This article was originally posted by Richard R. Click Here to view the original article
As the SHOT Show approaches, the SIG P224 appears to be closer to reality.
Essentially a cut-down P229, the SIG SAUER P224 is a subcompact pistol in the classic SIG series (P226, etc.). The new guns will be double stack pistols chambered in 9mm, .40 S&W and .357 SIG. MSRP on the guns is more than $1000, but expect to see them sell for less through your local retailer.
All three chamberings of the P224 will share the same features and specs, save one: magazine capacity. The 9mm will have 11 round magazines, while the .40 S&W and .357 SIG will have 10 round magazines. All models will ship with two magazines.
The SIG P224 frames will be aluminum with a black anodized finish. Slides and barrels will be stainless steel. The slide will have the typical Nitron finish. Unloaded, the guns weigh 25.4 ounces with the magazine. Early reports indicated the weight could be as much as 34 ounces, which never made any sense since the P229 only weighs 32 oz.
Initially, the P224 will come with a DAK trigger, and later models will have the option of a traditional DA/SA trigger instead of the DAK. The DAK trigger stands for “Double Action – Kellerman,” and is essentially a very nice DAO trigger. I owned a P226 with a DAK, and I was very pleased with it. Trigger pull weight runs between 5.5 – 6.5 pounds.
While the P224 makes sense to me, I don’t know that it will share the success that other subcompact guns have. While it may seem that SIG is a little late to the subcompact market, the “classic” line of SIG SAUER pistols have a great many devotees. For that reason alone, I would expect the P224 to sell reasonably well.
However, I have concerns about the size of the gun and the term “subcompact”. It doesn’t appear to be a gun that could be carried easily on an ankle or in a pocket, either as a back up or as a deep cover gun. For a standard CCW gun, it is probably fine, but not what I think of when considering “subcompact”.
For my purposes, I think of the Glock 26/27/33 as being the largest pistol that can carry the name subcompact, with offerings from Ruger, Kel-Tec and others being more typical. Comparing the SIG P224 to the Glock 26/27/33, I find the P224 to be noticeably larger. Consider:
Frankly, the P224 almost seems to be a better competitor to the very popular Glock 19 than any subcompact. Even then, the P224 has only a marginal size advantage, but still weighs more.
Purely speculation, but I suspect the SIG P224 will be easy to shoot and will sell with previous SIG buyers. But I don’t see it offering anything substantial that will capture the attention of non-SIG fans. For the company, the gun makes sense. For the firearms enthusiasts, it will be another good gun, but nothing to cause a stir.
Guns and Ammo TV had a segment on the development of the SIG P224. Thanks to the wonders of YouTube, here is that segment:
[youtube]http://youtu.be/3mevQsdFmMA[/youtube]
From that segment, consider these steps in the development process of the SIG P224.
A SIG P224 prototype was made from an existing SIG P229. Yep, they are literrally cutting a P229 down to size.
Once the P229 was cut down, things were welded back together to make the correct size P224 prototype.
SIG P224 development in a CAD program
I don’t have the heart to cut down any of my guns to develop a new one, but it sure would be fun to work for SIG and cut and weld on their guns!
