Sig Sauer P220 SA/DA vs SAO

[jawman]

Hey everyone.

I'm looking to purchase my first firearm, and I'm thinking of going with Sig's P220. The gun would be for shooting at the local ranges and at the farm, as well as home defense obviously. My father, my uncle, grandfather, and my (possibly) future father in law all shoot, and I have gone shooting with them quite a few times, and I've always enjoyed shooting .45s. I've done quite a bit of research online, reading up on reviews and the like, and the P220 seems like a fine firearm. I also really like the way it looks too, so that helps. However I'm not sure if I should be getting the standard safetyless DA/SA version with decocker, or the SAO version with safety. I won't be able to carry as I live in Illinois unfortunately and it's one of the few states that do not allow concealed carry. I'd like a gun with a safety, but I'd also like it to be able to shoot DA and SA as I'd like to be able to practice shooting a DA trigger. I've also heard that the SAO model is "buggy" compared to the standard version, and that there's not a lot of support for the SAO from both Sig and aftermarket parts either. Is this true or are most parts between the different models pretty similar and interchangeable? What do you guys think I should go with? What is your opinion on the two models? I've Googled "P220 da/sa vs sao" and have read many different forums and discussions on this very topic, and I still can't decide. Thanks in advance.

 

[dcarch]

Personally, I prefer SAO "cocked and locked" carry over DA/SA. I always prefer having a manual safety, if its an option. That being said, the standard DA/SA 220 looks like it has a lot more of a market share than any other variant of the 220, particularly the SAO. If popularity is an issue for you, then I wouldn't get the SAO. On the other hand, though, I have heard remarkable things about the accuracy of the 220 SAO. If I had the cash to drop on it, I would go with a SAO, but that's just me. Roll with what works best for you.

 

[MCMXI]

jawman, what model P220 are you thinking of buying? Have you fired or dry fired a P220 with a DA/SA trigger and SAO trigger? I have eight SIGs with DA/SA triggers and really like that setup, but I'm not going to suggest that you choose that configuration because I like it. You have to like it and be comfortable with it. All I can tell you is that there's no need for a safety with the DA/SA trigger since the 10lb DA pull is the safety. There's no way that you'll have a negligent discharge with a round in the chamber and hammer down.

As for SAO being "buggy" ... I don't know anything about that. There's certainly nothing "buggy" about the DA/SA trigger. You may want to check out the SRT DA/SA trigger available on models such as the Elite Dark.

 

[2zulu1]

Just wondering which model the OP decided upon?

For Christmas I'm going the SAO route.

 

[jawman]

I have not bought the gun yet, as I need to save the money for other obligations. However I have decided to go with the standard (DA/SA) P226. I'm going with 9mm as it's cheaper to shoot. I like the idea of being able to shoot the gun in both DA and SA.

 

[solvability]

The 226 is an excellent gun - I had a 220 and sold it - keep the 226 as a primary defensive pistol - you will be well served by the 226.