Handguns - any thoughts on small frame 45 auto ??? (AMMENDED)

[eodtech]

I have narrowed the field down to two.... question is what caliber to order.....

1. The SIG SAUER - SP2022 is the latest version of our popular polymer framed pistol and features a durable, lightweight and wear-resistant polymer frame with the added tactical versatility of an M1913 Picatinny rail and comes with two interchangeable grips. The slide is machined from a solid block of stainless steel and protected by SIG’s black Nitron® finish. Available in 9mm + .357SIG . the SP2022 can easily be converted from a Double-Action/Single-Action to a Double-Action Only configuration through a unique integral fire control unit. It also features the SIG SAUER® four-point safety system. The SIG SAUER® polymer framed pistols has earned an enviable reputation and proven track record of reliable performance in the hands of law enforcement professionals. The SP2022 – the only polymer framed pistol engineered to perform, built to protect and good enough to be called a SIG SAUER®.


2. The SIG SAUER - P239 Two-Tone was developed in response to demands from law enforcement and federal agents for a compact back-up pistol ideal for off duty concealed carry. The slim profile of this single-stack pistol provides easy concealment without sacrificing handling. The P239 Two-Tone features a stainless steel slide machined from barstock and left in Natural Stainless finish. The P239 Two-Tone is available in  calibers – 9mm, .357SIG .

My question is the 9mm vs 357SIG  -  a lot of LEO's are going to the 357SIG round, and I am undecided what caliber to order.

I am leaning towards 2022 in 9mm and get the P239 in 357SIG ( I would EDC the P239 ( small, concealable and a little more knock down power)in my line of work as an investigator , and use the 2022 for proficiency training, the range and competition shooting).

357SIG ammo

SIG ARMS www site

[Mike Micklea]

I think a lot of it has to do with what you intend to do with it.  9mm ammo is cheap and readily available.  The last time I looked, .357SIG was still pretty expensive. 

I'm curious why you want to EDC the 357SIG round?  Is there a reason you would need it? 

[Grant Lamontagne]

If it's an EDC item I would probably stick with the smaller, lighter and more readily available 9mm myself.  Unless the .357 is more popular in the areas you are than the areas I was in, the 9mm is always in stock, everywhere.  The .357 is only usually in stock most places.  Not a big deal since you pretty well always come home with the same rounds you left with, but it's always nice to have that supply line available.

Def

[eodtech]

With more and more LE agencies going to the 357SIG round it's quite common now, infact they are selling the round in bulk tubs of 500 and 1000 rounds. This is a 357SIG round, different than a regular 357 for revolvers, developed by SIG for their weapons.

INFO on 357SIG


Well I went looking at  "SIG's"  today, there is a small gun shop near me that is not a SIG dealer but is very knowledgeable on guns, here is a recap.

He told me , and I called SIG and confirmed it, the model P239, which is what I am looking to buy, comes in 9mm, 357SIG and 40S&W . If you buy a 40s&W you can buy an extra 357SIG barrel and they are a 100 % interchangeable fit, to the point they use the exact same magazines. Extra barrels are around $100 cop price from SIG.

So my plan is to order one P239 in 9mm AND one P239 in 40S&W and one extra barrel in 357SIG

[Grant Lamontagne]

Pretty sweet.  I didn't know a separate barrel was available for that.  Dang, I have been out of guns too long....

Once I sold off my old Glock 20 I pretty well lost interest.

Def

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Pretty sweet.  I didn't know a separate barrel was available for that.  Dang, I have been out of guns too long....

Once I sold off my old Glock 20 I pretty well lost interest.

Def

Same here, I used to be well into guns, but after dunblaine the goverment banned pistols so my interest in those kinda fizzeled out, I,d still love to get another lee enfield 303 though

I loved that rifle

Sound like the right decition buying the 40s&w and the spare 357 barrel, you've got all your bases covered then

[eodtech]

Thought some of you might want to know that GLOCK is now offering its $100 off on Glocks to Military / LE / EMS / fire / security personnel - it is confirmed accurate information. The sales rep. said, "Yeah, it falls under Homeland Security". So if you 1st responder folks,  want to buy a weapon just call Glock at (770) 432-1202 and get a list of "GLOCK Law Enforcement Dealers" in your state, show up with the required credentials and you're done. I'm getting a GLOCK 26 in a few days. ORIGINAL POST Glock Talk has more detailed info on credentials / certifications needed and other documentation required before you can purchase your GLOCK. No hurdles to jump over, just make sure you have what is needed or you'll be making a second trip to the dealer.

Glock USA www site

[eodtech]

Well I picked up a sub compact Glock G26, 9mm today at the local Glock LE distributor, nice weapon.  I had a Glock in the 1980's but it was just too big, the G26 fits nice in a pocket and for under $400 it’s a steal - comes with case, 3 magazines, night sights, etc.

Still undecided on what caliber SIG to get, the P239 is a sure thing but what caliber ( 357SIG or 40S&W ) is undecided.

[eodtech]

UPDATE: 8/23/2007

I decided not to get the SIG, I can get 2 Glocks for the price of one SIG, even with a LEO discount from SIG.

I looking at a  new Glock P36 ( single stack 6 shot - 45 AUTO ) on a special at a local dealer for $399. Too good an offer to refuse.
Now I've got to sell my Ruger SP101 s/s 9mm revolver, getting too many guns.

Then my son hits me up for a handgun, so he got a used Glock 27 ( 40 S&W )- 3 magazines, night sights, and ammo for $299. 

Now I really am gun poor.

[Grant Lamontagne]

Nice!  I'd make you an offer on that wheelgun but importing bang bangs is too much of a pain in the arse.

Sounds like you got some really good deals though!  I have always liked Glocks- they have the reliability, accuracy, function and cost I like in... well pretty much anything!

Def

[eodtech]

SOLD the Ruger SP101 .................... now


I am considering buying one of the following weapons to carry concealed - and have made no decision based on what I have read. A trip to a firearms dealer is pending. Three weapons ( 45 AUTO ) are being considered: Glock P36, SIG P220 Compact, Ruger P345 /KP345.

Any comments on these 45 autos?

[Mike Micklea]

Out of those three I would go with the SIG.  I think of the three, it's the smallest size wise. (not positive about that.)   I absolutely love Ruger pistols, but I don't think they'd be all that great for concealed carry. 

I personally can't stand Glocks... but that's just me.

[eodtech]

UPDATE:  9/3/07 -
My other NEW "off duty" weapon is a SIG P220 Carry  ( 45 ACP ) - purchased last Saturday second hand from a local Pawn Shop. The 220 is a more "robust" weapon and is tough to beat for a concealed weapon to carry in a holster on a regular basis ( it's too big to fit in a pocket).


I've owned S&W, Colt, Glock, SIG and Ruger handguns, and in my opinion SIGs are #1 based on 45 years experience carrying a handgun AND shooting competition matches.

SIGARMS WWW site

[Grant Lamontagne]

I personally can't stand Glocks... but that's just me.

Do tell.  Is it a feel thing or a "what the heck were they thinking" thing?  When it comes to semi autos I prefer Glocks, but then they are what I have used/carried most.  I still prefer a revolver over a semi, and I like S&W's most there, but a S&W semi makes about as much sense to me as the 4x4 made by Lamborghini.  Sure they did it, but why?

I find the Glock to be a comfortable, smooth, no nonsense semi, and quite reliable in adverse weather conditions, but I'd love to hear what your thoughts are.

The only things I don't like about Glocks is you don't need fancy tools to take them apart (you may have noticed I have an affinity for tools! ) and I have never actually experienced the story that has been going around for years where the Glock can accidentally go full auto under certain conditions.  I think that would be pretty cool to squeeze and be surprised by 17 shots firing off in a couple seconds, although I am certain the RO wouldn't find it that funny!

Def

[eodtech]

http://www.gunshopfinder.com/smithandwesson/smithandwessonmodel627.asp

Nice weapon