Smith vs. Sig

Pete99004

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I know we are a S&W group here - but I'm sure there are a few who own Sig's as well - I hear conflicting things about Sig. What do you Sig/S&W owners think about the Sig lineup compared to S&W - and what should someone who is not familiar with Sig look out for on their model lineup - I'm looking/thinking purchasing a P226 in 40 S&W and would appreciate any input from others.
 
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I looked long and hard at getting one of the larger SIGs because I was so impressed with the SIG 230. Very accurate and reliable. However, when it came down to renting the 226 and running it with targets and magazine reloads, I decided against it. Why?
Ergonomics. For my hands and purposes, the M&P 9 Pro is just faster handling and feels better. The trigger pull is the same every time, and magazine changes are slick and quick.
 
I own two brands of handguns. Smith & Wesson revolvers and SigSauer semi-auto's. I have no plans on changing that. I have them because they both make the finest product available in the respective categories.

Of course, ergonimcs are huge so no matter how good the gun is...if it doesn't fit, it doesn't fit.
 
I've carried the same Sig P220 .45 on the job for the last 18 years. It has been a fantastic gun, and the only time it ever jammed was when I put in some Sig-supplied mag kits to convert the 7 rounders to 8 rounders. I put the old springs back in, and it was back to boring 100% reliability.

I never warmed up to the 4506/5906 series of Smith autos, but I've handled the new M&P and it would definitely give my old Sig a run for the money.
 
Well, my first SA was a S&W 4003...that I am quite pleased with - since then I have purchase 2 Kel Tec P11's one for CCW - and that worked very well - so I picked up a spare since the prices were so low. I really enjoy my wheel guns but I think another SA is in order. They are really growing on me! I've been searching for something to add to the collection but not having any luck finding 3rd gen. Smiths. When you look at a 5906 it looks identical to my 4003 and really it would be nice to have something different in that respect. I really prefer the feel of the metal guns like the 3rd gen. Smiths so I have not been looking at the M&P. I have friends who said I should research Sig and that is why I'm looking for feedback from the Smith/Sig owners. I know that a number of people like the Sigs, but over on the Sig forum I'm seeing negative comments on them - seems like the quality is not a good since about 2006? Any comments?
 
The complaints from Sig owners are more common now than they were a decade ago. Things like the P238 fiasco haven't helped much. I've no experience with the newer guns from Sig like the Pro series and the 238. I've owned a P229 in .40, P239 in .40, P230 in .380 and recently got a P245 in .45. Of all the guns I've had a grand total of 1 FTE and 0 FTF's. The FTE was on my P229 (the first Sig I owned) the day I picked it up.
 
I have a P220 and P239 as well as third generation S&Ws. I think the quality level is similar. The trigger on my P220 SSE is slightly better than my 4566 TSW, or 1076. That said, with Hogue grips on both the P220 and 1076 you would be hard pressed to tell them apart with your eyes closed.
If you want a full size metal .45 your choice in my opinion is between the SIGs and S&W TSW models and it's a narrow choice at that.
I could pick no favorite. It's a shame that neither are now made in 10mm.
 
I have a 229 in 9mm, a 45 220 and just got a 9mm P6. I have not had any problems with any. All of my guns are in the safe except the 229. I went through a shooting school with the 229 last year and fired well over 2k rounds in 3 days without any failures of any kind.
 
Sounds like S&W and Sig are on the same line as far as quality goes. Ok - so we have owners with 40 S&W - 9MM (I have both of those) and 45 Cal. which is preferred by those in the know, and why? No .380 or .357sig owners out there?
 
...No .380 or .357sig owners out there?

I have a P229 .357. Great shooting gun. No complaints.

SIGs are what they are. You either like their layout/features/manual-of-arms or you don't. I agree with the fellow who said he thinks the SIGs and recent manufacture S&Ws are of relatively the same quality.

My own experience is that I prefer the design of the S&W 3rd-generation products, but unfortunately I shoot SIGs better. (My guns, both SIGs and S&Ws are factory stock - not tuned.) The object of shooting is hitting.

Overall (and yes, I realize you didn't ask this), I think a decent 1911-pattern gun is still the best solution in an autoloader. In that type of gun, I think S&Ws offerings are excellent, SIGs not so much so.
 
I have a p229 stainless steel elite 9mm and it eats ammo for breakfast , lunch, and dinner. My wife and I also have two 642's for C.C. She won't touch the sig, but mess with her 642 and she will give you the Tiger Wood special.
 
I have a P229 .357. Great shooting gun. No complaints.

I think a decent 1911-pattern gun is still the best solution in an autoloader. In that type of gun, I think S&Ws offerings are excellent, SIGs not so much so.

I would agree that the 1911 is certainly a good looking weapon, probably very accurate, but it looks like it would be heavy, bulky and would require a shoulder holster to carry it. Am I wrong there?
 
Having carried a 1911 for a LONG time I can tell you that since I bought my first Sig 229 I dont think I'll ever have another carry auto. I believe it to be the ultimate go anywhere do anything gun. It is reasonably compact, ergonomic, has a big trigger guard for using with gloves, holds enough ammo of sufficient size to get the job done, and with the anodized stainless slide and alluminum frame it is practically impervious to the elements.
I have both barrels 40 and 357 but use the 40 more than anything. I have reloaded for the 40 and my loads and the factory ones are some of the most accurate rounds I have fired in any caliber including 45 acp.

I have had numerous Smith autos over the years and sans my 52's and 41's, did not care for any of them although I kept trying.
 
Comparisons

I have both brands. SW 50906 and Sig Pro 2022.

The Sig Pro has a magnificent trigger. It is accurate and has 15 round capacity as does The SW 5906. The Sig is much lighter. The 5906 is hell for tough.

If I had a SW I like, I would not buy a Sig. If I had a Sig I was happy with I would not buy SW. Both guns exude quality.

With ammo being so expensive and a learning curve is usuallly required with new guns, it only makes sense to own fewer guns.

jed
 
The complaints from Sig owners are more common now than they were a decade ago. Things like the P238 fiasco haven't helped much. I've no experience with the newer guns from Sig like the Pro series and the 238. I've owned a P229 in .40, P239 in .40, P230 in .380 and recently got a P245 in .45. Of all the guns I've had a grand total of 1 FTE and 0 FTF's. The FTE was on my P229 (the first Sig I owned) the day I picked it up.

I've been thinking about a Sig P238 - What "fiasco"?? I haven't heard about that.

Thanks,
BobL
 
...but it looks like it would be heavy, bulky and would require a shoulder holster to carry it. Am I wrong there?

Matter of opinion. Being pretty flat, 1911s are anything but bulky. Compare them to any other, more modern .45. As to weight, Commanders and the various compacts (usually) have aluminum frames. SIGs are nice guns, but if I had to choose between them, I would always favor a quality 1911. JMHO.
 
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