A pistol with such a serious appearance fairly begs to be shot, so I packed up my truck with targets, ammo and related gear and headed for the range. On the way I reflected on the fact that one of my first assignments as a full-time staff writer was a SIG pistol survey, during which I developed a healthy respect for their accuracy. But because I began this evaluation before the P224 was formally introduced, I knew that Ransom Rest inserts were not available. I tried to improvise, but was unable to so do. This partly explains the lack of typical SIG Sauer accuracy. In short, I believe the new P224 would do a great deal better when properly machine rested.

In the hand, the P224 is a solid fistful of gun. It is rather full in the well-shaped butt section, but surprisingly heavy. It proved to be rather tough to manage, particularly with the short magazine in place. I could get only two fingers on the frontstrap, and the pistol felt as though it was attempting to twist right out of my hand on firing. Recoil is a problem in a pistol with such a short grip. Functioning was 100 percent in more than 200 rounds downrange.

The P224 is a solid, rather heavy, high-capacity pistol in today’s more popular calibers. It is small enough to conceal under most clothing and packs a big punch with 11 (or 13) rounds of .40 S&W or .357 SIG on tap. It’s obvious that the P224 has all the virtues of the company line—accuracy, dependability and an operating system that is a delight to use. Most important, it is smaller and more easily hidden than its stablemates, an important feature in today’s uncertain world.

Manufacturer: SIG Sauer; (603) 772-2302; www.sigarms.com
Caliber: 9 mm Luger, .357 SIG, .40 S&W (tested)
Action Type: recoil-operated semi-automatic, center-fire pistol
Frame: aluminum alloy
Barrel: 31⁄2"
Rifling: six-groove, 1:16" RH twist
Magazine: 10-round-capacity detachable box (12 round available)
Sights: drift adjustable for windage front and rear, square notch with tritium dots (others available)
Trigger: double-action-only DAK (tested) 6-lb., 8-oz. pull; DA/SA or DA/SA Short Reset Trigger available
Overall Length: 6.7"
Width: 1.3"
Height: 41⁄2"
Weight: 25 ozs.
Accessories: spare magazine, lockable case, owner’s manual
Suggested Retail Price: $ 1,125