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9/19/2026 1:34:05 PM EDT
Specifically the carry model (8 round mag, shorter slide/barrel).

Some background, I have an HK 45, a lightly modded Springfield GI 1911, and an early fixed sight S&W Model 22-4 Thunder Ranch.  All obviously in 45acp.
So I'm no stranger to 45.  Of those three the Springfield 1911 is the least used.  Nothing wrong with it, except for those old style tiny GI sights.
I've been thinking about picking up one more 45 pistol and I keep being drawn to the P220.

The other day I walked into a local FFL and there is a used P220 Carry on consignment.  I had a close look at it, other than needing a cleaning it's in very good shape, the rails still have all their anodizing on them, and it comes with three mags.  But the real magic was when I presented the pistol, every single time I brought it up the sight alignment was spot on, like it was a part of my physiology.  Amazing.  So I put an offer on it and am waiting to hear back.

When looking online (I know, it's the wild west) I find very opposing reviews of it, ranging from mediocre to outstanding.  Some say they don't hold up, some say they are tanks.

What says the hive?
A conquering army on the border will not be stopped by eloquence. Otto von Bismarck

9/19/2026 3:54:27 PM EDT
[#1]
I liked the one I carried in the 80’s.  The other pistol to consider is the Gen 5 Glock 30 which also uses G 21 mags and Kriss mags.
9/19/2026 5:13:50 PM EDT
[#2]
I carried one for years. It's a great gun but I switched to CZ75 PCR when I realized I could carry 6 extra rounds and lose a quarter pound of weight.  

9/19/2026 5:31:44 PM EDT
[#3]
I believe the SIG P220 is the quintessential SIG Sauer handgun. Best of all the other SIG guns. It is a work of art. Beautiful clean, sleek lines yet looks all business. I also think it is the pinnacle of the DA/SA design with the beautiful decocker and slide lock/release location. Everything you need in a combat arm, nothing you dont. Fits my hands better than any other pistol. Super accurate and reliable.

cons:

It's DA/SA so for folks like me spoiled by Glocks simple trigger, it has another step to learn. But you won't blow your nutz off carrying appendix. I can often shoot more accurately DA going really slow and careful than SA and after a little practice making fast DA hits is easy. But its another important thing to practice.

Its a 45 so you will be old-school cool with the drawbacks of carrying less big fat slow rounds and having to aim vs spraying 9mm all over the place in suppressing fire.

It can be snappy with defensive ammo. I generally prefer 185gr ammo with my 220. It is probably not the gun to try the hottest possible +P+ grizzly bear rounds through.

It is not a small handgun, especially by today's micro compact standards. It's a duty gun. And it only holds 8+1. It is basically an aluminum-frame Commander but with a really neat and safe DA/SA with a great de-cocker. Needs a good OWB holster and you will need to dress appropriately to conceal, depending on your size/shape/weather.

The grip screws always rusted when I was EDC'ing my old classic 220. The E2 grips are great though and are screw less. I still prefer the old grip panels though.

The newer US made SIGs do not have the beautiful crisp triggers of the old German made guns but they seem equal in general quality and performance.
9/20/2026 2:28:05 AM EDT
[#4]
Right now, I'm carrying a 1994 P-220 9mm. I have a pair of them, this is the "beater" of the two.
I believe you're asking about the compact .45 model, but the basics are the same.
I've had every P series model out there aside from the P-220 .38....yet.
I actually prefer the single stack 220 to the compact P-228 for everyday carry. The 228 has more rounds, but a bit thicker, harder to carry comfortably while driving, and the 228 simply feels "heavier". It comes down to what feels right, and now it's this.
Seriously, though, it's a P series, what's not to like?

Attached File

Attached File
Yes, I have Autohumorosis.
It's funny sometimes......
9/20/2026 2:56:48 AM EDT
[Last Edit: GlutealCleft][Edited] [#5]
Intertards will RREEEEE about bore height.

Ignore them, and rent or borrow one and shoot it.  That will convince you.
9/20/2026 10:37:50 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote History
Originally Posted By 762AP:
Right now, I'm carrying a 1994 P-220 9mm. I have a pair of them, this is the "beater" of the two.
I believe you're asking about the compact .45 model, but the basics are the same.
I've had every P series model out there aside from the P-220 .38....yet.
I actually prefer the single stack 220 to the compact P-228 for everyday carry. The 228 has more rounds, but a bit thicker, harder to carry comfortably while driving, and the 228 simply feels "heavier". It comes down to what feels right, and now it's this.
Seriously, though, it's a P series, what's not to like?

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/2320/image000000_130__jpg-3829946.JPG
https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/2320/image000000_131__jpg-3829948.JPG
View Quote

Beautiful. Id love to have one in 9mm.  I bet magazines are HARD to find...
Yesterday 12:29:54 AM EDT
[#7]
Quote History
Originally Posted By ITCHY-FINGER:

Beautiful. Id love to have one in 9mm.  I bet magazines are HARD to find...
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Originally Posted By ITCHY-FINGER:
Originally Posted By 762AP:
Right now, I'm carrying a 1994 P-220 9mm. I have a pair of them, this is the "beater" of the two.
I believe you're asking about the compact .45 model, but the basics are the same.
I've had every P series model out there aside from the P-220 .38....yet.
I actually prefer the single stack 220 to the compact P-228 for everyday carry. The 228 has more rounds, but a bit thicker, harder to carry comfortably while driving, and the 228 simply feels "heavier". It comes down to what feels right, and now it's this.
Seriously, though, it's a P series, what's not to like?

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/2320/image000000_130__jpg-3829946.JPG
https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/2320/image000000_131__jpg-3829948.JPG

Beautiful. Id love to have one in 9mm.  I bet magazines are HARD to find...

Actually, fairly easy to find, hard to JUSTIFY what they go for....
Yes, I have Autohumorosis.
It's funny sometimes......
Yesterday 6:16:26 PM EDT
[#8]
Originally Posted By BlitzPig:
Specifically the carry model (8 round mag, shorter slide/barrel).

Some background, I have an HK 45, a lightly modded Springfield GI 1911, and an early fixed sight S&W Model 22-4 Thunder Ranch.  All obviously in 45acp.
So I'm no stranger to 45.  Of those three the Springfield 1911 is the least used.  Nothing wrong with it, except for those old style tiny GI sights.
I've been thinking about picking up one more 45 pistol and I keep being drawn to the P220.

The other day I walked into a local FFL and there is a used P220 Carry on consignment.  I had a close look at it, other than needing a cleaning it's in very good shape, the rails still have all their anodizing on them, and it comes with three mags.  But the real magic was when I presented the pistol, every single time I brought it up the sight alignment was spot on, like it was a part of my physiology.  Amazing.  So I put an offer on it and am waiting to hear back.

When looking online (I know, it's the wild west) I find very opposing reviews of it, ranging from mediocre to outstanding.  Some say they don't hold up, some say they are tanks.

What says the hive?
View Quote
Buddy of mine has one. It is a quality piece and other than having a slightly shorter barrel and slide profile, it is the same as my P220R.

I find the P220 line to be solid guns.


Yesterday 8:00:53 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Curmudgeon762][Edited] [#9]


I have a full size and a carry. I recently picked up a pile of .45 Super ammo and also a #22 spring for the full size. I’m not sure what spring to use in the carry model. It would not be a steady diet of supers by any means but I would like the option of more potent rounds
“That’s not how it works. You buy more tools and power than you need and as you fuck everything up you gain the knowledge to become a better carpenter.”

Tveddy

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