Compare and contrast: SigPro and the P-226, etc

L

Long Path

New member
Howdy, y'all.

I must confess a certain ignorance of Sig pistols. I've shot a couple, most notably the P220 and the P228, but I'm just not really versed in them. This, I'm trying to change.

What really strikes me about the Sigs is their impressive accuracy for a servicable field gun. Their reputation is also most impressive. However, I'm very much on a budget (full-time student/rookie cop/single income supporter of a family), and they're just darned expensive. So I was impressed when I saw a flyer at work the other day for local gun shop that was offering the "SigPro" for $400. (Less for departments)

"$400?" sez I, "That's actually getting on towards AFFORDABLE!" So I started checking out this new pistol. What was it? Was it comparable to a P226? Well, no. Maybe. Yes?

Some differences: Biggest is that the dadgummed thing's plastic! Well, the frame is "polymer." The overall lengths are slightly different. (P226:7.7" SigPro: 7.36") The Overall height is different (P226: 5.5", SigPro: 5.67"). The overall weight is different. (P226: 30.6 oz, SigPro: 27.2oz) Barrel length is different. (P226: 4.4" SigPro: 3.86)

So what else is the difference? It looks like it basically falls between the P226 and the P229.

What about the accuracy? What about the reliability? Is it "coarser" than the finely-made P226 (or 210)?

Help me, folks?

While we're at it, who can tell me the difference between the P228 and the P229 9mm?

Best,

L.P.
 
I have a 226, 229 and 2340 Sig Pro, and I like the Sig Pro just as well as the others. Size-wise, you're right that it falls between those other 2 models. It handles well, and and mine shoots POA.

With respect to accuracy, I shot a 1 3/4" group with it at 25 yds using range reloads on Sun, which is as good as I can do personally, so the pistol may be even better. No jams, FTF or any other problems in the approx. 500 rds I've put through it. In other words, it works like a Sig.

The major cost difference between the Pro and the comparable metal models is due primarily to material costs and manufacturing technique (cheaper and easier to mold polymer than cast/machine metal), and it's as well-made as the others, incl. a machined SS slide. It was designed from the start to be a lower-cost model w/out sacrificing Sig quality. The Polymer frame bodes well for reliability as well. The near-stranglehold that Glock has on the polymer market for both civies and LEO's has made the Sig Pro slower to take hold, and has led to some "rock-bottom" pricing, Sig-wise.

My understanding is that the 229 was designed and built around the .40, and then the .357 Sig and 9 mm were added later. 229 frame is German, slide US-made. The earlier-designed 228 has always been a 9 mm model of totally German manufac.

As an aside, I'd go for either the .40 or .357 Sig version (2340) of the Pro instead of the 9 mm (2009); you can swap .357 and .40 bbl in the 2340 and I think there are aftermarket 9 mm bbl now as well, but the 2009 is 9mm forever.

Check out http://gunnery.net/sig/index.html for a lot of useful Sig stuff.
 
The Sigpro is nice. When they first came out, I got a chance to shoot one and the accuracy, reliability, and ergonomics were there, but the trigger pull wasn't as good as the classic. It wasn't bad, just not the pristine pull I expected like on the classic. Lots of "classic" P-series Sig owners didn't care for it and I think it's because the classic Sig is a tough act to follow and polymer hasn't bitten everybody yet.

Newer Sigpro's have a really good trigger pull, better than some classic ones I've handled. The takedown procedure is different than on classic models, but if you're used to a 1911, it's no big deal. Try one if you can. They're made in Switzerland so the quality is there and it shows. In the price range you mentioned, which is good for a Sigpro, it's either a NIB Sigpro or possibly a used P-series.

The Sigpro doesn't have 10+ round capacity mags unless you're LE. The only large cap mag guns in the Sig series are the P228 in 9mm 13+1, P226 in 9mm 15+1 or 12+1 in .40/.357Sig (LE), P229 12+1 in .40/.357Sig 13+1 in 9mm.

The difference between the P229 9mm and P228 9mm is that the P229 has a stainless steel machined slide, short slide serrations, external ejector, no roll pins in the slide, while the P228 has a folded carbon steel slide and roll pins in the slide to keep things together.

The P229 is slightly heavier and wider in the slide; originally designed around the .40 round and is built like a tank, also available in 9mm. If you get a P229, P226, or Sigpro I'd get a .40/.357Sig because you can switch to .40/.357Sig and 9mm by just switching barrels as was mentioned.

Also check out: www.sigarms.com www.sigforum.com www.easterncannon.com
 
I work part-time at a gun shop, and I can tell you that of the four or five Sig Pro's that we have sold EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM had to go back for some reason. The owner stopped carrying them shortly thereafter.

Personally, I didn't care for the trigger and other ergonomics before I found out about that happening.

My advice: save the extra $100 and get the real deal.
 
Bob, I REALLY didn't want to hear you say that...!

KOG-- Great input! Especially the difference between the 228 and the 229.

Treeprof-- No offense (I very much appreciate any and all help), but "500 rounds" is hardly a drop in the bucket to me. That's just over a day's shooting. I really need a bit longer sampling to make sure that it's not the Mazerati of pistols. (runs nice, but is a shop queen.)

Anyone else got any more input?
 
I haven't shot the Sig-Pro, but I've handled it on numerous occassions. I don't like the grip. It's thick and spongy feeling. While I think the P-Series grips (the rough plastic ones with the model number) are some of the best on the market, the Sig-Pro's grip was horrible.
 
I think you can get a very good deal on a Sigpro 2340 on the classifieds section of sigforum.com right now. There is one for sale/trade with only 200rds fired. You may want to check.
 
Didn't mean to rain on anyone's parade. Just wanted to tell the truth about the products.

I absolutely love Sig's original lines, and I mean every last one of them. The SigPro is a blip on the radar that ought to go away, in my opinion. Stay with what works AND sells. Their guns are the best out-of-the-box as far as accuracy goes among auto-loaders, in my opinion.

In other words, if it ain't broke, don't fix it!
 
I have a Sigpro in .40 cal and just recently bought a drop in barrel in 357sig for it. The gun is great very accurate too I have had it for about 5 months and shot about 500 rounds thru it without a jam!! I would say buy it.. Just my opinion
 
Don't give up looking for a P series sig...I just got a used P229 two tone 9mm for $450, I thought I'd never find one to fit my budget, I'm a poor college student...I was about to get a ruger p95 when I found this deal.

So keep looking, hopefully you can find a good deal.

~bamf
 
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