police trade-in SIG-226; Good deal?

[c-bag]

A local store has been offering Used (presumably police trade-ins) SIG-226
9mm with 1 preban and nightsights for $550

my question is, are police trade-ins usually in good condition or are they worn out, beat up old POS's? the specimin in question shows a fair amount of holster wear but still felt solid with very little play in the slide.

i am looking at this as a 1st handgun and like the idea of getting for under $600 what new would cost $900 up ($750 gun + $100 night sights + $50 pre-ban mag)

however, it will be my only defensive gun for awhile and i don't want it if it will not be reliable and stand up to moderate range/carry use for 2 years +

and suggestions you can give will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Mal H]

Welcome to THR c-bag. I've moved your thread over to the Autoloader forum. I think you'll get more hits and responses here.

 

[mlk18]

You can buy used (very good condition) Sig P226's from CDNN Investments for like $399 for K-cote and $450 in two tone. Check out the surplus gun places for better prices; SOG, J&G, AIM Surplus, CDNN, etc.

www.southernohiogun.com

www.aimsurplus.com

www.cdnninvestments.com (have to download the catalog)

www.jgsales.com

Also some police trade-ins are in very good mechanical condition and some are not. You really need to check them out on a gun by gun basis.


mlk18

 

[agony]

I have a police trade-in P220. It was badly worn on the exterior, though the mechanics were perfect. The bbl, however, was absolutely neglected.

Police trade-ins can be hit or miss. Most of them have a low round count, but because they are carried, can show a lot of finish wear.

For less money, you may be able to get a used civilian 226 from the classifieds here or at www.sigforum.com. For example, I got an exemplary P226 with 1 year old night-sights for $400....shipped. Used prebans are cheap....you can get them all day long for $35. Try www.copesdist.com for mags.

 

[mrapathy2000]

kyimports

another place with used sigs

 

[SouthpawShootr]

When buying a trade in, I look at a few things. First, can I live with the exterior flaws. I don't expect it to be perfect, but if it has gouges worn in the frame from where the retention system engages, I'll pass. Worn shiny on a stainless gun or small scratches, ok. If the finish is worn on a non-stainless Sig slide, you should make sure you have it refinished, these things rust like nobody's business. Next is internals. Take the gun apart or have the sales person do it. It helps to look at a new one side-by-side. When a pre-ban mag is a selling point, I insist that it be factory or the dealer can trade the aftermarket for a new factory. With nightsights, check the date, these things are typically dated on the front sight blade or somewhere on the rear. If it's close to 12 years and you want nightsights count on spending $70-80 (at least) to replace them. Make sure the tritium vials are clear, free of scratches, and shine brightly. I have to say, I think $550 is a bit high unless this thing is pristine. Locally, I see these for the $600-650 range new.

 

[c-bag]

thanks to all for the advice.

i honestly think that i don't have the expertise (yet) to make a really informed desicion on the quality of a used gun and will probably get a new glock-17 or CZ-75 that i know is in good shape, and keep the SIG in the "someday" file.