Is the Sig Sauer P225-A1 the perfect host for a 9mm suppressor?
What?
The Sig Sauer P225 is a classic. It was introduced way back in the mid-1970s as a more compact version of the Sig Sauer P220. It was adopted by the West German police and called the P6. Over time as the company released more compact double-stack models like the P229, the P225 was phased out. Sigh. But now it’s back with a few modern improvements and rebranded as the P225-A1.
It’s a single-stack 9mm pistol that operates in the classic Sig double-action/single-action mode. Like most of the others, it has a decocking lever that rotates down along the left side of the grip just behind the trigger. Speaking of the trigger, the double-action weight is about 9 ½ pounds while single-action measures four. The reset is short and crisp and easy to feel after about 3/16th of an inch of forward travel.
It’s all metal, although the frame is aluminum to save some weight. The slide is also now milled instead of stamped like the original. Capacity is eight in the magazine plus one in the chamber. The model shown here came with two, but you’ll want more magazines.
The threaded model shown here isn’t currently available on the website, but you can still order standard versions in black with G10 grips, two-tone, and with wood grips.
So what?
If you’re comparing this to other compact carry pistols strictly on the basis of size, it’s not for you. Yes, you can buy a compact double-stack with a lot more capacity. Yes, you can buy a lighter pistol. If you appreciate “shootability,” great balance and ergonomics, then by all means check it out. It’s slender, has enough grip height to easily drive the pistol, and a great double-action/single-action trigger. Simply put, it’s a joy to shoot.
Here’s where it really shines. If you can find the threaded model, it’s a near perfect 9mm suppressor host. Adding a can to a full-size pistol often creates a horribly balanced monstrosity. While fun, suppressed pistols are long and cumbersome and front heavy. Not this one. It’s perfectly proportioned to handle a silencer, and the more slender grip only helps to control the extra weight up front.
This unit for the P225-A1 should be good to go for the now discontinued P239. Same platform, single-stack, magazines from P225-A1 will even fit in the P239 (though will extend beyond the bottom of grip slightly). P239 threaded barrels in 9mm can still be found.
Nice gun. It’s a bit heavy for what most buyers are wanting these days but I really like it. It points well and feels natural in the hand.
People need to be aware that the magazines used for in the P225-A1 are stamped P225-1 and are sold under the model# MAG-225A-9-8. Also it is important to know that the *mags for the older A6 model WILL NOT fit* this updated model. They should also be aware that currently there are no P225-1 mags available but this could change. Sig currently seems to be focusing production on their polymer lines. Th eP225-A1 comes with three mags.
Also worth noting…. the threaded barrel model as shown in the article has tall sights and carrying holstered and/or concealed will be a challenge. The standard model has regular low sig sights.