Sig 226 - HELP!

[LiquidTension]

I was at one of the local shops today and they had a sign on the door: "Sig 226 Police Trade-ins w/ 2 15rd Magazines - $329.99."

They had six in the case and someone bought one as I stood there. They came from the Greenville police department here in SC. Since they're police guns, they have lots of finish wear but may not have been shot much.

This is a deal that I do not think I can resist.

On Monday, I will go to the store with cash in hand. Here's where I need help - what do I look for on these weapons to know which one to get? I'm not gun-dumb. I know to check the major stuff(slide/rail contact points, bbl, etc.) I need to know if there are any special areas or parts to be wary of. The pistols are pretty old - they don't even have the grips with "Sig" etched into them. Someone mentioned that the date code is KA, but I didn't check when I was in the store so that may be totally wrong. What parts wear out on these guns first? I'll thoroughly go over several of the pistols, including stripping each one down. I'll carefully inspect them, but this will be my first Sig so I'm not as knowledgeable about them as other guns.

The mags alone are worth at least $80. Rebluing the slide is $30. They have 3dot sights, which I'm assuming are night sights. I'm also assuming that the tritium is dead, but I don't care. Minor parts I can replace for cheap, frame/slide I don't want to mess with.

So I need one of two things from you guys:
1) Help with my above questions; or
2) Persuasive arguments as to why I shouldn't buy one (I really doubt I'll get any of these, especially if Ala Dan sees this thread )

Thanks a bunch guys (and gals),

- LT

 

[Lofland]

I probably know less about guns than you do, but you might be able to come up with a checklist by using ideas from this guide to inspecting used 1911s.

http://usgi1911.tripod.com/used1911/

Obviously the SIG Forum site (sigforum.com) would be a great place to ask this question, or do a search for previous answers. There are several threads about police trade-ins. A lot of people bought police trade-in SIGs from KY Imports (www.kyimports.com). You're lucky since you get to do a hands-on inspection before you buy.

The SIG forum at www.pistolsmith.com will tell you what problems pistolsmiths are encountering with SIGs these days. I generally find a very high level of expertise on that site.

 

[BigG]

They normally don't wear out although the finish is kinda weak like most all SIGs. Just make sure the rails on the frame (aluminum) are solid and you're good to go. Make sure you get the TWO 15 shot mags. Great gun, fabulous price! Enjoy!

 

[Lofland]

Just to whet your appetite, here's a fun article about SIG reliability:

http://www.galleryofguns.com/ShootingTimes/Articles/DisplayArticles.asp?ID=1230

 

[mr. e]

I have had both a 220 45 cal and a 226 9mm. I got rid of the 226 because the grip was too big in my hand even though I have larger than average hands. The 220 fits great. Make sure you check out the grip size and the trigger pull distance if you have not shot one of these before. By the way, I have the same problem with a Beretta, but think the Browning HP and the CZ75 are just right.

 

[Ala Dan]

I agree with my friend Big G !

Very early P226's will not have grips with the word "SIG
P226" etched into them; as this feature came later in the
weapons life. Also, more than likely these guns will say
"Made in West Germany" or Made in "W. Germany". That
would mean a stamped sheet metal silde with roll pins;
instead of the SIGARMS stainless steel slide. Also, I'm
not in front of my books but I believe that the date code
of "KA" is from 1990?

At any rate, sounds like a real bargain to me; even if you
decide later to have it refinished. So on Monday, inspect
a few of these with care paying attention to detail. Buy,
the one that suits you; shoot it, and most of all enjoy it!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[LiquidTension]

There is apparently another place down the road that has some of these also, but for a slightly higher price. I'll go to both places and check out all the ones I can.

Thanks for the links, Lofland.

 

[agony]

Couple other things to look for: Make sure the serial# is later than U141xxx..... there was a frame upgrade that occured after this due to rail frame cracks.

Check the roll pins that hold the breech block in place and make sure they look flush on both sides; if these are KA date-coded pistols, then they will definitely be stamped-carbon steel slides. SIGARMS recommends that the roll pins be replaced every 5000 rounds.

Check to see if all of the serial#s match (frame/slide/bbl). Sometimes police surplus were refurbed by SIG. I have a police-trade in 226 that was rebuilt by SIGARMS and they replaced the bbl with another; instead of adding the old serial# to the bbl, they 'XXX'ed it out instead.

Preban 15 round factory mags can be had all day long used for $35.

However, this is still a great price.
Enjoy it!