Sig P226 classic 22 as first handgun?

pubb

pubb

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Hi,

I'm in the market for a first handgun. While I'd like something with some power, I'm leaning heavily towards a .22LR until I develop good pistol marksmanship.

Rather than have a dedicated smallbore pistol, I was thinking of getting the Sig P226 in .22LR - developing those pistol skills and then upgrading it to .40S&W or 9mm at a later date. My understanding is that the conversion kits are about $350.

Is the Sig as accurate as a sub-$500 target pistol (i.e. S&W 22A, MkIII 512, GSG1911, etc.)

Any advice would be appreciated.

P
 
My SIG 226 classic 22 is accurate enough for my needs. It's nice to be able to swap uppers and have the same trigger pull, grip, etc and it's a lot cheaper than buying a dedicated .22LR and then another pistol later.
 
You can not go wrong buying a Sig. I have the 226 Elite in 9mm and it is a "never sell" pistol for me. Fit, finish accuracy, quality and list gos on. A lot of fellas will bash it for being price but to me you get what you pay for.
 
The Sig Mosquito is said to be poorly built.

The 226 Classic .22 is a much better gun. The only thing not great about them is that the slide does not lock back on empty.

It does lock back with a 9mm upper, but not with the .22 upper.
 
BW: The jamming is concerning, but does that vary with the ammo you use? In my research, it seems that CCI minimags are a preferred round for this pistol.

I wouldn't be going with a Mosquito but rather a 226.

I was aware but not happy about the slide not locking back on empty - seems like a real easy way to encourage frequent dry firing. Even a loaded chamber indicator would help. Oh well, I guess it will help me with my counting.

P
 
I love my P226 Classic .22LR for what it is, a great plinker and a great way to get trigger time on a fullsized handgun and practice technique. It is not very precise but I still like mine. It's always in my range bag.

It took a brick of CCI Blazers when new to break in, once the first brick was done, it now work 99% of the time, well within "rimfire ammo standards" IMHO. It does not cycle well with other ammo.

I have picked up the stainless guide rod and extended mag followers so it stays open on the last round from Sig Power in the US. Mind you it's not a "true" open on last round but it works.
 
I dislike my Sig 220 Classic .22 almost as much as my Mosquito.
Number #1 on my list for a 22 handgun is the CZ Kadet.
GSG 1911-22 is also a good one.
And you can never go wrong with a Ruger Mk III, or 22/45.
 
Can you elaborate as to what you dislike? Does it jam frequently? Does it not fit your hand? Is it inaccurate? Finicky with ammo?


As for the GSG 1911, that's only my list, but I am more likely to go with a DAO or DA/SA centerfire as opposed to a SA-only like a 1911.

Thanks,

P
trebor2880 said:
I dislike my Sig 220 Classic .22 almost as much as my Mosquito.
Click to expand...
 
pubb said:
Can you elaborate as to what you dislike? Does it jam frequently? Does it not fit your hand? Is it inaccurate? Finicky with ammo?


As for the GSG 1911, that's only my list, but I am more likely to go with a DAO or DA/SA centerfire as opposed to a SA-only like a 1911.

Thanks,

P
trebor2880 said:
I dislike my Sig 220 Classic .22 almost as much as my Mosquito.
Click to expand...

It's too bulky and light, in IMO. Try to get a hold of one, even if it's just to hold it. You may like it just fine. They feel like one of those "plastic" guns, to me. The Mosquito was terribly unreliable with anything but Reminton Thunderbolts. Yes, you heard that right, Thunderbolts. Now, after going through a brick, it shoots most brands reliable. I wasn't very satisfied with the accuracy, but the guns don't "feel" right in my hands. The more guns you can try out, the better.
I chose the 220 in SA as I thought the trigger pull would be better/lighter. But I don't know if it is, because I have nothing to compare it to. With the type of shooting I do, I don't use DA.
Click to expand...
 
I have a .22lr slide for my p220, they do jam with certain kinds of ammo.....I found that CCI stingers or mini mags work best with my sig.

As for a good first gun....p226 is a good choice.
 
pubb said:
Hi,



Is the Sig as accurate as a sub-$500 target pistol (i.e. S&W 22A, MkIII 512, GSG1911, etc.)

Any advice would be appreciated.

P
Click to expand...


Definitely...I own all of the above and on any given day the Sig can and will shoot equal or better than the others.
 
I appreciate all the thoughtful replies.

See this is where I give my head a shake:

Sig P226 40S&W is about $1000.
Sig P226 Classic 22 is $650. Conversion kit is about $350.

I can go from 22LR to 40S&W for $1000
I can go from 40S&W to 22LR for $1350.

Unless I am missing something, both configurations get you the same parts.

P

OldFrankHog said:
Yup P226 Elite with a .22 conversion kit and your all set ;)
Click to expand...
 
The slide not locking back isn't a dealbreaker for me. I can count as I shoot and if it became something of a PITA, I would just get the follower from a 3rd party which locks the slide open.
 
pubb said:
I appreciate all the thoughtful replies.

See this is where I give my head a shake:

Sig P226 40S&W is about $1000.
Sig P226 Classic 22 is $650. Conversion kit is about $350.

I can go from 22LR to 40S&W for $1000
I can go from 40S&W to 22LR for $1350.

Unless I am missing something, both configurations get you the same parts.

P
Click to expand...

I spoke with the Canadian SIG distributor about the kit upgrading from the 22LR, and they said that the upgrade is not recommended because the frame of the 22LR is not as strong as the frames of the larger calibers. I was also told that doing this modification would void the warranty.
 
As was said a P226 22lr is a nice handgun but it is *not* a regular P226. And a P226 ELITE is *not* a regular P226 my friend. Trust me if you buy a P226 LR or a regular P226 you'll wish you shelled the $ for the Elite. That kit right there will have you set for a long long time. Just get a new stainless guide rod and a couple extra recoil springs.
 
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