Sig P226 German (folded slide) vs Modern P226

**Swatieson** · 07-06-12, 13:16

Hello Folks,

I have the opportunity to buy a never-fired-in-pristine-condition German P226 manufactured about 10 years ago. The slide configuration is the old one like the M11 (the slide consists in a independent breech block pinned to a folded carbon steel sheet).

I always wanted a modern P226 but this is one is considerably cheaper.

Any thoughts? What I am loosing if I buy this one apart from worse corrosion resistance?

Regards.

PS: I didn't found nothing with the infamous "Search" button.

**BigJoe** · 07-06-12, 13:20

buy it, they are great guns. if you want wear resistance just have it cerakoted. you will not be losing anything to the newer pistols. they actually have a better reputation for reliability.

**HKBanger** · 07-06-12, 13:24

I'd take a 10 year old Sig over a recent one any day. You're losing nothing and gaining everything.

**Awesome1228** · 07-06-12, 13:30

I recently purchased a German manufacture p226 made in 1993. You are actually gaining, not losing. Recent manufacture SIGs have had reliability problems, there is a lot of info on that on this site (I did a ton of reading before I pulled the trigger on my purchase).

I would buy another one in a heartbeat...unfired, German made...snatch it up.

**SkiDevil** · 07-06-12, 13:40

Originally Posted by Swatieson

Hello Folks,

I have the opportunity to buy a never-fired-in-pristine-condition German P226 manufactured about 10 years ago. The slide configuration is the old one like the M11 (the slide consists in a independent breech block pinned to a folded carbon steel sheet).

I always wanted a modern P226 but this is one is considerably cheaper.

Any thoughts? What I am loosing if I buy this one apart from worse corrosion resistance?

Regards.

PS: I didn't found nothing with the infamous "Search" button.

The stainless steel slide will be more durable than the folded stamped-steel slide. However, unless you are planning to fire a tremendous amount of ammunition through the pistol then it doesn't matter at all.

If you found a good deal on the older German made 226 I would buy it in a heart-beat. Also, check-out TopSupplySupply and pick-up some extra parts for the pistol, so you will have what you need in the future in the event the spare parts cease being produced.

Link:http://www.topgunsupply.com/sig-sauer-parts/

I have owned half-a-dozen SIGs, great guns (older ones). The 226 is by far the most reliable pistol that I have owned in over 20 years of shooting handguns.

SkiDevil

P.S. If you decide you do not want the pistol it should command a premium on the used gun market, particularly if it really is NIB with the original papers and box.

**Swatieson** · 07-06-12, 13:52

What I am actually gaining? I don't understand why the change significantly the design to make the gun "worse".

**Kain** · 07-06-12, 14:02

Originally Posted by Swatieson

What I am actually gaining? I don't understand why the change significantly the design to make the gun "worse".

I don't thick is has to do with the change, but rather the attention to detail and quality control on the newer pistols.

**gunnut284** · 07-06-12, 14:04

The newer ones are purported to be of lower quality/QC. My experience with newer style Sigs has been great and I prefer them over the older ones personally.