Sig-meisters

[cwduke08]

I think I've developed a need for a classic Sig or 2!! Preferably a 226 chamberd in 9, and a 229 chambered in .40!!

Is there a difference in quality between a w. German vs a German vs a US made model??
Are all German Sigs TRIPLE NUMBERED???

I've read a bit on forums about w German being more collectible and how their owners love them! BUT there are quite a few of CPO W German sigs on Gun Broker but nobody bidding on them..! Why is this?? I do love the rail-less sigs,

When did sig officially quit manufacturing in Germany and move operations to ex. Nh??

 

[Okiegunner]

Sig

Do not forget the "Made in Switzerland" Sigs.

If I remember correctly, Sig is (or was, I believe they have sold) actually the Swiss company, while Sauer is the German company. However all firearms made by Saeur or Sig, are commonly refered to as "Sigs"

I have an older (circa 2003) Sig 2340, with "Made in Switzerland" stamped on the frame. It eats absolutely every type of ammo I can find. Even the very bluntest of blunt nose holowpoint.

Just thought I'd pass along some info...

 

[Captain33036]

I hope some of the true experts will chime in but I wanted to say that I think that one of the most important things is to have triple serial numbers... Frame, slide barrel.

I also think that W. German or German guns are the most sought after.

I have had several and have been happiest with a 1996 German Sig 228. New enough to be in excellent condition, but still a classic.

Had an older w. german sig 226....but it was beat up and ha different serial numbers for the slide, barrel and frame. A "frankenSig".

Hope this helps

J

 

[foxmoor]

I have both a slightly used 9mm Sig P226 (from NH, I assume) and a W. German 1990 Sig P220 in .45 acp (purchased from a good friend). Neither one has ever had a failure of any sort and both guns shoot extremely well - accurate and soft shooting. So, I am probably not the best source for a distinction between the two, though my Sig buddies lust after the W. German P220. Good luck in your search.

Kent in MI

 

[mrvco]

I have a NH P226 and while it's not the easiest gun (for me) to shoot accurately, it is incredibly reliable and fun to shoot.

 

[G.barnes]

They idiot who screwed up the qc at Kimber now works for sig. The older nh ones weren't bad and the German made were the best. Now days sig is riding on their old reputation to sell guns. You can find a good condition used German sig for 500 to 600 dollars. I have a 229 German with no rail and I think it looks better than the new model with the rail.

 

[guyfromohio]

I've owned several Sigs over the years from various origins of manufacture. My brand new 239 (several thousand rounds through it) has been flawless and an absolute pleasure to own, shoot, and carry.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I have a 229 German with no rail and I think it looks better than the new model with the rail.

There are no German 229s...if you define German (meaning manufactured in) as the triple serial numbered pistols.

There are 229s with frames marked as being manufactured in Germany, but all 229s have their stainless slides milled domestically. That is how the 229 differs from the 228...BTW the 9mm 229 is very different from the .40 or 357SIG 229

 

[sigarms228]

The P226 is an outstanding best of breed pistol no matter where it is manufactured. Some prefer the older German ones with the folded carbon steel slides as they weigh about 2 ounces less than the Exter milled stainless steel slide P226. Of course the newer milled stainless steel slide P226s can withstand the pressure of the .40/.357 SIG rounds and the slide is more durable and has less maintenance requirements where the carbon folded steel slide ones need the breach block pins changed every 5000 rounds though it is plenty durable for the 9MM round.

With rare exceptions all P229s are made in Exter and the P229 has proven to be another outstanding pistol. Early P229s did come with triple serial numbers but I think that stopped around 1995.

I would not hesitate to buy a new P226 if I was in the market for a standard one and it would probably be the MK25 but I already own and German and an Exter P226 both of which have been flawless for me. My next P226 purchase would most likely be an X-FIVE Allround.

The only "classic" SIG I would personally avoid would be a P220 that has the milled stainless steel slide and internal extractor. Though most never had a problem with theirs too many did and SIG eventually changed it to have the external extractor.

Here is my NIB yet unfired since leaving the factory 1994 triple serial number P229 .357 SIG that I bought last fall. I really was not looking for a P229 in .357 SIG but my LGS had it priced as $519 so I could not pass it up. I could easily put a .40 barrel or Barsto 9MM conversion barrel in it if I want. I also have a 2001 vintage P229 .40 with no rail.

 

[MCMXI]

Is there a difference in quality between a w. German vs a German vs a US made model??

Until recently I owned eight SIGs but still have six with no intention of selling any of them. I have three SIGs made in the last three years including a P220 Combat, P220 Carry and a P239 and I couldn't be happier with any of them. I also have three all-German SIGs including a P220 and a pair of P225s made in the early '90s which are also excellent. I like them all, they're all well made, they're all 100% reliable and accurate. I actually prefer the stainless steel slides and the triggers are much better out of the box these days.

 

[cwduke08]

@9mmepiphany

So can a 229 have a German frame and an American slide but still have 3xSerial#??
Because if you type in Sig Germany on GB, the first listing is a #s matching german 229!

 

[cwduke08]

@sigarms228

Is that bad boy for sale???

 

[9mmepiphany]

Apparently they can.

 

[SwampWolf]

The only "classic" SIG I would personally avoid would be a P220 that has the milled stainless steel slide and internal extractor. Though most never had a problem with theirs too many did and SIG eventually changed it to have the external extractor.

I guess I must fall in the "most" category. My 220 Carry model with the internal extractor has been flawless thus far-though I have under a thousand rounds through it. I don't know how many rounds need to be expended before the jury returns.

 

[sigarms228]

I guess I must fall in the "most" category. My 220 Carry model with the internal extractor has been flawless thus far-though I have under a thousand rounds through it. I don't know how many rounds need to be expended before the jury returns.

\

Glad to hear that. Most likely you will never have a problem if you have not had one by now and I am guessing you bought it new which means you have the lifetime warranty on it in the unlikely even you do have a problem.

 

[sigarms228]

@sigarms228

Is that bad boy for sale???

Nah. My only safe queen I own.

 

[sigarms228]

@9mmepiphany

So can a 229 have a German frame and an American slide but still have 3xSerial#??
Because if you type in Sig Germany on GB, the first listing is a #s matching german 229!

Yes my P229 in the picture is Exter made with triple serial numbers.

Recently, within the last 6 months or so, a couple batchs of German made (frame and slide) and proofed 9MM P229s showed up (first I ever heard of) and were primarly sold by Osage Guns and Top Gun Supply. The P229s from Osage Guns had no rail while the ones from Top Gun Supply did have a rail. On the German made P229s you will see a German proof mark on the frame, slide, and barrel. If you look at the picture on GB of the German made P229 you will see the German proof mark to the right of the serial number.

Other than that recent batch of German made 9MM P229s it would seem that 99.99 percent of the P229s in the US are Exeter made.