Hi Mike:
If you want the opinion of someone who has asked myself the same question on more than one occasion, and answered it for myself, here it goes:
The best way to determine which handgun is best for you is to go to a gun shop, show, or aqaintance who owns one, or all of those models. The quickest and easiest way to determine the best is to have each available at the same time for a side by side comparison. An acquaintance/friend might even let you shoot his the next time he goes out to the back yard or range, if you ask.
First: Safety. Check to see if loaded.
2. Grasp in a good natural grip.
3. Treat as if loaded and point in a safe direction, knowing what is beyond backstop, etc.
4. Note how it feels. Try drawing and point your finger along the frame. Pull trigger double action/single, as often as necessary. This w/NOT damage the firearm, although some shop owners do not like dry firing anything, so ask first of course.
5. Compare how each feels and points.
6. Do the sights line up w/out adjustment as soon as you point your finger at a safe object in a safe direction?
Mike,
I've held and shot all of the SIGs. Never shot the 210 though. With the exception of most of them needing some trigger work out of box, to gain their highest potential, they are excellent handguns. THE BEST in my opinion, for defensive carry. I could have anyone of them, but like the 225 best.
Why? A: Because it fits my hand best of all.
Because it points far better than the others in MY hand. In all due respect to the others on this thread, the points concerning ammo capacity, caliber, etc. are important, but are secondary to hand fit and pointability. Besides, to me, that square trigger guard and the lines of the 225 look better to me than all the rest. This is subjective. Your preferences maybe different from mine. So be it.
But find out what fits your hand like an extension of your body, looks good to you and points where you point your finger and that is THE BEST ONE FOR YOU MIKE.
WHY?
1. They are all extremely RELIABLE w/ the exception of a few misfits and limpwristing the 230 (not one of your choices). Most important!
2. What fits you, is what you will shoot best; more accurately under stress given the same amount of practice.
3. What fits you best, is what will become a friend to you. Its hard to make friends and practice as much with something that does not feel quite right in your paw.
4. What Looks the best may not be all that important, except for the fact that again you will more likely be attracted to it (kinda like your woman but different
), and look forward to making it your constant companion to the range and on the street. If you don't like it that much and just chose one because of slightly, very slightly, bigger bullets, capacity, etc, then you just won't shoot it as much. Less training = less proficiency. FACT: No amount of firepower, caliber OR capacity can make up for lack of proper training.
Just one point on capacity. I hardly notice Two single stack 8round mags (225) (8+8+9=25 rounds), in my waistband. One 10 round double column mag (10+11=21 or add one more you got 31) is very uncomfortable under my belt; especially when sitting. If ever faced w/ a need to exercise lethal force, I sure hope I can get to cover before I run dry , pause in the danger zone, and have to reload. Maybe if I can hit my target, it will stop trying to kill me. If not, there is a good case for carrying full auto OR training more
IMHO. If you have more firepower, then more power to you. Hope you have what you like best.
The 9mm with the proper choice of high velocity ammo 9+P preferably has a proven track record when the target is hit accurately. Cheaper ammo too, which is a good incentive for someone to spend more time at the range if they go w/ factory ammo. Albeit, ammo controversy as much as I think caliber is somewhat important, is not all THAT important when choosing a SIG if you go w/ at least 9mm in good load choice for defense IMHO.
One of the finest handgun writers started w/modified 1911's. Then eventually ended up choosing the SIG P228 for carry. Then went to a Glock 19 if memory serves me. Eventually settled on the SIG 225. Wish I could find the article in HANDGUNS magazine a couple of years ago. He agreed with my conclusions too. But what works for him and me might not work for you. Best wishes as you go to the gun shows and shops. I trust that YOU will choose the best one for you.
This is my VERY FIRST TIME on this forum. The Firing Line looks like a very good place for an education on our favorite tool.
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[This message has been edited by EQUALIZER (edited September 14, 1999).]
