help me choose my .45 - SIG p220 or Kimber customII

[bladefoolish]

"I own a small fortune (10) in 1911’s (stock and full customs) in 3 calibers"

Addicting, aren't they? I don't know what, but there's something about a 1911 that just sings to me.

Another gun that I'm very fond of is the .40 Firestar. Not the most gracefull looking gun, but I have found it to be extremely reliable, and a plus it that it's controls are the same as that of a 1911.

The best balanced handgun I've found is the Browing Hi-Power. I've owned a couple in the past, but usually traded then away because (a) their triggers weren't up to 1911 quality; and (b) I don't like 9mm. However, I picked up a very slightly used .40 Hi Power at a gun show that had an excellent trigger. Don't know if the production models have gotten better, or someone put a trigger kit in it. It'll never replace a 1911, but it's a fine gun.

 

[Sid Post]

One thing you mentioned is the 220 having the larger grip and long reach to the trigger, I have small hands so I do hope that I find it easy to manage.

There is the short trigger option of that is needed.

What you will probably find, is that it fits your hands very good. Why? The contours of the grip and frame are ergonomically designed. The P226 is fatter to me but, the wide backstrap is nice. In any case, both the P220 and P226 fit my medium glove size hands well.

Some of it is technique so, make sure you really grip the pistol properly. I bend and place the first joint of my trigger finger into a 90 degree angle. Then I place the joint on the side of the trigger so that the pad of my trigger finger is slightly past the trigger (90 degree angle with the side of the trigger and the face of the trigger touching my bent finger). Then I roll my hand naturally around the rest of the grip. Do not hold the pistol loosely or tightly, just grab it naturally with a slightly firm handshake level of force. Now look at where the backstrap of the pistol frame lays in your hand. Is it out on your thumb or in the arch? If it is out on the thumb, you need the shorter trigger. If it is in the arch or farther into your palm, it is not too big

Hope this helps!

 

[.45acp]

Most DA autos have a longer trigger reach than single action autos. It is just a characteristic of the design. I have large hands so it was not an issue for me, my ex found the grips far to large, as well as some men I shot with. Maybe the short Sig trigger would be the answer, ask at a reputable gun shop. If the short trigger is to be installed, find a GOOD smith that has done a Sig before, the trigger must be fit by a competent smith. I cannot stress COMPETANT enough. I can tell a horror story about a Colo smith that completely hosed a trigger job on a brand spanking new SS Delta Elite .
If you compare the Sig 220 and 1911 side by side you will see that the 1911 is a more streamlined pistol and not as blocky. For me it has always been easier to conceal a 5” 1911 than a Sig 220 even though the 1911 is ¾” longer than the Sig. If you compare equal bbl lengths you consider the commander style (4 14” bbl) vs. the P220 (4.4” bbl) they are virtually the same OAL, the 1911 is generally easier to conceal.

The 1911 is the easiest to modify/adapt to personal wants/needs and physical limitations.

This is just my opinion, YMMV


Steve