My affair with the LDC continues.

For those who are not familiar, LDC = Long Dust Cover.

A while back, when SIG NH released their own LDC, I bought one (natural stainless). This model was made and destined for the German market. That's why SIG NH put triple serial numbers on. Also, the frame was marked with "US Year made" and "DE". Interestingly, I've seen one with just a single serial # (on the frame). For whatever reasons, SIG kept more than a few of them states side. So, a few folks ended up with this model. They had both the all natural stainless (white) version and the all Nitron one (black). I also bought the black one subsequently. And, bad luck struck me twice, as they both had atrocious triggers. I wrote about them in the past. They were worse than a typical production SIG's trigger. The white then had a trip to Robert Burke for his Carry Level Action job + QTR (Quick Trigger Reset) and the result was superb. The black one eventually received the Competition Level Action job + QTR, and it turned out even better.

Fast forward to the present, I had a chance to buy a German made LDC. So, I bought a black one and a white one, just to make four of a kind.

---

So, how is the American LDC different from its German cousin?

- The American has triple serial numbers. Interestingly, the German only has double (on frame and slide). It, of course, has the date code and required proofs. The German gun also has the QR codes on all 3 major parts (frame, slide, barrel).
- The lettering on the American is deeper/more pronounced.
- The slide cocking serrations on the German is more defined and cut deeper.
- Hammer: American has the skeletonized trigger hammer. German has the regular solid one.
- Grips frames are cut slightly differently. The American frame cannot use any of the P226 grips that I've tried.
- Grips: American uses the one piece E2 grip. German uses the 2-panel E3 grips.
- Folks with small hands will like the E2 grip better. The E3 grip feels larger, since it has the bigger hump in the back.
- DAK cut out: American has it. German doesn't.
- Main spring: American uses the shorter E2 housing. German uses the longer one, with a hole on the bottom threaded for the aluminum jet funnel.
- Trigger: It's unfair to compare the stock German to the Burke's LDC. It is a step behind Robert's trigger, but is quite good actually.
German LDC:
- DA at 8lbs 11oz, and smooth
- SA at 3lbs 4oz and breaks like glass (zero creep)

Robert's Carry Level LDC:
- DA at 7 lbs 7 oz, even smoother; also has a shorter travel compared to the stock gun, thanks to the QTR
- SA at 3 lbs and breaks like glass

---

Similarities?
Sights, bull barrel, P229 white recoil spring, physical trigger, mags. The upper assemblies are interchangeable. Both come with factory SRT. But, the Americans now have the QTR from Burke.

---

Miscellaneous:
- Notice the new serial numbering system from SIG Germany. It no longer uses the "U" prefix.
The number starts with "71" (their code for a German made SIG). Then, the model number ("226" in this case). And, last is the number specific for the gun.
- In addition to the typical accessories, this is the first time I see SIG Germany includes a cleaning kit with their guns.

---

Have not shot the German, yet, but here are some pics.

---

---

Pics of the American LDC for comparison:

---

---

And, finally, here is a family portrait of all 4 siblings.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: 12131,

I just cried a little.....

Love the tasteful and out of the way import marks.

The difference in slide markings is like night and day. I know it doesn't affect function, but one is like a fine ballpoint pen and the other like a kid with a crayon.

Thanks for the photos and details!

From time to time, SF causes me to fall into spasms of uncontrolled lust and envy. This would be one of those times!

Wow, very nice. I wonder why the Germans have a different main spring, strut assembly? The E3 grips look better to me with the screws, do they feel like E2's? Thanks for sharing, great photos.

One of those with a stainless steel frame would absolutely tear it up in USPSA.
Sig ever make such an animal?

Hah, mutual admiration society You beat me by a half hour Super comparisons. I thought another difference between the two was the extended mag release, but I guess that only comes with the Supermatch. You're going to enjoy shooting the German ones! Hard to believe there's nearly a 5,000 difference in our S/N's.

Your poor 228's will be so jealous seeing those 226's in your safe 12131

Spectacular photography, as usual!

Love the skeletonized hammers on the Americans.

Nice LDCs Q. It’s interesting to see them side by side. If given a choice, I think I’d have to go with the German.

Now, I thought I read somewhere that you were thinning the herd??

Why are the US ones marked DE?

Interesting comparison. The machining on the German model looks a lot crisper.

Eagerly awaiting the time when you have enough LDCs to spell out "LDC" with pistols and you start Karma-ing them out...

Oh those are gorgeous, with a spectacular write up.

quote:

Originally posted by Greymann:
Wow, very nice. I wonder why the Germans have a different main spring, strut assembly? The E3 grips look better to me with the screws, do they feel like E2's? Thanks for sharing, great photos.

The German guns always had the long plastic main spring seat, after the old metal one was replaced. The E2 and E3 feel the same, due to the similar texture.

quote:

Originally posted by Ryanp225:
One of those with a stainless steel frame would absolutely tear it up in USPSA.
Sig ever make such an animal?

They're all stainless.

quote:

Originally posted by mcs1564:
Now, I thought I read somewhere that you were thinning the herd??

You stumble once in a while. But, my shedding rate has been much faster than the acquiring rate.

quote:

Originally posted by Skins2881:
Why are the US ones marked DE?

They are destined for Germany. I guess SIG Germany and SIG NH agreed to have the marking done in advance?

quote:

Originally posted by RobLew:
Eagerly awaiting the time when you have enough LDCs to spell out "LDC" with pistols and you start Karma-ing them out...

Ouch!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: 12131,

Very cool. I wish we could talk Sig into making a few long dust cover guns without the rail.

Q I know how you like to be precise. You have a small typo in your writeup. You refer to the skeletonized trigger.

quote:

Originally posted by straightshooter01:
Q I know how you like to be precise. You have a small typo in your writeup. You refer to the skeletonized trigger.

Thanks, my friend.

That is an embarrassment of riches !

Need any new friends to help shoot them ??

quote:

Originally posted by Ryanp225:
One of those with a stainless steel frame would absolutely tear it up in USPSA.
Sig ever make such an animal?

They're all stainless.
[/QUOTE]

Thanks Q.
This is the first I've learned of these awesome pistols so forgive my ignorance.
Absolutely stunning pistols by the way.