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SA 1911 or Sig p229 for first handgun

Posted on 2/24/14 at 4:57 pm
Posted by GeauxBraves
Atlanta/Baton Rouge
Member since Nov 2012
142 posts
Posted on 2/24/14 at 4:57 pm
I turn 21 next monday and I've been doing a lot of research lately to see what I want for my first personal handgun purchase and have narrowed it between the Sig Sauer p229 and a Springfield Armory Lightweight Champion Operator 1911. I've been shooting handguns all my life and wouldn't consider myself a novice but I also wouldn't consider myself an expert by any means. I'm looking for a midsize gun so that when I apply for my WCL (I'm officially a GA resident at LSU) I will be able to carry more effectively than a full-framed weapon without stepping down to a subcompact.

Sig Sauer p229



9mm
10 or 13 rounds
4" Barrel
SA/DA
$949 at Bowie

I was able to handle a p229 the other day and it was the perfect size. It felt great in my hands and with the 10lb DA trigger pull and the decocking lever and I feel confident that it can be safely carried even though it doesn't have a safety. Its cheaper to fire and available at most firearm dealers so I wouldn't have to wait on shipping.

Springfield Armory Champion Operator 1911


.45 acp
7 Rounds
4" Barrel
MSRP $800-$900

This is undeniably the better looking of the two, but it is also much harder to find. I haven't been able to get my hands on one so I haven't gotten to try it myself yet. I really like the 1911s and from what I've heard, Springfield makes some of the best. A man behind the counter at Cabela's said they could probably order me one, but it would take 2+ weeks for it to come in.

Right now I'm really leaning towards the Sig, but I wanted to hear from the wisdom of the OB before I make any purchases. I know people are going to try and push their Glocks and M&Ps in here but I'd ask that they hold off on those urges as I have already narrowed it down to these two. I want a full-metal frame as opposed to a polymer frame for my first purchased gun because I find the weight distribution of them much more desirable. I just wanted to see what you folks here had to say on these two.
Posted by KingRanch
The Ranch
Member since Mar 2012
61614 posts
Posted on 2/24/14 at 5:04 pm to
1911
Posted by Ace Midnight
Between sanity and madness
Member since Dec 2006
89618 posts
Posted on 2/24/14 at 5:36 pm to
I'm a Sig guy, and, particularly for a first pistol - with those choices, I would go P229.

I have nothing against the 1911 - it just has less practical application (overall) and, while suitable for defense has a more complicated manual of arms.

Posted by LSUwag
Florida man
Member since Jan 2007
17319 posts
Posted on 2/24/14 at 5:39 pm to
Glock
Posted by spacewrangler
In my easy chair with my boots on..
Member since Sep 2009
9750 posts
Posted on 2/24/14 at 5:45 pm to
Personally of the two I like the Sig. But if it was me I would buy the CZ 75 P01. It will give you everything you want, at a lower cost and is the only NATO certified handgun , 3 years of testing. It looks damn good and even better if add their custom wood grips.





Posted by MisterSenator
Member since Aug 2013
1285 posts
Posted on 2/24/14 at 5:52 pm to
Most of the OB I feel is going to say 1911, but I think you're going to carry more than you first see yourself doing.
I say Sig.
Plenty of time to buy a full size 1911 later on down the road, and you'll have room in your budget to buy ammo, grips, etc.

Either way, lookin' forward to shootin' with you! Can't wait to get my M&P.
Posted by bapple
Capital City
Member since Oct 2010
11910 posts
Posted on 2/24/14 at 6:38 pm to
quote:

I'm looking for a midsize gun so that when I apply for my WCL (I'm officially a GA resident at LSU) I will be able to carry more effectively than a full-framed weapon without stepping down to a subcompact.


This is the biggest question in your post, in my eyes. Do you actually plan on carrying this weapon daily (when you're not on campus)? If you do, the Sig is gonna be a much huger pain in the arse to carry because it is so much more wide than the 1911.

While the 1911 will be thinner, it will still be heavy compared to other carry options since it has a metal frame. All of my carry guns are polymer and although you may not want to hear this, you will be more likely to carry a polymer handgun unless you are willing to put up with the weight of a metal one (ask King Ranch - he carries a Colt Delta Elite daily).

As a home defense gun or general range gun, these are both GREAT. A full sized, metal-framed pistol will be extremely soft shooting and fun at the range. And if you have a girlfriend that you would like to learn how to shoot, either of these would be a great starting place for her to learn.

Before I throw out any more information, I think you should watch my YouTube video. It would probably answer a lot of questions.

First Time Firearm Buyers

If you have any other questions, there are plenty of people here to help.

Posted by bbvdd
Memphis, TN
Member since Jun 2009
25071 posts
Posted on 2/24/14 at 7:15 pm to
Like Bapple said the 1911 will be easier to carry but I personally prefer a da/sa for carry.

And to the guy that said beretta 92, wow, that gun would be way down the list. I mean way down. It's a full size first and foremost and it just isn't the same class as the two he has listed.
Posted by LouisianaChessie
Baton Rouge, LA
Member since May 2010
2582 posts
Posted on 2/24/14 at 9:36 pm to
Your initials SS?
Posted by LSUTiger205
Ocean Springs, MS
Member since Aug 2006
10820 posts
Posted on 2/25/14 at 8:51 am to
SA
Posted by GeauxBraves
Atlanta/Baton Rouge
Member since Nov 2012
142 posts
Posted on 2/25/14 at 12:21 pm to
I understand that with proper training and care that carrying a 1911 is safe. I would not consider purchasing a firearm that would give me doubt about it's safety. That being said, I still believe that the p229 is the safer option. I also believe that should a life or death situation arise, the odds of putting effective rounds down range is much higher with the controllability and capacity of the 9mm over the .45.
Posted by Creamer
louisiana
Member since Jul 2010
2817 posts
Posted on 2/25/14 at 1:19 pm to
p229
Posted by TigerOnThe Hill
Springhill, LA
Member since Sep 2008
6816 posts
Posted on 2/25/14 at 5:25 pm to
Between the two guns you're looking at, I'd go w/ the 1911. Personally, I prefer a SAO over a SA/DA gun. As far as weight, they're pretty close. Recoil wise, the 9mm does recoil less than the 45, but the 45 is still manageable, especially w/ sufficient training. 9mm ammo is also a little cheaper than 45. I get the feeling you'll prolly end up w/ a second/different gun for concealed carry some months down the road. In the meantime, the 1911 is hard to beat as a range gun. Even though the SA has an aluminum frame, it's highly unlikely it won't stand up to the rigors of a range gun.

If you do end up cc the 1911, be SURE to get adequate training w/ it's manual of arms as it is more complicated than DAO. I guess it's just me, but the manual of amrs for DA/SA/decockers guns is confusing.
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