Sig Sauer : Worth the price?

[BQE]

I was hoping to get some feedback from any escapists that may be firearm enthusiasts. I'm looking purchasing a Sig Sauer P226 for personal protection (It's not safe for someone like me at night). When I was at the range I really feel in love with it, particularly the single action. I checked out the production website and was floored by the msrp ont he site.

Roughly $1000 for the weapon. Is this normal? I've seen plenty of Glocks and Rugers going for less than that range as well as other varieties. Is there any particular reason Sigs cost so much? Should I perhaps look into another maker?

Thanks for the help!

 

[Scolar Visari]

I was hoping to get some feedback from any escapists that may be firearm enthusiasts. I'm looking purchasing a Sig Sauer P226 for personal protection (It's not safe for someone like me at night). When I was at the range I really feel in love with it, particularly the single action. I checked out the production website and was floored by the msrp ont he site.

Roughly $1000 for the weapon. Is this normal? I've seen plenty of Glocks and Rugers going for less than that range as well as other varieties. Is there any particular reason Sigs cost so much? Should I perhaps look into another maker?

Thanks for the help!

Yes and no. Or at least for Sig it is.

Part of that price is most certainly the result of quality manufacturing, but just as much is the result of that Sig Sauer logo on the grip. May I suggest trying to buy used? Or maybe look at other similar SAO/SADA action handguns if that's a little out of your price range?

 

[DefunctTheory]

There's dozens on P226 models out there - Can't tell you what the gun should cost without a specific model.

Caliber and size matters.

As for why Sigs costing so much... it's because they can charge that much. Sig has a reputation for fine machining thats well deserved, but modern fire arms aren't like past fire arms - With a very few exceptions, all guns you can buy in the USA are very well made and not prone to failure. Generally speaking, any pistol you buy will work just fine. Their kind of like cars - They'll all run just fine, but if you pay more it'll just run a little bit nicer.

 

[BQE]

I was hoping to get some feedback from any escapists that may be firearm enthusiasts. I'm looking purchasing a Sig Sauer P226 for personal protection (It's not safe for someone like me at night). When I was at the range I really feel in love with it, particularly the single action. I checked out the production website and was floored by the msrp ont he site.

Roughly $1000 for the weapon. Is this normal? I've seen plenty of Glocks and Rugers going for less than that range as well as other varieties. Is there any particular reason Sigs cost so much? Should I perhaps look into another maker?

Thanks for the help!

Yes and no. Or at least for Sig it is.

Part of that price is most certainly the result of quality manufacturing, but just as much is the result of that Sig Sauer logo on the grip. May I suggest trying to buy used? Or maybe look at other similar SAO/SADA action handguns if that's a little out of your price range?

If price is justified than I really don't mind paying for it. Though if it's not, I'd really like to try and avoid that. I get enough flack for my Alienware as it is.

There's dozens on P226 models out there - Can't tell you what the gun should cost without a specific model.


Caliber and size matters.

As for why Sigs costing so much... it's because they can charge that much. Sig has a reputation for fine machining thats well deserved, but modern fire arms aren't like past fire arms - With a very few exceptions, all guns you can buy in the USA are very well made and not prone to failure. Generally speaking, any pistol you buy will work just fine. Their kind of like cars - They'll all run just fine, but if you pay more it'll just run a little bit nicer.

http://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogProductDetails/p226.aspx

Just the normal P226, I'm hovering between a 9mm and a .40 S&W though. I'd like to frequent the range without spending a fortune on ammunition.

 

[Scolar Visari]

I was hoping to get some feedback from any escapists that may be firearm enthusiasts. I'm looking purchasing a Sig Sauer P226 for personal protection (It's not safe for someone like me at night). When I was at the range I really feel in love with it, particularly the single action. I checked out the production website and was floored by the msrp ont he site.

Roughly $1000 for the weapon. Is this normal? I've seen plenty of Glocks and Rugers going for less than that range as well as other varieties. Is there any particular reason Sigs cost so much? Should I perhaps look into another maker?

Thanks for the help!

Yes and no. Or at least for Sig it is.

Part of that price is most certainly the result of quality manufacturing, but just as much is the result of that Sig Sauer logo on the grip. May I suggest trying to buy used? Or maybe look at other similar SAO/SADA action handguns if that's a little out of your price range?

If price is justified than I really don't mind paying for it. Though if it's not, I'd really like to try and avoid that. I get enough flack for my Alienware as it is.

Like I said before, it's really up to you. Accursed Theory is right, Sig does have a general reputation for being well produced.

Take into consideration the ergonomics of the handgun and your habits as well. A full size handgun like the 226 runs just fine for me on a war-belt, but if I try to conceal one I end up looking like the world's worst scrap metal thief.

If you're dead set on a Sig, then try and go for used. No sense in overpaying if you don't have to.

 

[DefunctTheory]

There's dozens on P226 models out there - Can't tell you what the gun should cost without a specific model.


Caliber and size matters.

As for why Sigs costing so much... it's because they can charge that much. Sig has a reputation for fine machining thats well deserved, but modern fire arms aren't like past fire arms - With a very few exceptions, all guns you can buy in the USA are very well made and not prone to failure. Generally speaking, any pistol you buy will work just fine. Their kind of like cars - They'll all run just fine, but if you pay more it'll just run a little bit nicer.

http://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogProductDetails/p226.aspx

Just the normal P226, I'm hovering between a 9mm and a .40 S&W though. I'd like to frequent the range without spending a fortune on ammunition.

From what I'm seeing online, a normal P226 chamber in .40 cost about 800 to 850 dollars. 9mm is about the same. The price goes up to 950-1000 for a DA/SA (Double Action/Single Action).

I can't find a place with any in stock though, which is probably driving the price up a bit.

The cost of ammo is pretty close. 9mm is a bit cheaper, but not by much. Personally, I prefer .40 S&W.

You say personal protection - Do you mean conceal carry? Because these pistols are surprisingly bulky and heavy.

 

[BQE]

There's dozens on P226 models out there - Can't tell you what the gun should cost without a specific model.


Caliber and size matters.

As for why Sigs costing so much... it's because they can charge that much. Sig has a reputation for fine machining thats well deserved, but modern fire arms aren't like past fire arms - With a very few exceptions, all guns you can buy in the USA are very well made and not prone to failure. Generally speaking, any pistol you buy will work just fine. Their kind of like cars - They'll all run just fine, but if you pay more it'll just run a little bit nicer.

http://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogProductDetails/p226.aspx

Just the normal P226, I'm hovering between a 9mm and a .40 S&W though. I'd like to frequent the range without spending a fortune on ammunition.

From what I'm seeing online, a normal P226 chamber in .40 cost about 800 to 850 dollars. 9mm is about the same. The price goes up to 950-1000 for a DA/SA (Double Action/Single Action).

I can't find a place with any in stock though, which is probably driving the price up a bit.

The cost of ammo is pretty close. 9mm is a bit cheaper, but not by much. Personally, I prefer .40 S&W.

You say personal protection - Do you mean conceal carry? Because these pistols are surprisingly bulky and heavy.

That's a fair point. I plan to keep it in the house until the conceal carry paperwork goes through, it's notoriously difficult and arduous to achieve in my state. I may have to go with a compact then, maybe a Glock. I just remember the Sig shooting well, not if it was too bulky honestly.

 

[Scolar Visari]

There's dozens on P226 models out there - Can't tell you what the gun should cost without a specific model.


Caliber and size matters.

As for why Sigs costing so much... it's because they can charge that much. Sig has a reputation for fine machining thats well deserved, but modern fire arms aren't like past fire arms - With a very few exceptions, all guns you can buy in the USA are very well made and not prone to failure. Generally speaking, any pistol you buy will work just fine. Their kind of like cars - They'll all run just fine, but if you pay more it'll just run a little bit nicer.

http://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogProductDetails/p226.aspx

Just the normal P226, I'm hovering between a 9mm and a .40 S&W though. I'd like to frequent the range without spending a fortune on ammunition.

From what I'm seeing online, a normal P226 chamber in .40 cost about 800 to 850 dollars. 9mm is about the same. The price goes up to 950-1000 for a DA/SA (Double Action/Single Action).

I can't find a place with any in stock though, which is probably driving the price up a bit.

The cost of ammo is pretty close. 9mm is a bit cheaper, but not by much. Personally, I prefer .40 S&W.

You say personal protection - Do you mean conceal carry? Because these pistols are surprisingly bulky and heavy.

That's a fair point. I plan to keep it in the house until the conceal carry paperwork goes through, it's notoriously difficult and arduous to achieve in my state. I may have to go with a compact then, maybe a Glock. I just remember the Sig shooting well, not if it was too bulky honestly.

If you liked the trigger on the Sig then I don't foresee you enjoying the trigger on a Glock.

Sig certainly makes more compact variants though, so don't be entirely discouraged. Maybe ask a store to let you try out a Sig and any concealed holsters they have? If you feel like you can comfortably conceal a Sig, then good quality holsters can be found (Or made) for pretty cheap.

 

[DefunctTheory]

If you don't mind 3 finger grips (I personally hate them with a flaming passion equal to any star), there's a lot of better options for conceal carry. Revolvers are also a great option - Due to how they're shaped and some of the more clever harnesses you can get, they're very concealable.

Short gripped 1911s are also pretty good concealed carries, due to how narrow they are. There's also some pretty good full grip 1911's that are designed for conceal carry. Single stack magazines lend themselves to narrow pistols. 1911s are still pretty heavy though - They don't have much polymer in them and they have some 'redundant' parts that add weight.

I'd also encourage you to check out Taurus firearms. They're cheap, but are still very well made. Also, they make this.

Which is basically guaranteed to make any mugger shit themselves in terror and rethink their lives. .454 Casull has that affect on people.

If you're a pansy, you can still get the same caliber in concealed carry size.

EDIT: Also, if your still stuck on Sig, maybe you should check out their concealed carry lines. Like the P224 or P290.

 

[Dirty Hipsters]

A $1000 is a bit much for a standard sig p226. I would expect it to cost about $850 - $900. Either way, I've never really found sigs to be worth the money. I've shot multiple sig p226s and multiple other sig models (p250, p229, p220), and I have yet to use one that worked flawlessly for me.

I'd say you're better off getting something like a Glock 19, 17, or 34, for about half and price, or even better get a CZ (75B, or P01), which has the best trigger and ergonomics I've ever used on a production 9mm semi-automatic.

 

[Eclectic Dreck]

The price is normal and as to the question of if it is worth the price, my answer is "it depends".

Fundamentally, the P226 is simply a well made clone of the Browning HP. I'm simplifying things a great deal there but the bottom line is all the P226 has going for it is that it is a well made hammer fire handgun. Personally, I don't think the P226 is worth the asking price.

For substantially less, there is the SP2022 which varies little from the P226 save that it has a polymer frame and it can be had for ~ less than 500 USD in most US markets. Only in the most extreme conditions will the weapon prove inferior to the far more expensive P226. From any reasonable performance metric, the two weapons are more or less identical. Same features, same layout, same performance, same ergonomics, etc.

An alternative of course is any of the countless other clones of the Browning HP. The CZ75, the EAA Witness (which is a clone of the CZ75, technically), the IMI Jerico/Baby Eagle and lots of others are functionally similar to the P226 all at a fraction of the price. Personally, the CZ P01, basically a polymer version of the CZ75, seems like a winner to me simply because the ergonomics are fantastic.

That said, if we expand the scope of the discussion and I were to give advice on handguns in general, my personal preference is for the Glock. I have a Glock 26, 30 and 36 at the moment though the 36 has become my daily carry weapon. The Glock 30's claims of being "compact" are largely lies and a small handgun that holds 10 rounds of 45 ACP is still a large chunk of steel when it comes to concealment. Of the three, I can deliver more rounds on target quickly with the 26, prefer the ergonomics of the 36 but the 30 simply remains my best compromise between size and power. The only other gun I keep around is a Bersa Thunder - an unashamed clone of the Walther PPK. That was only purchased because it is trivial to conceal regardless of weather and it, like the glocks, is a weapon that I can shoot well without expending undue effort.

 

[Eclectic Dreck]

Just the normal P226, I'm hovering between a 9mm and a .40 S&W though. I'd like to frequent the range without spending a fortune on ammunition.

Unless you intend to carry the weapon, I'd say the 9mm is the winner hands down. .40 S&W, as a round, is problematic. While it splits the difference in stopping power between the 9mm and the .45 ACP, any weapon I've ever fired that used the round has a very sharp recoil. To put it another way, where the .45 ACP is like a firm and even push, the .40 S&W is an almost painful snap. The bottom line is that this reduced my ability to quickly follow up shots on a target and, as a result, I eventually transitioned to different rounds and weapons.

Couple that with the fact that 9mm ammunition is some of the cheapest available for handguns if you aren't purchasing specialty personal defense rounds and it's a clear winner in my book. My Springfield XD .40 cost almost twice as much to run as my SP2022 or my Glock 26. Hell, .40 S&W in my market competes with .45 ACP in price and the latter has the mythology that gun nuts seem to latch on to behind it.

 

[BQE]

The price is normal and as to the question of if it is worth the price, my answer is "it depends".

Fundamentally, the P226 is simply a well made clone of the Browning HP. I'm simplifying things a great deal there but the bottom line is all the P226 has going for it is that it is a well made hammer fire handgun. Personally, I don't think the P226 is worth the asking price.

For substantially less, there is the SP2022 which varies little from the P226 save that it has a polymer frame and it can be had for ~ less than 500 USD in most US markets. Only in the most extreme conditions will the weapon prove inferior to the far more expensive P226. From any reasonable performance metric, the two weapons are more or less identical. Same features, same layout, same performance, same ergonomics, etc.

An alternative of course is any of the countless other clones of the Browning HP. The CZ75, the EAA Witness (which is a clone of the CZ75, technically), the IMI Jerico/Baby Eagle and lots of others are functionally similar to the P226 all at a fraction of the price. Personally, the CZ P01, basically a polymer version of the CZ75, seems like a winner to me simply because the ergonomics are fantastic.

That said, if we expand the scope of the discussion and I were to give advice on handguns in general, my personal preference is for the Glock. I have a Glock 26, 30 and 36 at the moment though the 36 has become my daily carry weapon. The Glock 30's claims of being "compact" are largely lies and a small handgun that holds 10 rounds of 45 ACP is still a large chunk of steel when it comes to concealment. Of the three, I can deliver more rounds on target quickly with the 26, prefer the ergonomics of the 36 but the 30 simply remains my best compromise between size and power. The only other gun I keep around is a Bersa Thunder - an unashamed clone of the Walther PPK. That was only purchased because it is trivial to conceal regardless of weather and it, like the glocks, is a weapon that I can shoot well without expending undue effort.

I'll investigate all the options you put forth, particularly the SP2022. I wasn't even aware it existed! The range models for Sig I used then were the P226 and P229. I tried a variety of different calibres and do remember the sudden jerking of the .40, especially in my dainty little hands. One thing that stood out though was the action, I can't stand double action; I can never get the trigger pressure right before the first shot and it ruins my shot groups. I was amazing with the single action and would prefer to own one of that type if I could.

I'd appreciate it if I could follow up with you as I get closer to buying the weapon, if it's not an issue.

 

[Dirty Hipsters]

An alternative of course is any of the countless other clones of the Browning HP. The CZ75, the EAA Witness (which is a clone of the CZ75, technically), the IMI Jerico/Baby Eagle and lots of others are functionally similar to the P226 all at a fraction of the price. Personally, the CZ P01, basically a polymer version of the CZ75, seems like a winner to me simply because the ergonomics are fantastic.

The CZ75 line is pistols really isn't a clone of the Browning Hi-Power in anything other than aesthetics and the barrel design (which, lets face it, pretty much every modern pistol is a clone of the hi-power in barrel design).

Your facts are also a little off on the P01, since the CZ P01 is not a polymer frame, it's an alloy frame. There are polymer frame CZs, but those are the SP01 Phantom, the P07, and the P09.

I agree with everything else you said however, the CZ line of pistols have absolutely phenomenal ergonomics, and honestly, if I was to choose a carry gun, I would probably pick a CZ P01. Since I live in California however, and cannot get a carry permit, I absolutely adore my CZ75B for home defense and range shooting.

 

[Eclectic Dreck]

I'll investigate all the options you put forth, particularly the SP2022. I wasn't even aware it existed! The range models for Sig I used then were the P226 and P229. I tried a variety of different calibres and do remember the sudden jerking of the .40, especially in my dainty little hands. One thing that stood out though was the action, I can't stand double action; I can never get the trigger pressure right before the first shot and it ruins my shot groups. I was amazing with the single action and would prefer to own one of that type if I could.

I'd appreciate it if I could follow up with you as I get closer to buying the weapon, if it's not an issue.

Honestly, if you've never tried a striker fire handgun, you owe it to yourself to give it a try. The Springfield XD series, any Glock you happen to pick up and the M&P all qualify in this debate.

The difference (ignoring the actual operation of the weapon) is that a striker fire handgun tends to have a trigger that more or less operates at a release mechanism. Rather than the slow build of pressure inherent in a hammer fire system, a striker simply has a "catch" point that releases at a set pressure. The functional difference between the two is largely a matter of preference. Striker fire weapons tend to have very short trigger pulls and most of them lack a traditional safety but, again, this is a matter of preference. Glocks have a safety on the trigger itself and short of egregious operator error you simply won't accidentally discharge the weapon; however, many view this possible problem as a fundamental peace of mind flaw.

I personally have tried quite a few handguns. While there was a great deal I loved about my Sig (and, indeed the only handgun I ever carried professionally was a Sig), I simply found that when push came to shove, I was far more proficient with the Glock. Sure, I hate how it looks. Sure, I think it has a terrible slide catch second only to the XD in terms of how useless it is. It is a weapon that, quite simply, works for me. My natural hand hold on the weapon combined with my natural presentation automatically results in a perfect sight picture. The layout of the weapon makes it trivial to place rounds where I expect them to go. Quite simply, even though Glocks are a weapon I dislike for a whole lot of reasons, they got everything that really matters right in my case.

It's worth visiting a range that has a wide selection of rentals available and testing out various weapons. You'll likely come to find that the gun you think you want isn't the same as the gun you probably ought to buy. I never expected I'd own a knock off the PPK until I used one in just such a case and I never would have made the jump to Glock were it not for a friend lending me his Glock 17 for a day at the range.

 

[Splitzi]

Alls I have to add to this thread is that my dad picked up a 9mm Bereta for around $550 and he loves it. No need to overspend if you don't have to.

Personally I'd try out some more guns on the range and try to find a firearm you like as much but for much cheaper.

 

[Headdrivehardscrew]

For substantially less, there is the SP2022 which varies little from the P226 save that it has a polymer frame and it can be had for ~ less than 500 USD in most US markets. Only in the most extreme conditions will the weapon prove inferior to the far more expensive P226. From any reasonable performance metric, the two weapons are more or less identical. Same features, same layout, same performance, same ergonomics, etc.

An alternative of course is any of the countless other clones of the Browning HP. The CZ75, the EAA Witness (which is a clone of the CZ75, technically), the IMI Jerico/Baby Eagle and lots of others are functionally similar to the P226 all at a fraction of the price. Personally, the CZ P01, basically a polymer version of the CZ75, seems like a winner to me simply because the ergonomics are fantastic.

That said, if we expand the scope of the discussion and I were to give advice on handguns in general, my personal preference is for the Glock. I have a Glock 26, 30 and 36 at the moment though the 36 has become my daily carry weapon. The Glock 30's claims of being "compact" are largely lies and a small handgun that holds 10 rounds of 45 ACP is still a large chunk of steel when it comes to concealment. Of the three, I can deliver more rounds on target quickly with the 26, prefer the ergonomics of the 36 but the 30 simply remains my best compromise between size and power. The only other gun I keep around is a Bersa Thunder - an unashamed clone of the Walther PPK. That was only purchased because it is trivial to conceal regardless of weather and it, like the glocks, is a weapon that I can shoot well without expending undue effort.

I'll investigate all the options you put forth, particularly the SP2022. I wasn't even aware it existed! The range models for Sig I used then were the P226 and P229. I tried a variety of different calibres and do remember the sudden jerking of the .40, especially in my dainty little hands. One thing that stood out though was the action, I can't stand double action; I can never get the trigger pressure right before the first shot and it ruins my shot groups. I was amazing with the single action and would prefer to own one of that type if I could.

I'd appreciate it if I could follow up with you as I get closer to buying the weapon, if it's not an issue.

All good advice up there. You mentioned both the P229 and the fact that you got 'dainty hands' - if you have a chance of giving her a spin, I would suggest you try out the Heckler & Koch HK USP Compact. It is a compact gun that uses a full-hand grip frame. Easy to conceal, comes in anything up to .45 ACP (which, fitted with hollow points is my idea of stopping power), but you can also get it in 9 mm and .40 S&W.

If you don't mind 3 finger grips (I personally hate them with a flaming passion equal to any star), there's a lot of better options for conceal carry. Revolvers are also a great option - Due to how they're shaped and some of the more clever harnesses you can get, they're very concealable.

Short gripped 1911s are also pretty good concealed carries, due to how narrow they are. There's also some pretty good full grip 1911's that are designed for conceal carry. Single stack magazines lend themselves to narrow pistols. 1911s are still pretty heavy though - They don't have much polymer in them and they have some 'redundant' parts that add weight.

All good advice. I'll have to add a little bitter to your praise of Taurus firearms, though. We've had two pretty much fall apart, one doing the 'Imma explode in yo hands!' routine. I've handled some crap guns in my time, and in recent years, Taurus was the absolutely most disappointing. Then again, S&W went through some rough times themselves, so it might just be a temporary thing.

If you absolutely insist on wanting to scare people away just by the looks of your shiny gun, make it a S&W 8-3/8" barrel, but that's not exactly conceal-carry friendly. Great stopping power, though.