The P225 is a superb weapon, and I still think it's one of the best "feeling" guns that Sig has ever produced. I have had mine for going on 12 years now, and I keep thinking I need another (my wife won't let go of the one I have now).
About six months after I bought my P225, I sent it to TJ of TJs Custom Gunworks, and he made an already excellent gun into a work of art. I spent probably twice what I paid for the gun on the customizing, but it was worth every cent. I attached a picture, but you have to see the mirror finish on the feed ramp, extractor, etc., to appreciate the attention to detail in TJs work.
I bought a P228 shortly after my P225, but I never really appreciated the P228 as much. I was mostly interested in the P228 because of the double stack magazine, but I found in time that the P225 was worth losing a few rounds from the magazine (just learn to reload faster
). I truly wish Sig would have made the P225 in a .40S&W; that would've been awesome!
$450 is probably reasonable for a nearly new P225. The dealer where I bought mine (in 1992) couldn't seem to sell it, so he sold it to me for $459 plus tax - basically his cost for the gun plus a few bucks for the trouble. Maybe you could talk the owner/dealer into selling it for $400?
Now that you've brought up the subject, I think I'm going to go get one tomorrow. Now see what you've done?!