Sig Sauer Accuracy

[Narragansett]

I have had a P226 357 sig, and ap220 45acp for about 6mo to a year without shooting them. Now that I am spending 2 days a week at the range, I took them along. I was very disappointed with the accuracy in both of these guns. I am shooting from a rest at about 30-35 feet, and they are both 4-5 inches low. I used only 1 brand of ammo with the 357, but 3 brands in the 220. They also shot way left, and I drifted them OK, but I am out of luck for the elevation.

I believe they need front sights. Anyway, I was so disgusted, I took them to a dealer, and put them on consignment. That is the end of my SIG adventure. I do have a 9mm 1911 SIG match elite, and that is a keeper for sure

Is the sight issue normal?

 

[mckenney99]

Your experience is certainly abnormal. All the Sig Classic series guns that I have ever shot, demonstrated excellent accuracy and were great shooters.
Sig's front and rear sights are numbered and they typically come from the factory regulated for "standard" loadings ie. 230 grs at 25 yards for the 45 ACP and 180 gr .40 S&W and 125gr 357 Sig at 1250-1350fps 25 yards.
https://www.realgunreviews.com/sig-sauer-sight-heights-sight-numbers/
The biggest struggle for me was getting used to their triggers which as you know can affect your accuracy results considerably.
3 of my 5 Classic Sigs (P220, P229 & P226 - old duty weapon) actually have the DAO triggers and while a little heavy, they are very smooth. The other 2 (P6/P225 & P226 Tactical) have the traditional DA/SA triggers and I struggle with the transition from the first shot DA to the SA follow up shots.
We all have probably found one gun or another that we just could never learn to shoot well for various reasons,

 

[LVSteve]

Did both these pistols come from the same source? I wonder if somebody fitted strange sights to compensate for some odd twitch in their off-hand shooting.

I have a Star Ultrastar that shoots low for me and my shooting buddy, regardless of ammo. I tried a different barrel with similar results. I am certain something is out of spec, but I haven't discovered what it might be.

 

[GnarlsR2]

Both my P365s (XL and Micro) are more accurate than I am, even up to 25 yards.
I'll be at the range on Saturday and plan to bench several handguns.
My BG2 is still not accurate enough for my comfort at 4, 7, 15 yards.
I've made my 3rd front sight drift to test on Saturday.

 

[Yendor 1]

My SIG P220 shoots good; often 5 shots under 2.5 inches at 25 yards.

My SIG 365 is equally as accurate. The 365 doesn’t know it’s a micro. It shoots like a big gun.

I’ve never heard of an inaccurate SIG.

How in the world does one own a gun for 6-12 months and not fire it?

10 yards is too close.

 

[6string]

I think the term “accuracy” is being misused here.
The consensus seems to be that “accuracy” has to do with the mechanical function of a firearm to place muiltiple shots within close proximity to one another.
Except for a few extreme exceptions (derringers, pocket pistols w/o sights, etc) for handguns the accepted standard distance for accuracy testing has been 25 yards. It is good to have a base level reference if we’re trying to be objective.

“Sighted in” might be a better choice of wording. Or, “zero’d in”.
A gun is considered sighted in when the point of impact and sight picture are coordinated according to some predetermined preference such as “6 o’clock hold”, “Sub 6”, or “Center hold”, etc. at a specified distance.

I’m not saying this is the case here, but….
Once a gun is “sighted in”, discrepancies between sight picture and actual point of impact is usually an outcome of shooting technique.

If shooting was done offhand, was any effort first made to determine if the gun was already “sighted in” (ie: bench shooting, machine rest, confirmation with another shooter of trusted ability)?

Personally, I prefer not to shoot even one single shot offhand with a new or unfamiliar firearm without first determining if it is sighted in, even if it’s just a few shots.

 

[GnarlsR2]

My SIG P220 shoots good; often 5 shots under 2.5 inches at 25 yards.

My SIG 365 is equally as accurate. The 365 doesn’t know it’s a micro. It shoots like a big gun.

I’ve never heard of an inaccurate SIG.

How in the world does one own a gun for 6-12 months and not fire it?

10 yards is too close.

How in the world does one own a gun for 6-12 months and not fire it?

Would that be like buying new riding lawnmower and let it sit in the garage for 6 to 12 months!!??

 

[Greyman50]

Just got my first SIG stainless 10 mm, 100 rounds through it yesterday and Very accurate. However had 4 fail to extract so out to shop disassemble and clean. Was used and Very Nasty and took 1/2 hour to get cleaned using Hoppes and brake cleaner. Removed the external extractor and spring is very weak so cutting a new one off the right size long stock and see how it does this week. Dont care for the rail on dust cover but it is what it is. Oh and needs some sear work and polishing the dumb firing pin stop linkage.

 

[Narragansett]

Did both these pistols come from the same source? I wonder if somebody fitted strange sights to compensate for some odd twitch in their off-hand shooting.

I have a Star Ultrastar that shoots low for me and my shooting buddy, regardless of ammo. I tried a different barrel with similar results. I am certain something is out of spec, but I haven't discovered what it might be.

They only came from the same source in that they were forum purchases. It is easy to have something 6 months and not shoot it. I have favorites, and I shoot a lot of 22's.

 

[Onomea]

I bought a P226 XCarry Legion SAO several months ago. Did not notice any accuracy issues with the gun, but changed out the factory front sight for a Dawson precision fiber optic so my aging eyes can see it better.. I was careful to get the correct front sight height, discussing with both Dawson and Sig to be sure I matched the factory front sight.

Nope. Way off. Was shooting about 4" low at 25 yards off a rest.

After discussing with Dawson, bought another front sight two sizes lower/shorter. Seems about right now.

 

[SAFireman]

The p series Sigs have always been more accurate than I.

Some people make a mistake replacing the factory sights and they are never the same again...

 

[M1A4ME]

I only have one SIG handgun. Don't need to buy another one to see if it will shoot groups that make me happy. And yes, it shoots 3 or 4" below point of aim even at 15 yds. or so. Where the group is at on the paper can be adjusted, one way or another. Sometimes, group size can be "fixed" so it's small enough to be worth carrying/shooting. Different ammo. Learning the odd trigger pull/fit in your hand, etc.

For me, group size is very close behind reliability. Why carry/shoot a pistol that shoots a fist sized group at 10 or 12 yds. if you can carry one that will shoot a group a quarter will cover?

 

[Yendor 1]

The lawnmower analogy went right over my head.

Not as much any more, Buying a new gun was an event. Waiting for a gun that I ordered was like waiting for Christmas to arrive. Several of my guns got fired by me before I even got home with it the first time.

I remember writing a note to Bill Wilson, yes, The Bill Wilson, asking him, his thoughts on the SIG P220. Bill, being the super cool dude that he is, wrote back in his chicken scratching penmanship, and gave the 220 the thumbs up. To this day, I will still pay more for a Wilson Combat item, than something cheaper that will do the same job.

I remember the day I got the P220. That was 30+ years ago. That SIG resides in my nightstand, stuffed full of Cor-bon 200g JHPs. When I carry it, a semi beat up Kramer horsehide holster is what it goes in.

 

[rustythread]

I have had a P226 357 sig, and ap220 45acp for about 6mo to a year without shooting them. Now that I am spending 2 days a week at the range, I took them along. I was very disappointed with the accuracy in both of these guns. I am shooting from a rest at about 30-35 feet, and they are both 4-5 inches low. I used only 1 brand of ammo with the 357, but 3 brands in the 220. They also shot way left, and I drifted them OK, but I am out of luck for the elevation.

I believe they need front sights. Anyway, I was so disgusted, I took them to a dealer, and put them on consignment. That is the end of my SIG adventure. I do have a 9mm 1911 SIG match elite, and that is a keeper for sure

Is the sight issue normal?

Were you using a 6 o'clock hold ? I have had several Sigs which shot good groups which were all low if I used a 6o'clok hold, and dead on if the front sight covered the poa.

 

[BE Mike]

The weight of the bullet will affect vertical impact, but at the close range you are shooting, it shouldn't be that noticeable. How are your handgun skills, in general? I'd let someone else, who has known marksmanship skills shoot them before I'd blame the guns.

 

[Hawg Rider]

My SIG P320X5 Legion and P226 SAO Legion, as well as my larger SIG MPX, are all extremely accurate pistols and shoot POA. I don't use the 6 o'clock hold, only center bullseye.

 

[LVSteve]

They only came from the same source in that they were forum purchases. It is easy to have something 6 months and not shoot it. I have favorites, and I shoot a lot of 22's.

I have at least two pistols that I bought five years ago that have yet to be fired by me. They were "gotta have it at that price" purchases. It was only last year I took my Strike One to the range having bought it during the early days of COVID.

 

[Greyman50]

After over 3 hours of work its pretty good. Disassembled completely, stoned trigger slots, sear job, touched up hammer notch, stoned disconnector and dumb safety levers. Machining is Very good like a Tisas, back together, stretched external extractor spring, adjusted trigger stop and trigger is under 5#, happy. To range next weekend when down near Tampa.

 

[Narragansett]

I think the term “accuracy” is being misused here.
The consensus seems to be that “accuracy” has to do with the mechanical function of a firearm to place muiltiple shots within close proximity to one another.
Except for a few extreme exceptions (derringers, pocket pistols w/o sights, etc) for handguns the accepted standard distance for accuracy testing has been 25 yards. It is good to have a base level reference if we’re trying to be objective.

“Sighted in” might be a better choice of wording. Or, “zero’d in”.
A gun is considered sighted in when the point of impact and sight picture are coordinated according to some predetermined preference such as “6 o’clock hold”, “Sub 6”, or “Center hold”, etc. at a specified distance.

I’m not saying this is the case here, but….
Once a gun is “sighted in”, discrepancies between sight picture and actual point of impact is usually an outcome of shooting technique.

If shooting was done offhand, was any effort first made to determine if the gun was already “sighted in” (ie: bench shooting, machine rest, confirmation with another shooter of trusted ability)?

Personally, I prefer not to shoot even one single shot offhand with a new or unfamiliar firearm without first determining if it is sighted in, even if it’s just a few shots.

The sighting was done from a rest. I bench everything new to take as much human error out as possible. They could have come from the factory with the wrong sights, or 1 or both were changed. Who knows, but I am not going to take the time to fix them. I can't stand the triggers either, Take up and creep are annoying.

 

[rockquarry]

CDNN used to sell a pack containing several different sizes of replacement front sights for Sig pistols. They were inexpensive and worked perfectly to bring point of impact to where it should be on my P226 and maybe P220 (can't remember if I had to change the sight on both guns or not).

Benchrest shooting is okay to check accuracy, but often the point of impact will be different from the one you get when shooting offhand. Zero using the shooting stance you usually use. If zero is okay at 25 yards, it should be fine at closer distances. My Sig P226 and P220 are quite accurate. I seldom shoot anything in either except my own cast bullet loads and they are at least as accurate as any jacketed bullet load I've fired. I no longer have any interest in 9mm anything but my P226 shoots so well, I'd hate to get rid of it.

 

[yanici2]

Just be sure that you are using the combat sight picture when you shoot your factory sighted Sigs. Three dots aligned horizontally with the center of the target aligned with the center dot. All my Sigs have come sighted properly from the factory.

 

[tops]

Why carry/shoot a pistol that shoots a fist sized group at 10 or 12 yds

I'm 84, crippled, wore out and half blind. I wish I could shoot that good. Larry

 

[RH45]

I only have one SIG handgun. Don't need to buy another one to see if it will shoot groups that make me happy. And yes, it shoots 3 or 4" below point of aim even at 15 yds. or so. Where the group is at on the paper can be adjusted, one way or another. Sometimes, group size can be "fixed" so it's small enough to be worth carrying/shooting. Different ammo. Learning the odd trigger pull/fit in your hand, etc.

For me, group size is very close behind reliability. Why carry/shoot a pistol that shoots a fist sized group at 10 or 12 yds. if you can carry one that will shoot a group a quarter will cover?

Sounds like you have a newer Sig, ALL of my 365s shot low, so I just replaced the sights. Most of the other Sigs I have owned or shot, didn’t shoot low and were more accurate. Not quite as accurate as I would like, but 1 1/2” groups at 25 yards, I can’t quite get that accuracy out of my 365s. Possibly it’s me.

 

[M29since14]

I’ve never seen a SIG P220 that didn’t shoot reasonably close to point of aim and perform well with most any ammo. There are several things I could criticize about the P220 but, since you’ve already decided to be rid of yours, that would hardly be worth discussing.

 

[rockquarry]

Sounds like you have a newer Sig, ALL of my 365s shot low, so I just replaced the sights. Most of the other Sigs I have owned or shot, didn’t shoot low and were more accurate. Not quite as accurate as I would like, but 1 1/2” groups at 25 yards, I can’t quite get that accuracy out of my 365s. Possibly it’s me.

Brings to mind something I've been curious about. Having never owned a striker pistol, and aside from the 365s mentioned, are most striker pistols capable of good accuracy? Aside from pure target pistols, I think 1 1/2" groups at twenty-five yards is excellent handgun accuracy, but perhaps my standards are low.

 

[rockquarry]

I’ve never seen a SIG P220 that didn’t shoot reasonably close to point of aim and perform well with most any ammo. There are several things I could criticize about the P220 but, since you’ve already decided to be rid of yours, that would hardly be worth discussing.

What are your P220 criticisms? I'm interested as I've been shooting one of these for a long time without complaints.

 

[BAM-BAM]

I've got several P-series...... my W Ger. 220 will shoot "cloverleafs" at 50ft. ; the 245s [220 Compact 6+1; 3.9" barrel]comes close.
Recently got a M11-A1 [upgraded 229] but like you it's waiting on it's first range trip.

 

[M29since14]

1.5” at 25 yards is exceptional accuracy, IMO. At least it used to be. That is basically 10-ring accuracy on the 50-yard slow fire target. I think production auto-pistol accuracy has improved over the years, but even today, I would be very happy with that.

My complaints regarding the 220 are mostly subjective. I’m not thrilled with the DA trigger, which is very hard for me to manage, the OE grip panels, and the high bore axis. (Bear in mind my criticisms are largely the result of the P220 not being a 1911. For me, there have always been 1911-pattern pistols - and “everything else.” )

 

[rockquarry]

1.5” at 25 yards is exceptional accuracy, IMO. At least it used to be. That is basically 10-ring accuracy on the 50-yard slow fire target. I think production auto-pistol accuracy has improved over the years, but even today, I would be very happy with that.

My complaints regarding the 220 are mostly subjective. I’m not thrilled with the DA trigger, which is very hard for me to manage, the OE grip panels, and the high bore axis. (Bear in mind my criticisms are largely the result of the P220 not being a 1911. For me, there have always been 1911-pattern pistols - and “everything else.” )

I understand; I like the 1911s, too, and shoot them far more than than the Sigs, but I also like the Sigs. I got used to the Sig DA trigger and have no complaints, but generally shoot it only single-action, bullseye style like I do all handguns.

 

[BE Mike]

Brings to mind something I've been curious about. Having never owned a striker pistol, and aside from the 365s mentioned, are most striker pistols capable of good accuracy? Aside from pure target pistols, I think 1 1/2" groups at twenty-five yards is excellent handgun accuracy, but perhaps my standards are low.

For me, 3" groups are very acceptable for a self-defense handgun at 25 yards. Of course that is around 10 shots from a standing, unsupported position. If I shoot 3 shot groups for a long time, I might be able to pull out a 1.5 inch group, but it wouldn't be a good example of my or the gun's capability