Should I buy the 357 sig barrel for my Sig P226?

[KDS]

Hey guys, I have a Sig P226 in .40 and am contemplating a 357 sig barrel. I have never shot 357 sig but I thought it might be fun at the range and when ammo is scarce, it is nice to have options. So, is it worth it to get the second barrel or should I just stay with .40?

Also, I bought a Mec Gar 13 round mag as it was $10 cheaper than the sig mag and held an extra round. I am thinking about getting a few more of the Mec Gar mags but it doesn't say it is compatible with 357 sig. Can you use the Mec Gar mags with 357 sig?

Thanks in advance. I am a total newbie when it comes to 357 sig.

 

[Storm]

Well, I have and love a 226 DAK in 357 SIG and and thinking about getting a spare .40 barrel for the same reason. The gun really shines in 357 SIG. Go for it. 357 SIG is a great round.

The SIG factory mags are for both 40 and 357 SIG. MecGar makes the SIG mags. If you can live with 12 rounds CDNN has used mags on sale for $17.99. One of them will be landing on my doorstep today.

I try and have both .40 and 357 SIG barrels for all of my guns that can shoot both. I always end up preferring 357 SIG.

BTW, all of my SIG factory .40/357 (made by MecGar) mags are 12 round.

 

[David E]

It'd be nice to be able to shoot more than one caliber. During the recent (ongoing?) ammo shortage, the local Walmarts did have .357 Sig when they had no other handgun caliber in stock.

 

[Storm]

BTW, FYI, the 12 round SIG factory (MecGar) 40/357 SIG mag just arrived from CDNN and while sold as used it's pretty doggone close to like new condition.

 

[Jed Carter]

If you shoot the P226 in .40 well you will shoot the P226 in .357 SIG even better. I originally bought my P226 in .357 and got a .40 S&W barrel afterward. My first SIG was a P239 in .357 SIG, I bought it because the necked down cartridge was a reliable feeding cartridge, the extra fps was a plus. The .357 SIG is as jam free as a cartridge can be, when you push a .355 bullet into a .40 opening it should fit everytime.

 

[cmgred]

I bought the .40 and then added the .357 it's a blast. Quickly became my second favorite handgun (after WC 1911).

Do it you won't regret it.

 

[Coltdude84]

I would advise picking up the 357 SIG barrel... I have a SIG 229 40 and bought a 357 SIG barrel for it and it is one of my favorite handguns.. The Barrels drop right in and dont require any kind of fitting and the since the casing on the 40 and 357 SIG are similar in size it allows you to utilize the same magazines.. My friend has a 226 with the two barrels and IMO the 226 is one of the best platforms to shoot the 357 SIG out of...

 

[torrejon224]

I carried a 45 for over 30 years and in January bought my first 357sig, a full size M&P and I love it. It is the most accurate handgun I have ever fired other than my Rock River 1911s but they cost over $1500. Ammo for the sig is spendy at about $30 a box for fmj being the avergage but you can always find good deals on Gunbroker if you buy case lots, about $17 a box.

 

[KDS]

Hey guys thanks for the response. It sounds like I'll be looking for a 357 sig barrel at the next gun show.

 

[Starcheck55]

muzzle flash = fun

buy away

 

[54lariat]

I was thinking about this too, figured I would bring back this thread... LOL
What prices were paid for your barrels? I see 160.00 alot.

 

[rbernie]

List on the barrels is pushing $200, but $160 seems to be the average street price and I've not seen any for less than $155.

 

[PO2Hammer]

Is .357 ammo readily available in your area?
I don' see it up here much (MN-WI), but read that it is quite popular down south.
I've toyed with the .357 idea for my Glock 20. Sounds like fun.

 

[rellascout]

http://www.topgunsupply.com/sig_p226-conversion-barrel-357-sig.html

Top gun sells them for $159