otis24
Member
I have the chance to pick up a Sig P228. It is West German made with proper markings. Are these durable firearms? I read something about stamped steel slides. Please advise.
Sig P228 opinions
- Thread starter otis24
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I don’t know of any particular shortcomings of the P228. Most people seem to have a high opinion of the model. I haven’t fired mine a lot but my gun, also a West German production example, has given me no complaints. I purchased it new. I think I'd be more concerned about the frame (Aluminum alloy) than the slide. Of course I'd check the gun carefully, especially if it appears to have had a lot of use.
Greymann
Member
Great pistol, love mine.
Hell and Back reliability.
Hell and Back reliability.
The slide is stamped and welded thin sheet metal. The breechblock is a separate piece that is held in place with a roll pin that is supposed to be replaced after so many rounds. The frame rails are thin aluminum alloy that can crack if hot ammo is used that causes the thin slide to flex when fired. Cerekoted? I’d pass unless it was cheap. But the Sig fans will now chime in and tell you that I know nothing. There are better and more durable guns out there for reasonable prices.
Loyaljeeper
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If that p228 was under 400 it’s worth it. I had lots of dealings with the older Sigs. I’m a rare breed that likes the newer ones better. The p229 is very similar but better when you start talking about shooting.
Mine too.....
The 229 was developed after the weaknesses of the sheet metal guns were revealed during the testing of 9mms by the US that resulted in the adoption of the Beretta 92 to replace the old 1911s. The 229 has a solid steel slide and a beefier frame. The development of the S&W .40 cal also played a roll because the sheet metal guns couldn’t handle the higher pressure .40 cal.
For me, much of the value of these old West Germany stamped-steel slide P228s is historic, which is pretty much ruined by the Cerakote. As a working pistol, you're probably better off with a modern steel slide P229.
xfarfuldog
Member
I love mine. My issued gun before leaving the PD years ago was a full nickel 228. My only Sig now is a blue WG P228. It came like new in its original box with Siglites but was updated with new Trijicons. I paid through the nose but don't regret the purchase.
The 229 was developed for the .40 S&W. The 228 is a long time stand alone. Which has worked flawlessly with the little 9mm since it's inception.
swagmeister
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I qualified and carried one on duty several years ago. I lost count of the rounds at about 6000, with no issues at all; a lot of those were Plus P loads. Very little wear after so much use. It was very reliable. I spoke to a local FBI agent back then and he said he carried his Sig 228 for several years and had approximately 15000 rounds thru it with no issues. If cheap enough, I would get another one. As stated, the Cerakote does not help the value of the gun. I would say $500 max, and it would have to come with several additional high capacity magazines. Good luck.
I remember when the 229 first came out. I was never impressed with the boxy 226 and 228 as were some of my coworkers. One laughed at me and told me I was crazy when I told him his high $ 226 had a sheet metal slide. Another of my more knowledgeable coworkers wasn’t impressed with the sheet metal models either and bought the first 229 he saw at a gun show. I looked the 229 over and was greatly impressed with the overall quality but didn’t buy. The first 229s were indeed 9mms and were nice if a bit heavy. The durability problems with the sheet metal guns are a mater of history and easily researched if you care to read the details of the US Government’s 9mm gun tests.
LoadedRound
Member
Hi Otis
I can't tell from the picture. Is the finish on the slide damaged or is it just dirty?
If the cerakote was well done and in good condition, I might go up to $400 on it. I actually like the stamped slide guns. In my hand they balance a bit better. I've had my P228 for 24 years and love like I did day one.
I can't tell from the picture. Is the finish on the slide damaged or is it just dirty?
If the cerakote was well done and in good condition, I might go up to $400 on it. I actually like the stamped slide guns. In my hand they balance a bit better. I've had my P228 for 24 years and love like I did day one.
dpsmousegunner
Member
I bought a WG P228 as an off duty sometime in the late 80’s, still have it and it still works fine. I must confess that the newer P226 had a much nicer trigger pull.
When my Dept. switched to Sig 226s from our model 65s they were talking about issuing 228s to Detectives but never did. Later when they upgraded the 226s to a later generation they issued 239s to Detectives and Admin. I bought the 239 in .357 Sig for off duty when it first came out but the 239 was like the 229 - solid slide. The 226 / 228 had a double roll pin (inner and outer) to hold the breech block in. Sig recommended to fully strip the duty guns once a year replacing roll pins and springs. But we never did - until the guns were at 10 year service life. As I recall we never had any mechanical malfunctions in all that time. But when we started stripping them after 10 years oh my…. You could have grown potatoes inside some of them. The guns from the boat patrol guys had rusty sites and grip screws. The first gen 226s were all West German guns. They were on the third gen of 226R in .40 but just switched to p320s in 9mm.
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