Sig 226 versus Sig 2022?

[Redcoat3340]

I'm sure this has been beat to death, but I thought I'd ask anyway.

I'm not a new Sig owner (as I bought a P6 about two years ago, had Sig do their magic with springs, etc., night sights and trigger work. Love the gun.

I'm now upgrading my safe and selling off some good guns for better ones. Got rid of a couple to finance a Walther P5 and a couple of others went in a trade for a Swedish Lahti.

So now I have two Taurus 9mms, a 917 and 908, that I'm thinking about trading towards either a Sig 226 or 2022.

LGS is willing to give me good value on the Tauri and has what I think is a standard 226 in excellent used condition for $700.00. He's looking for another one for less and I'll know Friday if he finds it.

The other gun in the running is a 2022...one fellow wants $450 with the "TacPac" and another is looking for $400 for a 9mm desert / FDE colored Sig Pro 2022 with lots of accessories.

So here's the question: I want to upgrade. After buying the Walther I went for another Walther, their PPX, which gets great reviews as an "entry level" pistol. Which is what I wanted for one of my boys and wife.

If I go for the 2022 will I just be adding just another very good entry level gun to the collection? I like the price, but I might be willing to go for the extra for an extra-ordinary gun. I've fondled the 226 and like it a lot. It's got Hogue or Pach grips which adds to its girth a bit, but I figure I could find for original ones and it would be a wee bit smaller feeling. Comes with three mags.

I like all metal guns. I like hammer fired guns. I have a couple of plastic guns and they are fine...but I like my BHP, 92FS, Sig, Walther, S&W 5609 and 39-2 (and an Astra 1-100) a lot more.

Comments? Advice? Observations? Money is indeed an object here....but I'm willing to wait a bit for the right gun.

 

[Arik]

2022 is especially a polymer 226. Internally they are very close and most parts interchange. The difference is external. Slightly better controls, grip and light weight.

It's an excellent gun but it's not a collectable or rare. They were originally made for. They were actually manufactured in Switzerland as opposed to modern 226 American. It entered service with the French Police, Customs, Penitentiary administration and Gendarmerie in 2002 for a planned service life of 20 years, hence the name. 460,000 rounds have been used for testing it before adoption by a sampling of future users and modifications of the SIG Pro followed to produce the 2022.

 

[Derosa]

If you like all metal, by all means, wait for a 226. I, also, have one, and have nothing but praise. There are several internet houses (CDNN comes to mind) that offer less costly 226 trade ins that have been Siger'ized - my phrase. All at a fair price in several calibers. If I were going to carry, shoot, and just have a knock around EDC weapon, the 2022 would be on my short list. I have seen them here in TX for a few bucks over 400.00 at the Academy Sports. I am at the point in my life where I appreciate safe stuff, but, when I buckle my pants and walk out the door, and have a firearm on my side, the safe stuff is not a real consideration. Good luck. Either way you win.

 

[Motorsporting]

Nothing wrong with a used Sig 226 (or 2022). Have you shot either - they might feel different?

 

[gman51]

I found and bought a 1987 Sig P226 in nice shape on an auction for $326. I got lucky and the auction ended at 6 AM so no bidders awake to bid against me I guess. I shoot this gun better than any other of my guns. I doubt I will ever sell it.

 

[Philadelphia Patriot]

I love my Sig P229. Have you considered that model? It's basically a P229 but with a 3.9" barrel.

Not my picture, but I have the same exact model below...

 

[Arik]

I love my Sig P229. Have you considered that model? It's basically a P229 but with a 3.9" barrel.

Not my picture, but I have the same exact model below...

9 or 40????

 

[Philadelphia Patriot]

9 or 40????

9mm. I'm not big on the .40 s&w.

 

[Arik]

I was hoping it was 40. I have a HK P2000 and G22 in 40s&w and I like those two. I own a 228 but everywhere I look I see used 229 in 40s&w. Was hoping you could give a option

 

[Philadelphia Patriot]

I'm pretty sure they don't make my specific model any more. Don't get me wrong, I love that pistol and I am VERY accurate with it. The only thing I might consider doing is install the short reset trigger (SRT) and maybe, MAYBE the E2 grips. The E2 grips aren't a big deal to me, but my fiance did claim my P229. She might want them installed. As a trigger snob, installing the SRT speaks for itself

Also CDNNsports.com always has used LEO trade in Sigs in .40 s&w. I told my fiance if we hit the powerball for millions of dollars (I play with coworkers), I'd only treat myself to three (3) guns..... 1) Springfield M1A Socom or Scout, 2) GSG MP40 in 9mm, and 3) Sig P229 Legion in 9mm

 

[bushmaster1313]

I vote 226
Especially with blue grips

N.B. I agree that pretty grips on a Sig is a bit like lipstick on a pig -- but you only live once

 

[Arik]

I'm pretty sure they don't make my specific model any more. Don't get me wrong, I love that pistol and I am VERY accurate with it. The only thing I might consider doing is install the short reset trigger (SRT) and maybe, MAYBE the E2 grips. The E2 grips aren't a big deal to me, but my fiance did claim my P229. She might want them installed. As a trigger snob, installing the SRT speaks for itself

Also CDNNsports.com always has used LEO trade in Sigs in .40 s&w. I told my fiance if we hit the powerball for millions of dollars (I play with coworkers), I'd only treat myself to three (3) guns..... 1) Springfield M1A Socom or Scout, 2) GSG MP40 in 9mm, and 3) Sig P229 Legion in 9mm

I have an issue with my 228 grips. Need to find something else but don't want to spend $100 to find out if I like the replacements

 

[Tom_R]

I can't speak to the 2022, but I can speak to the P226.

I have owned my p226 for close to 20 years and it would be my go to war gun/SHTF gun. I shoot it as good as anything I have, and people who hardly ever shoot, shoot it incredibly well as do people who shoot regularly.

It is a great weapon.

If you are looking for the top of the line, get a P226. You will NEVER get rid of it. Trust me on that.

I don't EDC mine because my stupid state only lets you have 10 round magazines.

My EDC guns are a 686+ 2.5", and I just got a Sig P227 SAS Carry. 10 rounds of 45acp on the sig platform in a size comparable to a COLT Commander. Might be the perfect carry gun for my State.

 

[Redcoat3340]

So I took the advice of many here who suggested I get the 226 instead of the 2022. It was outstanding advice, many thanks. I be a happy guy.

Went to my regular LGS and we did a deal. They got what I wasn't shooting, I got a fery fair price AND a P226 isnpretty good, if not very good, condition.

Pistol was made in 1988 according to the JJ under the muzzle. Gun is marked "Made in W. Germany" on right slide and SigArms, Herndon, Va on the left slide.

It's got Hogue grips (a question about that later), and Trijicon sights which I need to do more research on.

Pistol seems in pretty good shape with the rail a semi-shiny black, bore near pristine, and very little wear. It came with 3 mags, two 15 rounders marked Sig with the "Z" welds and one Sig marked 20 rounder with a rubber extension made in USA.

Trigger in SA is 4.25 pounds, DA around 12.

It needs a cleaning as there's a bunch of dust or lint inside...other than that, it's ready to go. Couple of questions if I may:

- The sights. Rear sight marked Trijicon H3 95 and front is marked the same. Anyone know if these are aftermarket sights or did they come as stock back in '88? They seem dead and found out the H3 = Tritium and the 95 is 1995 and they are dead. Anyone know what Trijicom charges for replacement lamps (I'll be check their web site). Also, are SigNite sights a significant improvement? Should I go for them?

- The grips. Hogues make it a bit "thicker." Not uncomfortable but am wondering if original stock plastic grips Grip Set, Black Polymer, P226 (Standard Model Two-Piece Grip) Price: $26.00 are better or should I save up for something better....such as?


Finally, is it worth it to send this to Sig for their $145 special with springs replaced and night sights installed? I did it with my P6 and loved the results...but then went and had the trigger done which sort of negated the savings of the special package....but made that gun a sweet shooter. Can't imagine they'd get the SA below 4 pounds, but would sure like the see the DA a lot lighter.

Any additional comments, things I've missed, suggestions, etc. are appreciated.

thanks in advance.

 

[JoeReed]

I have nearly your exact P226 and I used pau ferro grips, because the original grips have a funny shape right where I grip with my right thumb. I went to a thicker grip (I have big palms and short fingers, the ideal hand for the 226) and I have never looked back. Pretty much my only truly useful gun in an otherwise collection of revolvers and old, one off and useless weapons. It is a stellar gun.

 

[eveled]

I sent 2 Berretta slides to trijicon to be re lamped. I don't remember the exact price, but I was happy to pay it. The results were very good. The trijicon are much brighter than my Sig sights. My Sig is a p250 .45, the perfect semi for a double action revolver guy.

Edited to add that trijicon offers color options, and the front and rear sights don't have to be the same color.

 

[hangnoose]

TALK WITH SIG.

I have a W. German 226 also & sent it back for the srt, short trigger, action enhancement package, springs, night sights, the works. The more you do the better the price, I couldn't be happier & have done it to a 220 & 239. The plastic grips are more slippery than the hoage, but the fit is up to you.

 

[WVSig]

SP2022 is a great gun and a excellent value at around $400 it is however very different than the P226 in terms of its trigger. It has a very smooth but long DA trigger pull. Think revolver here. It is not the same as P series triggers found on the P226, standard or SRT, which is what most people are used to when talking about Sig.

I own both and shoot both well if I could only have one I would get the P226.

 

[Arik]

The trijicons are aftermarket and if they work there is no need to replace them. If they are dim you can send the slide to trijicon to have them replace the bulbs.

Grips are aftermarket as well. Original plastic grips aren't bad but a little slick. Gun moves around a but when shooting

The 20 round US mag is most likely Promag. They are garbage. You can buy Mac-Garr aftermarket mags for cheaper than Sig manufactured and they are every bit as good if not better

 

[WVSig]

Trigicon will relamp the sights for you and they are aftermarket. IMHO they are better than Siglites. Some people report Siglites siting and early death.

Grips are aftermarket and are a personal thing. I like the new Hogue G10s but again it's a preference. I like the stock Sig grips more than the Hogue rubber. One thing to remember is that the Sig E2 Grips will not fit unless you change the hammer and strut.


I would shoot pistol in for any action work because it might not need It.