SIG Sauer P229 - .357 Sig

[CLASSIC12]

This one came to me a bit by accident.

Back in 1996, I went to the LGS here in Switzerland to buy a Colt Python, blued, four inch barrel

LGS told me quality was hit or miss at Colt back then. So he would hand pick in order to make sure I’d get a nice one for my money.

I already had a license. Those are valid for three months, and can be extended another three month, just once. After a long time, no Python in sight, so the chief of the bureau of arms agreed to change my license for another gun, in order not to lose the license fee ($50).

I had seen an ad for the then new .357 SIG caliber and gun, with a guy having shot a mountain lion at a certain distance.

I also liked the idea of close to .357 Mag power in a 12 shot semi auto, so I went for it. Cost was the same as the Python, abt $ 1100. Plus the Nill grips I immediately put on.

Obviously very easy to field strip and maintain.

Not my prettiest gun, but a very solid piece. As with many modern semi autos, the frame is light alloy, whereas the slide is solid steel.

It’s extremely reliable, very accurate, trigger is very good out of the box. And the caliber is very lively, similar to 10 mm auto, and a joy to shoot. If I had to carry for SD it would be my first choice.

PS. The Python arrived six months later.

 

[CH4]

I totally agree with your assessment. Carried the exact gun for most of my LE career, both .40 and .357.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Picked up a nice barely used one around 2009 ( after the election panic of 08) with night sights. 4 magazines and two barrels; one .357 Sig the other .40S&W.
Whole package was on consignment for $500.


The Sig P series were great guns.... my first was a W.Ger. 220

My only gun in either caliber.

 

[bigwheelzip]

Nice writeup and photos.

I liked that SIG a lot and considered adding it to my CC choices, after I got a chance to shoot it when a factory rep visited my range. Just have a mental block about adding another caliber.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Nice writeup and photos.

I liked that SIG a lot and considered adding it to my CC choices, after I got a chance to shoot it when a factory rep visited my range. Just have a mental block about adding another caliber.

My feeling for over a decade ( early 1990s- 2009) I felt that I was good with 9mm and .45s. IMO .40 and .357 were answers to problems that didn't exist..... but during the ammo panics of 2008, 2012 and 2013 the last ammo to disappear from the shelves around here was .40 and .357Sig.

I've got a small stash of each now;and a half dozen mags that work with either ammo....... kind of feel I've got 2 more options if the SHTF again.

 

[joeintexas]

^^^^^^^^Same here. For years I owned 9s, 38s, 357 mag and 45 acp, didn't see the need for 40 or 357 sig. A close friend, a retired detective, kept telling me I didn't know what I was missing. I shot both and he was right, I now own both and they are fun to shoot and load for. Seems like those calibers go from hot to cold in the market.

 

[31FordA]

My .357 Sig P229 was the most accurate pistol I've ever had. It was outstanding. Got it for $365, like new, from my local cop shop. I sold it because finding .357 Sig ammo was a problem in my area, and when it did turn up it was expensive. After I sold it, for a obscene profit, .357 Sig ammo became plentiful and affordable. Wish I had kept it.