimmer than the factory woodies. I have them on my 229 right now.
* The The Sig-factory, hard rubber (or plastic) grips are slightly slimmer than the Hogue rubber grips.

I may put some factory-plastic panels on my 229 at some point in the future as I'd like an even slimmer feel than what the Hogues provide. The Hogues were a big improvement though, IMO, over the "simply too fat!" factory wood grips.

 

[prolanman]

I have the P220 Carry with the plastic grips and have handled the Equinox at my local dealer. The Equinox definately felt like it had thicker grips. I went with the Nitron P220 Carry with the plastic grips. The thinner grips felt better and the Equinox looked much to pretty to carry.

 

[cslinger]

My first 45 that's NOT a 1911

So you finally got it right then. Some of us move a little slower then others but that's ok. Just messing with you.

Great looking gun. The SIG P220 in any variation is the best double action .45 ever made IMHO. Great guns. Enjoy it.

Chris

 

[1BLINDREF]

And so begins another Sig addiction Welcome to the Dark Side

 

[loplop]

It did take me awhile cslinger, but I guess better late than never, right?

In all honesty... After my first range trip I was hooked. That is one great platform.

I haven't quite warmed so much to my P239 yet. It's been 100% reliable so far (a must for me), looks pretty good, is easy to clean, shoots pretty nice, but I'm very inconsistent with it. Not sure why. It is my first 9mm, so maybe I need to get some more range time with that cartridge.. But I shot the center out of every bull with the shagged out range P239 (9mm). Dunno.

Regardless... That P220 is a real gem. Good stuff. I had no problems getting used to the SIG DA/SA trigger, they're really very good. I am interested in trying the "SRT" trigger on the Elite. Maybe I need to add a P226

EDIT: What do you carry your Carry in prolanman? I'll probably buy another Milt Sparks VersaMax II, or maybe a Watch Six for a tad slimmer profile.

 

[tbtrout]

Great choice. Be careful, they do tend to multiply.

 

[tango3065]

Nice Sig











.

 

[1BLINDREF]

loplop
I have a P239 in .40 with the 357sig barrel. Its a great caliber. It doesn't feel much different than a 9mm to me, maybe just a little bit hotter.

 

[loplop]

Sweet. If I see one, I will have to grab it. Is it a different size frame or slide than the 9mm? When I ordered my VersaMax II, I was told there were two different holsters (one for 9mm, one for 40). Perhaps the slide is thicker?

 

[squinty]

Me too!

I liked your's so much I got a P220 carry equinox too, and I couldn't be happier!

It's a solid feeling, accurate little gun.

 

[sfmittels]

Sigs truly are addictive

Great looking 220. I got my first Sig, a P226 Equinox, about a month ago. On Saturday, I got my second Sig, a P229 Elite. I'm hooked! Thank goodness these things are so bloody expensive; otherwise I'd be getting a P220 next week and who knows where that would lead? I think meth would be less addictive!

 

[loplop]

Thanks, guys, congrats on yours. That one started my SIG addiction, too. I added a P239 and P228 in the meantime, since the P220's purchase. All great guns. I still think the P220 Carry Equinox is one of the best 45's I've ever had the pleasure of owning.