I have written previously about the appearance difference between a Nickel plated SIG that was done in W. Germany and a Nickel plated one done in the US by Klein Plating. SIG stopped Ni plating their guns in W. Germany in 1987. Klein, in Erie, PA, started plating guns for SIG probably very late in the 80s, and for certain throughout the 90s. Year 1991 appears to be the most prolific year for the Nickel SIGs.

I never got around to putting a W. German plated SIG next to a Klein plated one for pics, until now. Pics are better for visualization than any words can describe. But, if there is one word to describe each, it would be "dull" for the W. German plated gun, and "lustrous" for the Klein plated one.

Other differences:

- W. German Ni gun was plated entirely (externally and internally, and down to the roll pins).
- Klein Ni gun was plated on frame, slide, controls, and guide rod only.

Enough with words, it's pics time. P225 (1986) vs P225 (1996).

Thanks. A picture is worth a thousand words. Good photography.

Those 6,000 words are much appreciated

Question . . . Does the German gun have both of the roll pins plated? It might be an optical illusion, but it only looks like the outer one is plated.

Also, how does the lock-work look? Do you see the same differences as to which one has the internals plated or not?

quote:

Originally posted by colt_saa:
Does the German gun have both of the roll pins plated? It might be an optical illusion, but it only looks like the outer one is plated.

Also, how does the lock-work look? Do you see the same differences as to which one has the internals plated or not?

Not optical illusion. Everything on the W. German was Ni plated (frame, slide, barrel, guide rod, sights, breech block, locking inserts, roll pins, etc...).
Older pics, under different lighting.

I always liked when the sights were plated and then orange color was used for the bar-dots.

^^^ Yes. But, they could have used black bar dot for better contrast against the nickel surrounding, imo.

I have trouble picking up black against dark target areas. Orange isn't as clear as white though.

Both look great, but I'd put a slight preference to my birthyear (86), especially with those wood grips.

Thanks for posting the photos. Very enlightening.

As always, thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge with the membership here.

I like the Klein's nickel better and with the black (sights and barrel) two tone look.

Thank you for the photos and the information. Thumbs up for the Klein's plating.

They both look FANTASTIC. I am leaning toward the Klein nickel plated one though. Thanks for sharing, Q.

Those German's are looking pretty through here. But I'd be happy with either.

Hi Q, boy I don’t know what I have. I’ll post pics Thursday if I get a chance. It’s the one we discussed sometime back. P226 dull nickel including the roll pins, but the barrel is blue (triple matching numbers), yellow orange box, label on box does not say nickel (does match serial # on the gun). It’s a “JJ” date code. It has dead night sights (someone must have added). There is no wear on the rails.

My guess is that it may have been plated by someone other than factory or Klein.

Beltfed21

quote:

Originally posted by 12131:
But, if there is one word to describe each, it would be "dull" for the W. German plated gun, and "lustrous" for the Klein plated one.

Is the current CP by CCR "lustrous?"

My JH 226.

As promised. You decide......

The details on the slide with the Klein plating looks much sharper than the Sig gun. Very nice weapons.

Superb photos everyone. Thank you for taking the time.