Much of the design and craftsmanship necessary to produce a highly reliable and accurate semi-automatic pistol resides in the slide/barrel assembly because once a cartridge has been loaded and the trigger breaks from the sear this is where all the action takes place. The SigPro slide/barrel assembly is “classic Sig” through and through, so there’s little surprise when we find that the polymer-framed sibling lives up to Sig’s enviable reputation. While all the parts may not be interchangeable between the SigPro and its “classic” siblings, the basic design and manufacturing process of the slide/barrel assembly is the same.
Sig Sauer introduced the SigPro in 1998 with the model 2340 chambered in 40 S&W, followed shortly with a 357 Sig variant carrying the same model designation. About a year later a 9mm version was introduced and designated as model 2009. The SigPro underwent a slight design upgrade in 2002 and began production under a large contract to the government of France which guaranteed a 20 year service life – hence the model designation 2022. The 2340, in 1998, was one the first production handguns to incorporate an accessory rail and changeable grip panels. The platform was Sig’s answer to the lighter weight and budget demands of law enforcement.
While some might say that making a pistol frame from “Tupperware” is a sacrilege, modern polymer materials and forming methods make this material plenty strong enough for the places Sig has chosen to put them in the SigPro. The use of polymer where appropriate also means less maintenance, less corrosion, and lower cost – all tremendous advantages for the consumer. All across the industry we see polymer showing up with great success in small or even large portions of firearm design. The original SigPro models – 2009 & 2340 – were ahead of their time when introduced more than a decade ago.
Like its classic Sig siblings, the SP2022 is a hammer-fired, double and single action (DA/SA) semi-auto. A de-cocking lever allows for lowering the hammer on a loaded chamber without the possibility of firing pin engagement, so that the gun can be carried safely in a loaded condition. Sig’s four-point integral safety system eliminates the need for a manual external safety lever, although a variant with one (demanded by some LE agencies) is available on special order. If the trigger is not fully depressed, the gun simply won’t fire.
Most DA/SA “service pistols” have a relatively heavy DA trigger pull and an acceptably light (although not “competition” light) SA pull weight. The SigPro is no exception to this general rule but the DA pull feels incredibly smooth “right out of the box” and makes the DA pull seem lighter than it actually is. Even before break-in, this trigger system is one of the best feeling on the market and might be, perhaps, depending one’s own subjective view, even “better” than the classic Sigs (which cost a lot more).
A sight radius of 5.9” and barrel length of 3.9” contribute to a package which produces a great deal of accuracy for the personal defense/service mission. The remainder of Sig’s well-regarded barrel/slide design enhances the ability of the SigPro to put bullets on target. They simply go where the gun is pointed at the moment of ignition.
While the SigPro utilizes a “double stack” magazine – up to 15 rounds in 9 and 12 rounds in 40/357 – the use of polymer in grip frame allows for a design that minimizes the grip girth to give a more ergonomic feel to the area of guns that some shooters find “too big and blocky” on similarly sized handguns. Additionally, optional grip panels are available to further tailor the grip to individual preference.
While the SigPro is quite concealable with the proper holster and fashion choices, it is not a pocket pistol nor even a “compact” under normal definitions of the term. It is a full sized service pistol, although on the small end of that category.
The SigPro competes with a plethora of similar sized, polymer semi-autos. It holds its own against all comers and exceeds the performance of many even though its cost is well below average. The consumer looking for a full size personal defense or competition (IDPA, IPSC, USPSA, etc.) firearm should consider the SigPro. It meets the requirements of longevity, dependability, accuracy, and affordability for these missions.
Respectfully Submitted
The Bunker Bunch
October, 2014
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