Rockrivr1
Member
I'd like to get your impression of the Sig 220. I'm looking to pick up an ST model this week and was wondering if anyone had any good/bad experiences with it. Also any unique tips you might have on it as well.
Thanks
Thanks
Tell me about the Sig 220
- Thread starter Rockrivr1
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Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
.45 Caliber SIG P220A, A Bacon Saver
Hello! While I can't address the ST model P220 from SIG, I certainly can
and will tell you 'bout the standard blued model.
It was MY carry gun
for many, many years as a LEO. I chose the SIG P220 based on the fact
that I was familiar with the original SIG P210 9m/m, and its outstanding
craftsmanship. The P220 is no less than a perfect sidearm, for use in
law enforcement; or civilian CCW. It offers excellent reliability, is super
accurate, and user friendly. Most complaints come from folk's that have
not (or can not) master the P220's double-action first shot. Learn to do
this, and all else comes quite natural. The SIG's standard bar-dot sight
system is one of the best on the market, bar none. Its equipped with a
decocker, and three passive safety's. You won't find an external type
safety on this firearm, cuz it doesn't need one. We could grab a P220
by the barrel (fully loaded, with a round in the chamber) and fling it
against a brick wall, and it would not discharge accidentally. Customer
service at SIGARMS is out-standing, and if you ever need their services
you can be connected directly to a factory armorer. I would say you
have made a wise decision! Enjoy~
Hello! While I can't address the ST model P220 from SIG, I certainly can
and will tell you 'bout the standard blued model.
It was MY carry gunfor many, many years as a LEO. I chose the SIG P220 based on the fact
that I was familiar with the original SIG P210 9m/m, and its outstanding
craftsmanship. The P220 is no less than a perfect sidearm, for use in
law enforcement; or civilian CCW. It offers excellent reliability, is super
accurate, and user friendly. Most complaints come from folk's that have
not (or can not) master the P220's double-action first shot. Learn to do
this, and all else comes quite natural. The SIG's standard bar-dot sight
system is one of the best on the market, bar none. Its equipped with a
decocker, and three passive safety's. You won't find an external type
safety on this firearm, cuz it doesn't need one. We could grab a P220
by the barrel (fully loaded, with a round in the chamber) and fling it
against a brick wall, and it would not discharge accidentally. Customer
service at SIGARMS is out-standing, and if you ever need their services
you can be connected directly to a factory armorer. I would say you
have made a wise decision!
Enjoy~
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45R
Member
The only bad experience that I have with my 220ST is that I can't afford to feed it!
Otherwise, its accurate, reliable and its a SIG!! Mine came with such an outstanding trigger that my gunsmith wouldn't even touch it
Otherwise, its accurate, reliable and its a SIG!! Mine came with such an outstanding trigger that my gunsmith wouldn't even touch it
My P220 has many thousands of rounds thru it with nary a problem. It's not as accurate as my 1911 but I can trust the Sig to go bang every time I pull the trigger. The same cannot be said of my 1911 (though it almost can).
The 220 (like all Sigs) is easy to field strip and maintain. The only down side is that the grip screws and slide finish have rusted some (the screws to a great extent). Since I live in a dry climate I can't imagine how bad the finish must rust in a place like Seattle for example. The SIG is the only blued finish I've ever had that actually rusted. But then you're thinking on getting a ST so that's not really a problem for you.
The P220 is a very fine weapon well worth the money and even more so now that Sig has flooded the market with refurbed ones. You can pick up a factory rebuild in OKC for about $480 on a good day and $520 any other time.
The 220 (like all Sigs) is easy to field strip and maintain. The only down side is that the grip screws and slide finish have rusted some (the screws to a great extent). Since I live in a dry climate I can't imagine how bad the finish must rust in a place like Seattle for example. The SIG is the only blued finish I've ever had that actually rusted. But then you're thinking on getting a ST so that's not really a problem for you.
The P220 is a very fine weapon well worth the money and even more so now that Sig has flooded the market with refurbed ones. You can pick up a factory rebuild in OKC for about $480 on a good day and $520 any other time.
P. Plainsman
Member
My P220ST is a well-made pistol, as it should be for the price. Feels good, very comfy to shoot (thanks to the stainless frame), smooth DA trigger and crisp SA trigger. Mine has been perfectly reliable, save for a single jam during its introductory 100 rounds. Tasteful, slightly bland good looks. In many ways it's similar to driving a BMW; in fact, I call mine "the Beamer."
Interestingly, I am getting a little frustrated with the P220ST's practical accuracy out past 10 yards. It groups OK, I just have a hard time getting it to shoot where (to my eye) the sights are looking. My offhand SIG groups at 15 yards can in no way compare with the offhand groups I produce with my Ruger GP100 revolver, which cost little more than half what the SIG does.
The SIG does come in closer to (subjective) point of aim when I use hot defensive ammo than it does with vanilla ball FMJ.
I think this is a matter of my still "learning" the gun, and maybe the fixed sights could stand some tweaking. I trust the SIG enough to use it sometimes as a car or nightstand gun, because it is so reliable and is accurate enough at common defensive ranges. But I hope with more practice I am able to extract better practical accuracy from this in many ways highly appealing pistol.
EDITED TO ADD: Oh yes, another point in the SIG's favor is that cleaning is a breeze. Really well engineered in that respect.
Interestingly, I am getting a little frustrated with the P220ST's practical accuracy out past 10 yards. It groups OK, I just have a hard time getting it to shoot where (to my eye) the sights are looking. My offhand SIG groups at 15 yards can in no way compare with the offhand groups I produce with my Ruger GP100 revolver, which cost little more than half what the SIG does.
The SIG does come in closer to (subjective) point of aim when I use hot defensive ammo than it does with vanilla ball FMJ.
I think this is a matter of my still "learning" the gun, and maybe the fixed sights could stand some tweaking. I trust the SIG enough to use it sometimes as a car or nightstand gun, because it is so reliable and is accurate enough at common defensive ranges. But I hope with more practice I am able to extract better practical accuracy from this in many ways highly appealing pistol.
EDITED TO ADD: Oh yes, another point in the SIG's favor is that cleaning is a breeze. Really well engineered in that respect.
Sylvilagus Aquaticus
Member
I have a 1994 vintage P220 that is quickly becoming my preferred CCW pistol. I can agree wholeheartedly with Ala Dan's statements without dissent. It's a Commander-sized package with the plus of DA/SA capabilities, an alloy frame, a reasonably durable factory finish, good sights, inherent safety features, and good sights in factory guise.
If you need further convincing, have a look at these links:
http://www.galleryofguns.com/shootingtimes/Articles/DisplayArticles.asp?ID=1230
...and thanks and full credit to one of our resident geniuses, Stephen A. Camp for these:
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/P220ammo.htm
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Corbon .45 ACP.htm
Regards,
Rabbit.
If you need further convincing, have a look at these links:
http://www.galleryofguns.com/shootingtimes/Articles/DisplayArticles.asp?ID=1230
...and thanks and full credit to one of our resident geniuses, Stephen A. Camp for these:
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/P220ammo.htm
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Corbon .45 ACP.htm
Regards,
Rabbit.
Chuck R.
Member
I bought my 220ST last March.. Since buying it, I’ve put close to 3K of 200 grain LSWCs and about 300 Golden saber reloads through it. The gun has been flawless. The DA to Sa transition took some getting used to (used to a 1911), but with practice can be done.
Overall, it’s a very solid gun, very, very dependable more so than any of the 1911s I’ve owned (so far). The only change I’ve made was swapping out the Houge rubber grips for older set of 220 plastic grips. Mine has Siglite sights, and with an Insight M3 light on it serves as my house gun.
Chuck
Overall, it’s a very solid gun, very, very dependable more so than any of the 1911s I’ve owned (so far). The only change I’ve made was swapping out the Houge rubber grips for older set of 220 plastic grips. Mine has Siglite sights, and with an Insight M3 light on it serves as my house gun.
Chuck
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Frohickey
Member
Pretty much what everyone else has said.
Reliable. Simple manual of arms. Not too fussy. More accurate that I am. The grip screws can rust, if you don't put a dab of lube on it, once in a while, but since the frame is alloy (at least for the blued models), that is fine, and grip screws can be bought from Sig or from Brownells.
Mine has the checkered rosewood grips from Sig, and I like it better than the pebbled-texture plastic grips it originally came with.
The ST should be easier to master since you have extra weight to manage recoil better, but after thousands of rounds of practice, you get used to the 45ACP's recoil. The bar-dot sights are functional and have high contrast. For low light, you can always put on tritium night sights, but these are 3 dot sights. Suggest you figure out what you want, and practice a lot with that.
The initial double-action pull, followed by single action pull is something to get used to, but again, practice makes perfect.
The one complaint I get, and this is from Glock users is that the trigger reset for the Sig pistols is much longer than the Glocks. I have not thought or felt that the added travel is of any consequence. Another is the higher bore axis to grip distance, again from Glock users. Sounds like Glock-buyer's-remorse to me.
Reliable. Simple manual of arms. Not too fussy. More accurate that I am. The grip screws can rust, if you don't put a dab of lube on it, once in a while, but since the frame is alloy (at least for the blued models), that is fine, and grip screws can be bought from Sig or from Brownells.
Mine has the checkered rosewood grips from Sig, and I like it better than the pebbled-texture plastic grips it originally came with.
The ST should be easier to master since you have extra weight to manage recoil better, but after thousands of rounds of practice, you get used to the 45ACP's recoil. The bar-dot sights are functional and have high contrast. For low light, you can always put on tritium night sights, but these are 3 dot sights. Suggest you figure out what you want, and practice a lot with that.
The initial double-action pull, followed by single action pull is something to get used to, but again, practice makes perfect.
The one complaint I get, and this is from Glock users is that the trigger reset for the Sig pistols is much longer than the Glocks. I have not thought or felt that the added travel is of any consequence. Another is the higher bore axis to grip distance, again from Glock users. Sounds like Glock-buyer's-remorse to me.
OP
OP
Rockrivr1
Member
Going on the great advise from you guys I picked up the 220ST during lunch. Wow, it's nice. Guy in my area just bought it and didn't like it so he sold it after just 300 rnds. Not a mark on it, 5 mags and an uninstalled Hogue grip with finger grooves all at significantly below retail. Can't beat that.
Thanks again for the recommendations.
Thanks again for the recommendations.
Warren
Member
My impression of the gun?
"bangbangbangbangbangbangbangbang slam bangbangbangbangbangbangbangbang slam
bangbangbangbangbangbangbangbang slam bangbangbangbangbangbangbangbang slam bangbangbangbangbangbangbangbang slam bangbangbangbangbangbangbangbang slam
bangbangbangbangbangbangbangbang slam bangbangbangbangbangbangbangbang slam bangbangbangbangbangbangbangbang slam bangbangbangbangbangbangbangbang slam
bangbangbangbangbangbangbangbang slam bangbangbangbangbangbangbangbang slam bangbangbangbangbangbangbangbang slam bangbangbangbangbangbangbangbang slam
bangbangbangbangbangbangbangbang slam bangbangbangbangbangbangbangbang"
Me "Where the Hell is that X-ring that used to be here?"
"bangbangbangbangbangbangbangbang slam bangbangbangbangbangbangbangbang slam
bangbangbangbangbangbangbangbang slam bangbangbangbangbangbangbangbang slam bangbangbangbangbangbangbangbang slam bangbangbangbangbangbangbangbang slam
bangbangbangbangbangbangbangbang slam bangbangbangbangbangbangbangbang slam bangbangbangbangbangbangbangbang slam bangbangbangbangbangbangbangbang slam
bangbangbangbangbangbangbangbang slam bangbangbangbangbangbangbangbang slam bangbangbangbangbangbangbangbang slam bangbangbangbangbangbangbangbang slam
bangbangbangbangbangbangbangbang slam bangbangbangbangbangbangbangbang"
Me "Where the Hell is that X-ring that used to be here?"
The only down side with my 220ST is the weight. I love it for a range gun because of the weight (makes it a smooth shooting pussycat), but I won't even contemplate carrying it because of the weight.
Others don't mind that much weight for carry, but I do.
Others don't mind that much weight for carry, but I do.
PinnedAndRecessed
member
- Joined
- Aug 10, 2004
- Messages
- 1,541
My 220 blued model shot as well, out of the box, as my Jim Clark accurized 1911. I couldn't believe it.
My 220 ST is every bit as accurate. It is, however, as noted, a heavier sidearm. That was the first thing my son noted when he picked it up. Personally, I like the added heft. But then again, I don't carry. Just punch paper.
My 220 ST is every bit as accurate. It is, however, as noted, a heavier sidearm. That was the first thing my son noted when he picked it up. Personally, I like the added heft. But then again, I don't carry. Just punch paper.
MikeIsaj
Member
This thread is what pushed me over the edge. I've been thinking about an auto for awhile and lots of folks I talk to talk about the Sig.
I bought a P220 today. Actually I like to think I rescued it. Found it in a gun shop by chance. It was filthy and real ugly. For $350.00 I took it home and gave it a bath, took it to the range and had a ball. I hope that is a good price. I usually would have shopped more but it felt right. I suspected that under all the crud was a fine gun. I was right.
Can anyone give me a Mfr. date, Ser. #G230529? Any advice on care and feeding would be appreciated also.
I bought a P220 today. Actually I like to think I rescued it. Found it in a gun shop by chance. It was filthy and real ugly. For $350.00 I took it home and gave it a bath, took it to the range and had a ball. I hope that is a good price. I usually would have shopped more but it felt right. I suspected that under all the crud was a fine gun. I was right.
Can anyone give me a Mfr. date, Ser. #G230529? Any advice on care and feeding would be appreciated also.
Marko Kloos
Moderator Emeritus
$350 is a very good price for a used P220, regardless of shape...unless it looks like it's been dragged across twenty miles of country gravel behind a truck.
The P220 is the best DA/SA .45 on the market. The ST version is a bit heavy, but built like a tank, and a very mild shooter.
The P220 is the best DA/SA .45 on the market. The ST version is a bit heavy, but built like a tank, and a very mild shooter.
Tom Servo
Member
I'll tell you this: you need one. Best non-1911 .45 out there. I'm the third owner of mine, and it looks it. Getting rust on the slide, around 3000 rounds through it...not a pretty gun, but it's amazingly accurate, with a great trigger. I don't shoot it as much as I used to, but after taking it back out and shooting it a few weeks ago, I bought the P245 (its baby brother) for CCW.
If you're coming from the world of wheelguns, you'll appreciate Sig's smooth DA pull, and the SA, though not quite as crisp as a Wilson/Kimber/Baer 1911, is a thing of beauty. Reliability with Sigs is a no-brainer as well.
If you're coming from the world of wheelguns, you'll appreciate Sig's smooth DA pull, and the SA, though not quite as crisp as a Wilson/Kimber/Baer 1911, is a thing of beauty. Reliability with Sigs is a no-brainer as well.
BryanP
Member
MikeIsaj,
I can tell you it was made after 1994. Per The SIG FAQ:
To narrow it a bit better you can look at the proof marking on the underside of the slide, just forward of the frame. You should see two symbols and a two-letter combination. The two letters will tell you when it was proofmarked. The letter A is equivalent to numeral 0, B=1 through K=9. Mine is "KF", and therefore was proofmarked in 1995.
As for care, start by reading the FAQ I linked. Another excellent resource is SIGForum.
BryanP
Member
That's far too wordy. Let's tighten that up just a bit.
Much better.
MikeIsaj
Member
Thanks BryanP for the info. The proof marks say it's a 1994 mfr. Close enough for me.
Shot only about 20rds. through it. This is the sweetest auto I've ever fired. I broke several of my rules in buying this one. I didn't really shop around for pricing, took a chance on what sounded good and apparently I lucked out. Also I've never fired a Sig before. I bought on the good reviews of this forum and some other owners I know.
Can't wait to take it out this week for a real shoot.
Shot only about 20rds. through it. This is the sweetest auto I've ever fired. I broke several of my rules in buying this one. I didn't really shop around for pricing, took a chance on what sounded good and apparently I lucked out. Also I've never fired a Sig before. I bought on the good reviews of this forum and some other owners I know.
Can't wait to take it out this week for a real shoot.
BryanP
Member
MikeIsaj,
My experience was similar. I had fired a friend's SIG P230 but nothing else. I just liked the way the P220 felt in my hand and I knew SIG's reputation. I ran across this one in the used case of my local gun shop. I didn't get quite the smoking deal you did - I paid $525 - but mine had been well cared for with just a bit of holster wear. The first time I squeezed the trigger the center of the X-ring disappeared. I know it was a fluke, I'm a mediocre shot at best, but it still put a big smile on my face.
Enjoy your new toy. It's a beautiful day for a range trip here, but I'm fighting a nasty sinus infection and as a result I've already got a headache that just won't quit. I doubt a range day would help.
My experience was similar. I had fired a friend's SIG P230 but nothing else. I just liked the way the P220 felt in my hand and I knew SIG's reputation. I ran across this one in the used case of my local gun shop. I didn't get quite the smoking deal you did - I paid $525 - but mine had been well cared for with just a bit of holster wear. The first time I squeezed the trigger the center of the X-ring disappeared. I know it was a fluke, I'm a mediocre shot at best, but it still put a big smile on my face.
Enjoy your new toy. It's a beautiful day for a range trip here, but I'm fighting a nasty sinus infection and as a result I've already got a headache that just won't quit. I doubt a range day would help.
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