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Question about SIG P220

armilite
I'm contemplating buying a Sig P220 in 45 ACP. I've really dropped the ball keeping up with auto loading handguns. I had previously owned a Colt Combat Commander in 45ACP and a S&W Model 59 in 9mm. I currently own a Daewoo triple action in .40 S&W. In searching the adds here on GB and there isn't much said as if they are single & double action or both.
I see comments made as to the fact that they have a decocker which I assume is some sort of safety device to lower the hammer onto the loaded chamber or not.
Are these guns both single action, double action or not???? I would prefer one that is both.
Thanks in advance.
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Comments

7 comments

Date Votes
  • mark christian
    The "basic" P220 is a Double action/single action handgun. You use the decocking lever to lower the hammer, there is no safety lever and because of this it cannot be carried cocked and locked. There are P220 variations available that are single action only as well as double action only if you desire either feature.
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  • leeblackman
    The Sig P220 Single Action model with the rail is really nice. You carry it locked and cocked like a 1911.

    The traditional SA/DA P220 has a decocker, not a safety. It would be like carrying a double action revolver for the first trigger pull, than a SA handgun for every pull after. You use the decocking lever before you reholster your gun to put it back into DA ready mode like the revolver.

    They also make a DA only, but from what I understand the trigger pull is supposed to be a little shorter and lighter than a DA revolver and really smooth. But not so much like a glock. I don't know from first hand experience though, I'm not a big DA only fan.

    Sig's website goes into more detail about what's available in what models.
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  • beantownshootah
    Sig p22o falls into the category of "traditional double action", which means that the safety safely decocks the gun without firing it.

    After being de-cocked, to fire it requires a long heavy trigger pull. After that first long-heavy trigger pull, the gun will go off and automatically cock itself for every subsequent shot, like any other single-action auto. So, with the gun on "safe", the hammer is down, and the first trigger pull is like a double-action revolver pull. Every next shot is like a single-action auto.

    Note that if you like, instead of firing double-action, you can still thumb-cock one of these to MAKE it fire single action.

    Thumb-cocking an auto is not conceptually different than thumb-cocking a double-action revolver (though it may be a little bit more physically difficult with the auto).

    Cocking an auto is also not conceptually different than undoing a safety with your thumb (although again, its going to be physically more difficult).

    Personally speaking, I like having a hard first DA pull INSTEAD of an external safety on a carry gun, but this is a matter of personal preference.

    My logic is that under stress, you can always forget to disengage a manual safety, or accidentally re-engage it. How many times at the range have you tried to pull the trigger on a safety-engaged gun? If it happens on the range, it can happen on the street.

    Heavy DA first pull also helps reduce the incidence of a "startle" discharge, and reduces the likelihood of negligent discharge. Yeah, we all know you're not supposed to put your finger on the trigger until the sights are on the target, but in the real world when the adrenaline is pumping not everyone always follows all the gun safety rules as they should.

    In further answer to the question, if you want a .45 gun that will let you go EITHER "traditional double action" OR "single-action/cocked and locked", check out the CZ-97 in .45 ACP.
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  • the yooper
    The other posters have gone into detail on how it works. My offering is about how it shoots. I've got two early P220's, both West German. They are wonderfully soft shooting pistols for the caliber. They've got absolutely GREAT trigger pulls. The P220 has an outstanding reputation for accuracy. They are very tolerant of bullet types if you handload like I do. All in all, I would highly recommend the P220 for somebody looking for a 45. Not wanting to offend the 1911 fans, but I personally dislike the grip with its beavertail, which was supposedly to keep the pistol from twisting down in your hand during recoil. The pistol's recoil is not enough to be a problem IMHO. The SIG's are well made and, with proper care, will last a lifetime and likely more.
    yooper
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  • frankgon4
    quote:Originally posted by armilite1015
    I'm contemplating buying a Sig P220 in 45 ACP. I've really dropped the ball keeping up with auto loading handguns. I had previously owned a Colt Combat Commander in 45ACP and a S&W Model 59 in 9mm. I currently own a Daewoo triple action in .40 S&W. In searching the adds here on GB and there isn't much said as if they are single & double action or both.
    I see comments made as to the fact that they have a decocker which I assume is some sort of safety device to lower the hammer onto the loaded chamber or not.
    Are these guns both single action, double action or not???? I would prefer one that is both.
    Thanks in advance.


    I too am looking for a high capacity 45 acp. I am looking into the FNH FNP-45. It comes with 3 14 round magazines. Ambidextrous de-cocker. The USG model also has a safety. It is double action first shot and then single action. It can be cocked for the first round to be single action. Sig is also a good gun, but the FNP is around $600.
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  • armilite
    I've seen quite a few of the Sig P220's here on GB for $600 also and some even less.
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  • drobs
    I'd recommend you shoot one before you buy one. Growing up shooting 1911's, I didn't think the 220 was all that. Trigger is springy in both SA & DA.

    I'll take a 1911 for a single stack 45acp any day over a P220.
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