For some unknown reason, I never picked up a Sig 220? And am now getting into the market...
This will be a range gun. Part of the collection.
Any difference between an early 80's 220 and a early 90's 220? Am in Ca. So a Browning BDA can't be brought in....
Thanks!

quote:

Originally posted by Sig210-6:
For some unknown reason, I never picked up a Sig 220? And am now getting into the market...
This will be a range gun. Part of the collection.
Any difference between an early 80's 220 and a early 90's 220? Am in Ca. So a Browning BDA can't be brought in....
Thanks!

All the early P220s had the front sights integral to the frame. I can not recall what year they went to dovetailed sights, but I think it was around 1990. So if you ever want to change the sights, it saves the cost of having the slide milled.

I got my first one in 1977. The only reason I replaced it in 1992 was for a dovetailed slide and tritium night sights

I bought my first P220 along about '91. I'd recommend the later model with dovetailed front sight, side button mag release, hammer reset spring, etc. Excellent,reliable pistols though, no matter which vintage you decide on.

Thanks, good point on the front sight.
And forgot about the mag release.
Any idea what year they went from the heel release to the button?

Bought my 1st new 226 in 1994, and the whole line up was pretty much the same by then.

Thank again!

Around 1992 or 1993 (KC or KD date code), The P220's frame was changed. Sig reinforced it somewhat to be more robust when shooting hotter ammo

Early P220's also originally used a 15-ish lb single strand recoil spring and had a narrower spring channel in the slide. This makes it difficult to impossible to use the newer style 23ish lb multi-strand recoil springs in them. The multi-strand springs are thicker and expand in diameter more when compressed which binds up in the early p220's with the narrower spring channel. You can however buy higher weight single strand p220 recoil springs that fit and function perfectly well from Wolff springs.

They used a twisted 15lb recoil spring in the 1990s until around 1994.

Then, they went to the more appropriate 20lb recoil spring, beefed up the frame, and improved the hammer and lockwork to behave more like the P225.

There are many early collectible variants of the P220 and many differences through the years.

But if you just want a "shooter", I'd get a used one made in the 90's and put a new 20lb recoil spring in it. I prefer the post-1993 guns, but I had a great 1991 one that I loved and regret selling.

quote:

Originally posted by tigerbloodwinning:
Around 1992 or 1993 (KC or KD date code), The P220's frame was changed. Sig reinforced it somewhat to be more robust when shooting hotter ammo

If you want a .45 in particular, this would be why I'd opt for the later model.

Changing gears, have never shot a SS framed 220.
I won't be carrying a 220, so what's the SS framed 220 like to shoot? Am thinking it must be pretty nice...
Thanks!

Like a 220 ST? I use mine for shooting .45 +P, it kind of feels like a magnum round. While the standard 220 does an amazing job at handling the .45 round, there is a noticeable difference as its a much heavier gun, but not that much as you would expect. YMMV

Thanks, am thinking about it.
Have a ton of light weight guns.
Have not heard/read much about these in years.
I do recall some galling issues when they were introduced, but would think
all that has been worked out by now.

quote:

Originally posted by Sig210-6:
Changing gears, have never shot a SS framed 220.
I won't be carrying a 220, so what's the SS framed 220 like to shoot? Am thinking it must be pretty nice...
Thanks!

Most comfortable. With standard pressure ammo, I'm good for about 125 rounds with a standard P220 before the front sight starts jumping around like a flea on meth. With the ST, 250 rounds is no problem.

As for galling, I've had no problems. I use RIG+P just because it was recommended to me locally to prevent galling, but I haven't heard any complaints from anyone else lately either regardless of what lube they use.

Thanks, Have that grease in by box as well.
Am looking around online. I dont think they call them ST these days. But it does seem they are still being made. Will keep looking into it.

Looks like it may have been discontinued. Sig P220 Stainless .45 ACP Pistol 220-45-SSS

I see at least three 220 ST on Gun Broker, ranging from $600.00 to $800.00. Be aware the early version had a thinner proprietary rail, so it you ever want to add a light go with the later version with the wider rails. Hmm,...seems most being offered are the earlier thinner rail version, nothing wrong as a range gun, there's one of the later versions offered over $900.00 but that seems a bit high, best wait till more come into the market. They pop up all the time, good luck!

The reinforced receiver was introduced at serial number G 211299. The bobbed hammer with rebound safety was introduced at serial number G 219166. Other improvements at this serial number included stronger recoil & magazine springs. Contrary to popular belief, the new mainspring/hammer strut assembly was not introduced until later.