sig 226 vs browning hi-power

[mr e man]

I own a Para ordnance p-14.45 ltd wich I am very pleased with, and now time has come for my next purchase. I have considered HK usp9, Walther p99, Browning hi-power and sig 226. I dont like the trigger on the usp9, nor the ski jump style trigger guard on the p99 wich bugs my index finger. That leaves me with the 226 and the bhp. Any suggestions ? pros and cons ?
Lets hear it guys and gal's...

Stay safe...

 

[Admiral Thrawn]

I'd go for the SIG-Sauer P-226. A superb pistol.

 

[hksw]

Hmmm. This one would be a Krone toss for me.

 

[MK11]

Tough choice. I loved the P226 from the start but the Browning took some getting used to. I've never felt a worse trigger pull. After I got used to it however, the BHP might just be my favorite handgun. Nothing handles quite like it.

If you're looking at a new one, I'd get the BHP first. They're becoming hard to find. You can always buy a P226 (and at some point, you should).

 

[Berg01]

Like them both, but between the two, I would take the BHP Standard with adjustable sights.

 

[HankB]

My usual carry gun is a BHP. Get rid of the magazine disconnect (do NOT call it a magazine safety!) and the trigger improves considerably. The manual of arms (draw . . . swipe off safety . . . shoot) is very similar to your Para Ordnance.

SIG 226's are good guns, but they don't actually point where they should . . . at least in my hands. And I never really liked the DS/SA crunchenticker mechanism.

If you go with a BHP - and I recommend that you do - try and get one that actually says "BROWNING" on it. I've seen the ones being imported by FN, and even though they made the pistols for Browning, I haven't been impressed by the workmanship or finish on the new guns. And they have some of the most deeply engraved or stamped numbers I've seen on a pistol.

 

[Ala Dan]

Extremely Difficult Choice,

as you have picked some mighty fine handgun's!
Although, I'm a SIG kind'a guy; I must vote for
the Browning Hi-Power. These guns are really
magnificent firearms, in every respect. Most folk's will
tell you the older the Browning is, the better. But, FWIW
I owned a BHP "Practical" model that I purchased NIB
in October of 1998; and I'm here to tell ya' that was
one fine shoot'in iron! Only reason I got shed of it,
was cause I needed to generate a little cash flow;
otherwise I would still have it.

In closing, I don't think you can go terribly wrong with
any of the choice's that you have listed! Make your
decision, and most of all- ENJOY.

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

 

[Poohgyrr]

I have a friend who has a thing for full size Sigs... And no doubt about it, they are nice. But I'd definitely go for the Hi Power, just 'cause ...

My favorite would be the MKIII or a Practical. Put good night sights and thin grips on it, and be happy ......

 

[Handy]

As I've stated on other occasions, for the majority of people and situations, a good DA/SA gun with a decocker is the best choice for carry. If you have to, the gun can even be stuffed in a waistband. That's a point for the Sig.

The BHP is an all steel gun, but not a heavy one. Mags are CHEAP, plenty of aftermarket parts and the bad trigger is easily corrected at home. Aside from the slightly old fashioned trigger system, this gun has it all. Compared to the alloy SIG frame, I would expect close to twice the longevity (rounds fired) from the BHP.

Given the big picture of design, finish, etc., it likely comes down to whether you want more of a combat/tactical/matte black type of gun, or a more refined heirloom quality piece with pretty bluing. Both guns are damn reliable and accurate. Neither would be the wrong choice.

 

[Rebel Gunman HK]

Carry the Hk USP cocked and locked and the trigger pull isnt a problem anymore.

 

[Angelo]

Ala Dan, I don't post a lot but I read THR quite often. I never thought I'd see the day when someone asks "what's your opinion, Sig or X company" and you DIDN'T say Sig

You're right though, either gun would be great to own. I just never thought I'd see the day......

Angelo

 

[Dr.Rob]

If you want SA, go with Browning or a high end clone (like mauser's sa-80), or even an FEG.

If you want DA/SA the 226 is probably the BEST da/sa I've ever handled.

Mags are more plentiful for the bhp, but really these are two VERY good choices, you won't go wrong with either.

 

[mr e man]

Hmmm.... Tough one, I know.... I feel I need both. Good replies guys. Thanx

Stay safe

 

[Bowlcut]

I dont know im still a huge fan of the p99. i love its da/sa trigger and how it locks back after the first round so its a super short pull. that ski jump really isnt the problem that bothers most peoples index fingers. its the mag release. i shifted my finger up a hair, well the knuckle/whole hand up a hair and all iiratation went away.

striker fired, so nothing to snag. slide release well molded so will not snag. tennifer slide so easy wear finish. ergonomics....i just dont see what sig has over them, the walther frames fall right in hand and feel like its part of the hand. factory adjustable sights, and backstraps. pre ban mags for the 9mm at a cost but can be found cheaply.

Plus its a Bond gun

actualy all the guns i think are good choices and ive actualy thought about getting any one of the 3 as the next gun

 

[Newton]

***NEWSFLASH*****

Ala Dan doesn't choose the SiG, World stops spinning, French win war, Oprah stays slim etc etc


******************

Seriously Ala, there's something about your posts man, I just love 'em, all of 'em. I reckon that you sir are THE quintessential firearms owner

Newton

 

[45R]

Ala Dan-

You need to come into my office to have your head examined by a medical professional. J/K


I own the Sig 226 and have shot the BHP on many occasions. Like everyone says you cant go wrong with either gun. Both are shooters at the range and for business applications. They are both great guns. I like the ergonomics on the BHP better than the fatter 226 Pistol grip.

Shoot them both and pick the one you love most. Either way you will wind up with both.

 

[stevec]

The Sig is going to have a better out of the box trigger, but the Browning seems like a more robust and substantial gun.
As nice as the Sig is, I think if you get the BHP, and invest in a trigger job and maybe some aftermarket grips (Uncle Mike's for comfortable shooting, Spegels for easier carry), you will become a True Believer in the BHP.

Steve

 

[mr. e]

I have owned and shot both, and I'd have to say that although the P226 is the better gun and more accurate at slow fire targets, its fat grip requires that you have very large hands.

My hands are slightly larger than most (I'm 6' -2" and 200 lbs.), and I just couldn't get comfortable with the 226's grip size.

I have a P229, however, that fits my hand like it was designed just for me.

 

[agony]

The SIG P226 is an extremely fine and fun pistol.
Ultra reliable, and utalitarian.
The P35 is prettier. Some say the P35 has the best ergos out there.
I own both, and lean towards the SIG. Any SIG.

Difficult choice to make until you're able to handle and fire both.
Find a range that rents them, and go for a test drive.

 

[Neal Bloom]

I like the way the BHP feels in my hands much better than the SIG. Geting rid of the mag disconnect works wonders. Both are fine handguns and I mean fine!

 

[mr e man]

In the december etition of "guns & ammo HANDGUNS" there is an article on the new "hammer down" hi-power from FN Herstal (HP-DA) wich has a "traditional double/single action" and a decocker. It has no manual safety. Any of you guys have any experience with this fine looking piece? Or any opinions for that matter?

Stay safe..

 

[Berg01]

The DA/SA FN Herstal may be a very fine gun; the Para Companion is a very unique 1911-pattern gun with a very smooth DAO trigger action.

Having said that, and I may get BK flame-broiled for this, but I have to tell you that the BHP and the 1911 are SA classics that (IMHO) work best in SA, and prove that the K.I.S.S. principle is always the best way to go.

O.K., thats my story, I'm sticking to it, so let 'em rip.

 

[Handy]

Mr. E,

I was thinking of suggesting the FN DA pistol, but that would have introduced a third pistol to your question about two.

I have never seen one in the flesh. It has existed in one form or another since the XM9 trials in 1985. It is all steel, like the BHP, matte black like the 226 and uses ambidextrous decocking levers, no safety. A thoroughly modern gun.

I would not expect to find 15 round mags for it, and it doesn't accept BHP mags.

If you can find one, I'd take a good long look at it. They apperently retain the excellent grip of the BHP. Seems like the best of both 226 and BHP, if the quality is there.

I used to have a Browning BDM, which is a different DA design. It had alot going for it, but the build quality was not to BHP or Sig levels, so I sold it. Hopefully, the FN DA is closer to the BHP in execution.


I would agree with Berg that KISS is a good guideline, but I personally don't think having to release a safety before firing is simpler than just pulling a DA trigger.

 

[Ala Dan]

Hey Guy's- Hold Up Just A Minute!

The TRUTH has been spoken. You folks know
that my favorite two SIG's are the "American Classic's"
commonly known as the P220A in .45 ACP and
the 9m/m P228. Although the SIG P226
and the P229 are great weapon's in their own
right; they just did not work out well for me!

Hey I kind'a like to use the icon!

My reasoning behind my decision are two-fold. First,
I don't care for the "European" grip style of the P226;
as it does not fit my hand well. Second, the P229's
milled all stainless slide seems a bit top heavy; making
the weapon feel unbalanced in my hand.

OTOH, the Browning Hi-Power feels and balances
extremely well (however, not as great as the SIG P220
and P228) while in my shooting grip; even with the BHP
"Practical" model's Pachmayr rubber grips!

But, I guess one might say that I just like QUALITY
firearms period! Friends, in my collection NO JUNK
will be allowed. Maybe, I don't appreciate the work (or
lack there of) that goes into the Ravens, Brycos, F.I.E.
Titans, Arminus, Charco's, Jenning's, High Point's, and
other's! NOTICE: I did not say anything bad about
Tauri International product's. Wow! I eat, sleep,
work, and play thinking about that darn Taurus "Life
Time" warranty package. Sure wish SIG Arms would
do that; so we could create more SIG owners!

Having Fun-

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

PS: I'm 10-10 at my home 20, cuz I'm almost late for work!

 

[mr e man]

Where I live, there is no 10 round limitation for handguns, so full capacity mags is not an issue. What's the story on that strange law anyways...? Is the 11'th round statisticly more lethal or something? I keep hearing sweet things about the Sig 228, and I want to give it a test run before deciding, if I can find one. Great replies guys, keep 'em coming... and stay safe!