PD trades- pistols

A

ATTICUS

New member
I was looking at some police trade-ins (Sig 226's) yesterday at a local shop. Most of them were in decent shape with normal holster wear, but I have to admit that I don't know much about Sigs, and wasn't sure what to look for. Most of them had night sights, that are probably dead or close to it, not a big deal, but I am concerned with normal wear and tear. The price was $499 for any of them. Are these pistols Energizer bunnies that keep going and going, or is there a risk of weakened slides- shot out barrels etc? Any tips on what to look for?
 
I used to handle quite a few LE handguns. A fair number of them were far worse on the inside than external appearances would indicate. Some that looked beat up, shiny etc on the outside were fine guns. Had been carried by a gunny who took care of the tools. Worst was a backup gun that had been carried by a suit for two years without being fired. Looked great but was a corrosion mess internally and could not be fired without a lot of work.

Examine carefully.

Sam
 
Police trade-ins are usually worn on the outside, but in good mechanical shape due to not being shot a whole lot. I have two pistols which used to be PD guns: a Beretta 92FS and a SIG P226. The Beretta has minor holster wear on the barrel and a few dings and scratches on the frontstrap, but looks pristine on the inside. The SIG I have was probably never issued, as it doesn't even have holster wear.
 
Atticus, I don't know what the price difference is between getting a brand new model, or buying used, but unless it's a substantial amount... let's say measured in the HUNDREDS of dollars, or 1/2 price, I prefer to buy new.

The advantage of new is that you can start, from day one, to treat the gun YOUR way, and know for absolutely certain that it has not been misused, abused, or ill used.

Just my two cents.
 
Definately go over a plolice trade in as careful or more carefully than you would any other used gun. Some cops love their guns as much as we do. Others are like my brother.
 
I haven't priced sigs lately, but when I bought my 229 a few years ago, it was around 600 bucks, and I remember the 229 going for more than the 226. My point is that I'd price some new ones before I'd drop 499 on a police trade in. Check www.auctionarms.com and www.gunbroker.com for prices.
 
I looked at a LOT of pistols today (so I might be confused) but one new P226 that I saw was around $800, and a used P223 was $625. I looked at a CZ 75 PCR compact and was REAL impressed. It was going for about $400 new. Thanks
 
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