Stiker vs Hammer Fired Handguns, Reliability

[B_Reynolds_AK]

I spent quite a bit of time at the range today with my G20 10mm and newer Sig P365x.

Of course hit rates were higher with the little 9 mm, despite the light weight & snappy recoil.
It made me decide to swap out the ill fitting G20 with a bit bigger Sig 9mm for carry in Brown Bear country.

Question is this. I'm looking at either something like the P320 X Compact or the P226 Mark 25.
Both are about the same size, but obviously it comes down to polymer vs metal and striker vs hammer fired.

Does anyone have any knowledgable advice regarding the differences in reliability in field conditions between the two?

 

[elkguide]

The US Navy Seals use the P226.

 

[jimh406]

The Seals use a lot of different pistols. The reliability for either type will be very good.

 

[FrankNess14]

I had a P320 X Carry that I really liked but decided to sell to stick with glocks due to investment in holsters and mags…

To further muddy the water, since you shoot the P365X well, why not look at the P365 Macro? I love mine and that’s after carrying a homemade P365X for years before Sig released the factory version. I shoot the Macro even better than the X. The wife has since stole the X…….


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[180ls1]

I am OK with a heavier hammer fired pistol. I shoot them that much better. Same with my heavy target bow, that I use for hunting.

 

[Marty]

The US Navy Seals use the P226.

about two decades ago... lol

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

@Marty What are your thoughts on it?

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

@Formidilosus Is there any significant advantage to either style? I know you like 1911's.

 

[Marty]

@Marty What are your thoughts on it?

-my responses in bold-

Question is this. I'm looking at either something like the P320 X Compact or the P226 Mark 25.
Both are about the same size, but obviously it comes down to polymer vs metal and striker vs hammer fired.

-Go with the handgun that fits your hand best. Within the SIG 320 ecosystem, you can get dialed in with different frame sizes. I've got a couple small frames for the 320 in the gunsafe you're welcome to try out. With the 226 route, you're really only modifying the grip scales. One point to the 320 series, IMO.

-Go with the handgun you can shoot the best. There are real advantages to metal lowers/grips just like a heavier rifle compared to a lighter one. You'll have to sort out that tipping point of shoot-ability but still light enough to carry. The best gun is the one you have on you. Within the 320, you can get either. Another point to the 320 series.

-I do like the accessory line up that SIG is supporting their 320 series with. Get the FCU and you can build out from there.

Does anyone have any knowledgeable advice regarding the differences in reliability in field conditions between the two?

-Great question. I'll have to dig around for a statistically significant data set. My intuitive answer, pending hard data, is that the striker fired is less prone to malfunction when compared to a exposed, hammer fired pistol.

-I've trusted striker fired pistols with the lives of my team and I; Glocks and 320. I'll shoot you a PM with a side note not appropriate for a public forum.

 

[Clarktar]

@Formidilosus Is there any significant advantage to either style? I know you like 1911's.

Aka CheddarBob

 

[180ls1]

-my responses in bold-

Question is this. I'm looking at either something like the P320 X Compact or the P226 Mark 25.
Both are about the same size, but obviously it comes down to polymer vs metal and striker vs hammer fired.

-Go with the handgun that fits your hand best. Within the SIG 320 ecosystem, you can get dialed in with different frame sizes. I've got a couple small frames for the 320 in the gunsafe you're welcome to try out. With the 226 route, you're really only modifying the grip scales. One point to the 320 series, IMO.

-Go with the handgun you can shoot the best. There are real advantages to metal lowers/grips just like a heavier rifle compared to a lighter one. You'll have to sort out that tipping point of shoot-ability but still light enough to carry. The best gun is the one you have on you. Within the 320, you can get either. Another point to the 320 series.

-I do like the accessory line up that SIG is supporting their 320 series with. Get the FCU and you can build out from there.

Does anyone have any knowledgeable advice regarding the differences in reliability in field conditions between the two?

-Great question. I'll have to dig around for a statistically significant data set. My intuitive answer, pending hard data, is that the striker fired is less prone to malfunction when compared to a exposed, hammer fired pistol.

-I've trusted striker fired pistols with the lives of my team and I; Glocks and 320. I'll shoot you a PM with a side note not appropriate for a public forum.

This is excellent advice.

Ive been through the pistol buying process several times with several different people of different experience levels. Funny enough no one has shot the best and subsequently purchased the pistol they thought they would like based on research or even handling it at the counter of the gun store.

I cant recommend enough spending the $10/per rental to shoot them at the range.