1911 or SIG 220?

V

vanfunk

New member
I know this is a Proustian dilemma, but I need some assistance from the all-knowing collective. I feel like a road-weary journeyman, on bended knee before the Oracle of Delphi...
Anyway, this weekend I'm going to buy either a recent-manufacture Colt Gov't model (stainless enhanced) or a new SIG P220. I have owned both before, and have loved them, but let them get away for various reasons. Due to speculation about the financial future of Colt, the 1911 is a bit more expensive than the SIG. The SIG, I'm guessing, will have the edge on the Colt in the areas of out-of-the-box accuracy and dependability. The Colt is eminently upgradeable and customizeable. The 1911 feels better in my hand, but the SIG hardly feels like a brick. What am I going to do with this thing? Just shoot it. It'll be my "little bit carry, little bit rock n' roll" piece, with a nod to Donny and Marie Osmond. But I digress again. Currently I have no 1911 pattern pistol. I have double action automatics. I have a yearning to own these pieces. The real solution is to buy both of course, but I can't do that right now. Please, please, please, what should it be?
Thanks to all who respond.
vanfunk

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semper ubi sub ubi
 
I vote for the 220. From what I have seen the reliability and lack of ammo sensitivity gives it the edge. Was amazed to see one feedin full wadcutters. Plus it seems to shoot where I am lookin and I don't own an autoloader.

Have owned dozens of autoloaders in the past and carried a 1911 for years.

Sam...my favorite 9mm is the 9X32R
 
Both are fine weapons but if you plan to buy both eventually I would go for the 1911 first since you stated you have no 1911 design in your posession and already own various other DA pistols. Diversify and go for the Colt or any of the other offerings from manufacturers of the 1911 design such as Springfield Armory and Kimber to save a few bucks.

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Rick
 
1911

Infinite upgrade possibilites or plain ole box stock fun.

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Son
1911 Addiction
"The tree of liberty will grow only when watered by the blood of tyrants."
 
My vote is the 1911, for the simple fact that it is fully customizeable, unlike the Sig. The Sig is a great gun, but the 1911 can be made to fit YOUR needs and likes. Sounded like you are leaning towards the 1911 in your post, but I could be wrong. Since you stated you already have some DA pistols I would go for the 1911. Nothing feels better in my hands! You won't be disappointed! Diversify your collection! Good luck!
 
I would get the P220 first. If you want a 1911 style pistol, save yourself some money and get a Springfield or Kimber 1911. Either of these pistols will be more accurate and reliable than a Colt out of the box and are just as customizable. Remember, Colt's Manufacturing is a bit like some fire departments. 100 years of tradition uninterupted by progress. However, if you feel the need to put some gunsmiths' kid through college, buy the Colt.

Either way, happy shooting.
smileyshot2.gif


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Guns cause crime like spoons cause Rosie O'Donnell to be fat!

I hunt, therefore I am.
 
That's a tough call. I prefer the 220 because it's just a great out of the box handgun. I'm personally not comfortable with a cocked and locked carry gun, but that's just me.
 
Greetings; Most TFL'ers know what I going to say; even before I say it!!! :) Get the Sig
P220A first, you won't regret it. :) Then,
after all is said and done if you still show
affection for the 1911; I'd purchase a NIB
Springfield loaded model. Just my thought's.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
vanfunk; I don't have any 1911's and I'm a big Sig fan, however, since you have other DA auto's why not get a 1911 style? I would. Best Regards, J. Parker
 
Hmmm, tough question. For myself, I would take the 1911, but if your talking about handguns in the same price range, I would take a $600 220 over a $600 1911 any day.

To suit your "little bit Rock'n'Roll little bit..." needs, definitely get a Sig 220. In the mean time, rather than buy a box stock new Colt, why not find a used 1911 and make a project out of it ? I think that would be more fun and rewarding, especially if you already have handguns to fill the role of self defense.
 
Unless you just want to spend more money on the original weapon, then spend more making it "finally fit you just right" and with acceptable accuracy, I would get the SIG first as it gives you the accuracy and dependability for half the price (upgrades included). Later on you can get the 1911 and spend all of that money to finally make it shoot as good as the SIG.

Your magazine capacity will be the same on both weapons as will the caliber question. The real differences are in safety and trigger issues as well as out of the box accuracy and dependability.

If it is to carry, as you mentioned, which one do you trust your life with, as is, without the modifications? That would be high on my list of questions. Sure you can modify the 1911 over the years but you might be dead before that time arrived if it stovepipes of jams.

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The best weapon for self defense is the one you have when the need arises!
 
My friend just picked up his Springfield loaded stainless. It was all over the place and the sites were WAY off at 25yrds...7 o'clock outside the 10 ring. He adjusted it and it shot better but groups were inconsistant. probably needs a case of ammo to break in. The same friend on the first clip of a brand new never shot p220 of another friend, grouped a solid sub 2" hole. Out of the box the Sig rules, although the glocks are the same way in my experience.
 
Thanks to all for your helpful and rational responses! In answer to the respondents who wonder why I'm not considering the Kimber or Springfield 1911's, it's because they're just not available where I live (MA). I've owned a Kimber custom in the past, and I just didn't warm to it. I also don't have an affection for the "boxy" Springfield frames. Colt 1911's are available, and there are a couple of NIB pre '98 examples in my favorite gunshop. New MA-compliant SIG's are readily available now, and priced in the low to mid 600's. It's a neck-and-neck race right now, with the SIG leading the Colt by 1 vote! I'm still undecided. This is a toughie. Thanks so much for your help so far! vanfunk

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semper ubi sub ubi
 
I'd do the Colt. They may not be available as the SIG soon, and IMO has a better trigger.
 
vanfunk, I'm basing this on how things normally work for me, which is, if there's two things I want, I'll eventually get both, so the real question is "Which one first." Given where you are, and the situation in MA, I'd definitely go for the Colt. They will be more expensive, and harder to find later, especially in MA. Sigs are great guns, but the prices and availability of them probably won't change much in the next year or two.
Eric
 
You cannot go wrong with either choice, IMO.

I'd go with the 1911. It is a true classic by any definition.
 
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