I received this pistol after having put it on layaway some time ago. Over the years, I've owned many of the classic Sig Sauer pistols, but had not had one in my collection since 2009, so I decided to get one. I can tell you that from my perspective, this Certified Pre-Owned pistol, which seems to be an early 2000's gun, is every bit as well made as the ones I owned from the 80's and 90's, meaning the quality of fit and finish was quite high. I also got one with a butter smooth trigger in both DA and SA. I will say this as well, not to bash another gun, but I also took delivery of a brand new Beretta 92 FS at the same time, and while I like the Beretta, this Sig is much, much smoother in all operations right out of the box, and the trigger is nicer. Score one for Sig Sauer.
Ordering a CPO Sig is like a box of chocolates, in that you never know exactly what you will get until you open the box, but you know it will be good. So just to let you know what you might expect if you order one, mine came in a substantial red cardboard box imprinted with the Sig Sauer name on it, rather than a plastic case. I remember the days when all Sigs shipped in a gray cardboard box, just like this, so that did not bother me. Mine is a German frame model, with a stainless steel slide (blackened of course) that was made in the USA. The frame is marked "Sigarms Inc. Exeter NH, Frame Made in Germany".
The finish of the pistol was impeccable. Sig says they completely refinish the slides, but do not re-anodize the frames. My frame was spotless, not a mark on it, but it was distinctly a dark gray color, which contrasted nicely with the very black slide and levers of the gun. So the effect is a mild two-tone look that makes mine look a bit different. I like it. As far as sights are concerned, Sig says that they leave night sights in place if they feel they still have life left in them, but if not, they replace them with three dot "contrast sights". Mine had a brand new pair of three dots on it that look good and are easy to pick up. The pistol wore what appeared to be a new pair of factory grips made of hard plastic with "P226" printed on the panels.The gun also shipped with two brand new USA made Sig factory 15 round magazines. These are of the latest style with no zig-zag spot weld pattern on the back of them. I also received a manual stamped "Pre-Owned" and papers related to the one-year factory warranty. There was of course the obligatory gun lock included.
In terms of "feel" and function, my new P226 was a joy to handle. The slide moved as if it was on greased ball bearings (easily besting my new Beretta in that regard) and the trigger was flawless in both SA and DA. Interestingly, I was able to compare it directly with a brand new P226 in my FFL's display case, and the CPO pistol was noticeably smoother. Both felt good, but the CPO gun seemed "broken in".The first test fire of my new/old P226 produced some groups at 25 yards that were very close to 2 inches for 5 shots, and at closer ranges it was all one ragged hole with good ammunition.
I've owned brand new Sigs, police trade in Sigs, and now a CPO Sig. As far as I am concerned, the Certified Pre-Owned program is the way to go. You get essentially a new gun with a factory warranty, and save almost $400 over buying new. As far as I can see, all you give up is the plastic case. If you are on the fence about this superb pistol, just buy one. It feels and shoots completely differently than today's crop of plastic striker fired pistols, and will quickly become your favorite 9mm handgun. You will soon forget that you paid a couple hundred dollars more for it than for a lesser handgun.
Rating: 5 of 5 Stars! |
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