SIG 220 vs Beretta 92FS

N

NSaine

New member
Thinking these days that I'd like to give DA/SA pistols another chance to join my collection of 1911s and Glocks. I really like the appearance of the Beretta 92 series, very pretty gun. The SIG appeals to me from a caliber standpoint though. I may end up getting both eventually and will probably buy the one that feels best in my hand first. I reload and feed my 1911s a steady diet of 200 gr SWC. Does the SIG employ polygonal rifling that would prevent using my lead handloads? I generally do not reload 9mm as it is so cheap and do not car if the Beretta has poly rifling. Any other differences besides safety configuration I should be aware of?

Please do not suggest other guns to consider (Cougar, 96, 228, 229, whatever). I have narrowed it to these two, that's that.
 
I assume you are aware of the Beretta 92 Brigader model with a heavier slide, the elite model with a stainless barrel and padded magazine floorplate, Border Marshal model which I don't know much about. There are a few variations of the 92, I have the original 92fs and it is a very sweet gun, either choice you make will be a good one.

Greg
 
Yes sir. I did consider those models briefly, but that beefed up slide with the humps kinda wrecks the elegant lines of the original IMNSHO.
 
Does the SIG employ polygonal rifling that would
prevent using my lead handloads?
They answer is no.I feed my 220 a steady diet of cast 185's and 200 gr LSWC.I allso took some 185's and loaded them backwards in a case.(no primer or powder)My sig cycles them with no problem.This gun is stone stock.Not many guns stock guns will do this.I can't brag on the 220 too much.It is a fine firearm and if it fits you buy one.You will not be sorry.

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Age and deceit will overcome youth and speed.
I'm old and deceitful.
 
If I had to choose one, I'd go with the Beretta. Mine is a stainless italian version. I also have a 229, so I don't have anything against sigs.

I just prefer the capacity, ease of obtaining hi-caps, availability of holsters, reliability (I've found it utterly reliable), shootability, and good looks of the Beretta. Finally, some prefer a safety, which the Beretta has.
 
I'm not sure why you're comparing a P220 to a 92FS. The former is single stack, most often seen in 45 (although PW Arms brought quite a few pistols converted from 38 Super to 9mm). The P226 compares much better to the 92FS. The P226 can be had in 9mm and preban mags aren't difficult to get (www.cdnninvestments.com sells for $60). 92FS prebans are less expensive, so that's something to consider.

In my experience both P226s and 92FSs have been 100% reliable, with the former taking the edge in accuracy. Both are tested designs with a large record of service. You can't go wrong with either. I prefer the P226 because of the frame mounted decock lever and the position of the slide release.

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So many pistols, so little money.
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Tecolote:
I'm not sure why you're comparing a P220 to a 92FS.
[/quote]

Because these are the two that I have narrowed my choice down too. My own goofy little preferences and philosophies. If I am going to buy a DA/SA 9mm it will be a 92. If I am going to buy a DA/SA .45 it will be a SIG. No thanks on the 226.
 
I have both in my collection. I would go with the 220 because sigs have nicer trigger pulls and sights. Berettas are great guns and if you have a trigger job done on them they are every bit as accurate as sigs. But their stock triggers have a lot of room for improvement. I also prefer the 45 to the 9mm even if I only get 9 45's to 16 9mm's. However I would fell well armed with either. My faviorate defensive firearm is a GLock 31 it has magnum power with 16 rounds.
PAT

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I intend to go into harms way.
 
By the way I forgot to mention the sig 220 is the most reliable 45 I own it has never jammed with over 10000 rounds of JHPs. lead semi waddcuters and some ball ammo. My USP has malfundtioned on me once with a +p round and a bunch of times with UMC 230 grain ball. It has been reliable with every thing else. My KImber does not like Lead wadcutters that much and MY department issue Glock 21 had been fine so far but I only have about 500 rounds through it. I have yet to have the sig not go bang when its supposed too.
PAT

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I intend to go into harms way.
 
NSaine, I may have a quirk but my Sig P220 doesn't like lead and it doesn't like 200 gr jacketed SWCs. It leads up quickly and doesn't feed the later reliably . Other than this it is a fine weapon. It is totally reliable with jacketed rounds other the afore mentioned bullets. Regards, Richard.
 
NSaine,

Would be inclined towards the Beretta. I have the 92 Brigadier in 9mm and it is sweet. It is a large gun for the caliber, but IMO it slightly nudges the P 220. Both are excellent pistols and you will be well served by either.

Mike
 
The question is sort of like asking "BHP or 1911?"

The answer is:
Yes!

You ruled out the P226, but one advantage of (eventually) owning both the P220 and the P226 is that the manual of arms and other training matters (and even many of the parts) are identical. This is not a dig at the 92, but at least in my mind an advantage of keeping it all within one system/family.
 
I've also got both the P220 and the 92FS. Like them both. What do you want the gun for? If it is for CCW then go with the P220 even though it is not "easily" concealable. However, the 92FS is a very big gun and not as flat as the P220.

If you want the hi cap then go with the Beretta. Both of mine are more than acceptable for accuracy, ease of disassembly and maintenance.

As far as diferences, the Sig de-cocker still allows you a DA first shot without manipulatin any thing else. The Beretta actually puts the weapon on safe and you have to manually remove the safety in order to fire.



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The best weapon for self defense is the one you have when the need arises!
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by sks:
What do you want the gun for? If it is for CCW then go with the P220 even though it is not "easily" concealable.
[/quote]

Just to have and shoot. I figure I need an example of DA/SA action in my collection for when I take new shooters to the range. While I don't particularly care for double action pistols, they might, and perhaps it would bring them into the fold quicker.

My carry gun is a Glock, doubt that will ever change.
 
Might I suggest that you base your decision on price and availability this time, since it doesn't seem like either one will disappoint you? I think the 92 is a bit cheaper than the 220, or if that doesn't matter then you could just look for a good deal on one or the other and snap up the first good deal you find.

Personally, I just got a used P220 (the old style, made in W. Germany) and I am giddy. I love this thing. It has eaten everything I can think of to feed it and has been VERY accurate in my hands--under 4" at 15 yards. I realize that's no great shakes to a lot of you, but I am pretty new to centerfire handguns and was not aware that I was capable of those groups as a shooter until I tried the 220.
 
If you don't already have a SIG, choose the 220. SIG's are like Lay's potato chips...you can't have just one. I echo the comments about the 220A(and the rest of the SIG's) being one of the best, if not the best firearm, out-of-the-box, on the market. Get the 220 and you may just change your mind about the 226 the next time you have change in your pocket and thoughts of a new acquisition on your mind....Dan in GA
 
I also own both a 220 and a 92FS. If it came down to where I could only have one of them, that would be an easy choice. Without hesitation it would be the 220, no question it's the nicest pistol I've ever owned. At 25 feet it'll put all 7 in one ragged hole.

:)

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bullet placement is gun control
 
I was a bad wittle boy and bought both plus a Bushmaster. Unexpected company bonus.
Hoo-rah!

Thanks for all the input.
 
NSaine,
I can't speak for the 92F, but can tell you that you will love both the 220 and the Bush. Great guns, lot's of fun. My 220 goes everywhere except accross the border into Juarez, Mexico with me. Really wish I could take it there, as that is one of the most likely places that I could have a need for it.
Enjoy,
Bill
 
Isn't SIG P220 also made in 9mm Parabellum (9 rounds, I think).

I thought that the SIG P225 originated as a smaller SIG P220. If so, how much bigger is P220 than the P225? And, what is the trigger reach/grip circumference like on the P220 (9mm P)?

Skorzeny

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For to win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the supreme excellence. Sun Tzu
 
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