MY IMPRESSIONS
In 2017, the SIG P320 platform was chosen as the U.S. military’s new service handgun. First issued to the 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles, it was well received. The SP2022 shares the same great heritage but in a compact package.
Related: A Complete Look at the Famous SIG Sauer P320 Lineup
One word that describes the SIG SP2022 is “solid.” Polymer-framed with a stainless-steel slide, it saves weight and is reliable, with many great features in one package. When I hold it, I notice the nice grip angle and skateboard tape texture. This is important in giving me the control needed for accurate shooting.
The lack of unneeded controls is important. No grip safety, no manual safety, and a double-action, revolver-like first shot are serious considerations to me for a defense gun.
Although there is no exchangeable optical sight plate on this model, the open sights are highly visible SIGLITE night sights. They are great for low light conditions, and my eye naturally aligns with them when pointing. The functional 2-inch forward Picatinny rail gives me the option of a laser sight for aiming or a high-beam flashlight. That is very functional.
MORE FEATURES
The double/single-action trigger with exposed hammer is my ideal close-quarters handgun function. Although I love the Colt-style 1911 action, this may have it beat. No safety to disengage; simply pull the pistol out and start squeezing. That is important to me when seconds count.
Having an exposed hammer is great on a compact handgun, too. I like having a choice as to my first shot. Cock the hammer to facilitate a light squeeze, or leave the hammer uncocked for a heavy but fast first squeeze.
Being a mid-size compact, the SP2022 has a big advantage: its steel magazine holds 15 rounds of 9mm ammo! No need to carry a spare magazine or speedloaders. Simply remember to bring the SP2022, and you will have enough firepower for most situations. The double-stacked magazine is surprisingly narrow, allowing for a slim grip. It further ensures smooth feeding and reliable case ejection of the powerful 9mm round.
My final favorite feature is the de-cocking lever. Located on the left side of the frame, it allows me to slowly lower the hammer from fully cocked to the uncocked position. This neat feature means that the pistol can be made safer quickly with one hand only. This is important when returning the handgun to its concealed placement. I like the way it slowly lowers the hammer, allowing me to retain control.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Caliber: 9mm
- Weight: 1.5 pounds empty
- Overall Length: 7.4 inches
- Width: 1.5 inches
- Height: 5.7 inches
- Barrel: 3.75 inches, carbon steel
- Trigger: Double action 9 pounds, 6 ounces; single action 5 pounds, 2 ounces
- Materials: Stainless-steel slide, NITRON finish, polymer frame
- Sights: Fixed three-dot SIGLITE night sights
- Picatinny Rail: 2 inches
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Magazine: Steel, 15-round capacity
LET’S GO SHOOTING!
Just west of Tucson lies Area 51, my favorite test-fire range and proving ground for new firearms. With plenty of 2-liter root beer bottles, soda cans, and a couple of steel targets set from 10 to 50-yard distances, I will push the SP2022 for reliability foremost, ability to shoot varied ammunition, and accuracy at long range.
Ammo will be a mix of PMC Bronze full metal jacketed 124-grain bullets and SIG Sauer Elite Performance 124-grain jacketed hollow point -bullets. Both types need to function in a self-defense pistol.
Loaded with FMJ ammo, the SIG easily hits 2-liter jugs at 10 yards with its smooth single-action trigger. The explosive reaction to 124 grains of blazing lead is impressive! Much smaller root beer soda cans also open explosively. Switching to JHP ammo, the soda cans, and 2-liter bottles explode more violently than before! Hits at 10 yards are easy due in part to the smooth trigger.
TESTING THE LIMITS
The double-action style trigger bow is generously curved inside of the large trigger guard. It will allow for fat fingers easily. Notice the loaded round indicator on the top of the frame behind the breech. It protrudes up slightly to confirm a round is loaded in the barrel. This is a visual and tactile feature that allows me to feel that the breech is loaded without looking. What a great confidence-building feature!
Now time for some long-range shooting. My milk-bottle-shaped target is placed 50 yards distant today to test the pistol’s ultimate accuracy. This is well beyond its intended use, but I must push its accuracy to the max.
Slow methodical trigger squeezes in single-action mode reward me with three hits. The pleasant “ding” of lead on steel tells me that I hit the small target half a football field away. Not bad for a small handgun with a barrel less than 4 inches long! No jams or failures to feed or eject were encountered in today’s test.
PROS & CONS
Pros:
- High quality
- Lightweight
- Reliable
- High capacity
- Versatile double/single-action trigger
- Exposed hammer
- Hammer de-cocker
- Low-light sights
Cons:
- Non-adjustable sights
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Hammer de-cocker lever is right-hand only
CONCLUSION
Which gun should you pick for self-defense? The answer depends on your possible use and lifestyle. I say always pick quality first.
SIG Sauer is an old company with European roots that now builds its guns in the U.S. The U.S. military trusts SIG – so should you. The SP 2022 is solid, reliable, and accurate, with much firepower in a medium-size package. It feels good in my hand, and its features allow for customization and versatility.
If you are thinking of switching from a revolver to a semi-auto pistol, the SP2022 is a good choice due in part to its trigger. If this is your first pistol, it will be easy to learn and control. Pick one up and feel the confidence of a SIG.
