Sig 290RS

I have one I like very much. It's different than most small 9mms. Very short, very concealable. True hammer-fired DAO. Trigger is long but smooth like a really nice da recolver pull. Quite accurate. Well-built. No safety (unneeded) or magazine disconnect. A bit heavier than its size would imply likely because its sub-frame is stainless steel. Has never gained the following I think it deserves. Sig is only showing one model at the moment, the basic nitron, which is the best version to get, IMO, anyway. The two tone brushed stainless version is on sale at Davidson's till tomorrow. If you are ok with a revolver-like DAO pistol, it is a good choice IMO.

http://www.galleryofguns.com/genie/...ol:+Semi-Auto&cal=All&fin=&sit=&zipcode=62221
 
Last edited:
I've been thinking about getting a 290RS for some time now. The four or five that I have shot were all very accurate. 10 yards was as far as I shot any of them and 5 yards produced one hole groups.

I like the 8 round extended magazine. It gives enough length to feel comfortable to my hands. I has very good quality and the trigger pull is long but, smooth and not too heavy. The RS models had some internals updated for the re-strike capability and improved reliability.

I like the DOA with a hammer for CC especially, when AIWB cross draw.
 
I frequently carry one. I'm actually pretty good with it to 25 yards, much better than I thought I would be.

I did not find the trigger to be very smooth at first. I thought it was kind of gritty, and VERY heavy. It has improved with time, rounds down range, and dry fire. The trigger reach is short, and length of pull is long. So I find myself straining to make it break at the end of the trigger pull as I have some giant mitts. I have taken to it, but if you have huge hands it will be an adjustment.
 
I got so wrapped up in my critique of the trigger that I failed to mention that it is a fine firearm in every other manner. I've had zero malfunctions of any kind, it is very nice sized, very very accurate for the size, and even the weight is about perfect. It has enough heft to help a little with recoil, but not so much that you notice it. Almost small enough for pocket carry... but not quite. Very comfy IWB though.

Pardon my trigger pull rant silliness :o
 
I have one and it has been a great little pistol that is way more accurate and reliable than it should be. Nice to be able to slip something in a back pocket when you run to the store for a gallon of milk. Only problem I've had with it is the front sight is dead so I have to send the slide back and have the vial replaced. I've shot DA revolvers since I was a kid so the trigger is very serviceable.
 
I'm looking for a little 9mm and I shot one a while back and I liked it a lot. I had no problems with the trigger or anything else. I've seen some deals on the larger P250 and P320 subcompacts and the P320 a local guy is trying to sell me is tempting, but he wants too much, IMHO for the gun and 2 mags. I offered a couple of trades and cash, but he's probably not going for them. Hopefully, tax time won't be a horror story, and I can buy one soon after.
 
I have one that I use for CC when I need a really short bbl. and 9mm capability. That said, it's got Sig quality built in and accuracy too. 7 yd groups run to an inch from a Weaver stance with my 70 yo eyes doing the steering.

It is a heavy gun however, definitely not a 'pocket' pistol by any means short of a heavy winter parka. I just weighed mine at 24 oz. fully loaded with a 6-round mag. I carry it in an OWB holster that rides high on the belt line. Mine has Sig's version of tritium sights...a definite plus for any defensive handgun in my opinion. The grip is short with the 6-round magazine in place, allowing only a two-fingered hold, but I've found that's good enough to get those 1" gps. previously mentioned.

I do have a pair of 8-round mags with the poly grip extender that allows a full grip by the shooting hand, but in reality, they do not improve accuracy...however the gun does feel more secure in the hand.

Reliability has been ~100%, but only after it went back to Sig for light firing pin strikes. Mine is the early model, a P290 without the re-strike capability...I don't feel that particular feature is really needed since I train to clear any malfunctions at first indication. I don't attempt a 2nd trigger pull feeling that this is a waste of truly valuable time. Analyze, tap & rack is a response IMO.

Nor do I have the available laser attached to mine, since it's a belt gun, and I use it for CC, not as a night stand home defense weapon.

One drawback, for me at least, is that the P290 does not take down using the usual Sig take down lever. Instead, you have to align a take down notch with the slide stop pin to do it; a two-handed dextrous operation that's a PITA for me. A review of the take down can be found on U-tube and I strongly suggest you look at one before breaking the gun down for cleaning.

All in all, I like it for the niche it fills in my daily carry regimen. Here's a pic in one of my holsters carrying in the FBI 3:30-4:00 position.

That about does it, HTH's Rod

 
So whatcha think there Rjeezie?
Click to expand...


Like what everybody has to say. Itll neon my list. I'm going to head out to the range and test about 4-5 9's to see what feels good and comfortable in the hand and how they feel to me when I shoot.
 
I realize this thread is about a month old. However, I am looking at replacing my Keltec P3AT .380 for a 9mm.

Seeing there are many of you that own a P290RS, I was wondering if you believe the P290RS could be worn in the pocket holster in the link below in jeans pockets, dress pants pockets and shorts pockets? Both front and rear pockets. Do you think it would be too tight in a rear dress pants pocket?

http://pocketholsters.com/Sig_P238-290_Pocket_Holster_/sig_p238-290_pocket_holster_.html
 
I have a P290RS. I have tried it as a pocket gun, but like some of the other posters, I find it just a bit too large and heavy. But I guess it depends on the size of your pockets and your tolerance for the weight. It would not be my first choice to carry in that holster you linked. I'd go with an S&W .380 Bodyguard in that role.

My opinions P290RS are:

Pros:
  • It is one of the most compact 9mm +P autos out there.
  • It is very safe, but there is no safety to have to fool with.
  • It is well made.
  • It points naturally and I've found I can hit really well with it at close range point shooting, better than I can with a snubby. I also thing that is the most likely mode of SD shooting.
  • I have never had a FTF or FTE in hundreds of rounds, with a variety of ammo.
  • I generally have carried snubby revolvers. I think of the P290RS as a snubby that has greater capacity and is quicker to reload.
  • I find I shoot it better with a two-finger grip. I have some of the longer mags with the pinky extension and I find the extension is at an odd angle that makes me change up my grip. I remove the extensions on the longer mags so my grip is more consistent.
.
Cons:
  • The trigger takes a lot of getting used to, not just the pull, but the close distance between the back of the grip and the trigger. I have to modify my grip from what I would normally use on an auto. I'm considering getting a Galloway trigger for it in the hope that helps.
  • I have had light primer strikes with remanufactured ammo. I sent it in to Sig and they said there was nothing wrong with it. It's true that Sig does not recommend anything but new ammo, but I think any high-quality gun should be able to dent any primer out there.
 
Seeing there are many of you that own a P290RS, I was wondering if you believe the P290RS could be worn in the pocket holster in the link below in jeans pockets, dress pants pockets and shorts pockets? Both front and rear pockets. Do you think it would be too tight in a rear dress pants pocket?
Click to expand...
Too heavy in my opinion...mine rides in an OWB open top holster. IN a heavy winter jacket pocket, it might be ok.

As to the trigger pull, it's revolver like in that it's long. I don't use the quick reset that many find useful in Glocks etc., so that might help.

Rod
 
Thanks for posting jmf552 and rodfac. Weight in the past hasn't been a problem for me. Matter of fact, I used to carry an XDSC .40 in a pocket holster that went in a front pocket. Thus, at one time I carried both the XDSC and the P3AT at the same time and always had my P229 .40 nearby in a briefcase, or desk drawer or on the night stand. I stopped carrying the XDSC in dress pants when the pockets started getting smaller. I always carry even in my house when I may be wearing gym shorts.

I was thinking the P290RS might be able to work better in my situation. That it might fit better in dress pants pockets as well as gym shorts. I've called around at LGS and no one has one in inventory. I guess I will stop by a LGS when I travel out of town to try to find one.

Again, thanks for your inputs!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top