.357 SIG Models: Feedback Please

[Some1Any1]

I have narrowed my choices down, though not as narrow as I would like. I am buying next week hopefully. Please help.

Here are my choices:

S&W- M&P 357c Sub-Compact
Sig-Sauer P250 Sub-Compact
Glock- G33 Sub-Compact
H&K- P2000SK Sub-Compact
Steyr- S Series 357 Sub-Compact

I can't find the Steyr anywhere.

I have small hands, so grip is important. I carry a Springfield XD-45 and a Bersa .380 currently. I am buying a Glock 36 next week as well, but I want a .357 badly.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[PointnClick]

I can't offer a great deal of advice, but I can tell you that you will probably like any SigArms product... excellent ergonomics and outstanding quality. Think BMW or Mercedes... I've never heard a single person say, "Sig sucks..."

[CDW4ME]

I've got a Glock 32 and 33. They are awesome, never jammed.
The 33 will not have room for your pinky finger.

Velocity with Speer Gold Dot 125
32: 1,334 fps
33: 1,315 fps

[fcolins357]

You can't really go wrong with any on your list. Personally I like the Sig choice. I almost bought the 250 myself, I really liked the modular idea! I wound up with the P239 SAS gen 2, the price was right for me.

[Laxer]

how about a sig sauer P239? it comes in 357, it is single stack so it should fit your small hands.

[Some1Any1]

how about a sig sauer P239? it comes in 357, it is single stack so it should fit your small hands.

I like the P239, but I am looking for a sub-compact.

[SIGguy229]

I believe the P250 is LARGER than the P239....

[Bunny]

how about a sig sauer P239? it comes in 357, it is single stack so it should fit your small hands.

+1. I love the Sigs!

[Jim Downey]

Personally, I like the Steyrs - but I haven't seen an S-model in .357 Sig (I have one in 9mm I love). But I do have the M-model in .357 Sig, and it is only a half inch longer in both the barrel and handle, so it's still pretty small. I can carry mine easily in a pocket holster in the front pocket of cargo pants.

I've shot the Sig-Sauer, and was impressed.

Jim D.

[Tom357]

I carry 357SIG in a P226ST. If you desperately want a sub-compact semi-auto in 357SIG, then you want it, and my first choice would be the SIG, and next, the Glock.

That said, you need to ask yourself why you want the 357SIG in a sub-compact barrel length. When SIG and Federal got together and designed the cartridge, they designed it around the P226/P229 platform, to obtain performance equivalent to a .357 Mag in a 4" semi-auto barrel. Just as you won't see the .357 Mag recommended in an ultra-short barrel snubbie, you won't see me recommend the 357SIG in a sub-compact - much of the purpose and benefit of the cartridge design is lost in such a short barrel. Will it work? Absolutely. But it isn't optimal. The 357SIG wasn't designed for a short barrel.

In a 9mm bullet, out of a short barrel, the 9mm +P Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel (GDHP-SB), outperforms the .357 Mag. and the 357SIG. If you can, you should try before you buy, comparing shooting a sub-compact in 9mm +P short barrel ammo vs a sub-compact in 357SIG. JMO, of course.

[luvmy40]

I would not qualify the M&Pc as a sub-compact. It is however an excellent handgun both ergonomically and performance wise.

I have handled but not fired the Sig P250 compact(not the sub). It has a very good feel and no one can argue against Sig's quality. It may still have a few "new design hiccups" as any wholly new pistol inevitably does. As some earlier stated the P250 compact is just slightly larger than the P239. 1/8" in grip length and marginally less in slide length + beaver tail. The P250 has a thicker/beefier grip.

I have not had any contact with the G33 but the G26 is so small that I would have a very difficult time controlling it.

I have not seen or handled the P2000 sub-compact.

The Steyr S would not be what I would consider a sub-compact either. They are as rare as the proverbial hen's tooth. There are a few around but they are such a nice find that no one wants to sell them. To the best of my knowledge the SA series was never imported to the US. I have the M9A1 and would stack it up against any of the brands in your list for quality and ergonomics. You just aren't going to have an easy time finding the compact version.

[sigmanluke]

The P250 Sub-compact has an OAL of 6.7" according to their website, while the P239 is 6.6". The P250 has an OAH of 4.7" and the P239 is 5.1" The P250 OAW is 1.1" and the P239 is 1.2"

The P250 is slightly longer, while the P239 is .4" taller and .1" thicker.

They are relatively the same size, however chambered in .357sig, the P250 holds 2 more rounds with 9+1 compared to the 7+1 P239.
The P250 is also 4.6 oz. lighter.
The P250 offers only one trigger, the DAO. The P239 offers the DAO, the DAK and the DA/SA (my preference)

Both guns are good options in the .357sig, it just depends on what you like.

[jwhite75]

Out of your choices...Glock 33 first. HK second. The Glock edges out the HK due to price and overall selection of aftermarket stuff.

[Some1Any1]

I found a place that has Steyr M-A1's in all calibers for $399. Should I jump on that?

[Some1Any1]

I don't like the P239 only because of the hammer. It is a personal preference, but I dislike an exposed hammer. Call me crazy. It is just tacky to look at for me and on my .380, it gets snagged on my shirt sometimes.