Sig P228?

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ceetee

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I might have the opportunity to buy a P228 for a decent price. I noticed, though, that they're not listed on Sigarms website anymore...

Have they totally dropped the P228 in favor of the P229?

Are there any maintenance or breakage issues that I have to check for if I'm looking to buy this one?
 
SIGArms is trying to remove the 228 from the North American lineup, but the reading I've done suggests that a) it's still being produced in Europe, and b) it's still being supplied to the US military.

There are no significant inherent weakensses of the 228 that you won't find in virtually any weapon, but having said that the finish isn't as rust-resistant as I'd like (but easily maintained if you're conscientious) and the conventional wisdom is that the recoil spring should be changed at 5000 round increments.

Parts are available directly from SIG, as well as from Brownells. Also there's an excellent and knowledgeable group of users at SigForum.com.

I like mine; works every time.
 
I wouldn't pass on a 228 in good condition for a good price. It is essentially the same pistol as a 229 except the 229 has a heavier slide designed around 357/40 calibers. If you want a 9mm, though, the lighter slide on the 228 makes for a balance that many SIG fanatics prefer.
 
I love the P228, and own 2 of them. One full nickel, one standard blued. Never a problem with them, just the "right" size for many roles, can reload with a P226 magazine, etc. There were several CPO P228's for sale around here all under $575, which to me, is a very good value. As for maintenance, as already mentioned, I like to replace roll pins and springs around the 5k mark just to be safe. Same with magazine springs, etc.
 
I know a few federal agents who kept the p228 when their agencies moved up to .40 S&W. They just don't want to give them up.
-David
 
If the gun has been shot very much, replacing the trigger bar spring is a good idea. I have broken this part on my own P228 as well as a P220. This is a disabling breakage, as the trigger bar will fall down and disconnect the trigger linkage. It is a small vaguely U-shaped spring under the right-hand grip panel. Except for this and one instance when using a non-factory magazine (which can't be blamed on the gun), mine has never malfunctioned.
 
Sig has indeed discontinued sales of the P228 to the civilian market in the U.S. If the one you're interested in is in good shape at a good price I'd jump on it. I love mine and would never sell it. Balances perfectly in my hand. Never malfunctioned. As accurate as any full sized 9mm that I've ever shot including its bigger brother, the P226, and the CZ75B. Just a classic gun.
 
Here is my story:
Alright my gf met me at the gunstore today when i was doing paperwork and started talking to my two uncles about guns, after much talk and about 30-40 guns she settles on a sig p228, cert. preowned, after we left she decided to go back and put a deposite, now the gun will be $650 after tax and they already gave her 200rds ammo (win+rem) and gun is in immaculate condition, my concern is that a good price? i mean i can buy a new gun for ~400, i mean it is a first gun, they own 3 combined, they were saying the value will hold because it is no longer offered in the U.S. i just need some opinions, because 650$ is a lot to spend since she has never shot before, thanks.
 
Fivespeeder - IMO that $650 is high even allowing for some ammo included - tho I note it is tax inclusive. Even if the gun is immaculate I'd be thinking more around $550 all in. My local Gander Mtn a while back had an older and obviously used/carried 228 for about $450.

As for the gun tho - yep - great piece and mine gets used for range time and practice so that my 226 EDC stays a bit less hammered - the manual of arms is identical of course - just a slight weight difference.

Mine was bought privately for $550 - and was a three week old gun with 400 rounds thru - the guy was a lefty and didn't get on with it for carry.


sig228-ct-325-s.jpg
 
I have been carrying a P228 9mm as a back up and primary when not in uniform for about 16 years. I have about 40K rounds out of it over those 16 years. I have had the gun refinished with NP3 on the blue steel components which I have worn through twice now. (what would you look like after 10K or more holsterings over a 16 year period in Texas Humidity or after 8 to 10 yours on a balistic vest working an accident on I20 .

My gun issues are none.

My other issues are me at times not being smart about maintenance. i.e. recoil spring change, mag spring change, shooting "no quality" ammo and a squib load appeared and some things like that. I changes recoil, mag, trigger bar, and return springs before needed.

I learned the hard way.:banghead: how to remove a bullet from a barrel and how to buy a new barrel because I was "DuH" on the process. :eek:

Would I buy again. Yup.

Would I trade off. NOPE.

Would I upgrade to a similar with more features, No, but I did change my primary which was a 16 years P226 9mm to a full stainless P226 9mm with light rail as I work evenings and the light is handy.

Is the P228 a great service piece. Yes.

Has the gun been there when I needed it. Without any question or reservation. Yes.

Best bit of advice. Do not "cheap @$$" yourself when, purchasing, servicing and maintaining for protection. There is a reason for a discount and your undying gratitude has nothing to do with it.

What you do for practice is a totally different story.

Does this mean the P228 is the best out there. NO. but the model works for me and fits my needs.

I just hope I have helped in your decision process.
 
I def. hear don't go cheap on this one, you get what you pay for, and I assume that she will only own one gun, unlike me lol, and use it regularly, she is the type to clean it after ever trip to the range, and I'm sorry it is more around 635$ I believe, but you guys think that is too much even tho it is CPO? Looking online the best I could find was like 599-650 even for the CPO and 450-550 just used, the ammo is around 36$ value if bought at their price, I was thinking get some defense/hollowpoints and some snap caps at least for free after this, but IDK I mean technically that would drop the "price" your paying with what your getting for free, to bellow 599$...

anyone? opinions, faqs, anything

I mean the gun just came from SIG itself, so I mean I could be wrong but I'm guessin CPO is the best quality your going to get besides new, and can anyone still get this gun new?

Thanks.
 
Have you tried shooting the gun yet? You should before you buy.

My first gun purchase was a P228. I put about 2700 flawless rounds through it. Problem was, it just didn't fit my hand and my shooting style properly. Being a compact, my hand hung off the bottom of the grip. Also, using a "thumbs forward" shooting style, I found it nearly impossible not to ride the slide release based on where it is mounted. So more often than not, the slide wouldn't lock back on an empty mag.

There was nothing mechanically wrong with the gun -- it just didn't suit me. So while you'll get lots of ringing endorsements for the P228, I highly recommend that you try one out thoroughly before investing in it.

Jim
 
Yea I mean they do have 3 I'll try that thanks, and well her hands are tiny, I mean she is 5' even, her hand is 2 3/4 inch wide and 6 inches from pointer tip to wrist.
 
Well, I'm a SIG-A-HOLIC at heart; with MY two favorites being MY
West German .45 caliber P220A, and 9m/m P228. I bought the 220
NIB, and the 228 slightly used (but certainly not abused) with box,
doc's and extra magazine. Price on the West German P228 was only
$550. Quickly, I found that it is a perfectly balanced handgun; more
so than most other's. I kind'a have retired both of these SIG's
with the exception of taking 'em too the range just to blow the dust
off of 'em 'bout once or twice a year. I would NEVER swap, trade, or
sell these two SIG's; besides being world class firearms, both hold
great sentimental value too me as well~!:cool: :D
 
yea it seems like a solid gun, im just wondering if the price is too much, and then I mean she is picky and not much out there she likes and can handle with her small hands
 
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