I wanted to get another Carry gun and I had my eye on these two in my towns gun shop. I was wondering which one would be more reliable than the other? I know a good gunsmith who can do work to improve on them, but which one would be a better investment? The price doesnt matter. Im also interested in hearing your opinions and suggestions about other .45 caliber CC handguns. I dont care to much about "accuracy" since I could have them tuned also because you dont need a tack driving self defense handgun.
Colt Defender Vs SIG P220 Carry.
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Madcap_Magician
Member
They should both be pretty reliable, given proper care and use.
The Defender is smaller and will also generate slightly lower muzzle velocities. The Sig is fatter, heavier, and marginally harder to conceal.
The Defender is smaller and will also generate slightly lower muzzle velocities. The Sig is fatter, heavier, and marginally harder to conceal.
docnyt
Member
You have chosen arguably 2 of the best 45 caliber formats so you really can't go wrong with either. The Colt is probably more customizable than the 220. Reliability should also be about the same.
Gun Geezer
Member
What are the dimensions (HxWxL) and weight of the Defender? I love the finger groove Hogue grips and SA trigger.
I've never owned a Sig 220, but they are very nice weapons in all respects.
I'd love the Defender in a 40 S&W if they made it.
I've never owned a Sig 220, but they are very nice weapons in all respects.
I'd love the Defender in a 40 S&W if they made it.
If you want that size pistol in .40, look at the STI Shadow. The Escort is also nice in .45 or 9mm. I have both (and the Defender) in .45 and all three are very reliable. The Shadow is my daily carry due to having night sights, a dark frame, and better grip with the stippled front strap and checkered backstrap. The Hogue grip on the Defender is nice for shooting but I prefer thin grips without the rubber for carry.
The Defender is also the only pistol I own that tends to throw brass at my forehead every once in a while.
Here's the Shadow. http://www.stiguns.com/guns/Shadow/Shadow.php
The Defender is also the only pistol I own that tends to throw brass at my forehead every once in a while.
Here's the Shadow. http://www.stiguns.com/guns/Shadow/Shadow.php
Coal Dragger
member
I have not had great experiences with really short 1911 format pistols, in general they are not as reliable as their larger 5" and 4.25" brethren. Stick with a Commander length 1911 of good quality if you want a more concealable 1911 that will likely still work right.
SIG's on the other hand I have had excellent experiences with reliability wise, down to their 3.9" barreled autos. They are very reliable, to the point of being boring. They also tend to be really accurate out of the box. Honestly you could probably buy the P220 Carry and have absolutely no need of a gunsmith doing anything at all to it.
SIG's on the other hand I have had excellent experiences with reliability wise, down to their 3.9" barreled autos. They are very reliable, to the point of being boring. They also tend to be really accurate out of the box. Honestly you could probably buy the P220 Carry and have absolutely no need of a gunsmith doing anything at all to it.
Badger1911
Member
I love 1911's, but the SIG P220 Carry is at the top of my "NEXT GUN TO BUY" list...cast my vote for the P220 Carry!
Madcap_Magician
Member
Coal Dragger said:
Generally true, but consensus seems to be that the Defender and the New Agent are the exceptions to the Commander-or-bigger reliability rule.
yam476
Member
I'd also go with the Sig.
NMGonzo
Member
Defender.
But you should try both.
But you should try both.
Micro
Member
The P220 Carry has the same frame as the standard P220. It only has a slightly shorter slide and barrel. I've yet to come up with a holster specifically for the Carry. I carry mine in the same holster I use for the standard P220. Therefore, for me, my Carry offers absolutely no size advantage over the standard P220. Nevertheless, it is a good carry gun. And mine has been 100% reliable since I've had it, and is extremely accurate. I highly recommend it.
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Jed Carter
Member
I personaly would not get a 1911 with less than a 4" barrel, but if you do, make it a Colt or STI. I would give the edge between your choices to the P220, SIG has a winner with this pistol. I would add night sights for a CCW.
MICHAEL T
Member
Defender be a better deal.
SwampWolf
Member
The SIG Carry is the pistol I carry most often; comfortably in a iwb holster. Very reliable and relatively slim piece that packs a punch.
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
I too would go with the SIG~!
rellascout
member
Do search. The current Sig Sauer is not the same company it was 10 years ago. There have been numerous issues with P series pistols. This does not mean that Sigs are not good if not great guns but they are not perfect. There have been numerous accounts of problematic design and QC problems.
Ruger-Man
Member
Why don't to like the short .45, I am thinking of Kimber Ultra CArry with 3" barrel and the laser in the grip, But after reading a lot of forums I am getting cold feet, Also can you tell me anything about the recoil of these short barrels compared to 4".
Why a 3" instead of a 4"?
If you are going to carry IWB, the extra inch is a non issue. If you are going to carry OWB, then the shorter barrel does help concealment a bit.
In general, it seems that a .45 loses about 200 fps per inch of barrel.
Ken
If, by "investment" you mean return on money spent, I believe the Colt is your choice. I do not see the Sig, fine machine that it is, exceeding the original purchase price in $ value.
Generally a Colt is a proven agrandizer!
Mike
Generally a Colt is a proven agrandizer!
Mike
tomwalshco
Member
Absolutely nothing wrong with a 3". Just parroted web BS. I've had 2 Defenders without a single performance issue.
To the OP, they may look similar on paper or in pictures. Haul them around for a day and you'll feel the difference.
1" makes a huge difference when you've got it stuck in your pants... especially carrying it up front and seated, like in a car.
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