Sig Sauer

Gun reviews and Facebook opinions: How to sift through the mess when buying a new firearm

When it comes to purchasing a new firearm, it pays to do your homework. You want to know that you’re getting a reliable platform, that it doesn’t have any glaring safety issues, and that you’re getting a good value for the price you’re paying. The problem is, it can be pretty tough to find that information when most of the internet is dead set on either selling you something, or convincing you that whatever gear they aren’t selling must be “junk.”

That’s not the end of your predicament either, because there’s still the jaded bloggers to contend with. I grew up in the racing industry (of the street, open wheel, and busted knuckles variety) and, thanks to my age, have a clear recollection of the early days of car forums. Long before Facebook gave us a means to stay in touch constantly, long before Reddit made forums obsolete, like minded guys would have to find groups devoted to our interests to talk trade craft and compare notes. The thing about car guys, though, is that whatever they like is the best, whatever they don’t like is junk, and whatever they haven’t done yet is impossible.

Sound familiar? If it does, you’ve likely made the mistake of mentioning a firearm somewhere on the internet, and then suffered a barrage of trolling comments encouraging you to throw your gun away. If you’re a Glock guy, 1911s are garbage. If you’re a 1911 guy, Glocks are garbage, and if you’re a Ford guy, it doesn’t matter how nice that other guy’s Trans Am is… it’ll always be garbage to you.

And it’s all ridiculous.

“If you don’t rock one of these, you’ll never survive the apocalypse like me!”

Those of you who have read my writing for a while may have noticed that, when it comes to firearms, my purchases are often informed by two important factors: the first is that I live on a budget, and can’t afford to throw a few thousand dollars at new gear, or Christ help me, accessories, just because the internet posse has deemed it cool. The second is that I like to make decisions for myself, rather than trust the Facebook commenter that thinks “Rugers are tots junk brooooo!” Don’t get me wrong, he might be right, but I don’t vote based on Facebook opinions, just like I don’t make my purchases to please the digital hordes.

Sometimes, of course, popular opinion is spot on. Many years ago, a young and inexperienced me picked up a 9mm Hi-Point for around the same price as I’ve been known to spend on tacos from time to time. In my head, I figured the pistol couldn’t possibly be as bad as people say they are, and given the choice, I’d probably rather have a Hi-Point on me than nothing at all. I guess that last part holds true, because a fully loaded (at a whopping 8 rounds) Hi-Point pistol weighs around the same as a stack of phone books, and if you’re able to hit the guy with it (by throwing it like a boomerang) it might do some real damage. If you were hoping to shoot at anyone, however… you might be better off buying something else used for the same price.

At two thirds the size of my Glock, I too was surprised that the Hi-Point weighs in at around 60 pounds. (Possibly an exaggeration)

But here’s where I have to backtrack a bit. I’ve heard from a number of folks that the Hi-Point carbines are pretty reliable and a lot of fun to shoot, and that Hi-Point has stellar customer service that includes a lifetime warranty that’ll keep your gun shooting (however poorly) for time immemorial. I can sense some of you cringing at the thought, but until I put some rounds in paper with one of those carbines, I’ll hold off on passing judgement. After all, even bad car makers occasionally make fun rides (feed me beer and ask me about the times I’ve almost died in a Suzuki Samurai sometime).

The point is, reviews do matter, but only to a certain point. If you believe what you read online, it’s not even worth buying a 1911 unless you’re willing to drop $1500 on one. Of course, when my brother and I go shooting together (him with his $1500 Sig and me with my $500 American Classic), it tends to be my experience with a pistol in hand that makes the difference on paper, not the price tags. Full disclosure, however, I had to fiddle with my pistol a bit and replace the magazines with some new ones from Wilson Combat before I really felt like I could count on it – and that’s not something most folks with a four-digit price tag pistol usually have to bother themselves with.

What you plan to do with the firearm matters, what you like to do with a firearm matters, and what you’re willing and able to pay for a firearm matters. Don’t listen to the guy that says you’re not a real shooter until you’ve paid more for your gun than you did for your car – instead, get something you like and put the time in. That guy can keep on judging your purchases from Facebook while you’re hitting black and becoming the shooter he’s just pretending to be.

I’m a big believer in buying less gun and more training. I’m also a big believer in finding out what you like for yourself. I own all sorts of guns – some are the fancy name brands that cost a lot (and are hopefully worth it), some are borderline novelty items (like the Taurus Judge Public Defender I picked up for a steal recently), some are great budget buys… and a few are just pieces of crap that stay in the safe because they aren’t worth selling. There’s nothing wrong with having any of those, just as long as you know what they are, and what they aren’t. And if you ask me, there’s no better way to know for sure than putting rounds downrange yourself.

So read the reviews, talk to your friends, and make sure you walk into your local gun dealer informed and empowered… but when push comes to shove, get a couple squeezes of the trigger in before you pass judgement on a platform. You never know which bargain might be the Suzuki Samurai that gets you out of a few jams.

And always remember that flashy gets you noticed, but reliable keeps you alive.

Images courtesy of Twitter/the author

Sig Sauer P365 vs. Glock 43 | Size matters

Ever since the announcement of Sig’s new P365 micro compact pistol, I’ve eagerly anticipated its arrival. At SHOT Show, I had the pleasure of handling the pistol at the Sig Sauer booth but missed the opportunity to shoot it on Range Day. Apparently, Sig Sauer has their own range day and doesn’t participate in the Industry Day at the Range. Lesson learned. Luckily, my local gun shop set aside their first P365 arrival for me to purchase. I’ve been carrying the single stack Glock 43 since its arrival on the scene and it’s been a pleasure. Is the new Sig P365 going to replace my tried and true Glock? Due to the similarities of these two excellent pistols, I’m going to dive into the details a bit and describe the differences.

Specs* Glock 43 Sig P365

Length: 6.26″ 5.8″
Height: 4.25″ 4.3″
Width: 1.02″ 1.0″
Barrel Length: 3.39″ 3.1″
Capacity: 6 +1 Single Stack 10 +1 Double Stack
Sights: Polymer Day Sights XRAY3 Day/Night
MSRP: $499 $599

*Specifications taken from the manufacturers websites

Looking at the dimensional information above, you can’t deny these two pistols have a striking similarity. What sets them apart, in my opinion, are; capacity, sights and price. And don’t forget about trigger feel. There isn’t a metric for this category but I can tell you that the stock Sig trigger has a smoother pull and a cleaner break than the factory Glock trigger. In fact, more than half of my Glocks have aftermarket triggers because of this. Disclaimer: I own 6 Glocks and the P365 is my first Sig. Another glaring difference are the sights. Sig was kind enough to include a set of XRAY3 Day/Night sights. With the Glock, you get the standard $12 plastic sights. These are strong factors to consider when comparing the price difference of these micro-compact pistols.

Dimensionally speaking, the Sig measures 31/32″ at the mag well. Where the Glock measures 7/8″ in the same location. That tiny of a difference is what the Sig engineers exploited to fit a steel double stack magazine in the polymer grip. Resulting in a similarly sized pistol carrying 4 additional rounds of 9mm than the Glock 43. That being said, I still prefer how the Glock feels in my hand. Although dimensionally similar in width, the grip on the Glock is considerably larger front to rear, fitting my hand a little better. The Sig feels smaller and the grip angle is a bit more perpendicular to the slide as compared to the angle of the Glock 43.

The length of the two barrels are within .29″ of each other and I didn’t realize any measurable difference in the defensive type of shooting you’d do with these pistols. Let’s just say they aren’t target pistols. The Sig does mention in the literature that the chamber and barrel are +P rated. I noticed that the barrel wall on the Sig is a bit thicker than the Glock. But I’ve been shooting +P defensive ammunition in my Glock 43 for years now without issue. Both pistols include a flush fitting magazine as well as a magazine with a pinky extension. The extension does not add any additional capacity to the magazine. However, Sig sells a factory +2 extended magazine that I currently have on order. Allowing 12 rounds in the mag plus one in the chamber which is double the capacity of the Glock 43.

Final thoughts: Although the Glock feels a little more comfortable in my hand, I don’t believe that is a strong enough argument to not use the Sig as my new daily carry. As you can see in the short video below, there isn’t a substitute for capacity. Additionally, the trigger and night sights make the P365 a clear winner in my book. Sig has also incorporated a proprietary rail groove on the frame. Rumor has it that Sig Electro Optics is working on a light/laser combo. The only problem I have right now is finding a nice IWB holster for this new pistol. At the time of writing, neither Alien Gear or Bravo Concealment (my two favorites) offer one. But I did find one from Hazmat Holsters that I just ordered.

Feature image and photos by author

SIG AIR Division P365: The BB Pistol for EDC Training

From the SIG AIR division, SIG SAUER is pleased to introduce the new P365 BB Pistol. Modeled after the award winning SIG SAUER P365 everyday, high capacity, micro-compact, concealed carry pistol, this CO₂-powered, semi-automatic BB pistol features realistic blowback action and is an exceptional training tool for personal defense.

The P365 BB pistol is designed to fit in available P365 holster systems for easy practice of efficiently drawing from concealment. The 12-round drop magazine holds 4.5mm (.177 cal) steel BBs and also houses the 12gr CO₂cartridge for fast reloading.

“The SIG P365 9mm pistol has won numerous awards for its concealability, performance, and exceptional magazine capacity and has quickly become the top choice for concealed carry,” said Joseph Huston, Vice President and General Manager of SIG AIR. “Our new P365 BB Pistol will give P365 owners and others who carry for personal protection a training tool of the highest quality when a trip to the range for live fire is not possible. The P365 BB Pistol has similar balance and handling characteristics as the centerfire model and holds 12-rounds for realistic training. The drop magazine also allows fast and easy reloading.”

The P365 BB Pistol shoots up to 295 fps; however, velocity results may vary depending on temperature and altitude.

P365 BB Pistol:

Total length: 5.75”	Barrel length: 3.25”	Weight: 0.8 lbs
Finish: Black	Muzzle Velocity: up to 295 fps	Caliber: 4.5 mm Steel BB
Magazine Capacity: 12	Power Source: CO₂

The P365 BB will be on display at the SIG SAUER Booth (#3912) at National Rifle Association (NRA) Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana, April 26 – 28, 2019. The P365 BB will be available to consumers summer 2019.

MSRP: $99.99

For more information on SIG SAUER airguns, visit sigsauer.com/airguns.

Get Social: follow SIG SAUER on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube for the latest news, product announcements, events, and updates.

About SIG SAUER, Inc.

Photo courtesy of SIG SAUER

SIG SAUER Introduces 30-06 Springfield Elite Match Ammunition

NEWINGTON, N.H., (April 3, 2019) – SIG SAUER, Inc. adds to its Elite Match ammunition line with the addition of a 30-06 Springfield round. Featuring a 175gr Sierra MatchKing^® bullet, the SIG SAUER 30-06 Win Open Tip Match (OTM) round has a muzzle velocity of 2,700 fps with a muzzle energy of 2,833 ft-lbs.

“Our 30-06 Springfield Elite Match load is designed to excel in today’s modern firearms as well as older rifles such as the M1 Garand and delivers the accuracy and reliability shooters have come to expect from SIG SAUER Elite Ammunition,” said Brad Criner, Senior Director, Brand Management and Business Development, SIG SAUER Ammunition. “Given the resurgence in popularity of the M1 Garand and numerous vintage rifle matches being held across the country, there is significant demand for this cartridge.”

SIG SAUER Elite Match ammunition features a temperature-stable propellant that delivers consistent muzzle velocity in all weather conditions. Premium-quality primers ensure minimum velocity variations, and the shell case metallurgy is optimized in the SIG Elite Match OTM cartridge to yield consistent bullet retention round to round. All SIG SAUER rifle ammunition is precision loaded on state-of-the-art equipment that is 100% electromechanically monitored to ensure geometric conformity and charge weight consistency.

The SIG SAUER 30-06 Springfield Elite Match ammunition is now available for purchase at the sigsauer.com/store.

SIG SAUER Elite Ammunition is manufactured by SIG SAUER at its state-of-the-art ammunition manufacturing facility in Jacksonville, Arkansas to the same exacting standards as the company’s premium pistols and rifles. For more information, visit sigsauer.com/ammunition.

About SIG SAUER, Inc.

SIG SAUER, Inc. is a leading provider and manufacturer of firearms, electro-optics, ammunition, airguns, suppressors, and training. For over 100 years SIG SAUER, Inc. has evolved, and thrived, by blending American ingenuity, German engineering, and Swiss precision. Today, SIG SAUER is synonymous with industry-leading quality and innovation which has made it the brand of choice amongst the U.S. Military, the global defense community, law enforcement, competitive shooters, hunters, and responsible citizens. Additionally, SIG SAUER is the premier provider of elite firearms instruction and tactical training at the SIG SAUER Academy – a world class, state-of-the-art, 140-acre training facility. SIG SAUER is headquartered in Newington, New Hampshire, and has more than 1,700 employees across eight locations, and is the largest member of a worldwide business group that includes SIG SAUER GmbH & Co. KG in Germany. For more information about the company and product line visit: sigsauer.com.

Photo of the day: Sig Sauer M17 pistols presented to the Sentinels of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

The M17 Tomb of the Unknown Pistols are unique M17 pistols that were created using the same specifications for the U.S. Army’s M17 Modular Handgun System. The ceremonial pistols are 9mm striker-fired pistols with a non-railed aluminum grip module, stainless steel slide, wood grip inserts, a 21-round magazine, and features the same optic cut as specified by the MHS contract, front night sight, removable rear plate, and black controls. The pistols also feature a high polish to withstand the inclement weather while the Tomb Sentinels stand guard.

The unique distinguishing features for the M17 Tomb of the Unknown Pistols include:

Pistol Names: each of the four pistols bears the name of Silence, Respect, Dignity, or Perseverance and is featured on the dust cover. Dignity and Perseverance represent “The Sentinel’s Creed,” and Silence and Respect represent the request to the public by Arlington National Cemetery when visiting the Tomb of the Unknown, and during the Changing of the Guard;
Custom Wood Grips: in 1921 the chosen Unknown was transported to the United States of America aboard the USS Olympia. The custom wood grips are made with wood from the USS Olympia and include the crest of the 3rd Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier identification badge inset;
Cocking Serrations: XXI cocking serrations are engraved on the slide to signify the twenty-one steps it takes for the Tomb Sentinels to walk by the Tomb of the Unknowns and the military honor of a 21 Gun Salute;
Sight Plate: an engraved impression of the Greek Figures featured on the east panel of the Tomb – Peace, Victory, and Valor – are featured on the sight plate;
Sights: a glass insert made with marble dust from the Tomb of the Unknown fills the sights of the ceremonial pistols;
Engraved Magazines: the 21-round magazines feature an aluminum base plate engraved with the names of the Greek figures featured on the Tomb of the Unknown – Peace, Victory, and Valor – and include a name plate on the bottom of the magazine engraved with the Tomb Sentinel badge number.
Serial Numbers: the pistols are serialized with a unique set of serial numbers that incorporate items of significance to the Old Guard: “LS” represents line six of the Sentinels’ Creed, “My standard will remain perfection; “02JUL37” to signify the first 24-hour guard posted at the Tomb of the Unknown on July 3, 1937; “21” to signify the 21 steps it takes the Tomb Sentinels to walk by the Tomb of the Unknown, and the military honor of a 21 Gun Salute. The full series of M17 Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Pistols serial numbers are LS02JUL37A21 (Silence), LS02JUL37B21 (Respect), LS02JUL37C21 (Dignity), LS02JUL37D21 (Perseverance).

*Photos courtesy of Sig Sauer

SIG SAUER Introduces 120gr Supersonic 300BLK SBR Elite Copper Duty Ammunition for Short Barrel Rifles

SIG SAUER has released a new Elite Copper Duty load, specifically designed for short barrel rifles. The 120gr supersonic 300BLK SBR is a supersonic duty round engineered for reliable, controlled, 1.8x expansion, and superior feeding out of rifles with sub-9-inch barrels.

The supersonic SBR Elite Copper Duty ammunition features an all-copper bullet and black oxide shell case to visually denote SBR capability. Velocity is 1,897 fps with muzzle energy of 959 ft-lbs out of a 6 ¾-inch barrel.

“The new 120gr supersonic SBR Elite Copper Duty ammunition delivers the highest terminal performance possible in short barrel AR-style rifles, something the professional community has been asking us to provide,” said Brad Criner, Senior Director, Brand Management and Business Development, SIG SAUER Ammunition. “Our various SIG Elite 300BLK ammunition loadings have been well received by match shooters, hunters, and law enforcement and government agencies, and there will be more exciting 300BLK offerings from SIG in the weeks to come.”

SIG Elite Copper Duty ammunition uses flash-reduced propellant to minimize visible signature while shooting in low-light situations. Premium-quality primers are also used to minimize variations in velocity.

The SIG SAUER 120gr supersonic 300BLK SBR Elite Copper Duty ammunition is now available for purchase at the sigsauer.com/store.

All SIG SAUER Elite Ammunition is manufactured by SIG SAUER at its state-of-the-art ammunition manufacturing facility in Jacksonville, Arkansas to the same exacting standards as the company’s premium pistols and rifles. For more information, visit www.sigsauer.com/ammunition

Get Social: follow SIG SAUER on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube for the latest news, product announcements, events, and updates.

About SIG SAUER, Inc.

headquartered in Newington, New Hampshire, and has more than 1,700 employees across eight locations, and is the largest member of a worldwide business group that includes SIG SAUER GmbH & Co. KG in Germany. For more information about the company and product line visit: sigsauer.com.