West German Sig P226

[sabbfan]

I have a guy interested in trading me a west German 226 dated 1984. I’m not real SIG savvy but do know the older ones used a stamped slide unlike the new ones. My question is if I get it I’d like to suppress it someday, do the older ones use the same barrels as the newer ones? It seems threaded barrels are plentiful for the 226’s but am unsure of the compatibility. I’m tempted to trade regardless since I’ve always wanted one, I’d be trading an AR I rarely shoot.

 

[sabbfan]

For a follow up question, are parts like grips, SRT triggers and whatnot compatible with the older ones. I know the West German ones have some collector value with some people but I’m more of a shooter than a collector and would hate to find parts are difficult and expensive to find versus a newer one.

 

[Rubber_Duck]

For a West German P226 I recommend the P226 parts kit from Top Gun Supply. It includes the inner and outer breech block roll pins critical to keeping the legacy 2-piece slides together safely. They should be replaced every 5k rounds. I have a 1988 P226 on its 5th set of springs and still going strong. The only mods I’ve done to it is a short reset kit, 18-pound mainspring, and Trijicon HD night sights.

Also, always use grease on SIG frame rails, not oil.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

For a follow up question, are parts like grips, SRT triggers and whatnot compatible with the older ones. I know the West German ones have some collector value with some people but I’m more of a shooter than a collector and would hate to find parts are difficult and expensive to find versus a newer one.

There have been significant changes over the years (Slide construction, external extractors, mainspring and seat, grip modules). Many internal parts and older grips are NOT compatible with current production P226's. Recommend you pass if you are looking to accessorize or modify the pistol and search for a newer one.

On the other hand, a vintage P226 is a joy to own and shoot just the way it is- if the grip fits you.

 

[1KPerDay]

There have been significant changes over the years. Most internal parts and older grips are NOT compatible with current production P226's. Recommend you pass if you are looking to accessorize or modify the pistol and search for a newer one.

Name some parts that aren't compatible other than the mainspring strut and associated grips.

 

[1KPerDay]

To the OP I'd make that trade. Barrels will fit FYI. German P226 is the best pistol ever made IMO.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Name some parts that aren't compatible other than the mainspring strut and associated grips.

Well, those are significant right there, but extractors for another- pretty sure firing pins as well.

I would include all the vintage P series as excellent, just wouldn't go modding them to death, but that's just me.

 

[1KPerDay]

Well, those are pretty significant right there, but extractors for another.

You can put the new strut/seat and new grip type on older pistols. You can put new barrels in older pistols. Which is what the OP was asking about. You can put new slides with new extractors on old frames if desired. You made it sound like nothing was compatible.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

You can put the new strut/seat and new grip type on older pistols. You can put new barrels in older pistols. Which is what the OP was asking about. You can put new slides with new extractors on old frames if desired. You made it sound like nothing was compatible.

Sure, if you have a spare slide laying around.

You can drop an LS6 in a '69 Z28 if too, if you are willing to spend the time and money. Whatever, don't want to argue, but if the OP is looking for easy availability and drop-in compatibility with current production P226 parts and accessories, don't you think he would be better served with a newer pistol than an '84?

 

[sabbfan]

I wouldn’t be looking to mod it too much, my main concern other than the threaded barrel someday for fun would be making it more compatible for my smaller hands. Haven’t shot one before but wanted to be able to put the shorter trigger or thinner/e2 grips on if the trigger reach proved to be too long for my less than large mitts.

 

[sabbfan]

Some of the pictures he sent, looks like it’s in pretty good shape.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

View attachment 820033 View attachment 820032 Some of the pictures he sent, looks like it’s in pretty good shape.

If 1K says the newer mainspring assemblies (necessary to change to later grip designs) are retrofittable to vintage frames, I will believe it, but just be aware that there is more to a grip swap on those than 4 screws....

Still, they are fantastic pistols and it may be worth the extra expense if it gives you a gun that fits you.

 

[1KPerDay]

I'd keep it stock personally. Does he have the original trigger? The one pictured is the short trigger which might actually be preferable if you have smaller hands.

 

[9mmepiphany]

Some of the pictures he sent, looks like it’s in pretty good shape.

Ohhhhh... orange box. I'd pick that up in a heartbeat...I love the original checkered grip panels

You also already have the Short (thinner) trigger...it would be nice if he has the original trigger

 

[Rubber_Duck]

I should add that I installed the modern E2 hammer strut and mainspring seat in my 1988 P226 so yes they are compatible given the right combination of parts. This was necessary to fit any weight of current mainsprings from Wolff since the legacy style springs are longer and no longer made.

For newer grips you would need the newer style trigger return spring as the vintage style only fits under the West German grips.

 

[Old Dog]

View attachment 820033 View attachment 820032 Some of the pictures he sent, looks like it’s in pretty good shape.

Looks to have a bit of holster wear, but the frame rails look really good; if the rails on the slide are as good, a keeper.

 

[Rubber_Duck]

Here is my JJ date code P226:

 

[sabbfan]

Looks like I’m set to meet him Sunday, if everything checks out I’ll update with some more pictures when I get it home. Thanks for the advice!