I think it is time to replace my old outdated 9mm. I been looking at the Sig.229 and the 220. I was wondering if anyone here knows about these pistols. Would you recomend 357. 40 or 45 cal. Any info would help.
Thanks Mike

I have got two Sig Sauers, one 226 (9mm) and one 220 (.45 cal). Both are excellent handguns, good quality, reliable and very accurate. IMO, you can't go wrong with a Sig. If you don't want to pay the big bucks for a new one, you can look at their "certified pre-owned" guns, which are factory overhauled and certified used guns. You can also find good deals on used ones, and some wear doesn't really matter. My 226 is a police trade-in that I bought cheap, and it has quite a bit of wear and slop. Still, it's almost as accurate as my .22 Ruger MkII target pistol, and it has never given me any kind of problem. I wouldn't trade it for anything. :thumbsup:

As far as the caliber goes, it will all depend on what you're using it for. I like the 9mm because of magazine capacity, light recoil and a relatively low sound level. Everybody has an opinion about calibers, but if you're only looking for stopping power, I think that most people would agree that .45 is the best.

Well, I don't own a Sig, but hear they are good guns, it really comes down to what fits your hands well and if you like how it shoots. If you have a range that rents these guns I would suggest you try them out before you buy them. I am partial to the 40 cal, the 357 sig has much more kick than the 40 and the you are able to carry more rounds with a 40 than a 45. Plus of the three the 40 cal ammo is cheaper I believe.

I have a Glock model 35 (40 cal) and I love it, but some people don't. Have you considered Glock or H&K, they are both good guns.

Bart

about the best thing to do is go to your local range & rent one of each of the pistols your thinking about ..... what I like an am comfortable with might not be to your liking at all !!! MY 2 cts

Tough to beat a .45:thumbsup:

I like my trusty old p-38

love my glock 30 .45 is the way to go.

Love the Sig. Have a 2340 .40 cal that is as accurate as any right out of the box. But my last purchase was a Para-Ordanance .45. As stated before, you cannot go wrong with a .45 as far as stopping power. I really like the Para as far as accuracy and it is much better for "carry" purposes. Real slender and lightweight and looks great!

Here is my new favorite...its a pistol, its an assault rifle...capable of peircing the best body armor, light weight, compact and packs a serious wallop.

http://www.enemyforces.com/firearms/mp7.htm

I had a Beretta 92FS 9mm and loved it. Then I bought a Glock 22 40 cal. I didn't like it at all so I bought an old Ithaca army issue 45 and I think it was the best handgun I've ever owned. I'd go with a 45....

Here is my new favorite...its a pistol, its an assault rifle...capable of peircing the best body armor, light weight, compact and packs a serious wallop.

http://www.enemyforces.com/firearms/mp7.htm

Why do you need to pierce body armor?

Why do you need to pierce body armor?


Have you seen what the meth dealers are wearing these days???

Have you seen what the meth dealers are wearing these days???

Around here they are all to burnt out to think about body armor. That is some bad stuff (meth that is)

Around here they are all to burnt out to think about body armor. That is some bad stuff (meth that is)

It is the worst drug I have ever seen, and around here they are almost as sophisticated as any swat team.

These junkies are scarey and I want to know that if push comes to shove I get to go home and they get a perfect fit body bag.

It is the worst drug I have ever seen, and around here they are almost as sophisticated as any swat team.

These junkies are scarey and I want to know that if push comes to shove I get to go home and they get a perfect fit body bag.

I bet it will be a bit expensive to get that H&K (if there even are any transferable ones), but these babies (http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/programming/expand.asp?Prodid=223) are pretty neat too. Not exactly a pocket gun, but it will get the job done. ;)

you guys ever look at www.gunbroker.com ?

I would highly suggest a 1911 type .45. An old military contract gun will do you just fine, and you will always get out of it what you put into it.

you guys ever look at www.gunbroker.com ?

There is a nice Tommy Gun model 1928 or sale there...wink! wink!

You can go wrong with a sig! my dad is a sig guy, i myself stick with springfield, glock, and HK. i love my springfields both my 1911 and XD (wich is like a glock but better) when it comes to handguns you cant go wrong with the .40, its is a shortened 10mm shell it has great balistics. the .40 has good speed and packs plenty of punch. I work with firearms on a daily basis, its pretty much all i do! what exactly are you looking to use the gun for? home protection, concealed carry, plinking, competition? i would be glad to point you in the right direction. drop me a line if you have any questions.

I bet it will be a bit expensive to get that H&K (if there even are any transferable ones), but these babies (http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/programming/expand.asp?Prodid=223) are pretty neat too. Not exactly a pocket gun, but it will get the job done. ;)

There are no transferable MP7's....and I wouldn't want one.

i just got off the phone with my gunsmith and i got a new remington police 700 in .308 and a new AR15/M4 and a kimber rcp II wich will be my new carry pistol!

i guess it all depends on what you use it the most for. i'm a glock person. but maybe your not.

I think it is time to replace my old outdated 9mm. I been looking at the Sig.229 and the 220. I was wondering if anyone here knows about these pistols. Would you recomend 357. 40 or 45 cal. Any info would help.
Thanks Mike

Wow, you've sure gotten a lot of advice ... for no clue what you're doing with the handgun.

SIG's are pretty reliable ... so are just about any gun out there. It all really depends what you want to do?

For hunting ... nah, I know a few people hunting with .45, but it's really not that great.

For CCW ... no, way too big. Don't fall into the hype that our military's contract guns offer the same needs/desires for a concealed carry. Remember their's aren't concealed.

For plinking, and targets ... yeah sure, I think a SIG would be a fun gun to play with.

So, what you doing with it? That will help direct you more.
Neal

I know peter Gun!! now thats old

I've got a Glock 21. Very happy with it. Little more kick than a 9mm.

You guys all work for the post office?

For CCW ... no, way too big. Don't fall into the hype that our military's contract guns offer the same needs/desires for a concealed carry. Remember their's aren't concealed.

I agree. Big carry guns can seem like an obvious choise if you only look at stopping power, but how often can you carry it... like in the summer, wearing nothing but shorts and a T-shirt? I keep a Sig 226 in the car, but I don't consider it a carry gun. The only time I really carry it is when I'm out on the farm or in the woods where I can keep it in a holster without having people look funny at me.

If you're looking for a carry gun that you really can carry: Look at the Kel-Tecs. Some people laugh at my .32 Kel-Tec, but I do carry it. When people give me a hard time about it, I usually stick my hand in my pocket and say: "I have got the gun in my hand right now, ready to go. Now where's your's?".

Remember that the small gun you have is always better than the big one you don't have.

aukai, when you start buying guns, you'll find its like cars, you cant have just one and sometimes too many is just about right. Jim

Shooting and carry-Browning Hi Power 9mm. Plinkin'-Old model Browning Challenger .22lr. CCW-S&W 340 air weight .357mag.

There are no transferable MP7's....and I wouldn't want one.
Why in the world not? Probably the best developed weapon since the M16A2.

Mike...you never stated your purpose for the firearm.......I sell firearms for a living and have my concieled carry permit......and the time of year dictates wich firearm I carry....warm weather...I carry a lil taurus 357 revolver.......cold weather I carry a springfield XD-40 4 inch with tritium sites........playing at the range we take them all..LOL.......but as someone allready said...find the firearm that you like and feels good in your hand......most all name brand firearms are dependable.....as it stands right now the springfiels XD series is the hottest thing going

TROY

Somebody mentioned Kimber.... ahhh my dream gun.... I carry a small Walther. Body armor dont mean squat if I'm aiming for an adam's apple or an ear lobe. Glocks are good, but I dont like the way they fit. Nothing fits like an old HiPower. To each , his own.

not intending to hijack the thread but..........What ammo is best for personal protection?? I have been carrying Federal's Hydroshock ammo in my .45 but have been seeing "personal defence" ammo. What are you all using.

hydrashock and personal defense are the same ammo new box....good stuff....that is what we use in our personal firearms.....also use the new Hornaday T.A.P " tactical and police "

TROY

OK a followup then....how long should you keep ammo in your gun before it should be changed to fresh ammo? going on 5 yrs in my Glock 30 with the Hydrashocks

old lead ammo would corrode......federal cartridge said it will last forever if it is stored properly....I tend to replace my carry ammo once a year.....we just shoot up the old at the range......but like I said the reps I have talked to say that is not nessasary.....but for around 20 dollars a box I figure why not.....I have a box of 32 special rifle ammo that is about 50 years old and still looks like new......we store all our ammo in wooden ammo boxes in a dry area of the house......and carry it to the range in a metal ammo can


TROY

From what I have heard and read, the shelf life of ammo is about 2 years, but that is just a recommendation. As Troy mentioned, it's mostly a matter of storage. Keep it dry, and it will more than likely last forever.

My father-in-law just finished a case of .30 carbine ammo that he "acquired" during his service in WWII, and he told me that every round he has fired since 1945 has worked flawlessly. I have a few cases of surplus AK ammo from the 70's, and haven't had any problems with it either. But for peace of mind, you could change the ammo in a self-defense gun like every year or so.

Back to guns...a glock 19 (9mm) is great. Simple to use, clean, and the ammo is cheap. The Glock magazine can hold 15 rounds. I also would recommend a good Smith and Wesson wheel gun. Again, plain and simple. Just be sure to buy a gun that is right for you and your what you plan on doing with it.

From something more powerful, a Springfield XD .45acp. Holds 13 rounds of .45 and is as simple as a glock also....

To each his own

OK a followup then....how long should you keep ammo in your gun before it should be changed to fresh ammo? going on 5 yrs in my Glock 30 with the Hydrashocks

the ammo will last longer then we're all going to live ....:D
but the spring in the clip will start to loose it ability to be counted on after extended time in the fully load position
rotate your clips if you keep them loaded !!

the ammo will last longer then we're all going to live ....:D
but the spring in the clip will start to loose it ability to be counted on after extended time in the fully load position
rotate your clips if you keep them loaded !!

Great point....we never fill our mags to full capacity....helps save the springs....My wife makes me carry my "one" round in my pocket....LOL

Lets see. 67_486 joined in March 2004 and has 130 some odd posts.

That means he should be back to get his advice in a month or so.... ;)

I'm partial to Sig and Kimber.

I don't own either, but I do have a Colt .45 1911 that is VERY nicce.
Very accurate too.
Not a carry gun.

Kimber CDP Custom all the way.

I don't own a Sig, but carried a 229 .40 at work for "several" years. One of, if not the best combat ready hand guns around right now. I liked it. I carry a snub nosed .38.

the ammo will last longer then we're all going to live ....:D
but the spring in the clip will start to loose it ability to be counted on after extended time in the fully load position
rotate your clips if you keep them loaded !!

This is a FACT. In the 90's I was shooting off .30-06 manufactured in 1914.

I bought a Springfield XD-40 last fall. Love the way it handles. I bought it for problem wolves while bow hunting. Hopefully never have to use it for protection.

Lets see. 67_486 joined in March 2004 and has 130 some odd posts.

That means he should be back to get his advice in a month or so.... ;)

I'm partial to Sig and Kimber.

I don't own either, but I do have a Colt .45 1911 that is VERY nicce.
Very accurate too.
Not a carry gun.

Sorry, I was in houston from the 4th until today. And I am on this at least once a day.I will use it as my new carry pistol.I now have a star 380. and a Dan Wesson 357mag. Both are old and heavy.

If you're looking for a carry gun that you really can carry: Look at the Kel-Tecs. Some people laugh at my .32 Kel-Tec, but I do carry it. When people give me a hard time about it, I usually stick my hand in my pocket and say: "I have got the gun in my hand right now, ready to go. Now where's your's?".


Is that the Kel-Tec "credit card", 5oz, 3 1/2 inches or something along those lines. I had thought it was a 380, but it could of been 32. It was a couple of years ago that I looked at one. A little afraid that it might just piss the agressor off.

I have a terrible tendancy of looking for a small gun, but purchasing a big gun. I always liked the price and simplicity of Rugers. I've had P89, P90, P91 P94, P95. They all have a very similar body and feel really good with a Pachmeyer grip. It's a toss up which I liked best, the P90 (stainless 45ACP) or the P94 (subtly different 40). Don't really care for the 95 or 97 (Polymer).

In Nevada, you qualify two weapons for your CCW, which you can change should the need arise. For work, I currently carry a CZ 2075 Ramy 40. A few years back, several mags had favorable reviews of both the 40 and the 9mm versions, one of which, named it the "sleeper" gun of the year. Whatever that means, my impression from the article was "best for the buck" type thing. I paid just over $400 total new, with case, two clips, loader, cleaning kit and lock. It's very practical concealment wise and is very accurate, especially for it's size (sub-compact). Several friends have offered to buy it after using it.

You have to remember, we live in the desert, it's not unusual for 10 of us to head out with a rather substantial arsenal and replinish mother earth with brass and lead.

Don't think we've ever worried about ammo getting old, never had a gun sit unused for a year before.

Is that the Kel-Tec "credit card", 5oz, 3 1/2 inches or something along those lines. I had thought it was a 380, but it could of been 32. It was a couple of years ago that I looked at one. A little afraid that it might just piss the agressor off.


Yeah, that's the one. I have the .32, but they make a .380 now on the same frame (same size, but less mag capacity). I have heard about some reliability problems with the first .380's, so I'll keep my .32 for now. They also make a 9mm, but it's quite a bit bigger. Nice little gun though.

I guess it all depends on who/what you're up against. The .32 is just a little party popper, but as it's a close range gun, I would think that 6 rounds of .32 can take care of most situations. And I do carry a bigger gun if I feel like I need it, but the advantage of the Kel-Tec is that you can carry virtually everywhere. I doubt that there is a gun you can use for any personal defense purpose.

I really like the old revolver's! MY favorite is the Smith and Wesson 686, 357. I like the 6" barrel, but am thinking about getting one with a 4" barrel, it's MUCH more manueverable, and easier to holster. I like the fact that there's NEVER a bullet jamb, AND....never forget, you don't leave your brass as evidence!!!! and I don't think with the hollow point magnum shells, you would have too worry much about stopping power!

Sorry, I was in houston from the 4th until today. And I am on this at least once a day.I will use it as my new carry pistol.I now have a star 380. and a Dan Wesson 357mag. Both are old and heavy.

No need to appologize.
We like talking guns anyway.

:)

Nice comments on this thread :)

FWIW, I wanted a 1911 45, but didn't have the cash, so I bought an Italian knockoff: Llama MAX-1. Almost identical to the 1911 colt, but about 1/2 the price. Had some initial problems feeding other than ball ammo, had a buddy polish the feed ramp, now it'll fire just about anything reliabablly. I've owned this gun for over 10 years and put a lot of ammo thru it, it's my favorite. Had a Glock 19, not a fan. Have a Smith .22 auto that's a real blast to shoot, but you know how much stopping power you get with a .22. Yeah I know-put it in their eye and they'll stop, but wing 'em with a .45 and they're definitely on the run! JMO :D

My dream gun?? An All American 180! Got to shoot one several years ago, was almost like SEX :D Info HERE: http://world.guns.ru/smg/smg62-e.htm

Firing! http://www.metacafe.com/watch/258574/500_round_machine_gun/

If you want to do some good reading on guns/ammo and all the bs that goes with it check out this site.

http://www.professionalsoldiers.com/forums/index.php

My old roomate used to be big into handguns so wed goto the range all the time. I have a Sig pro 2022 40 cal love it. My roomie had a Glock 40, Browning High Power 9mm, Springfield XD tactical .45, CZ 9 mm Baretta Knock off. Out of all of those the one that I thought was the best was the Springfield. We had the tightest shot groups with it and it didn't kick as much as I thought it would, plus the price was comparable to the rest.

In my opinion ammo wise Id go with a 40 instead of a 45 just because the cost of ammo. And you really don't need that much knock down power to take someone out. I usually buy boxes of 1000 rounds when I goto gun shows for my 40 for around 100 bucks. I primarily do target shooting but I keep a couple magazines of some good ole hollow points just in case someone thinks its a good idea to break in.

For CCW ... I would seriously consider one of the S&W Airweight's. Pick one up, they feel light but well balanced. I would also make sure and get a lasergrip with it.

They come in either .38 +P, or .357 ... I suspect the .357 is scary, but of course you can always practice wadcutter .38 loads in it. I suspect the magnum would be a good candidate for a Performance Center barrel porting.

The laser grip would more than compensate for the short sight radius, and no bulky things hanging under the barrel.

Like most advice, I'm sure these wisdom's will fall on deaf ears ... but I think the S&W w/Laser is about the perfect SERIOUS carry weapon!

Take care, Neal

Curious why do you advocate Lasers? Me personally not a big fan of them, they create lazy shooters.

I figure that HK jobber bc69ss mentioned would be great shooting 22-250 rounds!!

pdq67

Well after reading through all this a couple things are bothering me. One is all the advice on which pistol is best when anyone who really knows weapons this is a very personal decision that can only be answered by the end user. Second is that while I am a HUGE fan of every Americans right to bear arms, some of you guys are the reason for the gun laws that have come about lately. If you are going to accept the privilege of owning firearms than you OWE it to all of us that you take the responsibility of regularly practicing with those arms. There is no way any responsible gun owner could have ammo in a clip for more than a couple months….some guys are talking about the same ammo for a couple years. It should be a requirement that in order to maintain your pistol ownership rights you periodically “qualify” at a local range.

Go find a local “good” range that offers a range of weapons to rent and find something that suits your ballistic needs as well as fitting your hand properly. Things like trigger pull and grip style can be changed later, concentrate on the overall feel. You NEED to be comfortable with the weapon you choose to own.

when we say that we have had the same ammo in a clip for years it means that we keep that clip loaded with self defense ammo (hollowpoint) & other clips are used for practice (fmj) ammo. I do also rotate the clips from time to time.

Dennis I agree with your observation about this post...
altho I would like to add one other thing that hasn't been covered
storing this new weapon !!!
we all know even when you are licensed for CCW there are times when you will not have the weapon with you ....

Everyone needs a Safe !!!!

the problem of unsecured weapons causing problems could be about eliminated
with just the common sense approach of owning a place to store them ...