I am in the market for a new Sig.  I currently have a 1911 STX and a P938.

I love them dearly and would like to grow the family.  But the problem is, I do not understand the differences between all the different models.

I am not looking for a breakdown to the extent of who was leading the QC or what kind of spring is in the magazine; just something fairly general.

For example:

Single stack/double stack, striker fired/firing pin, internal/external extractor, single action/double action, polymer/steel frame, and any other differences you feel are important.  

Thanks for the help you all mighty ones.


EDIT:  Can we please keep the Glock vs. Sig argument out of it.  I also own many Glocks, so there is no need to feel threatened Glock fan boys.

What exactly are you after? Conceal carry? Range toy? SHTF/bed side gun?

I would like a full size winter carry/bed side gun.  But honestly I am not even sure about that.  I just want another Sig.  

You need a P226R

I'm no expert and someone will come along and be more helpful but...

226- 9/40/357, DA/SA or SAO or DAK, full size, metal frame (some steel and some alloy), double stack
229- same thing with some options slightly different, only compact size (think glock 19)
228- very similar to 229. No rails, not really sure how it's different. I think frame material maybe.
2022- about same size as 229 but polymer frame
220- 45 single stack version of 226, metal frame
227- 45 double stack version of 226, metal frame
224- 9/40/357, subcompact double stack, metal frame, think Glock 26
239- 9/40/357, single stack, metal frame, about size of a Glock 19
250- polymer, interchangeable sizes. Hammer fired. DAO I think.
320- striker version of 250

I'm missing some but that should help narrow it down. I'm not sure what material SIGs frames are. Most are an alloy, some are steel. I just put metal cause I'm not sure and some have choices of both.

Those are some of the basics. SIGs have many offerings of each type. Enhanced elite, scorpion and taccops models will have SRT trigger, beavertails, more slide serrations, etc. SAS will be carry models with smoother edges and usually no rails. Others will have different grips. SIGs site is easy to navigate and look at the specs sheet for the individual models.

While the P226 is one of their most popular models, the P220 actually came first.

The P228 also came out prior to the P229. Newer P229's utilize a frame and locking insert that handles 9MM, 357SIG and 40S&W. The P228 was only capable of 9MM due to differences in the frame.

Missing from that list:
P210 -German made target style pistol. These are 9MM only.
P221- This was the original designation for the now P227. It never made it passed prototype
P225- Also 9MM only, they're single stack pistols comparable in size to the P228
P230- German made, 380auto roughly the size of a Walther PPK
P232- replaced the P230, also German made 380auto
P238- 380 version of the SAO P938
P245- 45ACP subcompact single stack mags. This was offered for a limited time, some of them offered in SAO. This has been replaced by the P220- Compact model
Browning BDA- This is the original release for the P220 (with Euro mag release) Imported by Browning USA
M11-A1- This is a P229 designed to mimic the military M11 (P228)
MK25- This is a P226, designed to mimic the MK25 pistol they Navy uses
Sport-comp line- There were a series of pistols released with factory compensators. All of them are German made and they're actually fairly rare on the secondary market. Only the P220, P226 and P229 were released
P226 X-5- The original line of Sig's target pistols. They were based off the P226 frame with significant design improvements (German made)
X-Five, X-Short- This is the newest brand of the X-series, now featuring more modularity and newer designs. Still German made

It wasn't the P228 locking insert and frame that couldn't handle the other calibers.   It was the folded carbon steel slide.  The locking inserts are different, but that is for the angles for lock up.   It why you cant put a 9mm conversion barrel in a 9mm 229

Basic classes of currently produced Sig Pistols:

Classic Series- D/A, DAO, DAK
P220- Single Stack .45, various slide lengths. Available in SAO also
P224- Subcompact double-stack 9mm, .357 Sig, .40
P226- Fullsize doublestack 9mm, .357 Sig, .40. Available in SAO also
P227- Doublestack .45 uses P220 slides and barrels
P229- "Compact" (still service size) doublestack 9mm, .357 Sig, .40
P239- Single stack 9mm, .357 Sig, .40
"Classic .22s"- .22 conversion uppers for the P220, P229, and P226. Factory guns come with the same lower/frame assembly as their full caliber brothers, but with the .22 conversion slide, these can have full caliber x-change kits installed on them.

X-Series
Heavily modified version of the Classic-Series guns, built off the P226. In 9mm and .357. DA/SA and SAO versions are available.

P210
Single stack 9mm, SAO target pistol

P232
Basically a Walther PPK. Straight blowback, no slide catch, heel release. As outdatedly European a handgun still in current production. Available in .22 and .380

Mosquito
A .22 made by Walther and not by Sig. Resembles a classic series gun, but isn't DA/SA with a terrible trigger and reputation. If you need a .22 get a classic series .22.

1911
1911- 1911 with a Sig classic series profile slide
1911 Traditional- 1911 with a traditional profile slide
P238 Subcompact- Basically Sig's take on the Colt Mustang. .380
P938- Slightly larger 9mm version of the P238

P290
Subcompact, polymer, single stack DAO in 9mm & .380

SigPro
SP2022 (only currently produced Sigpro)- Service size polymer DA/SA in 9mm, .40, .357 Sig. Available with or without a slide mounted safety

The Modular Series
Polymer framed pistols, which utilize a serialized metal fire control group in an easily, cheaply replaceable polymer grip module. Available and scalable to subcompact, compact, carry, and fullsize in .380, 9mm, .40, .357 Sig, and .45 with various grip diameters.

P250- DAO with a revolver like trigger. Has a bad reputation due to the very limited production of the Gen 1 guns. Current Gen 2 guns are very reliable and accurate,
but DAO triggers are not universally appreciated. Currently available in all the above options.

P320- Striker fired with a short crisp, flat-faced trigger. Uses P226 sights and P250 mags, barrels, grip modules, and holsters. Due to it's recent introduction it will be but isn't yet available in all above options. Options will also include a tabbed trigger (like a Glock) and a manual frame mounted thumb safety.

ETA: P232, Classic .22s, Mosquito, and X-Series

^^ Told ya the smart guys would be around soon ^^

OP, you're thinking TOO much.  Obviously the only way to be sure you did it right is to get one of each.  It works if you work it.

The P228 frame cannot fit 40S&W mags. The new P229-1 frame (which is based on the .40 frame) can along with the new universal locking insert used the P229-1. Though you are right about the carbon steel slides not being able to handle .40. Sig has also changed the barrel hood design on the new 9MM P229s to match the .40 style barrels

Added some stuff to flesh things out.

P210 is back in production but expensive.

You are right about the mags, BUT  original P229 9mm's will NOT accept 40/357 mags.

That's because the original 9MM P229s used the P228 frame.

If you can swing it, pick up a P210, one of the finest pistols ever made.

Wow.  Thank you guys all very much.  It seems overwhelming but, once you start reading and taking notes, it's all becomes clear as mud.

I will save this as a note on my telephone and take it with me shopping for reference.

That would be a fine Christmas present to myself.  Is it too early for that?

I don't know why I took so long for me to come to the painfully obvious, solitartly correct solution to the problem (all gun problems ).

I have gotten some fantastic knowledge and great leads from this thread.  
I am forming some ideas about where to go for the next purchase but ...

What you be your guys next choice.  

Lets give it a budget of 1,000$, make it full size (or compact if it is really right), with a rail, .40 or bigger, and used for bed side/SHTF/winter CC.  The frame material choice is not super critical, nor are the sights (probably have it milled for RD if it is appropriate.)

And go...



Thanks again

I have a 226 Tacops that I love. After owning a SRT trigger, it is a necessity for me. Pretty much all of them can take the SRT trigger however my department does not allow any trigger "upgrades" not done from the factory. Only thing we can change is grips and sights.

Really any 226 or 229 would fit the bill nicely for you. 220 or 227 if you want .45. Throw in the SRT trigger if it doesn't already come on the model you select and add a light. Don't want to start a caliber debate but why the need for .40?

The 250/320 really seem on the rise in popularity lately which is nice to see. I would have no problem owning/carrying one but I just love the Classic series so much I find no need to change. You could own 2 for a grand probably.

I carry a Sig Pro 2022 daily in summer, winter, spring, fall, EOTWAWKI. I've put probably 2k rounds through it and have had exactly 0 failures of ANY kind. Steel case, brass, lead, FMJ, HP, +P. You name it and it's taken it. Great trigger, nice and easy recoil.

For $1,000 you can get 2 of the guns, and like 6 mags. Or get one gun, 2 spare mags, and a shit ton of ammo....

And if FDE is your color of choice, you can get it from the facory in FDE...


Buy one and love it.

Thank you.  I will keep them in mind in my shopping.  The 226 was my tentative choice, and it apperas to be a good one.  What makes the Tacops specail for you? I have never use the patented SRT but heard great things about it.  I will make that a requirement no matter which way I go.  And this will not be a duty weapon, so I will modify to my hearts content (as long as the savings account will permit).

And truth be told, there is no real reason to go with a .40 + other than the fact that I have many 9's,.40's, only one .45.  I am trying to keep myself in the higher range of calibers and I think .40 is the minimum for that threshold. I know the technology with the +p+ 9 ammo these days is much improved; but still, I'm a stubborn old goat.

I'm smelling what you're stepping in.  I have put 5,000 plus through the two I own and not a single failure.

And are you talking about twins?  Who doesn't love twins! That is an avenue to wander down for sure.  I do like the FDE color as well, but I think this well be a black gun for me.  

I'm sure you guys have all seen the picture before but here is some eye candy....

I'm deployed right now so please forgive the repeat, as it is impossible for me to take new ones.

And I don't know if there are any members out there with the same questions I have, but I would venture a guess and say... Yes!  

Maybe our kind and gracious moderators could pin this thread for informational purposes?

I would have to put my two cents in with a couple of the guys and say Go with the P226R tacops. I love mine! Put one in your hands and you'll keep it.

I have a 2022 and love it.  If you can find it, there were some Swiss police trade in guns (Sig Pro, old rails design) on the market not to long ago, I think of Swiss manufacture.  I've handled a Swiss made 40 cal, and the fit and finish is better than my Exeter made 2022, but the function and reliability are both flawless.

What holsters are you using?

Daily is a custom molded (as in I molded it) Kydex/Leather Hybrid (leather from Old Faithful Holsters, Kydex from knifesheathkits or something, and clips from Foxx Tactical).
Around the house or range: Blackhawk SERPA
Backup/when I want to feel different is a Bravo Concealment Kydex Pancake that is a whore of a holster. It's had all 3 different handguns I've owned in it at one point or another (I remold it when I get a new handgun).

Do yourself a favor and find a rental range to try the 2022 before buying anything.
It is that good.

Wow, did not know it came with a safety.  Not that I want one, just wasn't aware.

I think the long DA first pull is plenty of safety.

Also, on the P6, I got a threaded barrel from Dragonfire (I think that is their name) for the suppressor and it cured the JHP issue completely.

Yeah, I personally never liked the slide-safety. It's counter-intuitive even for someone who can use a 92FS
For a while, the Academy Proshop had a glut of them and couldn't get/keep in-stock the standard versions.

Or a P220/227R.  You have 9mm and .45 already so its just what you like better.

I have a original Swiss Army P220 in 9mm. Single stack, DA/SA.

These were later imported to the US by Browning, as the BDA, mine wasn't a Browning import.

They were also available in small #'s in .38 Super, although very rare to find today.

I concur. 226R in 9mm with a surefire x300 and you are set

You would have a hard time finding a "cooler" or "rarer" Sig than this Swiss made beauty. I just picked it up today.

Very nice Dave.   Well played.  

Pardon my ignorance, but... What is that beautiful creature i see laid before me?!

Sig imported SAN 553 pistol.

This is sort of what I did for 9mm and .45 models at least.

Before you jump, you should learn a little about the SRT and other differences / upgrades.

If someone else posted this, please forgive me. I did not see where anyone pointed it out.

The guns that "hooked" the OP on Sigs are Colts!

Todd
P225
P226 (2)
P228
P229
SP2022

I have a Sig 220 Combat and would not hesitate to duty carry it but it is to big for me to conceal carry.

However the P228 fits my hand like a glove and even though it is a little wide due to double stack it is one of my favorite guns (hence why I own 4 of them).
The original, non rail 228's are out of production but the M11 is very close.  It is built off of the 229 frame and therefor slightly larger.
Remember, 228's used to be THE quintessential Fed gun until Glocks came along.

I would also second all the comments about checking out the 2022 (Pro).   I have turned two friends onto Sig, both ended up purchasing 2022's as they found great deals.   I have shot both (one is 9mm and the other .40) and they are great shooting guns.  Again, a little large for me to CC but for a nightstand gun they would be great.  

Slight correction as the M11 is the P228 and the M11A1 is a P229.

Many Federal agencies still carry Sigs.  Glocks are not as prevalent as some think.

You are correct about the SP2022s.  Great pistols.

However, I don't find any Sig too large for carry, not even my P227s.

The old 210 maybe.

You might consider the 226 classic 22. I picked one up and 2 conversion kits for 9mm and 40S&W. equals 3 guns in one. The conversions come with night sights as well.
I'm also looking at a SP2022 in 9mm as well. Maybe for CCW.

I just bought a SP2022 from a retired deputy sheriff.  It had the mec-gar +2 baseplates on the mags.  I wanted something smaller for CCW.  I did some research and found out S&W M&P 9C mag baseplates fit.  I emailed S&W and asked them to mail me one and they did free of charge within 2 days.  I fit it on yesterday and sanded and stippled the outer edge to match the SP2022 grip.  Much better and reduced grip length by nearly an inch!  Cool.

I have used this thread fairly regularly and I assume others have as well.  I would love it if we could get it tacked up!  Great information in here

P6 is German police surplus with a very heavy DA pull.  Wolff springs are available.  I have the P225, Swiss version.  Trigger pull is normal and barrel handles HP ammo.

This is easy. Don't overload on too much information cuz there are many nice choices.

Get  a  226 9mm Tac ops. Comes with 4 - 20 round mags. Perfect for home/bedside gun. Full size, accurate, reliable...what's not to love?

I bought a threaded barrel for my P6 so I could use my EVO 9 on it and it fixed the HP problem.

This was offered for a limited time, some of them offered in SAO. This has been replaced by the P220- Compact model