Sig p320 subcompact vs. p224

[wojownik]

Anyone have experience/thoughts with this the p320 carry vs. the subcompact, and also the p320 subcompact vs. the p224?

I've CCW'd the p228 and p229 for years. Had intended to pick up a p224, but got sidetracked (for years LOL...).

Does Sig make a P320 carry/compact pistol without the rails, or is it just the subcompact that comes without?

 

[chaim]

I don't have any of those guns, but I have the SIG P250 Compact in .45. The P250 has a DAO trigger and is hammer fired and P320 is striker fired but they are otherwise practically the same gun. It is a little larger than many people prefer for carry, but it is small and light enough to do so. I find mine pretty comfortable when it accompanies me to VA or another state where I can carry on my UT non-res permit. The P320 Carry is a tad bigger (compact slide, full size grip module/frame). My P250 is a joy at the range- comfortable to shoot, accurate and reliable. I'm pretty sure the subcompacts are your only option if you don't want the rail (I don't use mine and it doesn't get in the way). As for looks, it is a modular, polymer CCW pistol, it won't win any beauty contests either way so I'd suggest that you not let the rail get in your way if you otherwise want the gun.

As for the P224, if you want one you may want to buy it now. The website doesn't show any P224 models on their product list, but has several on their list of discontinued models. My favorite local FFL, one that usually doesn't spread rumors and confirms their info before telling people, tells me it has been discontinued. So, if you want one, now may be the time. It is based upon the P229 so parts shouldn't be a problem, there are holsters out there for the gun, and you can always use P229 mags in the gun as well. It is a little heavy compared to the P250/P320 Subcompact, but otherwise is sized similarly, and if you are used to carrying the P228 and P229 the weight should be fine for you and it will be a good carry gun.

 

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

I can confirm that the P224 is discontinued and for a reason. It's a very awkward pistol in my hands. The P320SC is a much better pistol for carry than a P224. If you're handy with a dremel tool, you could try your hand at grinding off the rails since the Grip Modules are cheap and replaceable.

 

[Old Dog]

Yes.

I'd go with the 320. As noted, the 224 is simply awkward in the hand. The 320 is far more ergonomic and blessed with the best trigger of any striker-fired pistol I've yet experienced.

 

[pblanc]

To my knowledge, only the small sized subcompact P250/320 grip module comes without a rail. I have read that some have removed the rail from other grip modules with dremels.

The "carry" sized P320 is a compact slide/barrel on a full-sized grip module which takes the full-sized magazines.

The compact sized P320 slide/barrel can also be used with a subcompact grip module. The slide will overhang the grip module by about 3/8" and there will be a very small gap between the "dust cover" of the grip module and the "spring box" at the end of the slide, but this does not seem to affect function in any way.

The full-sized P320 magazines can be used in either the compact or subcompact grip modules. The compact magazines can be used in the subcompact grip modules. XGRIP makes magazine extender sleeves that can be used on full-sized mags in compact grip modules and compact mags in subcompact grip modules.

If you are primarily interested in concealability, a compact upper on a subcompact grip module is a reasonable option. The slide will be only about 3/8" longer but the shorter, no-rail subcompact grip module is much less obtrusive. And you can still use the longer compact magazines. I bought a subcompact grip module and two subcompact P320 magazines for just over $100 over the internet. Switching the fire control unit from one grip module to the other becomes quite quick and easy once you have done it a few times.

 

[wojownik]

Thanks all - I have a family of p228s and p229s (and p6's) in 9mm, so going subcompact may be what I want to do (both for a change, and for additional concealability).

Any other observations about the p320 subcompact?

 

[JellyJar]

Why dremel off the rails? I have a P250sc with rails which I don't use but they are of no bother either.