Question about SIG Elite pistols

[mrbladedude]

Ok I am tossed between these 2 particular guns.

SIG P220 Carry Elite Stainless
http://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogProductDetails/p220-carry-elite-stainless.aspx

39.1 Ounces w/mag

SIG P220 Carry Elite Dark
http://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogProductDetails/p220-carry-elite-dark.aspx

30.4 Ounces w/mag

Ok so I like the look of both these 45's. The only thing that concerns me is the weight.
The Elite Dark weighs in at 30.4 Ounces and the Elite Stainless weighs in at 39.1 Ounces.

Being that they are both the shorter barrel Carry versions, how much difference will 9 Ounces make in regards to recoil?

The gun will not be used to conceal carry ever, will be primarily a range gun/open carry woods gun.

Which pistol do you like better in terms of looks.

Thanks to all who answer

 

[sequins]

Considering it's an OWB piece I'd recommend the stainless. Won't get sweat on so finish is fine, and boy is it ever a handsome piece. I think it could be a BBQ gun in a pinch. In .45acp you'll appreciate the weight. 9oz is substantial amount of weight.

 

[Corpral_Agarn]

Go Stainless

Like a dope, I didn't read your description and voted first...

If this is a range piece then stainless all the way. It looks great, it shoots great and you will love it.

I have a 226 Stainless and love the heck out of it.

 

[Old Dog]

For range use and open carry, definitely the stainless. Plus the rears sights on the Elite Darks apparently are known to have had some issues on a couple of the production runs while the SIGLite sights on the Stainless are excellent ... and those rosewood stocks are beautiful ...

 

[The_Next_Generation]

Count me in with the stainless crowd. Definitely a nice-looking gun, and certainly a great BBQ option
Besides, how often do you get the chance to buy a handgun with some nice wood on it like that?

However, this recommendation is assuming you already have more "practical" handguns in the stable (which I assume you do, not many newbs consider a Sig Elite for their first hand-cannon). If you don't have any "lets-do-some-work" type handguns, I would strongly consider the "dark". The plastic grips will probably offer more traction, especially when wet, and you wont be afraid to actually wear the gun in places you might ding the grips. The nitride finish will be more resistant to corrosion (I think, may need to double check), and it wont attract as much attention. There is nothing wrong with strapping a black Sig to your hip as your "BBQ" gun. Its still a Sig, and that's classy.

 

[Constrictor]

I love me some blue.

 

[usmarine0352_2005]

I have the stainless and its heavy. I wish I had gotten it blued.



Also, the carry version is thicker and I had a hard time finding a holster for it. A leather holster would work.

 

[Sigman314]

Recoil from the .45 stainless is very manageable with the added weight. I love mine.

 

[mrbladedude]

Recoil from the .45 stainless is very manageable with the added weight. I love mine.

Have you shot a regular P220?

Thanks for all the replies so far

 

[JTQ]

For range use, why pick the "Carry" models with the short barrels? Why not choose the regular size models?

I'm also not a fan of the "Elite" models, and most of the other specialty SIG models, as their added features are mostly "bling" rather than functional upgrades.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I'm waiting for a P227 Stainless Elite

 

[OregonJohnny]

For range use, why pick the "Carry" models with the short barrels? Why not choose the regular size models?

That's exactly what I was going to say. I own the 220 Carry Elite Dark, have never and will never carry it concealed, so I wish I'd gotten the full size model. If I could do it all over again, I'd probably go with the 220 Scorpion. I do not like the adjustable sights on my Elite Dark, and would much prefer the standard Siglite night sights.

Also, if you are going to use it as a "woods" gun, as you stated in your OP, I'd go with the full sized stainless model. The steel frame will stand up much better to the Buffalo Bore .45 +P hardcast and FMJ flatnose rounds that make ideal woods carry loads.

I do really like the thin aluminum grips that came with my Elite Dark. They have a super-aggressive texture and feel great to me. I'd probably change out the grips on any 220 I'll ever own to these aluminum grips. One thing I have changed is the trigger. Mine came with the short reach trigger like the one in your picture of the stainless model. It would pinch my finger when dry firing and shooting in double action mode. I installed the standard wide trigger like the one in your picture of the Dark model, and it was a big improvement.

 

[mrbladedude]

Thanks for all the replies. I have decided that I like both pistols but there's just something about the stainless model that always catches my eye. I really like the grips on the Dark model though.

Would the aluminum grips on the Dark model fit the stainless model? Can you order the grips from Sig or whoever?

 

[bannockburn]

Primary use as a range gun would seem to favor going with the heavier stainless P220. I also like the looks of it, especially with those wood grips.

 

[JTQ]

Would the aluminum grips on the Dark model fit the stainless model? Can you order the grips from Sig or whoever?

Yes, they should.

Hogue options http://www.hogueinc.com/store/categories/sig-p220-dasa/1033

A review of the Hogue aluminum P220 grips from the late Stephen A. Camp http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/hogue extreme aluminum stocks for P220.htm

Another Stephen A. Camp review, this time thin grips for the P220 http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/SIG-Sauer P220 Thin Stocks.htm