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Sig Sauer P220 Series
Model: Sig P220 Sig's first handgun was the P210, an extremely high class weapon that was noted for exceptional accuracy. The P220 was more cost-effective model, visually a completely different gun. Retaining the same excellent features, such as a slide that rode within the frame rails, the P220 was a huge success. Today, it is still one of their hot sellers, primarily in .45 ACP.
When the US military needed a new sidearm to replace the M1911A1, Sig submitted a modified design, the P226. With a push-button magazine release and double-stack magazine, the P226 design was Sig's first bread-and-butter seller. Despite losing to the Beretta 92F, the Sig went on to be adopted by various Special Forces teams, as well as many Law Enforcement organizations. The design branched into dozens of variants, all popular today and still known for exceptional Sig quality
. An interesting note is that early models were known as Sig-Sauer. Sig, designed in Switzerland, Sauer, produced in Germany. Later on, they were known was SIG ARMS USA, before going back to the original name of Sig-Sauer.
The features in this entry apply to the: P220, P225, P228, P229, P239. The P230, P232, P250, and SP2022 are similar but have significant differences that will be described in later entries.
Where to find:
One of the more common pistols, on par with the Beretta 92 for sheer popularity. However, their proliferation may also be a bad thing - there are so many variants and design changes that parts between two slightly different models may not fit at all.
Complexity:
With just a decocker, the Sig is a relatively simple firearm to learn and use. It's natural ergonomics and excellent trigger make it easier for the shooter
Size and weight:
P220: 28 ounces unloaded. Length 198mm. Height 144mm. Barrel 112mm.
P225: 26 ounces unloaded. Length 180mm. Height 132mm. Barrel 99mm.
P226: 26 ounces unloaded. Length 195mm. Height 139mm. Barrel 111mm
P228: 26 ounces unloaded. Length 180mm. Height 137mm. Barrel 99mm.
P229: 27 ounces unloaded. Length 180mm. Height 137mm. Barrel 96mm
P239: 25 ounces unloaded. Length 167mm. Height 129mm. Barrel 91mm.
Action:
Semi-automatic. Browning tilting barrel.
Caliber(s): P220: 9mm Parabellum, .38 Super (discontinued), .45 ACP (primary US model).
P225: 9mm Parabellum.
P226, P228, P229, P239: 9mm Parabellum, .40 S&W, .357 Sig.
Magazine:
Sig pistols employ standard alloy magazines. The P220 and it's compact variant, the P225, initially used European-style heel magazine releases. Surplus police pistols, available for around $300 on average, almost always come with these magazine releases.
All modern models come with the standard push-button magazine release.
P220: (9mm) 9 round, (.45 ACP) 8 rounds
P226: (9mm) 15 round, (.40 S&W / .357 Sig) 12 rounds
P228 / P229: (9mm) 13 round, (.40 S&W / .357 Sig) 12 rounds
P239: (9mm) 8 round, (.40 S&W / .357 Sig) 7 rounds
Trigger:
The standard trigger is a double action with single action follow-up shots,. The difference is very pronounced, with a heavy, 192 ounce (12lb) double action pull, compared to a crisp 72 ounce (4.5lb) single action pull, close to a 1911 pistol.
Worth noting is that the P239 has a lighter double-action pull of 152 ounces (9.5lb), as it was primarily intended for concealed carry rather than police duty work.
Controls: As noted above, early models had a magazine release in the heel of the grip, just behind the magazine. This is called a heel-clip or "European" magazine release. The P230 and P232 pistols also have this feature.
Modern Sigs have a push-button magazine release behind the triggergaurd, which can be switched to either side. Just above it is a large lever, the decocker. Sig pistols lack an applied safety in standard form, although some variants can be bought with 1911-style thumb safeties.
The slide release is behind it, a low-profile lever at the very rear of the pistol. It is very easily reached for a right handed person, but it can be somewhat problematic for a lefty.
In front of these two levers is the field strip lever.
Loading:
Condition One, or "Locked and Cocked." Chamber loaded, magazine full, hammer cocked and safety applied.
1) Point in a safe direction. Critical step in case the gun accidentally discharges!
2) Insert the magazine into the the magazine well in the bottom of the frame, ensuring you can hear and feel the click of the magazine release.
3) Grasp the slide firmly and pull it completely to the rear, then release it. Be sure to allow it to slam shut by spring force. Riding it forward with your hand can cause a malfunction!
4) The standard Sig has a decocker, making it impossible to apply the safety and keep the pistol cocked.
5) The pistol can be fired by simply pulling the trigger.
Condition Two. Chamber loaded, magazine full, hammer down, safety off.
1) Point in a safe direction. Critical step in case the gun accidentally discharges!
2) Insert the magazine into the the magazine well in the bottom of the frame, ensuring you can hear and feel the click of the magazine release.
3) Grasp the slide firmly and pull it completely to the rear, then release it - be sure to allow it to slam shut by spring force. Riding it forward with your hand can cause a malfunction!
4) Push the safety / decocker downward until the hammer springs forward. The pistol may be fired immediately by pulling the trigger.
Condition Three. Chamber empty, magazine full, hammer down, safety off.
1) Point in a safe direction. Critical step in case the gun accidentally discharges!
2) Insert the magazine into the the magazine well in the bottom of the frame, ensuring you can hear and feel the click of the magazine release.
3) The pistol can be fired by racking the slide, chambering the first round and cocking the hammer.
Unloading:
1) Point in a safe direction. Critical step in case the gun accidentally discharges!
2)Depress the magazine release, removing the loaded magazine. Be sure to do this first, or else a round may accidentally be loaded in a later step.
3) Rack the slide firmly and lock it open with the slide release.
4) Through the ejection port, visually confirm that the chamber is empty, as well as the magazine well. Use your finger to feel for any rounds.
5) Release the slide and push down on the decocker.
Field Stripping:
Unload the weapon as usual. Turn the field strip lever clockwise so it is pointing downward. Remove the slide off the end of the frame. You can then lift out the recoil spring assembly and the barrel. Reverse the steps for reassembly.
Design Quirks:
Sigs are known for using a large number of cost-saving features, and still having an esteemed level of quality. The resulting price is generally reasonable for the excellent performance. However, as noted before, with constant changes, parts compatibility can be pretty problematic. Finally, Sigs are extremely uncomfortable for the left handed shooter.
Jahadaz |
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