dave2

I found a 1989 W German 9mm P226 for sale in my area. I am inclined to buy it for its history (W German built) as well as I've wanted a 226 9mm for a while. I wanted to run it by the SIG Talk forum first - I need opinions and advice please.

The seller says he wants $625, he had the night sights replaced about 10 years ago, and that mechanically the condition is 9 of 10 but the finish is a 6 or 7 of 10 with it showing holster wear. He purchased the pistol in 1998, and has 3 Sig mags and 5 aftermarket mags but does not have the original box. He has an extra barrel to go with it. In the pictures he mailed me the gun looks pretty good and I will get to see it but not fire it on Sunday night.

Questions

First: is this too much to pay for this pistol?

Second: are there any negatives (and positives as well) that I should look for or be aware of when I examine the gun on Sunday?

Thanks in advance.

Dave

cobra21

Dave, I think that is in the ballpark for what you describe. The WG's are more highly sought after as you obviously know. A "used" Exeter might go for $575+/- and used WG might go for $625+/-.

Like with all Sigs, fieldstrip it and look at the rails. Make sure there is not excessive bare metal wear (though frankly while I do this each time I purchase a used gun, I rarely let it effect my purchase unless I think the gun won't operate accurately or reliably which is rarely the case.)

PA28FDO

Dave, I paid about that for a German 228, NIB and unfired at a gunshow here recently. I thought it was a little high, but it was what I wanted and they are not exactly plentiful anymore. What it really comes down to is that you kinda have to go with your gut instinct on these things now. In your case, I'd say go for it, and if you find a better bargain later, you can always sell it.

dave2

Thanks guys/gals on Sig Talk. I've decided to pass on this W German 226 and find one a bit nicer.... and perhaps cheaper.

ademry

May I suggest that you get the leading edge technology of the stainless steel slide that is produced by CNC machines not the carbon steel slide that is stamped and folded. Also, look for a aluminum alloy frame and carbon steel forged barrel. The German slide and frame will be marked with a DE for Deutschland. The serial number will be stamped on the slide, frame, and chamber. The barrel will be marked with a DE, eagle over N, Kiel proof mark, and alpha markings for the proof year. The eagle over N proof mark will also be stamped on the slide and frame. The German pistols are made in the Eckernfoerde plant near the Baltic Sea. Hope this helps.

jeep

I would buy a new NH Exter over the rust prone weaker welded slides. The new 226,s are better than the older German guns. Unless you want to collect all models of the 226 from the early days to the best modern ones. A NIB German 226 would make a good safe Queen to sell down the road ,but not to be a shooter or ccw weapon. I sold my 3 German guns 226,228,220 and got all new NH Exters. I use my Sigs and want ones that do fire +P or +P+ ammo and not rust. The new rustproof IONBon Nitron finish is better and the stainless one piece slide is stronger . My new sigs have been 100 % reliable with perfect fit and finish. My 220R and 226 navy,sp2022,239 are class Sig pistols

Smith3466

I think the price was a little high, but I love my W. german 226. I picked it up used on the cheap a little while ago bc the finish was wore so bad. It has been 100% reliable, and is very accurate.

jeep

One must remember that the German welded slides were rated for a service life of 50,000 rds. And they should have the recoil spring changed every 5000 rds and the breechblock and retaining spring at twice that. And no +p or +P+ ammo.

Sigarms228

The recoil spring needs to be changed at 5000, and many do 3000, rounds on any classic P series pistol. On the folded carbon steel slide P225/P226/P228/P220 the breech block pins also need to be changed at the same interval.

+P ammo can be used in the folded carbon steel slide P226 but it should not be a regular diet.

I won't use +P+ in any of my pistols as there is no standard for it and I see no need for it for myself.

Sigarms228

I have one of each in the P226.

The new ones are better in some ways and the old ones are better in some ways. As always one should choose what works best for them.

The folded cabon steel slide P226 is also a superb pistol. The slide is plenty strong for the 9MM round. Rust is not a problem if you take care of it and use proper protectant on it. The carbon steel foldes slide P226 also weighs 2 oz less than the stainless steel slide P226 and to me has a better balance because of that.

My German p226 is the most accurate 9MM I have ever shot or owned and it has the best trigger of any of my SIGs that may be due to the lack of MIM parts in it. The factory test target that came with it shows a ragged hole at 15 meters.

I would never sway anyone from buying a nice German P226.

Here is mine:

jeep

Yes if you can a nice used Sig its still a Sig. Fine firearms. Its what I reach for in harms way a new Navy.