I am thinking of buying a S&W 4506 or a Sig P220

I've never shot the Smith, but do like the Sig 220. In general, every Smith vs Sig I've done the edge goes to Sig. Either will work, I just like Sigs a little better. There's also the part about the Sig still being in production. I also have a few P series Rugers. Rugers are rugged guns, they just aren't in the same class as the Smith & Sig. The P345 is also no longer in production.
 
I've owned & shot both & I prefer the 4506. I HATED the P220s loooong DA trigger & the reset in SA was just as bad. I think Sigs are nice guns, & have owned a couple a couple different models, But I've hated every DA/SA Sig I've tried. I could never get over how long the trigger pull & resets were. The 4506 DA is nice & there's hardly no trigger reset in SA.
 
Thanks everyone for your input. I appreciate it very much. My computer will not allow me to answer everyone, so I am posting this reply. I tried to find a S&W 4506 but I could not find one, so I started looking for a Sig P220. The only P220s I could find were overpriced legions, carry models (I wanted a full size), some with contrast sights (I wanted night sights) and NOS all north of $1100. I did find a like new P227 in .45 acp at a reasonable price and I did purchase it. The P227 is just a P220 with a slightly wider body to accomodate the 10 round clip. So I am happily awaiting its arrival. I will keep you posted. Thanks again!
 
Just remember, ... Sonny Crockett preferred big-bore S&Ws over Euro guns.

I'm sure that'll make the decision easier.
 
I've had a couple P220s. An all stainless and a W. German folded slide model. Both were incredibly reliable and accurate. I sold the all stainless model a few years ago. The folded slide model and my German frame P226 will probably stay with me to the end.
 
pasote said:
Thanks everyone for your input. I appreciate it very much. My computer will not allow me to answer everyone, so I am posting this reply. I tried to find a S&W 4506 but I could not find one, so I started looking for a Sig P220. The only P220s I could find were overpriced legions, carry models (I wanted a full size), some with contrast sights (I wanted night sights) and NOS all north of $1100. I did find a like new P227 in .45 acp at a reasonable price and I did purchase it. The P227 is just a P220 with a slightly wider body to accomodate the 10 round clip. So I am happily awaiting its arrival. I will keep you posted. Thanks again!
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Sent you a PM.
 
N4KVE said:
I have both a 645, & a 220. But my 220 says "Made in W. Germany". Big difference between that one, & what they sell now. Their guns have cheapened over the years. So to choose between a 645/4506, & a newer Exeter Sig, the S&W wins hands down. But if the Sig says Made in W. Germany, or Made in Germany, its a toss up. My Sig was imported in Herndon Va, before Exeter was ever in the picture. I've owned it since 1988.
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Yeah, I too had one of the last "Made in W.Germany' P220s in the collection for years and just never shot it much. Picked it up back in 1990 or so.

Got waaay more than I paid for it when I put it on consignment sale last year at the LGS. Gone one day after hitting the 'pre-owned' shelf.

So clearly there are folks who keep an eye out for the older Sig P220s.
 
WR Moore said:
While there have been some valid points made above, like still in production, the Sig series has some "issues" particularly if you're used to the 1911.

First, the Sig couples a (to me) short, heavy double action pull with a short, light single action pull. While you can learn to live with it, Jeff Cooper invented the "crunchenticker" moniker for TDAs when Sig was pretty much the only game in town. It fits. A fast, well placed, controlled pair is going to require a significant learning curve. I've never tried one, but I've heard a lot of very good things about Sigs DAO versions of various models. I don't know if this would interest you or it's available on the 220, but it does eliminate the point raised above.

Secondly, for a 1911 user, the slide release is where you're used to finding the safety. I struggled with the above 2 points during our service pistol trials in 1992.

Third, at the 25 yard barricade, the 220 literally beat me (my hands) bloody.

Strictly from an esthetics standpoint, the breech block pinned in a sheet metal slide by a roll pin really isn't a good fit with the price point. IMO

If you look around, you might find some other option that you might like better.
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I am a huge fan of the P220, but the trigger on even a cheap 1911 is preferable. SA guns are often better in the trigger department. Personally, I prefer DA/SA semi-auto pistols, and I've learned to be fairly proficient with the Sig through using it. The SRT on my newer one is an improvement. My old West German P220 has the stamped slide and pinned breech block. The gun has been totally reliable, and solid as a rock. As far as aesthetics go, I'm not sure why that would even be an issue. Shoot what you like and like what you shoot.
 
My .02. go with the SIG. They are fine guns, pricy yes, but you get what you pay for. I have owned a several of their different "P" models but I will be buried with my 220. I joined this forum because of my love for old S&W revolvers.
 
I went through all models of Colt 1911s from about 1980 to 88/89..... when I got a W. German Sig 220....... it will shoot cloverleafs at 50ft.... because of weight and the DA first shot I moved away from the 1911 as my .45 carry gun.... to the Sig 220 with Hogue checkered wood grips.

Jumping ahead about 5 years I got a Sig245 compact version of the 220..... also a great gun and easier to carry concealed..... 6+1 and a 3.9" barrel.

Today I still have two 220s, the W German gun and an all steel "Earnest Langdon model" ( see colt_saa's post #6; 6th pictured two tone gun) and two 245s.

Over the years I also owned a 4506 and 4505..... neither lasted long just too big and heavy for my needs............ that said I still have and really like the S&W 4566......................
 
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My vote would be for a 4566 or 4586.
When I was looking for a 4506 all I could find was a 4566 and a 4586.
I bought the 4566 over the 4586 based purely upon the difference in condition between the two examples I found for sale locally.
Both felt great, and I really liked the DAO trigger of the 4586, but its exterior was rough.
 
The fact that the 220 seems to be winning on a S&W Board should tell you something. I'm not a big Sig fan, but the 220 blows any of the metal frame smith autos out of the water, in practically every way.
 
I have both, and they are both great guns. It's easier to find mags, holsters, parts/accessories for the Sig P220. My P220 hates steel case ammo (not that I use steel much, but during an ammo drought, you get what you can find). My 4506 eats everything. Personally, I shoot the Sig better.

I vote, get both over time. That's what I did after my 1911 and ACP revolver itchs were scratched.

Neither one are fun or easy to carry, there are other, smaller 45s for that.
 
seldon14 said:
The fact that the 220 seems to be winning on a S&W Board should tell you something. I'm not a big Sig fan, but the 220 blows any of the metal frame smith autos out of the water, in practically every way.
Click to expand...

LOL.... The Polls show Biden leading right now too. That doesn't mean it is the right choice. :p

SMITH FOR THE WIN!
 
As a lifelong 1911 shooter, the SIG is a good gun, but...
Upthread someone mentioned hitting the decocker when your habits intended a 1911 slide stop. For me the glitch is the single action trigger reset. When I tried shooting a SIG in IPSC club matches I would periodically get hung up trying to fire the follow up shot because I had not let the trigger go far enough forward.

I like SIGs and I own several, but, for me, at least, it takes some effort to not let years of 1911 muscle memory make a fool out of me.
 
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