p220 Stainless.. thoughts?
looking to purchase my 1st handguns and leaning towards the Sig p220 stainless and a nice revolver. Haven't seen any available at the local gun ranges to rent so I figured I'd ask you friendly people for some thoughts. I do plan on getting a 1911 in the future if you wanted to suggest one. Sadly must be CA compliant.
I don't have a P220 Stainless, however I do have a P220 Elite Dark purchased new approximately 3 months ago. The pistol has fantastic fit and finish and has run 100% so far. I also purchased the .22 conversion kit for it to allow for cheap practice.
I have the 220 Stainless. Nice shooter, heavy, mags are a bit pricey but it shoots very well
Originally Posted By dunndw:
I have the 220 Stainless. Nice shooter, heavy, mags are a bit pricey but it shoots very well
Gotta stress the heavy part.
One of the reasons it shoots well but I look at the 220 stainless as a range gun and have long thought it would be great against bowling pins
because pins need warm heavy bullet loads .
Somebody will chime in and claim they carry this beast but most would get sick of this pretty fast
Accurate, reliable, and fantastic for pistol-whipping.
Great gun but has been already mentioned it's a heavy SOB
I have the standard 220R
The weight is around 39 oz unloaded, I believe most 1911 style handguns or all steel frame handguns are comparable in weight maybe even a bit heavier. So comparing similar full size 45's would the p220 stainless still be considered heavy? I don't plan on concealing this beast maybe a leg holster.
Originally Posted By Grievel:
The weight is around 39 oz unloaded, I believe most 1911 style handguns or all steel frame handguns are comparable in weight maybe even a bit heavier. So comparing similar full size 45's would the p220 stainless still be considered heavy? I don't plan on concealing this beast maybe a leg holster.
You are correct. It is heavy compared to the original P220 (aluminum frame), but not compared to full-size 1911's.
I have a 220 Stainless and love it. Great pistol and very accurate. I wanted the added weight to soak up recoil. If you mean to carry it, you might prefer an aluminum-framed version or one of the smaller carry models. To me, the difference in weight between a fullsize 1911 and the 220 Stainless is negligable, so I have no problem with carrying the 220 with a good holster and belt (as the 1911 is a regular carry for me). If you're used to lighter weight guns for carry you may feel differently.
I have a stainless 220 very nice fit and finish not to mention very accurate. It is a new production feb 8th this year.
I own a regular 220R. Love it. Excellent gun.
On the other hand, if I were picking a handgun for my very first handgun...I'd probably pick something in 9mm. The price difference per round between 45 ACP and 9mm may not seem like much at first glance, but it adds up quick. Cheaper per round means you can train more with it, or just shoot it for fun more and give it more trips to the range.
You'll sacrifice that big 230 Grain slug, but in return you'll get more firepower. If this is a self-defense weapon, you can load it with something like 147 Grain Federal HST's and it will produce plenty of stopping power.
You mentioned this was your first handgun, but I'm not sure if you are a new shooter or and experienced shooter. If its the former, I've seen alot of shooters who start out with heavier calibers pick up a flinch and they just can't figure why they are shooting low-left. Lots of dryfire practice will cure it and sometimes just moving down to something like a 9mm in a full-size frame for a while is all it takes to get rid of it. Of course, if its the later and you're an experienced shooter...experienced shooters can pick up a flinch just like everyone else.
Absolutely nothing wrong with picking up a 45 ACP for your first handgun, just thought I'd throw out some additional options for you. Either way, if you pick up the 220 I'm sure you'll love it.
Originally Posted By Grievel:
looking to purchase my 1st handguns and leaning towards the Sig p220 stainless and a nice revolver. Haven't seen any available at the local gun ranges to rent so I figured I'd ask you friendly people for some thoughts. I do plan on getting a 1911 in the future if you wanted to suggest one. Sadly must be CA compliant.
I use to carry S&W Revolvers for CCW. M19 & M37
Then I moved to a Colt S80 Gen1 Combat Elite 1911 and for a back up a S80 Officers ACP & Mustang 380
I gave up the Colts for a Hi Cap SIG P 229 Gen 1
And Im a Sig fan still to this day.
The Sig P line are all outstanding pistols!
The 220 with SS frame would help tame recoil. And have a longer life than the aluminum framed sigs.
The Sigs Ive played with at the GS are the same quality as the 90`s sig. So NO I dont belive the internet about the poor quality of the Sig P line.
here's a few to choose from, need to check if ca compliant:
229sport/40, 229st/40, 226st/40
220sport stock, 220st, 220compact

Have P220ST its a keeper, and a shooter.