Hi everyone, I need some help. Im looking for a new 9mm and my local dealer has a certified pre-owned Sig P226 in 9mm. It says made in West Germany and the serial number is U396XXX. I originally went in to put a Glock G17 on layaway but I did the Sig instead. It literally looks like it was never used. The frame shows no wear at all and the slide looks like it has never even seen a holster. I called Sig to see if they refinished the gun and they said they only inspected them and didn't refinish them. After some research there seems to be some concern regarding the rails cracking on the older Sig P226s. Would you be worried and just get the new glock? The asking price for the SIG which looks NIB is 499.99. I'm looking for something to keep for a while.
Sig P226 experts
- Thread starter delta1970
- Start date
- Status
Telekinesis
Member
I would stick with the Sig. I bought a West German Sig 228 a few years ago and it hasn't had any problems at all. My father actually has a Sig 220 that's probably 20 or 22 years old and is still going strong. I think you only get rail problems on guns that see VERY heavy use or aren't always lubed properly.
Nothing against the G17, but it has nowhere near the same classic look and feel as a Sig.
Nothing against the G17, but it has nowhere near the same classic look and feel as a Sig.
I purchased a German SIG P226 and love it. The outside showed considerable holster wear - I just had it CeraKoted - but internally, it looked brand new.
Regarding SIG vs. Glock: one thing I've learned is that there is no one make that stands out from all the others. Rather, the best gun is the gun that works best in YOUR hands.
Finally, I've seen quite a few folks who prefer the German SIGs over the American ones. As SIG has a lifetime warranty, if that is the gun you prefer, I wouldn't be concerned about any problems - in the unlikely event that you need them, SIG will make good.
Regarding SIG vs. Glock: one thing I've learned is that there is no one make that stands out from all the others. Rather, the best gun is the gun that works best in YOUR hands.
Finally, I've seen quite a few folks who prefer the German SIGs over the American ones. As SIG has a lifetime warranty, if that is the gun you prefer, I wouldn't be concerned about any problems - in the unlikely event that you need them, SIG will make good.
The P226s that are supposed to have a very slightly increased chance of the frame cracking were made between '86-'89, I believe, with so-called "mud-rails", scalloped cutouts on the frame rails. Does the gun you are looking at have them?
From the serial number it appears to probably be a 1989 gun.
http://sigforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/430601935/m/467100822
Even if the gun does have the cutouts I would not be too concerned unless you plan to feed a steady diet of +P+ ammo through it.
Disclaimer: I don't claim to be an P226 expert, but have read a lot about them. I also own a 1996 "Made in Germany" P226.
From the serial number it appears to probably be a 1989 gun.
http://sigforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/430601935/m/467100822
Even if the gun does have the cutouts I would not be too concerned unless you plan to feed a steady diet of +P+ ammo through it.
Disclaimer: I don't claim to be an P226 expert, but have read a lot about them. I also own a 1996 "Made in Germany" P226.
I've got both, and wouldn't part with either. I like the Sig better, it will always have a higher re-sale value. The Glock, however will do anything the Sig will do, will likely hold up better in long term hard use and if both were being purchased new would cost a lot less. If I had to reach for one in the next minute to save my butt, it would be the Glock.
But, at that price, I'd get the Sig. You can always get a Glock later if you want. My Sig is one of the newer versions (also part of the CPO program) purchased for the same price a few years ago. I couldn't tell mine was a bit different from a new gun selling for $200 more.
But, at that price, I'd get the Sig. You can always get a Glock later if you want. My Sig is one of the newer versions (also part of the CPO program) purchased for the same price a few years ago. I couldn't tell mine was a bit different from a new gun selling for $200 more.
rbernie
Contributing Member
I have several older West German P226's with tens of thousands of rounds thru each without issue. I have never seen a P226 with cracked frame rails, in fact.
Sig went through several iterations of sand cuts (scallops) in the frame rails before finally jettisoning the idea entirely. I do not think that the presence/absence of the cuts has much to do with the longevity of the frame, but the elimination of them likely made the pistol less expensive to manufacture.
Sig went through several iterations of sand cuts (scallops) in the frame rails before finally jettisoning the idea entirely. I do not think that the presence/absence of the cuts has much to do with the longevity of the frame, but the elimination of them likely made the pistol less expensive to manufacture.
WinThePennant
Member
I have a 1994 Sig P226.
GREAT gun.
You can never go wrong with a P226.
GREAT gun.
You can never go wrong with a P226.
- Status
