I have one of the Lipsey's versions in 45 Colt. It is well balanced, and shoots everything from light .45 ACP and .45 Colt cowboy loads up to .45 Colt bear loads fantastically. Yes I have an ACP cylinder. The only downsides I can think of are... 1. The short ejector rod doesn't push cases fully out of the cylinder. Not a big issue, except when a case needs a little extra help from your thumb to drop free. 2. It's not a light revolver. The stainless grip frame is where you see some people saving weight by swapping to an aluminum frame.

I would buy mine again in a heartbeat.

quote:

Originally posted by egregore:

quote:

It's not current production, so it is not subject to the reported excellent Ruger QC these days.

Huh? Do you mean it's no longer supported? They will if they still have parts for it

I called ruger to purchase a replacement MKIII 22/45 grip frame about a month after the MKIVs came out and they said they sold all their MKIII and previous parts inventory to a third party seller and didn't have any for me. I imagine maybe they retained a stock of MKIII parts that may break more often, springs, plungers, maybe the trigger bar.

They specifically told me they don't stock parts for obsolete models. YVVM

DONT DO IT.

JUST DONT..

Can't. I had one. Softest shooting .44 I ever fired. No felt recoil with 240 grain factory! It just rolls the muzzle up after each shot. No pain. Accurate,too.

"By the time I got to Phoenix...", well, the LGS, both of the 3.75 inch Blackhawk were gone. Oh well, the ice and snow and cold and chores made the trip less of a priority, and someone else got what they wanted.

But, there in the display case, in the used cabinet, was something interesting. Something unusual. Something no one really wants these days.

Yes, it was a Sig Sauer P224. In .40 S&W. Hmmm.

Small, but hand-filling. DA / SA for ultimate AIWB safety. My my my, Hogue G10 grips in grey, with the chain link texture and official Sig Sauer text. A very subtle "gas pedal" checkered takedown lever. Checkered decocker, slide lock lever and magazine release. Beveled frame and slide at the muzzle. Factory extended magazine.

"How many magazines?" The helpful chap pulled the original box from under the counter and opened it. Two magazines, 10-round capacity, with the correct P224 baseplates also having checkering on the forward curve. Original chamber flag. Original paper owners manual.

I knew the P224 was unusual, perhaps rare, and also one of those designs that never caught on. I knew that magazines were hard to find and expensive. I thought about the purchase for as long as it took me to find three neoprene rod sleeves in matching camo, then returned to give the fellow a thumbs up, let's do this.

Paperwork completed, state police approval in minutes, and time to buy. I had mentioned my 24 years of volunteer civilian service with the local gendarmes, thirty minutes before, and with that the gentleman knocked off 5% from the already affordable price.

I read the box label while waiting. I knew it was an unusual pistol then. 224-40-XTM-BLKGRY. 05-Sep-2013. P224, NITRON, SLITE, SRT, EXTREME, BLK GRAY.

Wow.

Does it do anything really different than my other pistols? I think so. It is different in one important way...size. AIWB, shoulder, and OWB holster carry. Where I serve, size matters. Unobtrusive is very important. Sure, I could purchase the S&W micropistol in .380. But, my XXL hands don't like small. They didn't like the P365, believe it or not. With the 10-round magazine and a spare, under sportcoat carry will be simple. Size, and hammer-fired. I've become more and more comfortable with hammer-fired pistols.

My existing P229 holsters actually fit this P224. Another big benefit. Sure, the muzzle is 3/8" shorter, or maybe 1/2". But, no need to rush out and purchase any leather at all. That saves at least $650. It also fits in various sling bags with ease, for those times when you can't easily holster.

What about .40 S&W? I really like it. I have Critical Duty ammo already. I have practice ammo already. NO need for expensive big bore revolver lead.

Does it need new Trijicon XD HR sights? I think so. That can wait. It's time to field strip, lubricate, and take to the range. I'm sure the small grip will make recoil control a bit more challenging. I can accomodate.

I know, I know, this post is worthless without at least one picture.

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sold before I got there...

It never fails.

Not a .40 shooter but wow, that's a sharp looking pistol. As of last year I'm revolvers only as far as any acquisitions but clone that to 9mm and I might have to renege. Congrats on a sharp find.

quote:

Originally posted by 4MUL8R:
a Sig Sauer P224. In .40 S&W. Hmmm.

Definitely on the “I don’t need it but I want it” list. It’s none of my business what you paid for it, but I’m sure I would snap one up if I found it anywhere close to reasonable.

Nice find, sir!