imported post
I own a number of SIG's, including P239 (9mm), P226 (2 ea in 9mm), P228 (9mm), P229 (have both .40 S&W and .357 SIG barrels), P220 and P245 (.45ACP) and P230 (.380).
I own or have fired a variety of handguns including Berettas, HK USP, S & W revolver, Glock, Kahr, Keltec, Ruger and more.
I like the SIGs for their reliability out of the box and for grips and grip angle that seem to fit my hand. Only failures to fire or feed I have ever experienced have been ammo problems with commercial reloads (improperly sized, diameter too large to chamber properly). I don't shoot commercial reloads for practice anymore. Problem solved.
Current carry gun is the P229 in .357 SIG with Crimson Trace Laser Grips carried in a kydex belt holster. If I need something smaller or lighter, I can carry the P239 in a belly band or IWB. Or if I need something smaller yet, I can carry the P230 in a pocket holster. Some might say the P230 is too large for pocket carry, but believe it or not, I have even carried the P239 and the P245 as pocket guns at one time or another.
These are described as the "Classic" SIGS. All have the same controls and most are of the SA/DA mode. First trigger pull is a long and heavy double action one, with subsequent shots fired single action. The guns all have a decocker to safely allow the hammer to be dropped safely onto a live round. All of the Classic series have aluminum frames and steel slides. Newer Classic models can have the DAK trigger, which is essentially a light double action where the hammer does NOT stay cocked after firing. The P220's can be equipped with a manual safety for cocked and locked, single action carry.
There are other SIGS, including the SIG-Pro's which have polymer frames and a line of 1911 style .45 guns.
Even within the Classic line, there are variations in construction and finish that I haven't covered here. Some have all steel frames and slides. Newer guns have accessory rails for lights and lasers and such.
As for which is best, it is a personal decision, based upon caliber desired and how big a gun you are willing to carry. I would characterize the Classic SIG's I listed as falling into one of three or four groups:
Full size: P226, P220. These are the largest and heaviest of the SIGs. P226 in whatever caliber has a double-stack magazie, the P220 a single stack of .45
Mid-sized: P228, P229, P220 Carry. The P228/229 are basically the same gun, but the P228 is 9mm only and has been essentially replaced by the P229 which is available in 9mm, .40 and .357 SIG. The P220 Carry is new and has the same grip as the P220, but a shorter slide/barrel
Compact: P239, P245 (no longer in the SIG line up, but available used or from on-line auctions). Both of these are close to the same size dimensionally, but the P245 has a grip that is quite small, offering no room for the pinkie finger. Probably why it is out of the line up.
Sub-compact: P230
A SIG armorer might be able to give you better information. Or you could go over to
http://www.SIGForum.com, or to the SIG web site,
http://www.sigarms.com.
Hope this helps. Let me know if I can be of further assistance.
