Yeah, the title says it all. Rough, beater, slide looks like it took a bath in saltwater.

Frame not AS bad, but definitely still seen some wear.
But the slide and frame serials do match, and you can see W Germany stamped on the slide.

What's the consensus on these- are they worth looking at for bargain prices? Hint- that may be a rhetorical question

Seriously- are these considered tough guns, or somewhat fragile? I've seen beaters in other models before, that looked rough but functioned fine. In looking at this, I'm thinking that a bead blast and parkerizing would clean things up a lot, if I were so inclined...

To clarify, it's up on auction, and I went ahead and rolled the dice at a certain amount, and won right at my max amount. It is certainly rough as all get-out, but I'm gambling that it is mostly cosmetic. I definitely plan on new springs, and apparently a new grip screw... we'll go from there based on what I actually find. The seller isn't pulling punches in the description.

I think Sigs are pretty tough. Some of them have gone through many, many rounds. Used ones in not quite so bad shape can be picked up for not a lot of money. I think parts are easy to find. Up to you.

They are tough pistols and you can get parts to rebuild them. I wouldn't turn away one in rough shape if it was cheap.

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AR15-22 Shield .40 BG 380

I have no problem with a gun being worn (I tend to say worn and smooth, instead of worn and rough), as long as it is functional. If they run, then I find them to be attractive in an oiled up, "been there done that" fashion.

I do freely admit this one was on the margin of unacceptable in appearance, there's a good bit of rusting and pitting along the left side of the slide. Also appears to be dirty and basically uncleaned as heck.

I also have looked at 9mm Sigs over the years, and the closest I have found in price was the last of the P5's from Wideners at $300, and I've heard those last few were also rough.

I got a parkerized FEG Hipower a few years back, that has evidence of deeper pitting on the slide than this particular Sig. It functions just fine, and the parkerizing did a good job of disguising the damage.

Basic plan on receiving it, first off, will be to clean it very thoroughly, and see if I can do anything with some steel wool and ballistol.

I'll post pics of my new purchase/folly, as soon as I get it.

Rough shape- evidence of rust etching and pitting on the left and top of the slide, the speckles are almost deep enough to obscure the Sig Sauer engraving... but not quite. Blotches and some pitting in the left slide grooves, nothing affecting the functional aspects of the serrations. Looks like the rust had scaled and then was removed, and this is what is left. Very similar to what I have seen in surplus pistols with the infamous "blood splatter" marks.

Right side, not as bad, some blotching in the serrations but not as much, again the evidence of pitting on the top part... looks like a fine light stippling almost.

Frame has a bright spot/scuff on the front of the left side of the trigger guard. A couple of bright spots on the base of the magwell, left corner of the beavertail, a worn edge on the right side. All frame issues look like wear except possibly the trigger guard.

No scratches or gouges, it just looks like it has lived under a car seat for a long, long time.

Missing one of the grip screws on the right grip.

Actually from a distance, it just appears "old". On my desktop, with the pictures being the approximate size of a cellphone or coke can, the frame looks pretty clean and the slide just has the gray patina of a blued gun that has aged (being West German, it is about 30 yrs old in my guess. I have a Star 30MI that is blued and not quite as old, and it has the same color).
Just north of $300 with one 15 rd magazine.

Since I have now purchased the pistol, is it acceptable for me to post the auction photos? I don't want to break any rules... but since the gun is now mine, it's just a photo of my property, right?

Rough finish condition does not necessarily mean a lot of mechanical wear. Provided the bore is good, it may end up being a good, tight shooter. Sounds like a good candidate for a Parkerizing or DuraCoat finish. I do believe you can post pics once an auction is completed.

Larry

OK... I will pull them if there's a problem, this is in good faith




Not the prettiest Sig around, but $315 made it mine.

There were some detail closeups that show the pits more, but you can tell that the gun is pretty rough. Slide has certainly seen better days. However, as I said before, if it functions like it should, I actually like guns like this. I most likely will just address the trigger guard and give it some thorough TLC.

It fills a slot in my meager collection, beside my Beretta 92FS and CZ 75, at a price I've tried to stay at. I've hunted years for a beaten up P226 at this price range, I finally found one
It won't be my primary gun, but I've wanted one, just to have.

I would have paid the same price without blinking an eye. For a few more dollars, some elbow grease and TLC, it will be good to go.

I'd field strip and clean and then go straight to the range......great price for a great pistol.......wk

Hope it works out for you.

You got a great pistol at a great price. Two ways to approach this depending on your level of WECSOG, tear it down yourself, thoroughly clean and oil, replace any broken or worn internal parts (readily available from SIG), install a SRT, and go. One more step in the same process would be to Duracote/Ceracote/Reblue/Paint w/Krylon the frame and slide for a nicer appearance. Or, Step 2 would be to send the pistol to SIG and they will do all of that for you. Details are available on their website and the prices really aren't that bad. Here is a link: Custom Shop | Sig Sauer

Good luck, and let us know how you make out.

If you are happy we are happy. Not a bad price considering its condition but not an out of this world steal either but you did OK on price IMHO.

The P226 is an alloy frame so you have to pay particular attention to the rails. The under side of the rails where they contact the slide are the primary wear and trouble spots.

Check out this article about how to inspect and judge the rails. Sig like to be shot wet I use grease and a lot of it on the rails to help protect the gun. None of the wear on the frame would bother me.

Guide to Sig Sauer pistol inspection - Grayguns

The slide looks like it was literally rode hard and put away wet. My #1 concern would be to make sure what caused the rust is gone and that the rust will not continue. I would do my best clear it up. If you have a local who can bead blast it for you I might go that route and then just keep it oiled up or send it to coyotekiller on the Sig forum. Does a ton of Sig work over there using moly resin coatings. He can do your slide for $45. I would consider that route for protect of the gun not really for the looks.

No matter what enjoy it.

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Use should dictate gear!

That gun should be fine. Most of my Sigs were trade-in from Europe. All worked great, some looked better than others. I have sent some of them to Sig for an action job and spring replacements. My fav was a 228 that looked like yours. Shot it the best. Put lots of rounds through them all. By the looks of the grips style, I'd say that was an earlier model year. New grips will fit, even the E-2 conversion style, short triggers etc. will all work. I have smaller hands so I like the short trigger. The "short trigger reset" kit should work also if you are interested. These things never seem to die.

I was never really a Sig guy until I picked up and shot an older W. German P228 a few years ago. I love that gun.

I would have bought your P226 for that price with no hesitation. As soon as it passed my function check, I would have reached into my pocket for cash.

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Ash

The P228 is my all time favorite Sig. This is my most recent P228 which cost a bit more than $300.

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Use should dictate gear!

Bottom of the dust cover will have a 2 letter date code. Not all W. German guns actually came from W. Germany. After German reunification there were still plenty of slides left with the W. German markings. The Germans didn't bother scrubbing them since it really didn't play a re in anything. I have a W. German 220 that was made in 1995



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Looks fine to me clean, lube and shoot. If you like put some elbow grease into it. I would have bought it to. I like SIGs and cheap ones are even better.

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AR15-22 Shield .40 BG 380

Wear wise it looks about right for an early 90's duty weapon. Polish and a spring kit and shoot it. Don't for get mag springs also.

Nice find.

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Isaiah 41:10

Thanks to everyone for the replies, anticipation mounts now... got a tracking number that says it has already been picked up, and has left the fedex facility, so it's on the truck. Tennessee to Louisiana, shouldn't take very long at all. And since I have to work all weekend anyway, getting it early next week shouldn't be a long wait for me.

WVSig, if this was just an "okay" deal in your book, I need to start shadowing your shopping habits! I've looked for YEARS for one at the $300-ish threshold, and have never found one. I've seen some at the $399 price, but those were always DAK and/or .40 cal, and I wanted the traditional 9mm DA/SA.

Arik, based on the serial #, this places as a 1990. Will post to confirm with the date code when I get it.

I bought a used Sig P226 from an auction site for $345. It has minimal slide surface wear but no pitting. This gun makes me look like a lot better shooter than I usually am. This gun cares not what ammo I feed it and just keeps firing very accurately. The Navy seals didn't carry this gun because it was junk. It is quality for sure.
I just bought another P226 .40 with a dak trigger. Purchased for $300+ Meaning it is double action only where as my other P226 9mm is da/sa. I didn't think I would like the DAK but after shooting it I am not going to change it out to sa/da. Both of these Sigs are great dependable quality guns. I have no intention of ever selling them.
You got a good price and I bet you will really be surprised how well it shoots.

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sigp226sada.dak 003.jpg (78.8 KB, 80 views)

early P226 models had stamped/folded slides... later ones were milled... but I can't remember when the transition happened... 1996??

Great gun at a fantastic price!

$315 for that? I don't do auctions, but if it had been in my local gun shop I wudda bought it for that price.

SIG can reblue the slide for $99. See their Custom Shop page on their website. However, they will not polish out dents, scratches or rust pits. Those will remain. This is simply a reblue.

In addition, for $144 SIG can go through your gun, replace springs, etc. This includes $120 worth of SIG tritium night sights. Rebluing is not included with this service. So if you are thinking about installing tritium sights, this is a bargain.

SIG does not refinish frames. Suggest you test some Birchwood Casey Perma Black gloss or matte to see which matches your frame.

The slides on the old P226's rust like crazy. I'd do something about a finish, otherwise you will be wiping rust from it every couple of days. The pits are there to stay, so I wouldn't spend much money on it. I'd go with one of the DIY finishes.

I'd also replace all the springs in it when you have it apart to deal with the finish. Spring kits are cheap, and one thing that will kill a Sig is frame cracks. Worn springs are the chief cause of those. Replace the springs.

Another thing to watch for is the roll pins that hold the breech block in the slide. They'll break after a ton of rounds and start to walk out. If your pins start to walk out, replace them. They aren't normal roll pins, but they're easy to get from Midway, Brownells, Top Gun Supply, etc.

As long as the frame is straight and the point where the barrel locks to the slide isn't out of spec, I'd buy it. Detail strip it. Put all the parts in an ultrasonic cleaner. Give all the parts a good inspection. Replace every spring and worn part. Install a short reach and short reset trigger. Because the slide is pitted, no point in going all out refinishing it. I'd gently remove surface rust and accept that I'll have to periodically rub down the slide with oil.

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-John

OPs Sig and the Navy MK25 are not exactly the same gun. The Mk is milled, has an external extractor and got rid of the breech block, which was a weak spot for the gun

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I am not knocking your purchase at all I hope you did not take my comments negatively. I have gotten some real deals over the years. I bought a LNIB P228 with 7 mags and a Kramer holster for $400 once.

I passed on a good condition P226 locally early this year. It showed holster wear but no pitting or major scratches for $450. I just did not need another P226.

I personally would have waited for one without the pitting a paid a little more but if you are happy again that is all that matters.

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Use should dictate gear!

This would work but for $45 I might refinish the slide so I don't have to be so diligent with the oil.

The guy I referenced who lists on the Sig Forum coyotekiller is a great guy and does great work. He is not going to be able to remove the pits but his coating will help stop future rust and it will look better IMHO.

Pics of his work. Email: [email protected]

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Use should dictate gear!

OP, my 220 only looks slightly better than your 226. It doesn't have pitting but just as worn. I have no issues with rust. Never refinished it because I just don't care about finishes. It has never rusted or turned brown

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How he is using the gun and where he is storing it will go a long way in helping produce or preventing further rust. IMHO

I have seen many people "clean up" rust and pits on blued guns only to have it continue to rust. The method of cleaning also plays a huge role in ones success.

Either way to the OP enjoy the pistol post more pics when you get it into your hands and please post a range report! Hopefully it is a nice shooter.

I suggest getting a spring parts kit from someone like Top Gun Supply.

SIG P226 9mm PARTS KIT - $23.99 - Top Gun Supply

You can find good detailed videos on YouTube on how to detail strip the gun and install the new parts!

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Use should dictate gear!

It's kind of all relative I guess...
As long as you like it and it's worth it to you, it's a good deal. West German 226's (Triple serials) I've read/heard are more rare/desirable, and many folks try to get them in as nice a condition as possible. But in really nice condition, that can mean $700 - $900 plus.

I got one a few years back for about $500 in just a little better cosmetic condition than yours, but assuming mechanically it's sound and all. I think like yours, it was a good deal, but not a great deal. Like you I got what I wanted at the level I was willing to spend.

But yeah, quick clean and check it out for function, then if you are able (or send it out like others mentioned) strip/clean/replace, and refinish as desired or necessary, and enjoy it and don't look back.

Here's mine from a similar want/hunt story like yours - Good luck and hope you enjoy your new/used Sig!







"

Yeah, that's no problem at all-

I'm trying to stay within a set price range for my purchases. Years ago, got a CZ 75 pre B for, I want to say $320, in VG condition, outside of a mar to the backstrap finish. It's my baby, the gun I like the most of my collection. That was back before we saw all the recent CZ's popping up, and it was a good deal IMO. It's my favorite shooter.
Having done that, I decided that was going to be my ceiling, as other pistols would be complementary to the CZ. No offense to Sig, but I'm a lefty, and the control layout on them is a little bit more difficult for me.

I view the metal guns as I would 60's era muscle cars. To me, the CZ 75, Beretta 92FS and Sig P226 are like a Mustang, Camaro and Challenger... roughly equal, different in many aspects but all worthy and ready to run.

I picked up a Beretta 92FS for $299 awhile back, and that triggered the chase. While getting one was nice, having 2 of the 3 at my target price made me actively want to find the Sig for the same price.

But as we all know, Sigs are tough to find at that range, and so I scratched the itch in other ways. Got a FEG Hipower, a parkerized beater, for just over 200, gave me a traditional design with complete compatibility at a bargain rate. Not a Sig, though, and not a DA/SA.

Found a nice S&W 915 under $250, gave me an American design which filled the same role as my Big Three, same era, and brought me here to this forum (and I love that gun too, I really have come to appreciate the S&W quality).
I grabbed some cheap unknown mags in the assumption that they would fit one of my pistols; one did not. I found that it fit yet another gun in that category, the Star M30, and eventually picked up a 30MI for, you guessed it, the $300 price point. Excellent and unique pistol.

But again, instead of relieving the itch, it intensified it... had 5 hi capacity 9mms in classic metal style, all at reasonable prices, and still missing one of the marquee names. I could now call it "my collection", but it was very incomplete.

Came across a Zastava CZ 99, a Yugoslavian sorta-Sig for $195. "Ugly" was the description, but the slide is in great shape, and the only issue (other than it was filthy) was that the frame was apparently painted with a watercolor paint... wiping it down with alcohol to remove the grunge took the black off the frame. I've since learned that is the factory paint for that, and I addressed it with Birchwood Casey Aluminum Black and it is a great shooter, and looks ok.

Scanned the Sig market again, and came back with the following info- most used Sigs were CPOs and pricey, and getting something under $500 seemed to be an accomplishment. Wasn't the range I wanted, so I conceded temporary defeat, and browsed elsewhere. The Daewoo DP 51, a gun I'd ignored in the past, seemed to have jumped from sub-$300 to over 400, I guess due to the Lionheart rebrand and MSRP of over 700. So I resolved to hunt down a cheaper one of those, knowing the elusive Sig was out of my price range. Wasn't very enthused about it, but hoped that a decent price and solid function would warm me up to it...
and then I found this.

at this point I feel inclined to point out that I've paid off my car notes, gave up a good bit of my youthful vices, and have been putting in a fair amount of OT at work. The occasional money I spend on a pistol, once or twice a year at this range, isn't breaking me, and I enjoy the experience of shooting a variety of good handguns at the range. I know people my income level that have $1500+ in one handgun, and I'd rather have a collection of shooters than one safe queen.

If this Sig works out, I'm a little curious what my desires may become... will I decide to move the CZ 99, will my pursuit drop off, will I begin refinishing a couple- polishing up and NP3 coating a matching set, for example? I don't care for the polymer trends, and most of the new makes don't appeal as much as the older ones do to me.

I have to admit, I enjoy having doublestack 9mm pistols from all over the globe... and I think that, and the fact that Yugoslavia is now extinct, will save the Zastava. Heck, maybe now I need to find a MAB PA 15...

Bought a Sig P6 some years back came in the blue box of happiness with two mags. Frame is ok but the slide is finished challenged. Even so it's very accurate and reliable. Managed to squirrel a few extra mags when they were available. Good solid pistols. Frank

Just 'cause it's a West German Sig does not mean you must buy every dog.

They are not rare and more will come along. I've paid $350 for much better condition ones. Now show me a nice BDA 45 or a BDA 9 or how 'bout one in 38 super.. I'll be interested.

Scoobysnacker, after all that talk of all the pistols you've accumulated I reckon it's high time you post some pics dude!!!

Yeah, that was a ramble- sorry about that!

I will try to take some good photos and post them. No, they aren't as pretty as some of the nicer ones we see, but they're mine!

And that ramble should address the storage and care questions- I may acquire a beater, but it's for the purpose of "my own little collection", and although I shoot them, I spend a lot of time doing what I can to preserve them like they were museum pieces. To me, that's part of the fun.

Having had a BDA i don't get it. Same old Sig different importer

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FWIW, keep the rails lubed on the Sig. Hardened steel slides are tough on alloy rails. I prefer grease for long range sessions. I use a childs medicine syringe with white grease from an auto parts store spooned into it.

Excellent find and as always, let us know how it shoots.

OK I couldn't stand it. I had to show it off; my KJ P226:



Sold to fund a rifle project years ago... sigh.

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Isaiah 41:10

My SIG is a P-6. Love it. Germany 1980.

Well, the gun arrived, and optimism abounds!

It is absolutely neglected, but not very worn. It's filthy, I was using Ballistol, going to go grab some brake cleaner and hose it out.

Doesn't look like it was shot much at all. Barrel grooves are sharp, but there looks like some dark near the chamber. Gonna soak a few patches and leave them in, see if that takes it out.

Frame- outside of the ding on the guard, looks new under the sludge. That guide reference to check the use and wear, the color of the slide rails- the rails on the frame are still black, not worn at all. Missing a screw for the grip, and there was a couple of decades of just grime in places. Going to have to find a matching screw somewhere now...

As an aside, when I was filling out the paperwork, my son said "hey dad, come look at this....", was a very clean old CZ (I assume 27). It was $225, I went ahead and got it for him. Old, with the slanted serrations, with matching numbers (16xxx), a Nazi eagle and K acceptance stamp on the barrel, DR stamp on the trigger guard. Our first .32 acp pistol.

Pics will be coming.

Excellent! Good to hear that the rails are in good shape. That is the most important wear part on a Sig P series IMHO.

Get the spring kit it has new grip screws. If it has been neglected its a good idea to replace them all. They rust.

SIG P226 9mm PARTS KIT - $23.99 - Top Gun Supply

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Use should dictate gear!

Nice. Clean, shoot,clean repeat.

WVSig- yeahm there was rust residue around the screws, looked like a little on the frame by the decocker spring (does that rust too?).

Grime, not grease or oil, looks like years of caked on yuck.

Very faint night sights... not Trijicons.

added to confirm:
matching serials to frame, barrel and slide.
Magazine has USA Magazine on the baseplate, don't know what that is, not original?
Left slide side has Sig Sauer, and then in smaller type: Sigarms Inc, Exeter NH
Right has P226, made in W Germany, serial #
Rust etching almost like engraving, and widespread. But shallow. Shouldn't hurt anything other than aesthetics.

Frame is otherwise clean, but the trigger guard is definitely a drop, not a scuff.

Can't wait to go to the range and fire off a couple mags for function check; trigger is nice and crisp.

Re the other purchase...

the CZ 27

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	cz 27 lh.jpg (73.4 KB, 484 views)
	cz 27 rh.jpg (78.6 KB, 485 views)

On the USA Magazine, if it says "Made In The USA" it could be a "Checkmate" factory mag. Otherwise I suspect it's an aftermarket by USA Mags, or?.

Other factory mags were some older Made in Germany with a dovetailed back design. Or Made in Italy Mec-Gars that read Sig Sauer 9mm on the side of the mags.

Mine are the Mec-Gars. The center one in the pic was the blued original, with the right side phosphated, and a newer one far left.

Try to post a pic of yours when you get a chance. Good luck with your taking it for a spin!

Ok, ****** cell phone pics thus far

What is the date code on the underside of the slide? The pic of the made in the USA mag is too blurry to see much but it is definitely aftermarket range fodder IMHO.

I would pick up some mecgars from Greg Cotes.

Greg Cote, LLC

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Use should dictate gear!

+ 10000

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Date code is KA, which falls in line with my serial # guess of 1990. Sorry about the pics, taken from phone. Will take some better pics soon.

Got her soaking in a ziplock bag with Ballistol on top of the stove right now, I have a built in skillet, and the pilot light keeps things fairly warm to the touch (think- inside a car in the sun in summer). Don't know that it will actually do anything, but it's always something I've done with guns after a good cleaning, to let the warm oil soak awhile. Gonna wipe it off tomorrow (today now)

and see.