Sidearms & Scatterguns German P226

[snipe10]

Everyone seems to want the German made guns, are they that much better than what is being turned out in the U.S. like the new Mk25? I just put on hold a mint german 226 with aluminum grips and nite sights for $700. Seemed like a steal from what I could find out. What's so much better about the German made guns or are they just no longer available?
Thanks,

 

[Bass Ackwardz]

Re: German P226

I own several Sig P226's. I dont own a single all German made gun. But I also like the railed versions. Every one of mine has been flawless and shot great. Its just a question of believing in the hype. I think the new guns are built well. The older German guns were too though. For every person that says the older ones are the only guns to own, I'll show you someone else that says the opposite. Buy either, shoot and enjoy...


Bill

 

[Veer_G]

Re: German P226

The distinction between German and "non-German" SIGs has to do with wheres, whens, and rollmarks on the pieces, partly because the ones marked W. Germany are of a pre-German reunification vintage, and partly because there is a certain belief that SIG's USA operation (I ain't going into the complexities or the Sauer connection) has been turning out substandard wares for a while now. Frankly, SIG has a strong (and I'm gonna step on toes here) weenie collector following that chases down various variants and safe-queens them like roosters in the barnyard on earthworms after a strong rain. I like them (some of them, anyway) because of function, not because of any cachet that they might have.

P6 (police-accepted P225):

P225 "Montage Suisse":

P220:

 

[SGT TickleFight]

Re: German P226

It is just like owning a true AK-47 versus your run of the mill akm. Some are just worth more than others. Sig is a quality piece no matter where it is made and the interest is as a collector, not a user.

Other than not locking a slide once in a while which is a flaw in the way I hold the weapon (pressure on the slide lock with my thumb sometimes when the follower tries to push it up) I have not had a failure in my P229 through at least 2.5k rounds as I have lost count since I started hand-loading for it.

 

[SGT TickleFight]

Re: German P226

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Veer_G</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The distinction between German and "non-German" SIGs has to do with wheres, whens, and rollmarks on the pieces, partly because the ones marked W. Germany are of a pre-German reunification vintage, and partly because there is a certain belief that SIG's USA operation (I ain't going into the complexities or the Sauer connection) has been turning out substandard wares for a while now. Frankly, SIG has a strong (and I'm gonna step on toes here) weenie collector following that chases down various variants and safe-queens them like roosters in the barnyard on earthworms after a strong rain. I like them (some of them, anyway) because of function, not because of any cachet that they might have.

P6 (police-accepted P225):

P225 "Montage Suisse":

P220:

</div></div>

I wish you would include more anecdotes. I love my 1 year old sig for comfort and function above all else. It has all the features I want with nothing I don't.

I have the p229 elite which I grabbed within 2 months of release because the specialty aluminum grips felt better than any pistol I had held or fired before. They put your hand closer to the bore with the beavertail which does prove troublesome when my thumb keeps the follower from engaging the slide lock sometimes, but it is a flaw I can live with when you bring the trigger system, sight picture with night sights, weight/handling/recoil profile (I shoot 9mm and it feels like a walther p22 in recoil).

I have handled standard p229 and p226 variants and the grips just don't compare to me. I know that many who feel my gun don't agree, but the most important feature of the gun is it fits MY hands like a glove, and I am proficient with it (I can hit 2 6" plates at 30 ft DA to SA in less than 1.5 seconds 100% of the time - I can get into trouble when I try faster with a 50% hit rate but I seem to get a little better each time I go to the range).

 

[Veer_G]

Re: German P226

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SGT Ticklefight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I wish you would include more anecdotes. I love my 1 year old sig for comfort and function above all else. It has all the features I want with nothing I don't.</div></div>

I feel the same about my old-fart P229 .357 SIG: everything you need, nothing you don't, although that perception is a really, really subjective thing.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SGT Ticklefight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have the p229 elite which I grabbed within 2 months of release because the specialty aluminum grips felt better than any pistol I had held or fired before. They put your hand closer to the bore with the beavertail which does prove troublesome when my thumb keeps the follower from engaging the slide lock sometimes, but it is a flaw I can live with when you bring the trigger system, sight picture with night sights, weight/handling/recoil profile (I shoot 9mm and it feels like a walther p22 in recoil).</div></div>

So, keep your damned thumb down!

Do you happen to also shoot a 1911, perchance? My .357 SIG P229 does rather nicely at dropping me back into index post-recoil, too, but again, that's entirely subjective.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SGT Ticklefight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have handled standard p229 and p226 variants and the grips just don't compare to me. I know that many who feel my gun don't agree, but the most important feature of the gun is it fits MY hands like a glove, and I am proficient with it (I can hit 2 6" plates at 30 ft DA to SA in less than 1.5 seconds 100% of the time - I can get into trouble when I try faster with a 50% hit rate but I seem to get a little better each time I go to the range).</div></div>

Again, subjectivity rules: if it works for you, it doesn't matter how poorly it works for someone else. And yes, you need to practice. It's how you get better at the activity.

 

[desertrat1979]

Re: German P226

Pistols are meant to be used. Sigs have no issue with being put to work. The few I have shot, and the people I know that run them, ride em hard and put em away wet. If I get the opportunity to pick one up, I could care less the markings or place of origin. If its a sig, it works for me.

 

[Veer_G]

Re: German P226

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: desertrat1979</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Pistols are meant to be used. Sigs have no issue with being put to work. The few I have shot, and the people I know that run them, ride em hard and put em away wet. If I get the opportunity to pick one up, I could care less the markings or place of origin. If its a sig, it works for me. </div></div>

Just a WTTW, but SIGs do like to be run on the wet side of moist. Don't be shy with the P22X series and lube.

 

[desertrat1979]

Re: German P226

WTTW? Dont know that one.

 

[bigmerv]

Re: German P226

I cannot comment on the newer SIGs, but I have an '88 226 that I used to run really hard. I don't shoot it much anymore as I've moved away from DA/SA guns, but that bitch will just run and run and run and then ask for more, it's damn accurate to boot. The West German SIGs are the epitome of quality, but I'm sure a newer one will serve you fine, as long as you don't mind the rail.

 

[snipe10]

Re: German P226

Well I picked up my used (like new) German 226 (slide and frame) today. The box says she was made in July 2011 and I was told it was part of a one time run last year of German made Sigs. I was also told they do not make German 226's anymore as of right now. It's super clean, looks like it had maybe a box through it, and it came with aluminum grips (from Hogue) added by the previous owner, night sights, the box and 2 mags for $700. I think it was a good deal. I'll compare it to my new Mk25 and then decide.

Thanks for all the comments and wisdom from all you that have much more experience with Sig's than I. I'm thinking I'll keep both and then I have it covered, one U.S. made and one German made 226. At least the mags work in both!

 

[Veer_G]

Re: German P226

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: desertrat1979</div><div class="ubbcode-body">WTTW? Dont know that one. </div></div>

<span style="font-weight: bold">W</span>ord <span style="font-weight: bold">t</span>o <span style="font-weight: bold">t</span>he <span style="font-weight: bold">w</span>ise ...

 

[desertrat1979]

Re: German P226

Ahhhhh. Good lookin.

 

[Hawk45]

Re: German P226

I got a W.German (used) because it was a fantastic deal. After getting and shooting with my buddies N.H version, they both shot the same. The W.German version is lighter b/c the slide is folded steel, not machined from a block like the newer N.H versions. Lighter is a plus in my book, but all are good.

 

[Raider Power]

Re: German P226

My 226 was made here, but my other three sigs are west German. I have the least amount of time on the 226 (most recently purchased), but it's every bit as nice as the German made varieties I have. I don't remember the date code offhand, but it's not a recently made gun since none of my Sigs were built after 2000. I don't have any experience with more recently produced guns, but anybody I've ever talked to about Sigs loves them, regardless of where they're made.

I've got a 225 that is now a safe queen, but that's only because I found a nice P6 for dirt cheap. My 228 is my primary CCW and I use the P6 when I need something slimmer (summer time mostly). All of my Sigs have been perfectly reliable with the only issue being the slide not always locking back on an empty mag. that's my fault since I get my thumb up too high sometimes and ride the slide release.

 

[c1steve]

Re: German P226

My P226 from the eighties shot great. My 4 month old P226 in 357 Sig seems at least as good as the first one. However I was expecting more recoil with the larger caliber, but the recoil feels the same.

I suspect that the spring may be stronger, although my wrists might be stronger at this time as well.

 

[Turk]

Re: German P226

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: c1steve</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My P226 from the eighties shot great. My 4 month old P226 in 357 Sig seems at least as good as the first one. However I was expecting more recoil with the larger caliber, but the recoil feels the same.

I suspect that the spring may be stronger, although my wrists might be stronger at this time as well. </div></div>
And you have a heavier slide!

 

[saintsfire]

Re: German P226

Correct me if im wrong but i remember the w German slide being made of carbon steel

 

[c1steve]

Re: German P226

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Turk</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: c1steve</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My P226 from the eighties shot great. My 4 month old P226 in 357 Sig seems at least as good as the first one. However I was expecting more recoil with the larger caliber, but the recoil feels the same.

I suspect that the spring may be stronger, although my wrists might be stronger at this time as well. </div></div>
And you have a heavier slide! </div></div>

That makes sense, the machined slide reducing recoil and needing a heavier spring as well. This recoil reduction is great, makes the 357SIG a pussycat to shoot.

 

[Turk]

Re: German P226

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: saintsfire</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Correct me if im wrong but i remember the w German slide being made of carbon steel </div></div>
Correct.