As a kid, there was one toy I frequented more than anything with a barrel or trigger: LEGO® blocks. With these ingenious Danish creations, I was more than merely a defender of good and an avenger of evil; I was in control of literally everything. Pre-packaged kits for planes, trains, cars, municipal buildings or even spacecraft ultimately morphed into a custom-made (for me, by me) LEGO city nestled upon a discarded, three-tiered entertainment center. What made this possible? No, Benjamin, not “plastics;” modularity made this possible. Enter the SIG SAUER P250.
The idea of modularity in firearms certainly isn’t new. In the strictest sense of the word, it refers to the nineteenth century innovation where parts created for one gun could be used in another (a helpful thing on the battlefield). But modularity within the same gun – taken to the extent where the entire grip frame is rendered nothing more than accessory itself – is a fairly new concept. The latest iteration: the SIG SAUER P250 semiautomatic pistol.
Available as a full-size, compact, or sub-compact model, the P250 is basically a firing mechanism (“Fire Control Assembly,” SIG calls it) which quickly and easily drops into one of several available polymer grip frames. Each grip frame is specially-sized for different shooter’s hands, and includes a cut-out “window” through which the firing mechanism’s serial number can be viewed.
Connoisseurs of combinatorics will be interested to learn that the full-sized model and the compact model each have three available grip frames, while the sub-compact gun makes do with only two. SIG renders the firing mechanism in four popular calibers (9mm, .357 Sig, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP). Along with the grip frame, only the magazine and barrel must be changed to jump from compact to sub-compact. Add the longer slide, and you can leap up to the full-sized model, as well. And so I leapt at the chance to sample the SIG several weeks back when a friend let me shoot his 9mm version.
No leaps are necessary when it comes to the gun’s physical description. The P250 typifies “modern autopistol” in a burst of genericism that not even Glock’s brickish silhouette can match. Yeah, the grip frame’s integral accessory rail and curved/textured front trigger guard both add a modicum of definition to an otherwise banal visage. But compared to other modern semi-autos, this SIG stands out about as much as a soccer mom in a Target check-out. And not a hot soccer mom, either. Just a nice-looking one with a pretty smile and a pleasant personality.
Personality, however, goes a long way (with guns as well as soccer moms). On the range, the P250 wins you over with double taps that warrant double takes back at the lady who looked so plain just a few minutes ago. Even with the largest of the three available grip frames fitted to my example, the small hands I’ve been cursed with clutched this SIG more positively and more confidently than any high-cap grip I’ve ever held.
Complimenting this tactile comfort was a magnificent double-action-only trigger. Much like Glock’s boom-button perfection, the P250’s trigger exhibited virtually no stacking. The absence of over-travel paired with quick, predictable reset rounded out the ergonomic delight.
Our test gun boasted an extended, threaded barrel. Combined with the gun’s discernible top-heaviness, the extra weight made for absolutely minimal muzzle flip and quick target reacquisition (the excellent three-dot sights didn’t hurt, either). With decent-quality factory ammo (SIG’s official company line is “no reloads, no hand loads”), the P250 didn’t miss a beat, delivering more tight groups than the LA branch of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Given its modularity, I halfway expected the P250 to be a compromised designed that felt and performed like a collection of similar-but-not-seamlessly-interacting parts which would produce decent-but-unimpressive results. Happily, I was wrong.
The SIG SAUER P250 did not – in my experience, anyway – fall into the frustrating gaps that lie between different shooter’s preferences. To the contrary, SIG appears to have anticipated these preferences exactly. Modular or not, fine engineering coupled with a final product that looks, feels, and shoots as good as the P250 will mitigate any complaint from the odd Goldilocks who doesn’t find the gun “just right” in one of its myriad configurations.
It looks like I might have a new favorite toy.
Specifications
Model: P250
Action type: Double Action Only
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Capacity: 17-round magazine
Barrel length: 4.7″
Overall length: 8.0″
Weight: 29.4 oz
Grips: Interchangeable polymer
Sights: Three-dot SIGLITE® night sights
Slide Finish: Nitron®
Frame Finish: Interchangeable polymer grip shell with stainless insert (various colors)
Current Value: $640-$712 (retail), depending on caliber and configuration
RATINGS (Out of five stars)
Style * * *
No new ground here: If you love the look of modern autopistols, you’ll love the P250. If you don’t, you won’t.
Ergonomics (carry) * * * *
Full-size, compact, or sub-compact, the P250 seems just as easily carried relative to its direct competitors. The fact that one firing mechanism can be convertible into each of these configurations widens its appeal in this category.
Ergonomics (firing) * * * * *
Very SIG-like, which is to say, very good. If anything, the modularity only makes it better by delivering a high degree of instantaneous customization.
Reliability * * * * *
SIG says “To Hell and Back,” and plenty of folks will vouch for that reputation.
Customize This * * * *
Double-edged sword here. The gun’s inherent modularity provides a bespoke weapon in seconds, all the various-sized grip-frames have an accessory rail, and there are several trigger and barrel options (this example’s was threaded) available from the factory. Still, it’s not a 1911, and outside of what the manufacturer offers, pickings seem slim. But it is a three-year-old design, and the availability of custom options will probably increase once the P250 has been on the market for a while (assuming it’s successful).
OVERALL RATING * * * * *
It’s not all things to all people, but it’s a lot of things – a lot of the right things – to a lot of the people who want a gun like this. In other words, it hits the sweet spot on the target, and more than likely, the sweet spot in your collection.
My wife bought a p250 subcompact in 9mm for her concealed carry weapon.After shooting hers I went right out and bought a p250 compact model.We both qualified for our permit with our 250′s.As far as accuracy, they had to count 30 holes in our target at 15 and 21 feet,they could only count around the middle because there was only one big hole in the center.This is a solid pistol at a good price,I also would give it a 10 score.A 22 caliber conversion would make it even more versital and cheaper to shoot.
After reviewing several guns online I decided on the P250. I picked up the P250 2sum pack with both the full size 9mm, and the sub-compact for an awesome price ($569.99). What an awesome gun, I love everything about it and am 100% sure I bought the right gun. Feels great in the hand, and DAO trigger really helps you focus on the target as you squeeze. The 2sum package make the gun even more versitile. I have a full size for home defence and in about 2min I can switch to a subcompact for concealed carry.
i put one in layaway today 9mm with the option to change my mind on sumn else but after reading all the comments its safe to say a sig p250 will b ridin on my hip very soon it feels great the way it is now and ill probably never change anything about it. it really feels that great in my hand. cant wait to put some rounds through her. thanx to all for convincing my great choice.. but does any one think $529 is to high? it still aint gonna change my mind.lmao
I am SERIOUSLY considering this p250 and from the sounds of the comments I really like it more and more the more I read! I don’t have a pistol as of yet and that is why I am looking at this one! It has many options and won’t break the bank to get started and even add diff calibers later. Was thinking of starting with the 9mm as that would be the cheapest to plink around with, plus it has the biggest mag capacity. This is for a carry pistol and was thinking of going with the compact! Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance for any insight…
i think the standard size is awesome feels great. subcompact not enough barrel for me but thats a preference thing feel it out see what u like best. i dont believe your gonna go wrong with either took me some searchin to find the standard all i could find was subcompact got lucky and my gun store ordered me one and im in love.lmao
I bought a 250 compact,9mm,b.new w/3 clips $450. Love the feel/looks!!haven’t shot it yet! Did homework and seems to be a good deal!! Can’t wait to blow some shtuff up!!!
I’ve had my fair share of pistols, from Glock, Taurus, to Rugers and S&W and I have yet to find a single side arm I have loved more then my Sig P250. I carry the compact model and it has been flawless as far as dependability and accuracy. For anyone out there looking for an amazing firearm with a price that doesn’t make you cringe, I would absolutely recommend this one. It just doesn’t get any better.
Just got a .45 compact model p250. 100 rounds aluminum case blazer fmj. No problems so far. Maybe try some gold dot jhp next time. It was my first time ever shooting .45 and it was great. This handgun is so wonderfully simple in so many ways. It has no confusing controls for more novice shooters. The safety is your control of your trigger finger and the nice “safe” DA pull with a hammer, no full or partial cocked strikers. Trigger was pretty smooth, but a negative is the break felt a bit fuzzy, not really crisp, just smooth all the way. The take down lever works better with a little oil on it. That lever is crazy stiff out of the box. The compact slide has a plastic guide rod. Wish it was steel, but seems to work fine. Only change I am making is to add a strip of grip tape for indexing of the trigger finger. It’s smooth plastic and it really should have something better there for a finger rest. I am a novice. I have only shot Kahr PM9, Ruger Gp100 with .38spl. This is my favorite so far. Thinking of getting a full size 9mm, and maybe a full size .45 slide to be able to swap back and forth. Really like being able to order any parts other than the trigger unit and have it sent without FFL involvement. This gun may have sucked a couple years ago. But give it a chance if it fits your desired manual of arms.
Pingback: Reviews p250 | Catalogix
Very informative, entertaining and well-written review. I started reading truthaboutgun articles a while back and now its my go-to before purchasing a new gun. The authors’ reviews are the reason I purchased my SW M&P15 Sport( thats right-the cheapo model that Ive put over 1500 rounds through without a single problem and the same gun that I kill coyotes with at 300 yards) and most recently a Sig P250 in 357/40. Keep up the good work guys, its very much appreciated.
Update: I have had my p250c 9mm for about a month or so now and have fired probably close to 300-400 rounds through it!
the only issue that I have found and the ONLY malfunction that I have had to date is that when the clip is full (15 rds) and there is 1 in the chamber, making it 15+1 like it is advertised, it doesn’t fully rack the slide after that first shot. So now I just carry it as a 14+1 and that hasn’t given me any problems yet.
Only other thing is that mine consistently shoots 2″ low as well, probably going to call Sig and see what my options are!
Even with all that considered I still love this gun and it is a decent ccw weapon, worn on my belt I usually don’t even remember it is there! that is GOOD!
Does it bug anyone else when you try to trade or sell your new model P250 40 that you’re told it’s a piece of shit and how they can buy one here and there for $225 ! WTF ? I KNOW this new model P250 is an excellent gun and worth allot more than these douchebags are claiming. This is why I hate sheeple, turds that follow whatever the crowds says and follows it blindly without any individual thought process of their own.
agreed!
Update: I have had my p250c 9mm for about a month or so now and have fired probably close to 300-400 rounds through it!
the only issue that I have found and the ONLY malfunction that I have had to date is that when the clip is full (15 rds) and there is 1 in the chamber, making it 15+1 like it is advertised, it doesn’t fully rack the slide after that first shot. So now I just carry it as a 14+1 and that hasn’t given me any problems yet.
Only other thing is that mine consistently shoots 2″ low as well, probably going to call Sig and see what my options are!
Even with all that considered I still love this gun and it is a decent ccw weapon, worn on my belt I usually don’t even remember it is there! that is GOOD!
fobus paddle holster put a real nasty scratch on my first draw and i took it bak and thank god some triple ot steele wool an a lil rem oil goterdone. shoowee they didnt wanna have to pay for that scratch galco galco galco blackhawk.lmbo