Sig Sauer P-220 / 38 Super

["DoubleAction"]

This was a pistol which found me, rather than the other way around. I had always heard about the P-220 in 38 super but never gave much thought to owning one until this one crossed my path. With 8 extra German factory magazines and 850 rounds of 38 super +P ammunition tossed in, the deal was too sweet to pass up at the time.
Not only was the pistol in brand new in box condition, it was also one of the W. German manufactured stamped slide pistols. The take down lever had not been turned enough to make the familiar circle mark on the frame.
I have now had this pistol long enough to have gone through well over two thousand rounds. I first had a bit of trouble with the slide going into battery but I cleared that problem up.
The 38 super shares the same grips with it's .45 acp counter part, as well as the same leather. This pistol also features the internal extractor.
Shooting this pistol, using the 130 gr., 38 super +P, fmj, is almost like shooting the 357 sig. It's also a single stack feeder, same as it's .45 acp counter part but I don't weigh that feature against the fun I get from shooting it. It would be interesting to see the P-226 chambered in the 38 super.

[TA]

DA! I didn't know you had one of those. With the American style magazine catch yet. Those are among the most desirable P220's. I believe the American magazine catch model was only produced ~2 years, mid 90's. Most have the European style magazine catch. The P220 .38 Super magazines have gone through the roof too. For some reason I thought you had a 1911 in .38 Super. Very nice piece for the collection.

["DoubleAction"]

Thanks TA; I thought I had posted a picture of this pistol but after going through things, I had found I had not. I had heard that it was no longer available but never knew the production run on it. I have many magazine publications which feature the P-220 in 38 Super in full page color adds and have several articles on it, one by Wiley Clapp.
The guy who sold it to me was so surprised by the speed of my response, his generosity was overwhelming. I was originally looking at the purchase of the pistol and two magazines but he came off with the extra magazines and ammo. I also ended up purchasing the P-226 from him in .40 S&W, and the extra 357 sig factory barrel.
Although he had cases of ammunition; He was one of those who spent alot on guns but never much time at the range.

[TA]

Guess what I finally found. ;D Should have it in about 1 1/2 weeks.

["DoubleAction"]

ta said:

Guess what I finally found. ;D Should have it in about 1 1/2 weeks.

Let me guess ;D

The guy I bought mine from, in 2002; His brother told me when he had bought it and there wasn't many of those to be had. A few weeks after he told me that, I saw a new one at a gun show. I waited around and fetched the one this guy's brother in law had. Seems the guy had just gotten married and the company where he worked closed their doors.
After you get yours, let me know if it's a little sluggish in feeding the chamber when shooting it. I had a little trouble with mine at first; The cartridge kept getting wedged when feeding into the chamber, much like what I've seen with some of the .40 S&W cartridges in the 229. I lightly polished the sharp edge of the ramp, where it leads into the chamber.

Glad you found one.

[TA]

It came today. This gun was advertised as "new". I was a little skeptical until I saw it. It is in the plastic bag and still has the blotchy factory lube. The only sign of barrel wear is from hand cycling the slide. The 2nd magazine has never been out of its plastic bag. All with the manual, factory target, factory plastic case and the cardboard sleeve. I am not sure if I want to shoot this one since it is collectible in this condition. I may have to just keep looking for one that has been fired.

[MLB]

Almost makes you wish that you'd found a bit of powder in the chamber now doesn't it? ;D