I guess the big question is, what experience do you have with a traditional DA semi auto weapon compared to the 1911 platform?
The 1911 platform is not for everyone and I personally believe that you should be very familiar with the SA nuiances of the 1911 before carrying it. Many of my friends can't believe I carry a gun "cocked & locked", when I have one of my Colts. It freaks them out!! :aargh4:
If you do not have a lot of range time logged in with the 1911 platform, I would highly recommend the DA semi auto. There's a reason you see very few LEO's, (even going back 15-20yrs ago), carrying the 1911 as there side arm.
Just my 2 cents.
Excelllent post. If you are not properly trained and fully committed to putting in the time, buy the ammo and practice ALOT to master a 1911 you are an accident waiting to happen as their trigger pulls are very light compared to the first DA out of the SIG. In a life or death situation motor skills go down the toilet and it's quite easy to fire an accidental shot with a 4.5 to 5.5 trigger on a SA.
I also want to say that the Sig 220 or any other Sig will operate much more reliabily than a 1911 without anything more than light maintenance. The Sigs are also very accurate pistols. 1911's can also be very finicky with HP ammo.
If you go the 1911 route stay with it. I've seen hundreds of people over my 31 years of experience carrying 1911's who at sometime forget to take the safety off and apply 30 lbs. of pressure to the trigger and say "what the heck". No worries with a DA to SA Sig pistol. Draw the weapon, align the sights and squeeze the trigger.
My 228 has NEVER malfuntioned with any ammo. I once shot 3K rounds of WWB 115 gr. ammo through mine without a single bobble and no cleaning. Cannot say the same with the 1911's I've owned and seen too many times to count malfunction.
Don't get me wrong here. A .45 1911 in the right hands is the best fighting pistol ever made IMO. You just have to put in the time and effort to master it and properly keep it maintained.
My Springer .45 is my bedside weapon and I have complete faith in it to protect myself and family. I shoot it monthly and keep it well lubed with Militec-1. Change the mag springs out yearly also and put 100 rounds down the tube afterwards.
In closing I recommend the Sig over the 1911.
My .02 cents