M-952 vs SIG X-5?

[Frank237]

I'm in the market for an accurate 9mm and had a few questions about the 952. Other than SHOT Show I've never seen a 952 EVER. Apparently not very popular or used in many of the shooting games?

It uses the same single stack 10 rounder that is available from TRIPP, Wilson, etc?

Any issues with the 952?

I'm leaning towards the SIG as it's hi-cap, SAO, known to be accurate and other than the occasional extraction issues on EARLY models...supposed to be reliable.

This is a range use only gun...I may shoot three or four matches a year...the competition end of it isn't that big a deal to me. Not going to be a carry piece.

Anyone who's SHOT both guns that could comment??

Can Ya tell i'm still very much undecided??

FN in MT

 

[RGPM1A]

I have a 952-2 and have fired my friends X-5 on many occasions. I would say the trigger is slightly better on the 952 and it might be a tad more accurate. The biggest advantage IMHO (or disadvantage) the X-5 has over the 952 is weight (the X-5 is a big heavy gun) and this means very low recoil even with pretty hot loads compared to the 952. The only other thing is extra magazines for the X-5 are god awful expensive - last I checked they were between $70 and $100 each.

 

[colt_saa]

I have been a model 52 shooter for 3 decades or more. They are utterly fantastic pistols but do take a little getting used to.

When the 952 was announced I was thrilled. A model 52 chambered in 9mm would be a GREAT gun. I bought one and went to the range with my 115JHP handloads that shoot a ragged hole out of my Walther P88. I was seriously dissapointed in the 952.

Do not get me wrong, the 952 is more accurate than S&Ws production 9MM pistols. It is a target gun in it's own right. It just is not a model 52 except in name and appearance.

I tried four or five different factory loads, all of my hand loads and those the magazines said worked best in it. None of them really thrilled me.

I kept my 952 because it is a beautiful piece and I hoped that one day I would stumble on a load that would make it group like it's namesake, the Model 52.

When the X-5 family first went into production, I hesitated spending the kind of money that the X-5 L1 was going for. After about I year, I broke down and bought one. It was the biggest mistake of my life.

The X-5 is one of the finest shooting 9MM pistols that I have ever held. I truly believe that the way an X-5 shoots can not properly be put into words, it needs to be experienced.

I have taken many perspective target pistol owners to the range to shoot my X-5 and if you lived closer, I would make the same offer to you. Most people are just blown away at haow natural the X-5 is to shoot and how good it makes them look on paper.

I have found that the X-5s shoot fantastic groups with almost any ammunitioon. It is hard to make then shoot bad.

The X-Family of pistols is so good that I now own 8 of them. I have my original X-5 L1 and a P220 X-6 L1 to go with it.

I have X-5 Competitions in 9MM and 40 S&W. I picked up an X-5 Tactical TB that I shoot suppressed.

Then there are two of the X-5 Allrounds. One in 9MM and a second in 357SIG.

And most recenty, I added a P226 X-6 Scandic Blue but I do not have photographs of that one.

I am sure as other variants are released, I will expand the number of X-Family pistols that I have.

Extra magazines are a non-isseue. While the 19 rould aluminium base plate magazine that ships with the X-5 L1 does bring almost $80 from a dealer, the X-5s use all the same magazines as the standard model 226.

 

[Frank237]

Good information...Thank You. I've got a bit of an "IN" with SIG so the mags are not that huge a deal...and 3 or 4 would be plenty anyway. Not enough pull to score an x-5 super cheap though.

What mags do you use in your gun?

FN in MT



Colt SAA...fantastic post...Thanks for muddying up the waters too!!

What about the DA/SA model the X-5 All Around?? Trigger better than a std 226? More accurate? I believe it has a standard 226 bbl, not the heavier version used in the other X-5's?

Any of the EXTRACTION issues I've read about? Is THAT issue finally fixed with the new extractors??

I know...questions...questions...questions? But inquiring minds want to know!

 

[colt_saa]

Good information...Thank You.

Colt SAA...fantastic post...Thanks for muddying up the waters too!!

What about the DA/SA model the X-5 All Around?? Trigger better than a std 226? More accurate? I believe it has a standard 226 bbl, not the heavier version used in the other X-5's?

Any of the EXTRACTION issues I've read about? Is THAT issue finally fixed with the new extractors??

I know...questions...questions...questions? But inquiring minds want to know!

ALL X-5s use the 15mm heavy target barrel. All are crazy accurate.

The DA pull on an Allround is no different than any P226. The MasterShop only tunes the SA break. This is not just true of the X-Family, it is also true of the Sport Family of pistols that preceeded them.

NONE of my X-5s have ever experienced an extraction problem. While I do not doubt that many folks had problems. I do not believe it was quite the epidemic that the Internet made it out to be. Reading posts you would think EVERY X-5 had trouble.

 

[Ah2BFlyn]

I own both and have the following observations:

952-2 5"
Pros:
-> Extremely accurate
-> Best trigger right out of the box
-> Excellent adjustable sights
-> Well built and can make you shoot like a pro
-> Will shoot just about anything you feed it

Cons:
-> Only available in 9 round magazines
-> Mag safety... if you shoot competitively you'll have to insert empty mag to show clear
-> Safety is down vs. up and not easy
-> Slide gets really hot if you shoot Steel Challenge (~30 rounds)
-> Barrel is a bit challenging to reinsert into bushing after cleaning
-> Mag release too short
-> Aftermarket accessories difficult to find
-> Not a CCW

Sig X5 L1 9 mm
Pros
-> Marvelous well-built weapon
-> Easy to take apart and clean
-> Higher capacity mags
-> Fully adjustable trigger
-> Extended mag release
-> Excellent adjustable sights
-> Safety is easy to operate

Cons
-> Expensive mags/plastic mag extensions
-> If you plan on shooting a lot... be prepared for FTE problems, mine started at ~1500 rounds, no easy fix
-> U.S. made mags not as reliable as Mecgar
-> Internal extractor
-> May not be the best choice if you have small hands
-> Not a CCW

Also check out the 226 Short & Smart, similar features to the X5 L1 9mm but has a shorter barrel and external extractor... comes from Sigs Mastershop.

 

[Frank237]

Thanks to all of you for the great information. I think I need to find an X-5 to try.

FN in MT

 

[dondavis3]

I've not shot a 952 so I can't comment on it.

I own a Sig Sauer P226 X5 all around.

That's the DA/SA version -

I compete with this gun and it has the best trigger around IMHO

What has been said above is correct - it is heavy (good - it's not a carry gun)

I use Mec-Gar Mags and they are easy to find and not expensive at all for quality mags.

Sig Sauer Mags

You can not go wrong in my opinion with this gun.


.

 

[Frank237]

Don,

Like the ALL AROUND as well, but would prefer a pure SAO gun as I shoot 1911's a lot and like that crisp SA pull. Would love to try one someday as I'm known to double up on guns when I get the urge. I've got doubles of a bunch of them. An All Around and a Comp would be doable.

WISH I would have started this X-5 quest several months back. Best I can do on a new X-5 COMP is late June from SIG. I know it may be early, but today most delivery times are later than sooner. Still trying to find one at a reasonable price, thats IIN STOCK.

Thanks for the info.

FN in MT

 

[woody1911]

I have shot both guns and I like them both.
The owner of the 952 pretty much sticks to 124 grain ammo - 115's did not shot well out of his particular gun.
The X-5 seemed very accurate with 115 white box winchester ammo for what its worth.

Not trying to throw a wrench into the works, but had you ever considered a P210 target? I have fired and very much enjoyed this gun - I was fortunate to have a friend let me try it one out.

I doubt you would be disappointed with any of them. Good luck.

Woody

 

[white wolf]

I own x5L1 and 952-2.Love both,but x5 is a winner.Hi cap mags,better trigger,more accurate etc.In past I had a problem with 952 rec spring-was corrected by factory-and I very DONT like 9rd mags./hope for 10rd maybe in future/.x5 does not like heavy grease,espec when cold.Use only light Slide glide or BG prelube mixed with SG.
White wolf

 

[Frank237]

Update...

No not a 210 guy...I can relate to the cult status...but they are not ME.

Probably going to go with a Comp model...going to try to find one IN STOCK for a few more days or a week. If no joy...then I'll order one from "Miss Gal" she wants $1482 for a new one. ONLY issue...Mid June Delivery.

White Wolf...Thanks for the input as well. WHY I love this forum. You ask a question and you get all sorts of knowledgeable input. Most of it useful.

FN in MT

 

[Jeff423]

I agree mostly with colt saa. I had at one time a 52-2, 952 and 226 X5 Comp. I still have the 52-2 and the Sig.

Jeff

 

[Frank237]

Ordered an X-5 COMP in 9mm. REALLY appreciate all the input.

FN in MT

 

[Davidus]

I would be interested in your comments on the X-5.

Had a similar dilemma, which I resolved with. 952-2. I like it but still wonder, "what if..."?