17 July 03

Latest from SIG:

I just got off the phone with friends at SIG. Their new "Glock-like" (self-decocking) trigger that I described after seeing it at the IALEFI Conference in Orlando, FL in June is now officially on the market. It is called the "K-Trigger," after its designer, who has an unpronounceable, German name that starts with a "K."

It will be offered as an option on the 226 and 229 (which will probably be called the 226K and the 229K). Single-column pistols, like the 239 will not be eligible for the new trigger for another year, as modifications need to be done to the inside of the frame. In addition, the new trigger will not be available as a retrofit, as, again, the frame needs to be modified.

The K-Trigger is short and a smooth, consistent 6.6lbs. Link is shallow, similar to a Glock trigger. Hammer spur is gone (along with the decocking lever), and the system can be used in conjunction with either a regular or a short trigger.

The traditional SIG self-decocking system featured a long trigger pull at a constant, eleven pounds. It was, and is, called (appropriately) a "flat revolver." That system will continue to be produced, although the "K" trigger, in my opinion, will quickly supersede it. In fact, the K-trigger will also supersede SIG's manually decocking system also.

SIG is now taking police department orders. The K-Trigger will be available to the general market in 2004.

I regard this new trigger as a genuine improvement, and I predict SIG, like H& K, will rapidly make this their new standard.

/John

17 July 03

More from SIG:

Law-enforcement orders for pistols in 9mm have dwindled to a trickle. In fact, the 228, once SIG's flagship, is now all but out of production. The only big department that still issues it is the NJSP.

In addition, pistols chambered for 45ACP are no more popular than those chambered for 9mm. Although the popularity of the 45ACP does not seem to be diminishing at the same rate as that of the 9mm, it is surely not increasing either. Most 45ACP fans end up with a 1911 clone from Kimber, SA, or S&W.

The vast majority of police orders are for pistols chambered for 40S&W, although the 357SIG is now coming on strong and indeed starting to pull up alongside the popularity of the 40. Those two calibers are what everyone wants now. One big reason is that these pistols can be easily converted from one caliber to another, a big attraction for chiefs of police who are trying to make all their officers happy.

Neither the 9mm nor the 45ACP is in any danger of dying out, but both have surely been pushed to the side!

/John