sig pro sp2022 review

I previously had the opportunity to review the SIG P229R. I was so pleased with the firearm, that I was immediately in the market for a SIG. I new that which ever SIG I bought, I would really like to shoot it, and often. I decided 9mm would make the most sense because the ammunition pretty affordable, and I am completely confident in 9mm as a defensive caliber. It also must be light, durable and easy to carry while camping or dirt bike riding. With the success of Glock and other polymers making their way into the hands of officers and civilians alike, I opted to finally purchase the Sig Sauer version of the polymer pistol. What I ended up with was the Sig Sauer P2022. This polymer frame gun with a stainless steel slide was very similar to the P229, but for about half the price. The grip and controls are very similar as is the barrel length and overall size. This gun was equipped with a 1913 mil-spec rail, night sights, and also a DA/SA trigger with de cocking lever. The main difference I noticed immediately was the weight. This gun weighs only 25oz. The SP2022 is also available in 40SW and 357 SIG.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The grip was very similar to the SIG P229, and fit nicely. The slide on this firearm verified it was like the P229 made in Exeter. I opted for the medium grip, as there are 3 different sizes. The de cocking lever on this gun did feel a bit different than the one on the P229. Perhaps it was the "brand new, not broken in yet" feeling. However I had no doubts it would function as it was supposed to, and I was right. It seemed a bit strange at first, but it did perform correctly. The finish and quality seemed up to par with anything SIG puts out. It was not an HK by any means, but was built with care. The gun features a locked breach, polymer frame, de cocking lever, accessory rail, SIG's night sights and a 10lb. double action first pull followed by 4.2lb single action trigger pull. This gun came with 2 - 10 round drop-free mags. 15 round mags are available.

Field strip is easy and cleaning it was no problem at all. If you have ever field stripped a 1911 this will be no problem at all. It is quite similar, except there is no front bushing to turn at the muzzle. Simply line up the notches on the slide with the slide release pin and push the pin out. Now the slide is free from the frame and can be slid forward and removed. The assembly however might take a bit of getting used to. You must position the slide and run it back until the hole for the pin lines up with the slot in the barrel. If you go to far the pin will not slide in place. Once lined up, partially push in the pin. Now run the slide all the way back until the second notches line up and then pop the pin in entirely. Again no big deal for a 1911 user, but if you are more familiar with a Glock field strip, this may be weird at first. Just takes some getting used to.

I did order a holster from SIG for the weapon, but it did not fit. After some research I found that the older SP2022 had a different rail. The holster SIG currently carries does not work for the new 1913 rail. They made it simple to return and refunded my money no questions asked. After some more research I found that a Springfield XD40 holster fit it like a glove, so I found and bought one on ebay. It works just fine.

SHOOTING
Here is where the the true test begins. Up till now everything was superficial. The double action pull was a bit tight at first, but loosened up after time. (This gun will only be in DA mode if you manually de cock it for carry.) Single action mode was amazing. It was one of the nicest triggers I have felt. It was crisp and broke clean every time. I actually liked the trigger on this gun better than the SIG P229. Another difference that was apparent was the frame. Strange thing about polymer is that it actually reduces vibration. It is lighter yet also helps to absorb the recoil. It was so smooth in fact, I have no doubt at all about my 12 year old daughter shooting it accurately. Like the SIG P229 this gun seemed like an old friend. The sights lined up easy and it fired and connected wherever I pointed it. 10 yards, 15 or 25 it didn't matter, it was accomplished effortlessly.

We fired several different rounds thru the gun to test for reliability. We started with Federal ball ammo, switched to hydroshock hollow points, then some Speer Gold Dots. Every round went off perfectly without exception. We then fed some Cor-Bon +p rounds and yet again it fired flawless. There was actually very little difference in recoil at all when shooting the +p.

Because this was my personal and newly purchased firearm, I did not subject it to the same abuse we did with the SIG P229. However one of our shooters (who shall remain anonymous) managed to accidentally drop it in the sand and kick it. We simply dropped the mag, removed the slide and rinsed it out with the nearby hose. It again performed without a hiccup. I would expect nothing less from SIG.

THE BOTTOM LINE
I am impressed for sure. I think the SP2022 is a hidden gem, and is completely underrated. The gun does exactly what it was meant to do. It is well built and extremely user friendly. The Sig SP2022 easily digested all the ammunition we fed it and was deadly accurate with all of it. It is light, easy to carry, reliable and a top performer. All in all I have no complaints and I am very satisfied with my purchase. If you are in the market for a Glock, and want Glock reliability but prefer a DA/SA platform, the SP2022 is definitely one to check out. The trigger is better, the sights are better, and it is effortlessly accurate. I am curious to see how well I can shoot it blindfolded. The guys at the range seemed to think that was a bad idea, so I will leave it at this... it simply works for me.

- Jeff | ballistics101.com

GUN SPECS

what are your thoughts on the sp2022?