Posted: 8/1/2002 12:17:55 PM EDT
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Well, I'm all ready to buy my first sidearm. I had originally planned to go w/ the Beretta 92FS, as I have 7 preban mags for it and use that gun in the service. But, after handling a P226 yesterday, I fell in love. And, after some internet research, I found that the preban factory 15rd mags are not too terribly expensive yet. Here are my concerns though: 1. I guess SIG is changing all the 9mm P226s to a SS slide so it is like the .40/.357 226? When are we going to see the SS slide 9mm's??? 2. I've researched for hours about the finish problems w/ SIGs. Now, they're supposed to be coming out w/ this "Illaflon" stuff that is supposed to be top-notch. When will we see 9mm 226s w/ SS slides and Illaflon finishes??? Basically, I'm ready to buy, but I think I should wait until the new changes take place. Does anyone have a time-hack for these new changes. As of now, it looks like I'll be buying a Beretta. Thanks |
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As to your concern #1, I've had a 226 with the sheetmetal slide for 12 years now, close to 10,000 through it, several classes, an academy, bump fire, everything I could think of. Other than a very slight rattle when empty, it's as sound as a pound. As to the finish problem, I got my slide hard chromed about 7 years ago, it looks new to this day, despite holster work. Get one now, then, when you see one of the "better" ones, you can decide whether or not you want to sell the first one, keep it and buy the other too, or simply stay with the old one. |
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1. The original SIG P226 slides were rolled and welded steel slides with that breech components pinned in as a separate block. For the last few years, the P226 has come with slides made out of a single block of stainless steel that's been machined into shape. Most come with a factory coating to blacken the slide over the SS, but they're still SS underneath. This is the type of slide I have on my P229. I have an older P226 that I bought in Germany in 1990. 2. SIG has offered various finishes over the years, and they seem to keep moving around on the black finish. My old P226 has a standard black finish, then they offered K-Kote as a more expensive finish, now they're using Nitron coating (?). The standard finish on mine lasted for 10 years, but I recently had to have it refinished in GunKote. It's a cheaper coating that's more corrosive resistant than it is abrasion resistand. If you've got the magazines already, the 92FS is not a bad pistol at all. If you get the P226, you may have to look a little harder for mags. I got lucky earlier in the year and found 5 magazines for only $165, one of which was NIB. |
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Go out and shoot both guns, they are both great guns with lots of supporters. I have owned both and prefer the SIG, however even then I like the 228 and 229 better as I have small hands. The Berreta doesn't fit in my hand as well as ether SIG, but it does have a safety, and mags are a little cheaper. |
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MP906 - For me there is no question that the Sig would be my choice over the 92 and I've owned 3 different variants over the 92 since it was first introduced. My basic rason is that the Sig fits my hand much better. My draw stroke is more secure, my retention technique is stronger and I have more confidence in my ability to use and control the Sig in a crisis situation, whether it involves shots being fired or not. My P226 is 18 years old. It was carried as my duty and my call-out gun for years. Can't tell you the number of rounds through it and while it's showing it's age, it's still a close and trusted friend. Do I shoot it much now? Nah, I tend to shoot my P220 more than my other Sigs, but for me the choice between a Sig and a M9/Modle 92 was based on what worked best for me. |
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Well, I think I might look into the police trade-in P226s that AIM is selling. I could gunkote the slide and put new grips on it and have a like-new pistol for $399. Has anyone bought/seen one of these. How was the condition? Fit, finish, date of manufacture??? Thanks |
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While the Beretta isn't all that bad, the Sig is so much better, at least in my eyes. The feel and function, as well as the fine design of the Sig is like a Cadillac. The Beretta is more like a Ford Festiva in comparison. With that said, buy the Sig. And don't worry so much about the one tiny issue of finish wear. The guns are made with stainless slides and aluminun frames, so they are going to be durable. Sure, it will show some holster wear over time, but that in no way affects the function of these guns, which is really what's important. I would rather have a gun with a little finish wear that functions and shoots perfectly than a pretty gun that don't. IMHO, the Sig is the more durable, reliable and accurate of the two. If having a durable finish is important to you, have you considered the H&K USP series? These guns are one of the few that rank right up there with Sig in quality and reliability and they have finishes that are extremely durable. I rate the H&K and Sig dead even, except the grip of the Sig fits my hands better and feels more comfortable. |
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Just go ahead and buy the SIG. Reguardless of construction material or finish, it will likely out live you and definitely out shoot you. SIG makes the finest production handguns available, period. Last year I switched handguns and gave up my P226 for a Glock G34. The Glock is the faster of the two, but I don't have the confidence that I had in the SIG's that I have owned. |
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Thanks for the replies. I have never shot a SIG, but everyone agrees that they are the best. It is funny though, Rabbit. A lot of the guys over at the SIG forums carry Glocks as well, even though they swear the SIG is a better gun. A lot do mostly because of the downright uncurable rust problem with some SIGS. Even SIG recognizes the problem. That is why they have Illaflon now. Maybe they'll eventually figure out a way to get around the EPA and put that on the pistols for us civilians. In the mean time I think I'll wait it out and go w/ a Beretta. I KNOW that they resist rust very well. |
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I have had both. I think I'd trust the P226 a little more. I can't ever remember having a malfunction with either one though. The P226 was a little more accurate and fit my hand better, but the 92 had a better trigger and sights. I sold the P226 because of an annoying tendency to bounce brass off my face. You're not going to carry either one (unless you like the feeling of hanging a brick off your belt) so corrosion resistance really doesn't make a lot of difference. |
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Speaking only for 9mm P226, you can't go wrong by bying either type (i.e. milled or stamped slide). The SS milled slide is a bit heavier and preferred by bullseye shooters as it lessens the recoil a bit more than the stamped one. Stamped slides are still produced in Germany, I have foto-evidence of a German P226 proofmarked AA (or 2000). Most important thing is that you want to by a 226, which is my "never-gonna-part-with" gun. So enjoy your purchase. C-2-6 |
The so called rust problem is more of not taking cae of the firearm. All firearms can rust. I have Glocks, but would not carry them over a SIG. Such a broad statement should not be trusted without proof. Shows me statistics on how many SIG owners carry Glock instead because of "the rust problem." Take care, mark |
MP Have you ever seen a rusty SiG, or even a picture of a rusty SiG? |
I own a rusty SIG. The local gun shop had a P225 that had most of the finish on top of the slide gone due to rust, and after I disassembled it I found plenty of rust on the ignition system and on other steel parts such as decocker, mag release, etc. I don't know if it got dunked in water and not dried, or what, but for $300 I figured it wasn't too far gone to buy and fix. I reblued the slide and steel parts, and haven't had a problem since, and it looks like brand new. If rust on a SIG is bothersome, just buy the nickel plated version, problem solved. |
Mine rusted. Face it, SIGs (older models with sheet metal slides) RUST. The finish wears off and the bear metal is EXTREMELY susceptible to rusting. I had mine refinished in GunKote after that. |
For those who have owned guns more than 1 year and used them without taking care of them, ALL guns will rust. Glock, SIG, Beretta, you name it. When the finish wears off of any firearm from usage, it will be more likely to rust. No matter who makes the gun and the finish has worn off, time for a new finish... This is not a SIG problem, but a problem with guns who use metal parts... Sincerely, Mark Buda Triple Break Products [email protected] http://www.TripleBreakProducts.com (603) 424-0923 FAX: (603) 429-0479 |
| i take very good care of my p226. always a light coat of oil after each cleaning. and i found a rust spot on the top of the slide. i was distraught. sent it to lauer custom weaponry for the $40 internest special on duracoating pistol slides. paid 50 because of the rust spot. sorta grey/green parked color finish. looks fabulous and always goes bang. |
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Sig P226 is a great gun for CCW I would consider purchasing a P228. If you are worried about rust sent the slide to Tripp Research and have it hard chromed then you have nothing to worry about. Hard chrome for my P220 slide with additional parts was less than $100 including shipping and diassembly. Good Luck |