These four P220 pistols pretty well summarize a nicely varied line of modern .45s. There are four size variations, three lockwork choices and a number of finish options. Certain models are done up with handsome wooden grips and other cosmetic enhancements in the company’s custom shop. The Elite series is not represented here. They are upgraded standard-size P220s, all with a distinguishing feature of the beavertail grip tang. Before I did the tabulated accuracy evaluation, I fired all of the guns for general function and suitability for their roles. No malfunctions of any kind cropped up, and the only adverse comment I could make was that magazines are sometimes a little difficult to load.

I had no more than fired the first two or three five-shot groups with the first gun in the Ransom Rest than I began to suspect that it was going to be a pretty good shoot. I used three different commercial loads that have turned in impressive performance in the past. They were Hornady’s 200-gr. JHP/XTP, Remington’s 230-gr. Bonded Golden Saber JHP and Black Hills 230-gr. JHP (featuring Speer’s Gold Dot bullet). With three loads, firing five, consecutive five-shot groups from each of the four pistols, I was at the range for a while. Accuracy results were more than impressive.

There were groups as small as 0.47" and only one went over 3", but the majority were under 2". In a five-group average, a few sub one-inchers really pull the overall average down, and that is what happened here. By the time the averaging was all done, the overall P220 group size was 1.61". I suspect that the relatively tight chambers and exact barrel crowns may be a part of it, but in the final analysis the accuracy is good because the SIG P220s are just fine guns. Not having fired everything available in a similar shoot, I can’t objectively say these pistols are better than everything. But on the other hand, I don’t really know of any service-grade pistol that will consistently outshoot a P220.

Manufacturer: SIG Sauer; (603) 772-2302; Sigarms.com

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: recoil-operated, center-fire, semi-automatic pistol

Frame: aluminum alloy

Slide: stainless steel

Barrel: 4.40"

Rifling: six-groove, 1:16" LH twist

Magazine: detachable box, eight rounds

Sights: post front with Tritium dot, twin dot rear

Trigger Pull: 5 lbs., SAO

Overall Length: 7.70"

Width: 1.50"

Height: 5.50"

Weight: 31.2 ozs.

Accessories: lockable hard case, lock, manual, spare magazine

Suggested Retail Price: $960

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