I'm looking at buying a 229 or 226 in 40 as a home defense weapon,on the premise that the da 1st shot might be a safer alternative in this situation.I'm interested in the sigs,but I love the fact I don't have to baby my glocks.I know the 229 has a stainless slide, does the 226?Also,I've heard that sigs have a history of frames cracking, is this true?How does the finish on the frame hold up?I also like hk,but I've heard bad things about their da trigger pulls.Any help is appreciated,Thanks...long shot!
Sig rust & frame cracking?
- Thread starter long shot
- Start date
Long shot,
I have two Sigs: a P-220 in .45 ACP and a P-226 both .40 S&W and .357 Sig with stainless slide. I have had zero -- absolutely no -- problems with either pistol.
There have been some reports re cracked frame assemblies; as I recall, some crack propagation problems were reported on TFL last year for Baltimore police issued weapons (I do not remember the "P" series pistol type, the caliber, or if proscribed loads were used).
All this said, I am convinced that if you use only ammunition specified by Sig Sauer -- no hotter rounds whether factory or reloads -- your Sig will outlive you. In addition, based on the experiences of TFL members, I have every confidence Sig will fix any problem not caused by gross mistreatment at no cost, even though their formal warrantee is much more limited.
To summarize, Sig "P" series pistols have reputation for outstanding quality, reliability durability, and accuracy. I suspect others who add to this thread will concur that this status is well deserved.
[This message has been edited by RWK (edited May 18, 2000).]
I have two Sigs: a P-220 in .45 ACP and a P-226 both .40 S&W and .357 Sig with stainless slide. I have had zero -- absolutely no -- problems with either pistol.
There have been some reports re cracked frame assemblies; as I recall, some crack propagation problems were reported on TFL last year for Baltimore police issued weapons (I do not remember the "P" series pistol type, the caliber, or if proscribed loads were used).
All this said, I am convinced that if you use only ammunition specified by Sig Sauer -- no hotter rounds whether factory or reloads -- your Sig will outlive you. In addition, based on the experiences of TFL members, I have every confidence Sig will fix any problem not caused by gross mistreatment at no cost, even though their formal warrantee is much more limited.
To summarize, Sig "P" series pistols have reputation for outstanding quality, reliability durability, and accuracy. I suspect others who add to this thread will concur that this status is well deserved.
[This message has been edited by RWK (edited May 18, 2000).]
Most new 226s have stainless steel slides, although there are still the stamped steel versions (in 9x19 only, btw) kicking around in distributors' warehouses.
Some SIGs do crack. Balt Co PD traded their 226s back to SIG for ___ (don't remember which model) because they had a relatively small number crack. However, the cracked frame pistols were determined by both BCPD and SIG to be completely safe, functional and reliable. In fact, even accuracy didn't degrade much. (Go figger.)
Mark Graham, aka "Gunplumber" at Ariz Response Systems, has said that the SIG finish on the frames is about as tough as it comes. The finish on the older slides, however is not. The new finish, Nitron, which can only be applied to SS, is apparently extremely tough (and good-looking).
Bottom line is, the SS slide pistols are about as sweat, whatever, resistant as your Glox. You are unlikely to ever damage the frame, but if you do, it will still shoot and shoot well, and SIG will replace it.
Good luck...
Some SIGs do crack. Balt Co PD traded their 226s back to SIG for ___ (don't remember which model) because they had a relatively small number crack. However, the cracked frame pistols were determined by both BCPD and SIG to be completely safe, functional and reliable. In fact, even accuracy didn't degrade much. (Go figger.)
Mark Graham, aka "Gunplumber" at Ariz Response Systems, has said that the SIG finish on the frames is about as tough as it comes. The finish on the older slides, however is not. The new finish, Nitron, which can only be applied to SS, is apparently extremely tough (and good-looking).
Bottom line is, the SS slide pistols are about as sweat, whatever, resistant as your Glox. You are unlikely to ever damage the frame, but if you do, it will still shoot and shoot well, and SIG will replace it.
Good luck...
Either the P229 or P226 will give you years of trouble free protection. You'll have little trouble with these models as they both have stainless slide (as other have said) that are treated with a proprietary Nitron finish. The Aluminum alloy frames will take all the abuse you care to dish out. Some early P226s and P220s had trouble with frame cracks, these were a tiny percentage of the pistols produced. SIG Sauer has subsequently re-enforced the frames. Make sure to check out the new home for SIG aficionados at www.sigforum.com
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So many pistols, so little money.
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So many pistols, so little money.
DOT The HALO Group
Inactive
I love the Sigs and put my life in their hands for over a decade. A new model will bring you years of enjoyable service. Don't be scared by the rusting or the cracking. I have seen a Sig so pitted it looked like swiss cheese, but they were the older models and exposed to salt water on a regular basis. The cracking of the frames and slides has subsequently been rectified by Sig and the new models are pieces of work.
However, don't be in any hurry to choose a Sig because of its first round double action capability. Remember cardinal rule #3 "Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target". In a high stress moment with your finger on any type of trigger SA/DA, you will slice through it as if it were not even there. DO NOT RELY ON IT AS A SAFETY. Inter-limb, startle effect, nerves to name a few could be the culprits of a negligent discharge. Choose the weapon because your are proficient and confident with it.
Later,
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www.thehalogroup.com
However, don't be in any hurry to choose a Sig because of its first round double action capability. Remember cardinal rule #3 "Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target". In a high stress moment with your finger on any type of trigger SA/DA, you will slice through it as if it were not even there. DO NOT RELY ON IT AS A SAFETY. Inter-limb, startle effect, nerves to name a few could be the culprits of a negligent discharge. Choose the weapon because your are proficient and confident with it.
Later,
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www.thehalogroup.com
I've heard of one frame cracking in Calif. What happened was the shooter was shooting +P ammo and managed to break the recoil spring (don't know how that was done). Well, the shooter (a cop) tosses out the shorter section, keeps the longer portion and continues shooting. Because of its weakened condition, the slide slams back extra fast and hard. Well, after a steady diet of this pounding, the frame cracked. It could have been prevented if the shooter replaced the spring. Sig was good natured about it and replaced the frame.
Stephen A. Camp
Staff In Memoriam
Hello. I'm not a particular fan of SIG-Sauer pistols, but recognize a "good" gun when I see and use it for years. I have a P220 (.45) and a P225. Both have had considerable rounds through them. Both are utterly reliable and the P220, exceptionally accurate right out of the box. Other comments made about SIG-Sauer's pistols' frames being beefed up are true and I think, but do not know for sure, that the early reports of frames cracking represented a very small percentage of handguns made. In short, I think it's very unlikely that the SIG-Sauer you might own will do anything other than what it's supposed to. Best.
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by long shot:
Also,I've heard that sigs have a history of frames cracking, is this true?![/quote]
The Baltimore County Police (Maryland) has had some concerns with cracks propogating on several of their older Sigs. They were using .40 caliber.
Since we haven't heard similar problems from other localities, this may indicate a bad lot of guns (my guess is the heat treat may have been out of spec). This also indicates a localized problem, meaning one particular lot sold to BCPD.
I'm not a Sig fan (just prefer Glocks), but if I wanted to buy a Sig, the BCPD problem wouldn't stop me.
Also,I've heard that sigs have a history of frames cracking, is this true?![/quote]
The Baltimore County Police (Maryland) has had some concerns with cracks propogating on several of their older Sigs. They were using .40 caliber.
Since we haven't heard similar problems from other localities, this may indicate a bad lot of guns (my guess is the heat treat may have been out of spec). This also indicates a localized problem, meaning one particular lot sold to BCPD.
I'm not a Sig fan (just prefer Glocks), but if I wanted to buy a Sig, the BCPD problem wouldn't stop me.
PLASTIC SIG
New member
I live in Baltimore. The balto. city police use glock 9mm. they are planning on moving to .40 S&W this year.
The balto. county police use Sig 226 9mm. Every cop ive ever spoke to loved their sigs. If someone had a problem with the frame cracking its probably because of cases like the one above, where the gun was abused.
My local shooting range torture these guns daily. They never clean them, ever ! And with all the diffrent users renting these guns they still have very few problems from them. The only ones ive ever seen are, the roll pins in the slides backing out and the trigger pins coming loose. In both cases the gun keeps on ticking.
I know alot of people with sigs including myself who have never had any problems. Trust the Sigs. They are tops !
Tim
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Why dont you get rid of that nickel plated sissy pistol and get yourself a glock. :::Tommy Lee Jones. U.S. Marshals:::
The balto. county police use Sig 226 9mm. Every cop ive ever spoke to loved their sigs. If someone had a problem with the frame cracking its probably because of cases like the one above, where the gun was abused.
My local shooting range torture these guns daily. They never clean them, ever ! And with all the diffrent users renting these guns they still have very few problems from them. The only ones ive ever seen are, the roll pins in the slides backing out and the trigger pins coming loose. In both cases the gun keeps on ticking.
I know alot of people with sigs including myself who have never had any problems. Trust the Sigs. They are tops !
Tim
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Why dont you get rid of that nickel plated sissy pistol and get yourself a glock. :::Tommy Lee Jones. U.S. Marshals:::
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Ezeckial:
Since we haven't heard similar problems from other localities, this may indicate a bad lot of guns (my guess is the heat treat may have been out of spec). This also indicates a localized problem, meaning one particular lot sold to BCPD.[/quote]
Ummm <g>, does it not suggest an even more likely "localized" problem, such as training, maintenance or ammo issues? I doubt that BCPD got the entire run of one bad lot??? <g>
Since we haven't heard similar problems from other localities, this may indicate a bad lot of guns (my guess is the heat treat may have been out of spec). This also indicates a localized problem, meaning one particular lot sold to BCPD.[/quote]
Ummm <g>, does it not suggest an even more likely "localized" problem, such as training, maintenance or ammo issues? I doubt that BCPD got the entire run of one bad lot??? <g>
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by JNewell:
Ummm <g>, does it not suggest an even more likely "localized" problem, such as training, maintenance or ammo issues? I doubt that BCPD got the entire run of one bad lot??? <g>
[/quote]
It is quite possible a lot (batch) may be sold to one entity such as Balto. County. This is especially possible when an organization purchases in quantity.
However, your comment concerning training, maintenance, etc. could also be applicable.
Ummm <g>, does it not suggest an even more likely "localized" problem, such as training, maintenance or ammo issues? I doubt that BCPD got the entire run of one bad lot??? <g>
[/quote]
It is quite possible a lot (batch) may be sold to one entity such as Balto. County. This is especially possible when an organization purchases in quantity.
However, your comment concerning training, maintenance, etc. could also be applicable.
Greetings All; I'm probably the #1 Sig fan
here on TFL. Everyone who knows me, know
that I love and prefer Sig's to anything
else! With that said, I currently own four
of the "P" series models: 220A in .45ACP,
226 in 9m/m, 228 in 9m/m, and a 229 in .40
S&W.. These guns are top quality firearms,
and I have experienced 0 problems with them.
I have never used +P ammo in any of these
weapons; prefering not to batter the slide
unnecessarily. However, I do handload for
these weapons; with the exception of the
229. I keep these firearms in extreme mint
condition; providing the necessary care and
cleaning after each use. I will assure any
one that with a little TLC, the Sig "P"
series of pistols will last a lifetime.
And as a footnote, Sig's work extremely
well, even in the sub zero type of climate.
As other's have said, if you want a high
quality firearm that is extremely reliable,
very accurate, well balanced, and made with
craftsmanship in mind; then choose the Sig
"P" series, available at your nearest dealer.
Regards,
Ala Dan, Life Member N.R.A.
here on TFL. Everyone who knows me, know
that I love and prefer Sig's to anything
else! With that said, I currently own four
of the "P" series models: 220A in .45ACP,
226 in 9m/m, 228 in 9m/m, and a 229 in .40
S&W.. These guns are top quality firearms,
and I have experienced 0 problems with them.
I have never used +P ammo in any of these
weapons; prefering not to batter the slide
unnecessarily. However, I do handload for
these weapons; with the exception of the
229. I keep these firearms in extreme mint
condition; providing the necessary care and
cleaning after each use. I will assure any
one that with a little TLC, the Sig "P"
series of pistols will last a lifetime.
And as a footnote, Sig's work extremely
well, even in the sub zero type of climate.
As other's have said, if you want a high
quality firearm that is extremely reliable,
very accurate, well balanced, and made with
craftsmanship in mind; then choose the Sig
"P" series, available at your nearest dealer.
Regards,
Ala Dan, Life Member N.R.A.