The scratch on the frame is simply due to the design. It has nothing to do with the toughness or durability of the gun, of which very few guns can match.I've shot both. Don't get me wrong. I like the old Swiss and German ones, for what they are. They aren't perfect, however. I prefer the 210A beavertail. The 210A has stock adjustable sights, instead of drift-to-adjust fixed irons. The 210A has the Magazine release in a better position. The Safety on the 210A is in a better position. The 210A has a better front sight, in addition to the adjustable rear. You can have a choice for an adapter for a Red Dot on the 210A, and it doesn't require any modification to the slide. The grips are better on the American's. The trigger is the same.
Tough as nails? Isn't there a scratch on that 210-2 from merely using the safety?
Personally, I think the slide to frame fit on the new ones is better and slicker than on the old ones. Hand fitting, by a skilled craftsman is often great. CNC parts are almost always great.
I do see the appeal of everything made out of machined barstock on the older ones. There are a few mim parts on the Americans. In theory, MIM will result in a part with more accurate dimensions, for heat treating machined barstock parts can result in the parts warping during the process.
One would think supply and demand were part of the equation, especially since they don't make the 210-2 anymore.I like the old Sig P210s as collectibles. I'd leave them original. You yourself said they were an 'investment', and they aren't making them any more. The new 210As easily shoot as well, are cheaper, have support/parts/warranty from the factory, have better sight options and ergonomics. Positives on both sides.
One of the greatest things about America is we can choose. Win-win, either way.
Old Ferraris are still cool. You can see them in the rearview mirror of those blasphemous new Ferraris sometimes
To put it in perspective, the P210A is built to the standards of say a American P226 Elite. The Legend is from the German Mastershop and built to the standards of a P226 X-Five. Two different levels of quality and fit and finish, not to mention the design alterations. There’s a reason why the prices are so different.
The Swiss models, especially the older ones are built to a different level, using the finest materials.
Many of the Swiss and German guns have fully adjustable sights.
Glad you like the gun and if the tactical differences are good for what you’re using it for, that’s great. They just aren’t for experienced P210 guys. I know quite a few who have been shooting P210’s for many years and the sentiment is consistent.
My feelings are it’s a good bang for the buck, much like some of the CZ Custom pistols. Nothing wrong with that.