March 26, 2022, 07:12 PM
FalconP220 ST, Nitron inquiry...
At my local gun shop, I saw what I think might be a used P220 ST all black nitron pistol. It has some odd wear on the right side frame and I didn't do the magnet test but judging from the pics does anyone think this might be one of those T&E police issue pistols?
Click on pictures for larger views
March 26, 2022, 07:30 PM
sigfreundSomething seems odd about the gun. Someone who is more familiar with the models will probably chime in, but the P220ST I have has the accessory rail and more matte Nitron finish on the frame. Although it’s hard to be sure, the finish on this one appears more like the aluminum anodized finish. The gun also has the old style 8mm trigger. I suppose the lack of a rail and the old style trigger aren’t impossible with an all-stainless steel P220, but as I say, it looks odd.
Added: If the wear on the frame is what it looks like in the photo, i.e., the slivery base metal showing through, then I’d bet a nickel that it’s anodized aluminum. Nitron is an extremely durable finish and unlikely to show that sort of wear from normal use.
I would not purchase it without the magnet test on the frame.
March 26, 2022, 08:48 PM
ksssquote:
Originally posted by sigfreund:
Something seems odd about the gun. Someone who is more familiar with the models will probably chime in, but the P220ST I have has the accessory rail and more matte Nitron finish on the frame. Although it’s hard to be sure, the finish on this one appears more like the aluminum anodized finish. The gun also has the old style 8mm trigger. I suppose the lack of a rail and the old style trigger aren’t impossible with an all-stainless steel P220, but as I say, it looks odd.
Added: If the wear on the frame is what it looks like in the photo, i.e., the slivery base metal showing through, then I’d bet a nickel that it’s anodized aluminum. Nitron is an extremely durable finish and unlikely to show that sort of wear from normal use.
I would not purchase it without the magnet test on the frame.
I had a 220ST in stainless. That frame looks alloy to me not Stainless. The frame was cut for a light on mine. The edges were more sharp than that in photo.
March 27, 2022, 06:46 AM
FalconThanks for the replies, it is greatly appreciated. In artifical light of the gunshop the wear on the right side has more of a brass color than the silvery color shown by the camera flash in the photo's. Not that this means anything other than your probably right about it being anodizing wear. I think the G 326 3XX SN indicates a 2002 gun which might be around the same timeframe these were produced.
Reading 12131's first link, it mentions a magazine diconnect safety on these, can anyone confirm this? As I recall while handling it, this gun didn't have that feature.
March 27, 2022, 08:12 AM
lot_45On the subject of, "testing the frame with a magnet":
A very strong magnet will appear to stick to the lower flat surface of the trigger guard due to the steel trigger. This is not a good place to check.
A better place to check with magnet is the lowest part of the grip, front strap area (WITHOUT the mag installed).
March 28, 2022, 07:39 PM
FalconI went back and did the magnet test and the frame turned out to be aluminum alloy. Oh well, so much for that!
March 28, 2022, 08:26 PM
sigfreundSorry it didn't work out for you, but thanks for the update to confirm some impressions.
March 29, 2022, 05:38 PM
GrumpyBikerYeah sadly that mutt is going to disappoint someone.
Still love the P220ST I bought off a member here.
