Sig 220 for IDPA

[Ron Ankeny]

I am very new to IDPA. I have practiced some of the courses of fire on my own, but I have never shot a match. I had Brian Bilby work a Kimber over for the Custom Defensive Pistol Division and I have a model 625 (pre-turncoat model)for a revolver, but I am looking to buy "something" for the Standard Service Pistol Division.

I have recently moved away from the 9mm and I even went so far as to sell my P7M8 (no lecture needed) and I am using .45 ACP exclusively. I have literally tens of thousands of rounds of once fired brass and a source for inexpensive components. Yeah, I know 9mm is cheaper to shoot but I hate loading them compared to .45 ACP.

So here's the deal, I am seriously looking for a .45 auto for the Stock Division. I bought a G21 Glock but the ergonomics of the grip weren't for me so I sent it to ARS for a grip reduction. By so doing I made the pistol unsuitable for that division. I like Glocks except for the ergonomics so they are out of the picture.

So here's the question, if you were to choose a DA/SA type of pistol for IDPA (a range gun that is easy to shoot) what would it be? No need to carry the piece, I already have a carry gun but it isn't legal for IDPA.

Also, I have a local dealer who wants to trade a Sig 220 for my Springfield Ultra Compact V-10. Mine is the two-tone light weight model. Carry guns like compact 1911 styles are selling well for him and the Sig is so big most folks don't consider them. Fair trade do you think? Is a Sig 220 suitable for IDPA? Unfortunately, I don't have a chance to try before I buy, put I like the way it points. How is the muzzle flip of the Sig? Recoil any worse than a full size 1911?

 

[Tecolote]

The SIG Sauer P220 is one of the most accurate and reliable DA/SA 45s on the market today. It's felt recoil is mild and it's easy to bring back to target for follow up shots.

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So many pistols, so little money.

 

[Robert Foote]

A very good friend of mine earned an 'E' ticket on the 250 course at Gunsite some years back, somewhat to Jeff Cooper's surprise. The SIG will suffice.

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[C.R.Sam]

Yesterday I was squaded with a 220 shooter for a day of IDPA shooting. Impressive lack of muzzle flip, impressive lack of malfunctions and impressive accuracy. I have owned and carried a lot of 1911s but prefer wheel gun so it takes an impressive autoloader to get my attention.

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Sam I am, grn egs n packin

Nikita Khrushchev!." We cannot expect the Americans to jump from capitalism to communism, but we can assist their elected leaders in giving Americans small doses of socialism, until they suddenly awake to find they have communism."

 

[jnsn]

I have a sig 220 and a glock 21. I have shot IDPA a few times with a glock 17. While all of the pistols would be fine, you will handicap yourself in terms of time with the frequent reloads. This is not neccesarily a bad thing, and especially if you normally carry a 7+1 1911, it would seem something you should practice with.IDPA is supposed to be "revolver neutral" which means it should be designed so that revolver are not put at a heavy disadvantage in terms of reloads or number of rounds in the course of fire.Having said that, the places I have shot IDPA are all full of IPSC shooters, and many cof's are based on a 10 rnd mag.A friend of mine who used her Kahr was bogged way down, and that is a 7+1.

I do not mean to dissuade you, however. I hope to compete with one myself in the near future, as the 220 is what I find myself carrying until summer.It is easy to get sucked into the gamesmanship quality of the sport (competing with others for time/accuracy) but I think you will get more out of it if you can concentrate on competing against yourself.

Hope this helps and good luck.

 

[buzz_knox]

If possible, use what you're going to carry when you shoot IDPA. The whole point of this "game" was to give people a chance to use real world gear and real world tactics. Don't get into the game mentality by buying gear solely to play. The 220 is a fantastic weapon and one I hope to own in the near future. But I'd only get one if I thought I'd end up carrying it.

 

[Rainbow Six]

I have a SIG P220 and it is the *ONLY* pistol I own that I can shoot back to back perfect 100 scores with on the FBI 25 yard pistol course that we use. This is done with the DA first shot SA follow ups, just like it will be done on the street. No cheating by thumb cocking the hammer on the first shot.

I should note that I only shoot 98's and 99's out of a possible 100 with my Glocks. The SIG P220 is far more accurate.



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R6...aka...Chris

 

[beemerb]

Ron I just shot my first IDPA match Sunday with my carry which is a sig 22o. 200 rds with no problems.The accuracy in very good.You do not need high caps to compete.I use 185 semi wads loades tp 900 fps.It makes power factor and reduces felt recoil even more.Allmost all of the 1911s had problems according to one of the range officers.In conclusion buy the sig. You will love it and it will treat you right.
Bob

 

[Ron Ankeny]

Buzz_Knox:

I agree the purpose of IDPA is to minimize the gamesmanship factor. Problem is, IDPA is the only shooting sport close to me other than IPSC and I need to travel from central Wyoming to Utah, Colorado or Montana to shoot. I figure if I am going to drive 300 miles and spend money on a motel room I might as well shoot as many divisions as I possibly can.

My primary carry gun is ported and not legal. The other pistol I carry from time to time is a full size 1911 style. I don't see anything wrong with picking up another "toy" so I can play in another "game". Besides, my "serious" shooting has always been with revolvers and the semi-auto phase is just for the love of it. I gave up the serious competition many years ago and I want to try IPDA because I kind of like the mission of the organization.

 

[Walt Sherrill]

If you're determined to shoot .45, I'd give serious thought to two pistols:

1) the new CZ-97, and 2) the new Para-Ordinance LDA (double stack).

I've had a P-220, which while it was a fine gun, I just didn't care for it. (A number of my friends shoot P-220s in IDPA, and guys using the 9mm and .40 Sigs are doing better.)

I have a CZ-75, and it is a flawless performer. The CZ-97 seems to be very similar in all respects, and a larger caliber, too. Great ergonomics. (And for around $500, not a bad price.)

 

[Ala Dan]

Another "impressive" vote cast for the Sig
P220. One word to describe it; Unbelieveable.
Take one for a test drive sometimes; and I
bet it will become a "piece of history", in
your gun collection.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[El Chimango Pete]

IDPA hasn't caught on here (Argentina) and I shoot IPSC - was among the 'founders' locally way back when it was as Col Cooper intended - no space guns and courses suitable for '7+1' - more or less tailored to the 1911 - which i shot until recently (giving way in the ranking to the 'gamsters' but enjoying while staying 'practical')

Recently I've started favoring my P220. Have to get used to the transition between the (longish) double action for the first shot and following single action - but very accurate, handles beautifully and digests 'most anything i care to feed it.

Some stages demmand dropping the hammer (or engaging the safety) while moving - so its definitely an advantage in this case to train with the DA/SA - or go with the other pistols (Gov't for instance, or my other choice a CZ 85) and 'cocked and locked'.

As in most things - with practice and getting used to the gun the P 220 is an excellent choice.

Peter Knight

(oh and yes - so is the Para LDA but that wasn't the question was it?

)