Hello Everyone,

If you had a choice between a 1990 and a 1994 P226, both in similar condition, which would you choose?

Question:
Which P226 would you rather have?

Choices:
KA (1990)
KE (1994)

 

You should have a 3rd choice: Doesn't matter.

It would not matter to me. A 226 is a 226 is a 226. Unless there is a specific collectible value, I’d just pick one. But shooting SIGs since that time frame has taught me that there is no difference in performance from a mystical, magical “WG” P226, and one manufacturered today.

With the P220, there was the beefed up frame change that’s more tolerant of a steady diet of hot ammo and the rebounding hammer update somewhere in the late KD date code if memory serves. So it could make a difference there. I’m not aware of any such changes with the P226.

I guess pick the one you think is more appealing for whatever reasons.

It doesn't really matter, but I would pick the '90 (KA) because I prefer its yellow cardboard box over the KE's grey/white(light grey?) box.

Ginger or Mary Ann?

Any way of trying both to see if you shoot one better than the other?

Either or. Then off to Sig for SSP.

quote:

Originally posted by wgsigs:
It doesn't really matter, but I would pick the '90 (KA) because I prefer its yellow cardboard box over the KE's grey/white(light grey?) box.

KA had both yellow boxes and gray boxes, the gray ones being after the move to Exeter, right?

As for OP’s question, I would also say it doesn’t matter, all else being equal. The only thing that I can think of that MAY be different between the two is the bluing. I’ve seen quite a few unfired West German classic P-series guns over the past couple years, and the pattern that I’ve noticed is that the later guns seem to have a deeper/darker bluing than early ones. I couldn’t tell you what the exact cutoff would be. From my observations, KC or KD was when the deeper/darker bluing started. Doesn’t matter to me though. If that sort of thing matters to you, then get the KE if you want a deeper blue, assuming the guns in question aren’t well-worn already

quote:

Originally posted by tigerbloodwinning:
As for OP’s question, I would also say it doesn’t matter, all else being equal. The only thing that I can think of that MAY be different between the two is the bluing.

The KE date code would have K-Kote. My knowledge about Sig's finishes doesn't go back further than that, but googling it shows yellow box pistols in the results. I'm not sure bluing is what they used in either production time frame. Plum brown slide in either vintage should be pretty well expected.

Both!

That and a P220.

Ah, good to know. Makes sense.

quote:

Originally posted by tigerbloodwinning:

quote:

Originally posted by wgsigs:
It doesn't really matter, but I would pick the '90 (KA) because I prefer its yellow cardboard box over the KE's grey/white(light grey?) box.

KA had both yellow boxes and gray boxes, the gray ones being after the move to Exeter, right?

You may be right. All I remember is I missed out on an excellent condition KA P226 with all original papers and yellow box because the seller backed out on Gunbroker. He was probably expecting more than the $601 I won the auction with back in 2011. I'm still bitter about it.

quote:

Originally posted by 12131:
You should have a 3rd choice: Doesn't matter.

Exactly ^. The only difference might be in the trigger. They switched from a serrated to smooth trigger in or just after 1994. If you care if the trigger is serrated or not, there's your answer. If you don't care (or they're still both serrated), just pick the nicest one.

Ok Gentleman, full disclosure. I actually own both of these. I purchased both LNIB. I bought one to keep as a Safe Queen and one as a shooter. But... They both ended up as Safe Queens. So... I've been considering letting one of these go and just buying a GLOCK 19 as more of a beater or SHTF pistol. Am I making a mistake?

If you can't just keep both and buy a Glock 19 on the side, why are you wasting this space?

quote:

Originally posted by elberettas:
Ok Gentleman, full disclosure. I actually own both of these. I purchased both LNIB. I bought one to keep as a Safe Queen and one as a shooter. But... They both ended up as Safe Queens. So... I've been considering letting one of these go and just buying a GLOCK 19 as more of a beater or SHTF pistol. Am I making a mistake?

What are you going to do with the safe queens, when the real SHTF? Might as well shoot them now to make sure they do work.

They've both been shot. Just very little. I've owned the KA a bit longer. My rationale is that I can sell one of my P226's, buy a G19 and have $ left over for other things.

This is the perfect example of something you WILL regret later...