By R. K. Campbell
Contributing Editor
I have been a 1911 fan for many years and I strongly prefer the 1911 in a quality example while at the same time I realize the 1911 isn’t for everyone.
A strong second choice is the SIG P220. I have carried the P220 on duty with confidence and carried it on my own time and dime for many years. If you are going to use a double action first shot pistol by all means use the best and this is it. The 9mm is a popular cartridge but when someone states the 9mm is just as good as the .45 I can only wince as I have heard this before, and it has been disproven time and again. The combination of superior wound ballistics low muzzle signature and modest pressure make the .45 ACP a desirable defense cartridge.
The SIG P220 is first class .45 ACP pistol with a great deal of history behind it. This is a proven pistol that offers superlative reliability and surprising accuracy.
The SIG Legion series includes several SIG pistols with meaningful enhancements. The Legion features the durable and attractive Legion Gray PVD finish. There is an extended grip tang SIG calls an Elite Beavertail. The frame is relieved under the trigger guard to lower the bore axis, the grips are nicely checkered G10, and the pistol features SIG X Ray sights. Custom grade 25 line per inch grip strap checkering is a welcome feature.
The trigger is the SIG short reset trigger. The SRT is an improvement that should be standard on all SIG pistols. A double action trigger both cocks and drops the hammer with a long press of the trigger. After the first shot the slide cocks the hammer for subsequent single action fire.
The SIG trigger breaks 11 pounds in double action and smooth. Single action trigger compression is 4 ¼ pounds, the same as most every SIG double action pistol in the gun safe. The pistol comes with three 8-round magazines, a nice touch in a day when many pistols are delivered with a single magazine.
Some things are apparent only with extensive firing and use. As an example one of the few short comings of the SIG double action first shot pistols has been the slide stop shape. The decocker that safely lowers the hammer from the cocked position is an excellent design- the slide stop needed work. It is common for shooters to ride the thumb on the slide lock stop during firing. The result is the pistol failing to lock open on the last shot. The SIG Legion, and I hope all modern P 220 pistols, features a re-designed slide lock. The new grip and beavertail extension feel very good in the hand. The SIG X Ray sights are a combination of a serrated rear sight and a bright green roundel in the front sight with a tritium front dot. The pistol is simply very smooth. There are no real drawbacks. The pistol feed any type of hollow point bullet. However, a handloader must be carefully with overall length as some long nose SWC type bullets may be too long to function in SIG P220 magazines.
I ran the pistol with a good supply of Remington UMC 230-grain ball ammunition.
I was able to draw quickly from a R Grizzle Working Man holster. The Working Man is a modified Avenger type. Speed is excellent and the holster offers a good mix of speed and retention. I concentrated on firing double action first shot drills, decocking, and then firing again, running through a magazine all double action.
To about 7 yards hit probability and speed are good. You must slow down and manage the trigger straight to the rear at longer ranges. Firing in the single action mode control is excellent. The pistol is comfortable to fire and control is excellent. Trigger reset with the SRT trigger is also good. I fired several ten yard groups shooting as quickly as I could recover the sights. An average four inch, ten shot group in rapid fire was the result.
A 25 yard, five shot group isn’t a true test of a combat pistol, firing at small targets at known and unknown ranges is more of a test, but the obligatory accuracy test was carried out firing off the MTM K Zone shooting rest. The results are as follows-
Load Velocity (fps) Five Shot Group
Rem. 230-gr. FMJ 842 2.0 inch
Rem. 185-gr. Golden Saber 1101 1.8 inch
Rem. 230-gr. Golden Saber 822 1.5 inch
With the 230 grain Golden Saber the five shot group sent three shots into .9-inch with the last two shots opening the group. The P220 has consistently been among the most accurate of factory handguns.
During the firing test I also evaluated the new FoxTrot combat light from SIG. This is a compact design, not as bulky as some, ideal for home defense use. The switch is easily activated and the light seems rugged. This is an excellent set up that should be kept handy for home defense. I added a Wright Leather Works inside the waistband holster to the P220 kit. The P220 isn’t a small pistol but with proper leather may be carried concealed. The IWB holster allows the pistol to be concealed by the wearer’s trousers and a covering garment. I cinched the deal up with a modern Blackbeard ratchet bolt. The holster must be kept tight and rigid and only a good gun belt will serve. The Wright Leather Works IWB features a reinforced holstering welt and dual belt loops.
Many shooters prefer the safety features and handling of a double action first shot pistol over either the single action 1911 or the striker fired Glock. The SIG P220 is arguably the smoothest of double action pistols and among a very few .45 caliber DA first shot pistols available. I have no reservations concerning the SIG P220 Legion. The P220 has always seemed the best SIG pistol and the P220 Legion the finest P220 yet manufactured.
Sigsauer.com
Grizzleleather.com
Wrightleatherworks.com
Blackbeardbelts.com
Specifications:
Maker SIG Sauer
Type Double action first shot locked breech self loader
Caliber .45 ACP
Capacity: 8
OAL: 7.7 in.
Height: 5.5 in.
Width: 1.3 in.
Weight: 31 oz.
