How does the 952 compare with Sig X5?

[btanchors]

Hello everyone,

I've been considering getting a Sig Sauer X5 L1 in 9mm for quite awhile.

My criteria and intended use is this: I want something that is very accurate, and very durable. This will be NO safe queen - my intent is lots of pleasure shooting, primarily at indoor ranges, probably several thousand rounds a year. I am looking for something in 9mm only at this time.

In talking with other Sig X5 owners, it was pointed out that it is difficult to get parts for the X5. Since I intend to do lots of shooting, this could be a problem.

How does the S&W 952 compare with an X5? Does anyone own both, or anyone at least shot both? I know this is a S&W forum, so I would expect lots of love for the 952 over the Sig here, but be advised, I also asked the same question on the Sig forum

What is your opinion of the 952 for my intended purpose?

 

[rbert0005]

The 952 would be a very good pick for your purposes.

Parts availability, MAG availability, warrantee, etc.

Bob

 

[Rock185]

Hello, I have owned and shot both. My early 952 had to go back for warranty issues. S&W was Excellent to deal with good warranty work and completed very quickly. The 952 had a great S/A trigger, finely fitted, was 100% reliable with any ammo I used, to include all kinds of hollow points, NATO, +P, +P+, reloads, etc. I no longer have the 952, no fault of the gun, sold to fund something else I guess I had to have at the time.

I bought the X-5 AllRound because a number of the parts are the same as a regular P226. I am a LE SIG Armorer, but where the X-5 is concerned, SIG Customer Service gives me the same response they give to most everyone I guess, "No parts are available for the X-5." I have put the short trigger, standard controls and SRT in mine. SIG would not sell me the SRT parts at the time, so I had to send it to them to get that done ( makes SRT a LOT more expensive than it needs to be with shipping,etc. ). The X-5 has been very accurate, 100% reliable, etc. Did chip an extractor, none available per SIG, send the gun back, etc. Did some checking, found the P220ST extractor is the same, problem solved.

Both EXCELLENT guns as far as I'm concerned. I'd say examine both and buy the one you like best. I believe any problems with either can be worked out.

 

[84CJ]

Saerch this forum for 952 I remember some more debates in the past year and some comparisons. Not all in favor of the 952 as you might suspect. Members here tend to call a spade a spade. I own a 952 and it shoots better than I do. Couple thousand rounds and no problems to date. I shoot outdoor ranges mostly so the winter months tend to slow me down a bit. I wanted the 952 to shot the crap out of since I stopped reloading some years back I can buy 9mm cheaper and easier to find. Love my 945 but troubles finding 45 ACP and the added cost prompted me to buy the 952 last summer.

 

[JamesArthur60]

I know this won't help your decision, but a couple years ago I ordered the Sig X5. I waited and waited and it never showed up at the gun store. A call was made to Sig and the wait to order time was far too long. Something else was fishy regarding the order through Sig. I didn't like the factory answers to my questions. So, I cancelled it and ordered a S&W 952-2. As stated by others, it's more accurate than I am behind the trigger. It would be nice to handle each side by side. Because they are obviously different animals in shape and size. Personally, I've never seen either model for sale in a gun store, anywhere.

 

[btanchors]

Thank you all for your comments. Using a google search I determined this exact same comparison (S&W 952 v. X5) has been asked before. I am NOT a gunsmith, nor do I "work on" any of my firearms (other than keeping them cleaned and lubed). As long as I can get the firearm repaired if something goes wrong, even if it has to be shipped back to the manufacturer, I am OK with that, so perhaps I am making too much out of the parts availability issue.

From all the opinions I've read so far, it sounds like comparing these two models is like comparing a Mercedes and a BMW - they both have advantages/disadvantages, and some of the disadvantages are very valid, but either way it's hard to go wrong.

One of the tough things is these models are not real common - my local shops do not have either in stock or for rent, and given they cost a couple of kilobucks, I want to do my research first.

 

[Ed333]

952

No experience with the Sig, but I can tell you that my best falling plate scores have been consistently with my 952 long slide, and that includes some high end 1911's and some target revolvers. Also had a very favorable warranty experience, when the Briley bushing came up with a burr or rough spot, replaced it, one week turnaround.
btw, I purchased mine from a dealer on a GunBroker auction, if buying new, don't worry about condition, if it isn't right, deal with S&W service.

 

[Indiana]

I bought a 952LS three weeks ago. I struggled with the same decision...which to buy a X5 or a 952. I decided on the 952 for many of the positive reasons given by others. To date, I have only shot one round...I hit a gallon milk jug dead center at twenty-five yards. I was impressed on how tight the slide to frame fit, the positive lock up, and it has the feel of a M39. I especially noticed the slight muzzle jump...it should give quick, accurate second shots. After the snow melt, I hope to get to the range for a better opinion.
I am sure my comments do not help with your decision.
Indiana