What does a triple serial marked sig mean?

[xopher]

I've been looking around for a P220 9mm and i've noticed people talk about triple serialized sigs (slide, frame, barrel).

What is the significance of having these markings on a pistols compared to one without the serial on the barrel? On a quick glance, I've noticed a handful of new and older sig pistols with the triple serial so im just wondering if they're more desirable/higher quality.

I sold my sig X5 last year so im hoping to find a replacement

 

[ghostie]

I'm not an expert on this, but I believe the desirability comes from it being an all "Made in Germany", serialed together, proofed together gun.

When SIG started making guns in New Hampshire, at first they could set up CNC machines to mill stainless steel slides, but they couldn't make the alloy frames - so you saw all these guns where the frame said "Made in Germany", and had a serial number, but the slide had no serial number, and neither did the barrel.

These guns are really partly made in Germany, partly U.S., who knows who makes those barrels, and then they are assembled and finished in New Hampshire.

Doesn't exactly inspire a ton of confidence, and SIGs reputation started to come "under question" to say the least. That and, instead of making the same 5 guns that made them world famous (220, 225, 226, 228, 230/232) they dropped most of that and started making 1911s and AR-15, and all kinds of stuff, just like every American gun maker - and now they just another American gunmaker.

Triple serial numbers appeal to people that love the old SIG and the quality they represent. Stamped cabon steel slides. Components that are checked over and fitted if necessary before being serial numbered together and sent to a German proof house for proof marks.

 

[thenewbieglockguy]

Triple serial number basically means that the frame, barrel and slide all have matching serial numbers. Like above, I think it implies that they were in a way built together.

 

[RPIcka]

Best SIG's out there. My P220 9mm from 1977 is my best shooter next would be my 1990 P226.

 

[latenight]

A lot of people will see "Made in Germany" on their frame and assume the entire gun is made in Germany. It is not. As Ghostie noted above, it's the stripped frame that's made in Germandy and then comes to the US to be assembled with the other parts.

For most people, and the use our handguns get it Canada, it won't make a difference. I find with my triple numbered made in Germany Sigs, there is a tighter fit and they are more accurate. The American guns are totally acceptable, but I (personally) feel the German ones have much better QC. There's a stigma about some recent production US guns where Sig's QC has really slipped.