IV. Comparative Firearm Information

C. Glock v. Sig Sauer

3. The Sig Sauer's Case

OK, we pro-sig people admit it: The Sigs are just junk - no better than Norinco, really, so just buy a Glock. :) :) :)

(hint!)

Note: Above text was the original entry for this section of the FAQ.

My take on the matter.

by Don Baldwin (donb@netcom.com)

Being the proud owner of a Sig P226, I was annoyed when I first started looking around this part of the FAQ and saw the apparent NYAH NYAHs from Glock owners spoiling for a fight. My first reaction was an urge to lambast them for their childish assertion that their choice in firearms is better than mine, that there is any way to say that a given firearms design will work best for the majority of the people. Certainly, this choice is an individual one and there are people out there who could defend themselves more effectively with a Colt Single Action Army than I can with my Sig OR a Glock.

However, then I noticed that the Glock advocacy file was also empty and it dawned on me that the FAQ keeper was just trying to get discussion going in this area. Thus, this area is still completely open and free from acrimony. This changed my idea about what to write so I swear there will be no comments about Combat Tupperware or microwave-safe firearms here, no comments on the idea that the popularity of Glocks here in the USA is a reflection on our value-bankrupt and disposable culture.

But seriously, I do believe that both Glocks and Sigs are fine firearms and that both firearms are devices that anyone could be proud to own. Both are well made, both have won some favor within the military and police communities (those whose lives can depend upon firearms effectiveness and dependability on a daily basis). Both are chambered for the most common semi-auto cartridges (except that there are no 10 mm Sigs :( ).

I have owned my Sig for over a year and rented Glocks on two occasions and the most significant differences that I've noted are:

Different operating capabilities -
1. Carry - With both a Glock and a Sig, one can safely carry the gun loaded and with a round in the chamber, as long as an appropriate holster is used. Since neither firearm is equipped with a safety that the user separately turns on and off, the trigger guard MUST be covered to prevent accidental discharges.
2. Loading - To load a Glock, all one needs do is insert the magazine and rack the slide. The same thing CAN be done with a Sig but (except for DA-only models) it will not be safe for carry in this state. Since there is no safety to provide for cocked-and-locked carry, the gun must be decocked using a lever added for that purpose.
3. Trigger control - The Glock's trigger always works in the same way, "breaking" at the same weight. The same is true for DA-only Sigs. However, DA-SA Sigs have a DA pull on the first shot (assuming use of the decocker) and a SA pull for every shot after that. Some people consider this to be a disadvantage. Personally, I like cars with manual transmissions and I like having explicit control over what my firearm is doing. That is why I prefer guns like Sigs and 1911s to the Glock. However, the Glock is a VERY interesting design and I do intend to buy one some day.
2. "Feel" - As I said, I prefer having explicit control over how my guns are operating because I enjoy machinery that demands more from me. I also like guns that feel pretty much like traditional guns and this is yet another reason why I prefer Sigs and 1911s. I like the metal + furniture feeling of these guns more than I like the feel of the polymer-skinned Glock.

In conclusion, I would like to shed some light on the persistent rumor that SEAL team members have been asked whether they would fire upon American citizens while confiscating their firearms. The rumor is true. And the SEAL teams' most common answer?

"Only the ones with Glocks".

Note: The following comments were added later by Mike Cavanaugh

by Mike Cavanaugh (cavan@minnie.nic.kingston.ibm.com)

Takedown and Cleaning - I think that the design of the SIG-Sauer handguns make them marginally safer than the Glock (and S&W Sigma) during disassembly for cleaning (takedown).
- On the Glock the first step in takedown is to draw back and lock back the slide and to visually and tactilely examine the chamber to ensure that the gun is unloaded. The second step is to allow the slide to go forward and to dry fire in preparation for slide removal. Sadly, the first step can be omitted and result in accidental discharges (or, more accurately, "negligent discharges").
- On the SIG (except for the P230), the first step in takedown is to draw back and lock back the slide and to visually and tactilely examine the chamber to ensure that the gun is unloaded. The second step is to rotate the takedown lever. The takedown lever cannot rotate with the slide forward; consequently, the first step of drawing back the slide (and ejecting any live rounds from the chamber) cannot be omitted.
- On the SIG P230, the first step in takedown is to draw back the slide and to visually and tactilely examine the chamber to ensure the gun is unloaded. The second step is to close the slide and rotate the takedown lever. The slide is then removed be drawing back and lifting upward. If step one was omitted, any live ammunition in the chamber will be ejected at this time.
- In no SIG-Sauer handgun is the user required to pull the trigger as part of takedown procedure. This allows the user to abide by the basic safety rule "Always keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot."

As with any gun, the ultimate safety lies in the hands of the user, but I believe that SIG-Sauer handguns possess a real advantage in that unloading the firearm is an integral and unavoidable part of the takedown procedure and in that dry firing is never required.