Archive for category Guns
Antique Guns
Among different antique items, there are some that have become very popular among antique collectors. Some of these include antique jars from Asia and antique furniture from France. However, there are some that have become very popular among very specific markets. One good example of this is the popularity of antique guns among male antique collectors because of the appeal that these weapons have to men. In addition to this, the historical value of an antique weapon adds to the “thrill” that antique collectors experience when they acquire the weapon. Given the popularity of collecting antique weapons, especially guns, a lot of people are now showing interest in collecting them. Fortunately, starting an antique gun collection can be made simpler as long as you know where to find them and what you should look for when you buy them.
Starting an antique gun collection
Before starting your collection, one of the most important things you should determine is what period of history you would like your guns to come from because this can help you narrow down your search. Once you have decided on a specific period, you should buy a book or subscribe to magazines about guns, which can also help guide you on what you should look for when buying antique guns. Once you have done so, you can now start looking for antique guns; however, it would be a good idea to start small to limit the “mistakes” that you might commit in the initial stages of your collection. This is because some antique gun collectors make the mistake of going on a shopping spree when they are just starting out only to find out that they spent huge amounts of money on the wrong items.
One good source of antique guns is a gun show, especially those that are sponsored by some of the biggest gun organizations, like the NRA. These shows can help you gain access to a network that can provide you with important information about antique guns and on where you can purchase them. Lastly and more importantly, you should not be afraid to make mistakes because everybody does. Besides, these mistakes can really teach you very valuable lessons with regard to your collection.
Among male antique collectors, some of the most popular antique items that they want to acquire are antique guns. Fortunately, the process of starting an antique gun collection can be made easier. This is because there are some steps that antique collectors can take that can enable them to start an antique gun collection without committing some of the most common mistakes that some antique gun collectors make.
Antiques provides detailed information on Antiques, Antique Collectibles, Antique Furniture, Antique Art and more. Antiques is affiliated with Traditional Table Lamps.
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How to Keep Your Guns Safe & Clean in Storage
Posted by admin in Guns, Safety, Education & Training on February 28th, 2009
LONG-TERM GUN STORAGE
When putting a gun away for long-term storage I do not lubricate it entirely, but apply only a light coat of lubricant to the exterior. The reason for not lubricating the working parts is that grease and lubricating oils have a way of creeping around where they’re not supposed to be, especially if temperatures fluctuate in your storage area. For example, a lube applied to the bolt of an auto loading shotgun may find its way into the fire-control system or even seep into the stock. So save your lubricating chore until you’re ready to use the gun again and put the lube where it’s supposed to be.
There are many good metal preservatives on the market, so take your pick. Some of the new high-tech preservatives that leave a micro-film on the metal are nice if you don’t like a greasy look. Apparently they work as well as they claim. Call me old-fashioned, but I like to see the preservative on the metal, which is why I usually use such old-time favorites as Birchwood-Casey’s Sheath or RIG grease.
I cut pieces of a shammy into hand-sized wiping patches and load it with the preservatives. A quick wipe-down with the shammy leaves a satisfyingly visible coating on the metal. I do this not just for storage but every time a rusting gun has been handled. Salty fingerprints are a gun’s number-one enemy.
Do not store guns in fabric or leather cases or in their original cardboard boxes, as they attract moisture. This is why, whenever possible, you should store guns so that dry air circulates around them.
One of the best investments a gun owner can make is buying a new Gun Safe. Not only does it provide reasonably good protection from theft, but it keeps guns out of the reach of curious young hands and provides a ventilated environment for uncased firearms. Gun Safes come with either combination or electronic locks and multiple locking points for greater security. In addition some safes will have certified fire endurance test results that exceed the average heat intensity of a house fire.
If you already own a Gun safe, or plan to buy one, a smart accessory is an electric heating element. Actually, even a light bulb will do. The trick is to put the heat source at the bottom of the safe so that the warm, dry air rises and flows continuously around your guns.
In my own gun room, I follow the 65/65 rule for temperature and humidity, which is just about ideal for gun keeping. A heating element is also an excellent idea for traditional closed-door gun cabinets.
The best rule for safe gun keeping is to use simple common sense. One final tip when
storing your guns with their muzzles down ensures that any muzzle lube will make its way out of the muzzle rather than into the fire control system or the stock.
http://www.MyStorageCabinets.com is an authorized dealer for Stack On Gun Safe and Securall Gun Safes not to mention our other lines of storage containment products. Many of our safes have free delivery throughout the 48 continuous states.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Lucchesi
Replica Guns and Replica Firearms
One of the nicest parts of getting involved with airsoft guns is that you create an entire arsenal of some of the most powerful weapons available at a fraction of what they would normally cost and without having to worry about the potential dangers involved with real firearms. That’s because most of these weapons are actually replica guns which are designed to mimic and imitate real weapons down to the smallest details. In fact, hybrid guns are an electric version that even provides the smoke and smell associated with shooting a real gun. Below is some important information you might want to consider when considering the purchase of a replica gun.
Available Models
Replica weapons today include a wider range of options than what you might expect. If you’re looking for an AK-47 or an M16 assault rifle, for example, you’ll be able to find an airsoft gun that will recreate that gun for you and give you the feeling of handling that real powerful weapon. However, you don’t run the risk of actually causing any damage or serious injury to anyone as a result of its use. There are also a large number of pistols and replica rifles that are available as well. In fact, if you’ve always wanted to get a feeling for being a sniper, you can find a replicas gun to help you achieve that dream without actually feeling like an assassin.
While most of the models are replica firearms meant to recreate the experience of shooting real guns, there are also some that mimic fictional weapons, such as those used in science fiction films.
Potential Danger of Replicas Guns
One potential problem you could face is having your pistol replica, replica rifle, replica guns mistaken for a real weapon. Because some of these models are so realistic, law enforcement agents can sometimes even not distinguish the two, especially at a distance. That means your neighbors and others around you may not be able to tell the difference either. In some countries, these guns are required to be marked with colored caps so they can easily be distinguished from real models. However, this is not the case in the United States.
One way to prevent confusion is not to use them in neighbors but only in locations where replica revolvers can be used safely, such as in the woods or on an empty farm. You should avoid showing off the weapons in public to prevent problems as well. Responsible use is the best prevention against the types of issues that could arise from this type of confusion.
Other Important Details
Replica guns are one of the most interesting options available for airsoft gun enthusiasts. You can find nearly any type of weapon you’ve always wanted, and you can have as many as you want. With replica guns, you can recreate the battles of the past, the future, or the present with real military-based weaponry. No matter what you hope to accomplish you’ll find the right airsoft products for your needs.
About the Author: Sarah Porter has written several articles All About Replica Guns Swords and more for SoftAirPro, CardsShoppe, Express-Invitations and Announcements-Shoppe
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Porter
Airsoft Guns and Power
There is a wide range of airsoft guns with varying levels of power. Any one of the many airsoft guns will provide more than adequate power during combat gaming. Typical power ranges for airsoft guns typically run between 200 to 300 feet per second. Certain guns have greater power like the Broomhandle 96 Mauser gas rifle. In addition to being an amazingly powerful gun at 497 feet per second, this gun is also an exquisitely realistic replica.
Electric airsoft rifles run around the mid 300′s in terms of feet per second. While this is a bit less than say the Broomhandle, they are amazingly powerful none the less. For a moment consider an airsoft gun that fires at 320 feet per second. That speed translates to 218 miles per hour. Now imagine what that speed translates to upon impact. Spring action type rifles don’t fall off in terms of power either. Many of these airsoft guns still provide a capability of 300 feet per second and more.
If there is a perception that pistol falls off in terms of power, than that would be an incorrect one.
All airsoft guns have great power performance. In general, pistols can match up with 350 feet per second and greater. One great example of such a pistol is the gas tactical Beretta 92 with a 360 to 390 feet per second capability. Speed is power and airsoft guns have great speed to distance ratios. Regardless of size, shape, color, style or method of propulsion airsoft users will not find themselves in need of power.
For more information on airsoft guns, check out http://www.airsoftswat.com, the worldwide leader in airsoft combat.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Walter_Sobchack
Top Ten Myths About Stun Guns
1. You can cause a heart attack if you use a stun gun on someone.
A. False “The frequency and the shape of the pulses generated by stun guns are designed to incapacitate the target by electrically overwhelming his or her control of the skeletal muscles,” according to a leading researcher. “In principle, these pulses are designed to act only on skeletal muscles and to not affect internal organs such as the heart.” The evidence that they do not stimulate the heart is based on “…theoretical studies [that] suggest that they cannot deliver the amount of energy required to stimulate the heart or cause ventricular fibrillation.”
2. You will get shocked if you are touching the person that is receiving a jolt from a stun gun.
A. Not true. The current passing through the attackers body will not transfer back to you.
3. Stun guns are offensive weapons.
A. Realistically, not true. Technically and legally, ANYTHING can be construed to be an offensive weapon. A 2′ X 4″ piece of lumber if used to crack somebody over the head during an attack can be considered an offensive weapon. These devices are marketed and sold as personal protection devices.
4. Stun guns are lethal.
A. Not true. They will send voltages ranging from 200,000 to 1,000,000 volts into an attacker. This is more than enough voltage to go through a jacket or thick clothing. However, only 3 milliamps are used which is why there are no long term harmful effects. Remember the old electrician’s saying, “It’s not the volts that will kill you, it’s the amps”.
5. Stun guns are illegal.
A. Not entirely true. In the United States the majority of States and municipalities permit owning one. There are a few states and jurisdictions where they are considered illegal. Check your local laws before you buy a stun gun.
6. It is difficult to use a stun gun.
A. Phooey! So untrue. They are designed to be safe and easy to use. They do not require a great deal of practice or training. It is wise to make sure you have it readily available at all times in a high risk situation.
7. Stun guns are big and bulky.
A. Not so. Maybe 10 years or so ago that might have been true, but not anymore. Now they are small, easy to fit in the palm of your hand, and some are disguised as cell phones!
8. Stun guns really can’t stop someone.
A. Not true. This device will have a serious effect in stopping an attacker. What usually happens if the attacker is not affected is that the unit was not activated long enough. A 3 to 5 second jolt from a 1,000,000 volt stun gun will stop most any attacker.
9. Stun guns are hard to buy.
A. They use to be, but no more. They are readily available in most gun stores, ammunition stores and on personal protection product websites on the internet.
10. David Letterman has a stun gun.
A. We do not know if this is true but any “Top Ten List” HAS to include David Letterman!
Jim Wilkinson is the Vice President of http://www.YourGreatestProtection.com
He has a background in Law Enforcement and Safety. He knows what is effective to keep you, your family and your home safe. His firm offers a variety of reasonably priced personal protection products such as tasers,stun guns,pepper spray and hidden cameras.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Wilkinson_Sr.
Kimber Custom 1911
The Kimber Custom is a model 1911 semi-automatic pistol. It is designed, manufactured, and distributed by Kimber Manufacturing, Inc. in Yonkers, New York.
Contents
* 1 Overview
* 2 Custom TLE II
* 3 ICQB, Warrior, and Desert Warrior
* 4 Other Custom models
* 5 Related models
* 6 Gallery
* 7 See also
* 8 References
* 9 External links
Overview
The Custom is made in a variety of styles with different features and finishes. As a model 1911 pistol, it is usually chambered in .45 ACP. It also has been produced in other calibers, including .40 S&W, 10 mm Auto, 9 mm Luger, and .38 Super. The individual gun’s caliber is stamped on top of the barrel and is visible with the slide in battery (fully forward).
The Custom is a full-sized model 1911, with a five inch barrel. The frame and slide are made of steel. The Custom utilizes a single full-length guide rod, necessitating the serrations on the front of the slide for press checks. Although the Custom is considered Kimber’s base model, it has a number of features that were formerly found only on customized model 1911s, such as a lowered ejection port, custom trigger, beveled magazine well, extended thumb safety, and beavertail grip safety.[1]
The original Custom model has been superseded by the Custom II. The Custom II has an internal firing pin safety. This feature is designed to provide additional assurance that the gun will not fire if dropped, as the firing pin is blocked from striking the chambered cartridge unless the grip safety is depressed.
Custom TLE II
The Kimber Custom TLE II is a model of Kimber Custom. The designation “TLE” stands for “Tactical Law Enforcement”. The TLE is identical, except for the markings, to a special model that was designed for use by the LAPD SWAT team.[2] Unlike the standard Custom, it comes with tritium bar-dot night sights and 30 lines per inch frontstrap checkering.[3]
The TLE has been manufactured in the following variations:
* Custom TLE II, the standard variation and the same as the LAPD SWAT model.
* Custom TLE II (LG), with laser grip sights.
* Custom TLE/RL II, with an accessory mounting rail.
* Stainless TLE II, with a stainless steel finish.
* Stainless TLE/RL II, with a stainless steel finish and an accessory mounting rail.
ICQB, Warrior, and Desert Warrior
The Kimber Warrior and Desert Warrior are models that are based on a special version of the Custom that was built for the United States Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command.[4] The MARSOC pistol, known as the Kimber ICQB (Interim Close Quarter Battle) pistol, does not have an internal firing pin block as seen on the rest of the current Kimber Custom models, hence a “II” doesn’t follow the Warrior or Desert Warrior’s names. These pistols have an ambidextrous thumb safety, a lanyard loop, an internal extractor, and, in contrast to other Custom models, a standard length recoil spring guide rod to allow easier field stripping without tools.[5][6]
The ICQB pistol is fitted with a screw-on Dawson Precision light rail, Novak LoMount tritium night sights, and brown Simonich Gunner grips. The guns were delivered to MARSOC equipped with SureFire integrated military pistol lights, Gemtech TRL tactical retention lanyards, and Wilson Combat 7 or 8 round magazines.
The Warrior and Desert Warrior have a frame-integrated M1913 light rail, Kimber Meprolight tritium night sights, and Kimber’s own special grips that are very similar to the Gunner grips in coyote brown. They are delivered with Kimber factory magazines. They are otherwise the same as the ICQB pistols.
The Warrior has a matte black KimPro finish and a standard Custom trigger. The Desert Warrior comes in a green-tan KimPro finish that would blend in with desert camouflage, and has a solid trigger.[7]
Other Custom models
Other models of Kimber Custom include the following:
* Stainless II, with a frame and slide made of stainless steel, and therefore silver in color instead of matte black.
* Custom Target II, with adjustable target sights.
* Stainless Target II, with adjustable target sights and a stainless steel frame and slide.[8]
* Royal II, with a polished blue finish and rosewood grips.
Related models
Kimber has also produced several higher-end full-sized model 1911 pistols that are closely based on the Custom, but are not considered part of the Custom line due to their additional features and higher price. These include the following:
* Eclipse Custom II, with bi-tone stainless and black finish and night sights.
* Tactical Custom II, with gray aluminum frame, black steel slide, night sights, ambidextrous thumb safety, and extended magazine well.
* Custom CDP II, with black aluminum frame, stainless steel slide, night sights, ambidextrous thumb safety, and “carry melt” rounded edges.
* Custom Covert II, with desert camouflage aluminum frame, black steel slide, laser light grips, standard length guide rod, night sights, lanyard loop, and “carry melt” rounded edges.
* SIS Custom, with gray finish, flat top slide, standard length guide rod, night sights with cocking shoulder, ambidextrous thumb safety, and “carry melt” rounded edges, and without a firing pin safety.
Smith & Wesson Model 686
The Smith & Wesson (S & W) Model 686, is a six or seven shot double action revolver chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge. It will also chamber and fire .38 Special cartridges, as the .357 Magnum was developed from the .38 Special. The magnum case is slightly longer to prevent magnum rounds from being chambered and fired in handguns chambered for the .38 Special. The 686 has been available with 2-1/2 in. (64 mm); 3 in.(76mm); 4 in. (102 mm); 5 in. (127 mm); 6 in. (153 mm); and 8-3/8″ in. (214 mm) barrel lengths as standard models and other barrel lengths either by special order from S & W’s Performance Center custom shop, or acquired from or built by after-market gunsmiths. The Performance Center also made a limited number of 686 in .38 Super for competitive shooters.
Smith & Wesson introduced the Model 686 in 1980. It is the stainless steel version of the 586, which was a blued steel finish. It was chambered for .357 Magnum and .38 S&W Special +P calibers. They are available ported and unported with a choice of 6 or 7 round cylinders.
The Model 686 is based on S & W’s L (medium-large) revolver frame. During the 1980s, Smith & Wesson developed its L-Frame line of .357 Magnums: the Model 581, Model 586, Model 681 and Model 686. These Magnums had a major effect on both law enforcement and sporting markets. This model line became one of the company’s most popular in its history.
Variants of the 686
* S&W Model 686 (US – Revolver – .357 Magnum & .38 Special: Distinguished Combat Magnum 6 shot cylinder, Stainless)
* S&W Model 686P (US – Revolver – .357 Magnum & .38 Special: Distinguished Combat Magnum 7 shot cylinder, Stainless)
* S&W Model 686PP (US – Revolver – .357 Magnum & .38 Special: Distinguished Combat Magnum Power Port 6 shot cylinder, Stainless)
The weapon has an adjustable rear sight, and until 1992, the 6- and 8.5-inch versions also had an adjustable front sight. They had Goncalo alves hardwood grips until 1994, when the grip was replaced by a rubber Hogue grip.
Through the years, there have been several interesting variations on the Model 686. The Model 686 Classic Hunter was introduced in 1988 and has a 6-inch barrel and an unfluted cylinder; the Model 686 Black Stainless was introduced in 1989 and has either a 4 or 6 inch barrel with a black finish, with production limited to 5000; the Model 686 National Security Special was introduced in 1992 and has a 3- or 4-inch barrel; the Model 686 Target Champion was introduced in 1992 and has a 6-inch match barrel, adjustable trigger stop, and walnut grips; the Model 686 Power Port was introduced in 1994 and has a ported 6-inch barrel; the Model 686 Plus was introduced in 1996 and has a 2.5-inch, 3 inch, 4-inch, or 6-inch barrel; adjustable sights; 7-shot cylinder; and Hogue rubber grips. As with all current Smith and Wesson revolvers, the 686 Plus now has a key lock integral to the frame of the gun.
Sig Sauer P226
The SIG Sauer P226 is a full-sized, service type pistol chambered for the 9x19mm Parabellum, .40 S&W and .357 SIG. Its design is based on the SIG Sauer P220.
Contents
History
The P226 was designed for entry into the XM9 Service Pistol Trials, which were held by the US Army in 1984 on behalf of the US armed forces to find a replacement for the M1911A1. Only the Beretta 92F and the SIG P226 satisfactorily completed the trials. According to a GAO report, Beretta was awarded the M9 contract for the 92F due to better durability during endurance testing and a lower total package price. During the endurance testing none of the 92Fs broke, while two of the P226s cracked frames between six and seven thousand rounds. The minimum endurance requirement was five thousand rounds, so the P226s were considered acceptable. The P226 cost less per pistol than the 92F, but SIG’s package price with magazines and spare parts was higher than Beretta’s. The Navy SEALs, however, chose to adopt the P226 later after several catastrophic slide failures with issued Beretta M9s.
The original P226 was manufactured in West Germany, featured a mandrel-stamped steel slide, and was available in blued, nickel, and two-tone finishes.
Manufacture
SIG firearms are manufactured both in Germany and in Exeter, New Hampshire, United States. Although Schweizerische Industrie Gesellschaft is a Swiss company, Swiss law is highly restrictive when it comes to the export of firearms. Consequently, SIG entered into an agreement with German gun manufacturer (and eventual owner) J.P. Sauer & Sohn to facilitate an export market for their products. In 2000 the SIG Holding AG sold J.P. Sauer & Sohn GmbH to two German businessmen.[1] The Brandname SIGSauer remained at the J.P. Sauer & Sohn GmbH.
Variants
P226 Rail
The P226 Rail (or P226R) is the same as a P226, but it has a rail on the underside of the frame, just forward of the trigger guard. The P226R’s rail has a more rounded contour than the standard Picatinny rail and while most Picatinny-rail accessories will fit, not all will. This has now become the standard P226.[2]
P226 Tactical
A P226R with an extended 5″ barrel and external threads to accept a suppressor.
P226 Navy
Navy SEAL Teams started using the SIG P226 in the 1980s.
The first Naval Special Warfare-spec P226 pistols to be offered to the public were the NSW Commemoratives, issued in early 2004. The SIG P226-9-NAVY is a version of the SIG P226 that is produced to the exact specifications of the pistols supplied to Navy SEALs, including special phosphate corrosion-resistant finish on internal parts (no longer offered), contrast sights, and a slide engraved with an anchor to designate them as Naval Special Warfare pistols. SIGARMS raised $100,000 for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation through the sale of these NSW serialized pistols. The pistol bearing serial number NSW0001 was sold during a live auction on the nationally syndicated Laura Ingraham radio show for an additional $25,000.[3]
P226 Blackwater
The SIG P226 Blackwater was developed to specifications of Blackwater USA. Features include bi-color night sights, distinctive engravings on the slide and wood grips, and five factory high-capacity magazines. The premium in price for the Blackwater 226 is generally seen as worth the wood grips and extra magazines.[citation needed]
P226 Equinox
The P226 Equinox comes chambered in .40 S&W and features a two-tone accented design. The design is achieved by the brush polished flats of the slide and nickel accents of the gun’s controls. The P226 Equinox comes with a TRUGLO Tritium Fiber Optic front sight, rear SIGLITE night sights, an accessory rail, and gray laminated wood grips.
P226 ST
The SIG SAUER P226 ST is an all stainless version of the SIG P226 pistol. It has a blued barrel and the frame features a Picatinny rail. It is heavier than a standard P226 because the frame and slide are stainless steel. The stainless P226 in 9 mm is a popular pistol with competitors that compete in the sport of practical shooting.
P226R HSP
On sale 2005-09-11, SIG SAUER Homeland Security Pistols (HSP) are the same models SIG builds for the Department of Homeland Security. This is a limited production run of 1,000 P226R HSP pistols available engraved with the American flag and Homeland Security X of 1000. Additionally, each pistol comes in .40 S&W caliber and is engraved with serial number barcoding just like those which were shipped to DHS. The HSP also features the new DAK trigger, a stainless steel Nitron slide topped with SIGLITE night sights, and a light weight alloy frame with Picatinny rail.
There is also a P229R HSP model available with the same features.
P226 X-Five
The SIG Sauer P226 X-Five is a competition variant of the P226 with a 5″ slide and barrel, beavertail grip, and an adjustable rear target sight. Intended for IPSC competitive shooting, the X-Five is hand-fitted and assembled in Germany, and its resulting accuracy accordingly rivals the legendary SIG P210. Available in 9 mm or .40 S&W, there are four models being offered in the United States:
* The “Competition” model has a single-action-only (SA) trigger, ambidextrous thumb safety, flared magazine well, and high-capacity magazines (19-round 9 mm/ 14-round .40 S&W).
* The “Level-1″ model adds a special adjustable SA trigger and Nill wood grips.
* The “Allround” model has a double-action/ single-action (DA/SA) trigger, a decocking lever and a standard magazine well designed to accommodate P226 magazines. (no longer being offered in the United States)
* The “Tactical” model comes with a black Ilaflon finish, and features a heavy-weight alloy frame with a Picatinny rail, and fixed contrast or tritium night sights. Available in either SA or DA/SA configuration. (US models only come chambered for 9 mm, but a .40 S&W model is available in Germany.)
All SIG P226 X-Five models include a factory test target with a sub-1 inch 5-shot grouping from 25 meters.
P226 Elite
The Elite adds an ergonomic beavertail grip, front cocking serrations, front strap checkering, custom wood grips and the new Short Reset Trigger. SIG engineers designed the SRT to provide the same safety and action of the SIG DA/SA with a reset that is 60% shorter for faster trigger return during high speed shooting. The P226 Elite is available in 9 mm, .357 SIG or .40 S&W.
P226 Combat
Like the P220 Combat before it, the two models, P226 Combat and P226 Combat TB (Threaded Barrel), are available in DA/SA. Their frames are “Flat Dark Earth” in compliance with the Combat Pistol program. The Combat model comes with night sights, a Nitron-finished slide and barrel, fore slide serrations, and a Picatinny rail. The TB model features an extra 0.6″ on the barrel, and external threads to accept a suppressor.
P228
P228
A compact version of the P226, the P228, is in use with the US military (notably with the Army CID, Air Force OSI, and Naval Aviation), designated the M11[4] and is also the standard issue handgun of the Swedish Police as well as US Naval Criminal Investigative Service. It is also used by many police agencies around the world, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National Park Service Law Enforcement and the israeli Special Forces community by replacing the P 226. The P228 has a shorter slide and barrel than the P226. Unlike the P226, the P228 is available only in 9x19mm Parabellum with a 13 round magazine, but can also use P226 15 or 20 round magazines. The P229 is nearly identical to the P228, but it has a one piece solid steel (vs. the P228′s carbon stamped steel) slide and is available in 9 mm, .40 S&W, and .357 SIG. From a distance, the P228 can be differentiated from the P226 by comparing the trigger guards (the P228′s is curved, while the P226′s is slightly hooked) and the barrel and slide lengths (the P228′s barrel 3.9″, thus having a corresponding shorter slide). Also in a side by side comparison the P228 would appear slightly shorter (0.6″ shorter) than the P226. The larger capacity P226 magazine can also be employed in the P228 although it extends from the base of the grip. It is also available in the ‘Ladies Escort’ version with an adapted trigger for women with extra small hands. Manufacture of the P228 was discontinued with the introduction of 9mm chambering in the P229.
P229
P229R – “R” due to the accessory rail
The P229 is a compact firearm, often used for concealed carry purposes. The standard version features a DA/SA trigger, but it is also available with a DAO trigger.
The pistol has also been made available in a DAK (Double Action Kellerman) model, which is a DAO system with two trigger reset points, and a lighter, smoother pull than that of traditional DAO handguns.
The P229 differs from its cousin the P226 in several respects, and was originally introduced to supplement and then replace the P228 by adding the .357 Sig and .40 S&W as available chamberings. The P229 was the first production handgun introduced that could chamber the .357 Sig round. The P226 and P228 were originally manufactured using a stamped-steel slide on an aluminum alloy frame. The P229 consists of a CNC-milled stainless steel slide, typically colored black with a Nitron finish. The P229′s milled steel slide was introduced to handle the higher slide velocities created by the .357 Sig and .40 S&W loads, which the stamped slide of the P228 could not handle without the use of a much stiffer recoil spring. This would have made manual slide-retraction much more difficult and the use of a milled stainless slide (coupled with the new milling and stainless production capabilities found in the U.S. factory) with a standard weight recoil spring made more sense.
A standard weight recoil spring for the P228 is 16 lbs. A spring weight of 20 lbs or higher would have been required if a stamped slide was used for the .40 S&W or .357 SIG chamberings. The SAAMI maximum chamber pressures of 9mm, 9mm +P, .40 S&W, & .357 SIG are as follows (in PSI): 35,000; 38,500; 35,000; & 40,000. The slide on the P226 was redesigned in a similar fashion, and civilian sales of the P228 were discontinued in early 2005 due to declining sales and the advent of the P229 in 9mm. The P226 and P229 are both available with optional accessory rails and optional forged stainless steel frames.
The P229 can be chambered in 9 mm, .40 S&W or .357 SIG. Changing between .40 S&W and .357 SIG is as simple as switching out the barrel. Conversion barrels, from companies such as Bar-Sto Precision Machine,[5] also allow a P229 or P226 to change between a .40 S&W/.357 SIG to a 9 mm caliber. Magazines shipped with .357 SIG models have a “necked” throat that will only accept that caliber. Magazines shipped with .40 S&W models will accept either caliber. The 9 mm model cannot be converted to another caliber.
DAK Version
P229R DAK- showing the accessory rail, no de-cocker, and the recessed hammer as compared to the regular P229.
SIG recently released an improved version of the double-action only (DAO) pistols; this version is called the DAK (for Double Action Kellerman, after the designer of the system). The DAK capability is available in 226, 229 and 239 models. When firing the pistol the first trigger pull is only 6.5 lbf (compared to 10 pounds for the standard DAO). After the pistol fires and the trigger is released forward, the trigger has an intermediate reset point that is approximately halfway to the trigger at rest position. The trigger pull from this intermediate reset point is 8.5 lbf. If the trigger is released all the way forward, this will engage the primary trigger reset and have a trigger pull of 6.5 lbf. To engage the intermediate reset, the trigger must be held to the rear while the slide is cycled, either manually or by the recoil of a round being fired. The United States Coast Guard has adopted this firearm as its PDW (Personal Defense Weapon), replacing the older M9 pistol.[6]
