By R.K. Campbell
Contributing Editor
SIG’s P220 SAO pistol features a confluence of features that are attractive to SIG fans and 1911 shooters as well.
Some of us prefer the cocked and locked Model 1911 chambered in .45 ACP for carry. Others prefer legendary SIG reliability. Both agree the .45 ACP the best choice for personal defense.
With modest recoil for a big bore cartridge, low pressure, and significant wound ballistics, the .45 ACP is a winner on every count. SIG re-designed the double action first shot P220 into the P220 Single Action Only. The long double action trigger is eliminated and a thumb safety added. The new pistol featured the same lockup by butting the ejection port into the slide. This is a simple but precise lock up that results in excellent accuracy potential. The SIG SAO takes standard P220 magazines. The grip is the same and there is no decocker.
The Super Match is a five-inch barrel version of the P220 with adjustable sights. The five inch P220 may be termed a long slide in comparison to the standard SIG P220, however, it is the same barrel length as the popular Government Model 1911. The slide length, grip, and general size are large for concealed carry. Holster technology means a lot and the pistol is light enough at just over thirty ounces thanks to an aluminum frame. Many of us favor accuracy and recoil control over light weight. The P220 offers this control and accuracy.
This pistol is configured differently than the double action first shot P220. The frame mounted safety is easily engaged and seems positive in operation. The slide lock is slightly forward compared to the standard P220. Because of this, a recurring problem with the P220 is neatly addressed.
Many shooters tend to ride their thumb on the SIG P series slide lock during firing. As a result, the slide does not hold open on the last shot. I cannot imagine this occurring with the P220 SAO. The SAO doesn’t feature true cocked and locked carry. The slide isn’t locked when the safety is applied, however, an advantage is that the pistol may be loaded and unloaded with the safety applied. While an excellent design the SAO models are seldom seen although the new Legion is available in the SAO version. Like many of my pistols the P220 Super Match illustrated is a used gun I was lucky enough to find in my many trips to the pawn shop.
The pistol features a stainless steel slide. Lock up is tight and the slide moves smoothly as the barrel locks and unlocks. The front sight features a tritium insert. The rear sight seems robust and is fully adjustable for windage and elevation. The pistol features an anodized frame. An accessory rail accepts modern combat light. There are also forward cocking serrations. I noted the recoil spring seemed quite strong. This proved to be an advantage when firing the pistol.
The P220 SAO trigger compression breaks at a clean 5.2 pounds. Take-up is minimal. Trigger reset seems more rapid than the standard double action/single action P220 but not quite as rapid as a quality 1911. Reset is tight, however, and led to good control in the practice drills. The grip fits my hands well. The sights are excellent for all around use whether combat firing or target shooting. The heavy recoil spring controls recoil to a surprising extent. Reliability is good with a wide range of loads. The pistol disassembles easily in SIG fashion. Remove the magazine and lock the slide to the rear. Rotate the take down lever, release the slide lock, and the slide will run off the slide rails. The magazine guide and spring are lifted out and the barrel is angled out of the slide. This is simpler than the 1911 and most other handguns. Maintenance is easily accomplished.
Like many of you I have had difficulty obtaining primers. I still have a good supply of handloads but in a month or two the situation will not be as bright. I used a load with a hard cast 200 grain SWC (mattsbullets.com) and enough Hodgdon Titegroup powder for 890 fps. Titegroup is something of a wonder powder with its clean burn and easy accuracy potential. Function is good and accuracy is excellent.
After the initial firing at 10 and 15 yards I was impressed with the relatively modest recoil of the SIG P220 SAO Super Match. The pistol gets on target quickly and would make an excellent pistol for match use or personal defense. The front sight simply hangs on the target as I recover from recoil and home in on the X ring. I settled into a braced firing position. A five shot group at 20 yards went into 1.2 inches- absolutely fantastic accuracy! I fired a modest quantity of Black Hills Ammunition 230 grain JHP. At 865 fps this is a hard hitting loading with excellent quality control. Recoil is controllable- the heavy recoil spring works wonders. I also fired the Black Hills 200 grain SWC. This is an 870 fps load, ideal for practice and competition. Accuracy is good and the lead SWC would be great for small game hunting.
I found the SIG P220 SAO Super Match a very enjoyable pistol. I test a lot of guns and most are good for the niche they are designed to fill, some are pretty blah and only a few are as interesting as this one. The SIG P220SAO is well worth its price. Especially if you find nice used example!
Specifications:
Manufacturer: Sig Sauer
Model: P220 Super Match
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel length: 5 inches
Magazine capacity: 8 rounds
Weight: 30 ounces
Overall length: 8.92 inches
