Seriously considering: dropping XD45c for Sig P229 - advice wanted!

[Sean Dempsey]

I've posted multiple threads in the last few days over this decision I am trying to make, and I think I've come down to this:

I have a barley used XD45 Compact (10rd mag, 3x 13rd mags) that I think is a reat gun, but not for me for various reasons. I would still like a fullsize semi for home and auto use, and I carry a man-purse often which my fullsizes fit in nicely. I "IWB" carry a 638 snub, so waistband carry isn't a factor with this Sig.

I handled a Sig P226 .40 at my local gun shop and really liked the feel of the gun, and the decocker feature for DA/SA options. The DA/SA ability is the main reason I want this gun.

I have read all over the boards and know that the P226 comes highly recommended by almost everyone.

So, I am at the point of trading in/selling the XD45 Compact for the Sig. They had them for something like $529 at this one shop, I'll probably drive around and see if there are any others.

My only hesitation is that I have never shot a Sig. The trigger felt fine in the store, and I really appreciate the DA/SA option. I know they are expensive guns with a great reputation, so do the 226 owners here think I should go for it? Fact is, I'm not going to carry the XD45, it's just not going to happen.

So, The P226 looks like the next best candidate. Thoughts? I am going to go handle it again at lunch, see what I think... who knows? Any advice on the Sig would be appreciated.


(edit, I wrote 229 in the subject and 226 in the body, on accident. I would prefer the 226 fullsize model)

 

[loplop]

Some people love 'em, others not so much.

For me, I found the transition from 1911 to SIG to be quite painless and even pleasurable.

However, I think you should shoot one first. See if it agrees with you. If it does, it's a fabulous weapon!!

 

[prolanman]

IMO you can't go wrong with a P226. I picked up the P226R Navy recently and it has a very sweet trigger.

 

[cslinger]

I read your other thread regarding your reservations with the XD and I think the SIG 229 will suit you very well. It is a wonderful handgun, very accurate, uber reliable and with a hammer and a decocker should mitigate your XD reservations quite well.

I have both the XD45 and the P229. Love them both, the P229 is the better gun. The XD45 is, however, my bedside companion at this time.

If you want to stick with the .45 look at the P220 or P220 carry as well.
Chris

 

[cslinger]

Not sure if you need this but here is a size comparison of the XD45C, SIG P245 and SIG P229.

 

[Sean Dempsey]

I held a 229 and 226 and 220 today, they all felt great. I am not sure if I want the DAK or the DA/SA at this point.

It's between the 45 and the 40 though, just gotta decide. Most of the places here are wanting $750+ for each, so not sure where I am going to buy from yet.

 

[cslinger]

Based on your other thread I would recommend the standard, traditional double action gun. The DAK still keeps the firing pin partially cocked.

Chris

 

[Sean Dempsey]

So not the DAK, but the regular SA/DA?

 

[bofe954]

Just make sure you like the DA/SA trigger while shooting, not just in the gunstore.

I like the idea of DA/SA for carry, but I really don't shoot it very well DA. I started out shooting glocks, went to 1911's and then got a P228.

I really like everything about it but I just can't shoot that first round very well. I took a class that was a lot of drawing, one shot and reholstering and it was really disappointing for me.

I really wanted to like the 228, every time I bring it out to take pictures of it and sell it, I decide that I'd rather keep it. I'll hang on to it for awhile but I can't see carrying it or using for USPSA so I guess eventually it will go.

The sigs are real nice and have a nice DA/SA trigger, but make sure you can shoot it.

If you found a new 229 for $550, that's a pretty good deal. Otherwise the CPO's should be $450-$500.

 

[Sean Dempsey]

I don't think there is any chance of shooting a Sig unless I drive 4-5 hours to Salt Lake city. There aren't formal gun ranges here or anything like that. One of the bad things about living in the small towns, we don't have the gun ranges or anything. Anytime I shoot, its just out at the desert outside town.

 

[10-Ring]

Part of your security is how you feel w/ your choice in firearm. If you'll feel more confident w/ the SIG, go w/ that! Good luck

 

[varoadking]

The DAK still keeps the firing pin partially cocked.

SiG's are hammer fired...

 

[Ala Dan]

While I'm a SIG-A-HOLIC at heart, I couldn't (and wouldn't) trade my
Springfield Armory XD(F)- .45 ACP for just any SIG~! The .45 caliber
West German P220A, and the same countrys 9m/m P228 probably
would get some serious looks on my part; but NONE of the others.
14 (13 +1) of .45 ACP just trumps every SIG on the market~!

 

[1BLINDREF]

Check out this thread, it's for Sigaholics and Sig addicts

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=260824

My P226



All that aside, I'd really try to shoot one before buying it. I have a P229 with the DAK (DAO) trigger and really like it. It's one of my CCW's. My other Sigs are DA/SA, and I really like them as well. There is a big difference in the way the two different trigger systems feel and shoot. If you're going to buy only one, then you should make the effort to try them both before making your decision. I'd hate to see you in the same spot after you plunked down $500 - $800 for a gun you didn't like (you already have one of those )

 

[Run&Shoot]

Long time ago I looked at a LOT of different pistols. One of my primary criteria was a smooth trigger, with not too long of a trigger pull.

It came down to the Beretta (too long of trigger pull), the SIG DA/SA, Glock, 1911 and Hi-Power (w/o mag safety). None of the Glock-like pistols were around then.

I owned a P229 and loved it and currently own a P245. If you don't like the SIG, then I don't know what other DA/SA you could possibly like. SIGs are very fine pistols.

I also have a G23, 1911, and Hi-Power. Those are all single action or nearly so in terms of trigger pull. The only DA/SA action I have any interest in owning is a SIG. I would like to get a P220 big brother for my P245 in a the next few years.

 

[usp_fan]

If you are interested in finding better pricing you could look at a CPO from SIG. These are guns that go out for evaluation or use and then are returned to the factory, inspected, resprung, certified and sold at a discount from new. There are several vendors over on the SIGforum with very good feedback that deal in new and CPO 226's. Feel free to PM me if you want their email addresses. I'm going through the same process with my Brother-in-law who is looking for a 239SAS in the Salem, UT area and is shocked by local pricing on SIG's.

--usp_fan

 

[ZeSpectre]

I'm a strong fan of the XD series so I've got quite a bias there. Having said that I also really liked the SIG 229 I handled a while ago but they are just a smidge out of my price range <sigh>.

I guess what I'm saying is that I consider them very comparable so given that performance is pretty much equal I think you need to go with the one that "feels right" to you.