Let’s Dive into SIG SAUER Magazine P220 45AP 8 Round
The SIG SAUER P220 is a legendary pistol, known for its reliability and .45 ACP stopping power. To keep it running smoothly, you need magazines you can depend on, and the SIG SAUER Magazine P220 45AP 8 Round promises to deliver just that: enhanced capacity and that signature SIG SAUER quality. But does it live up to the hype, or does it fall short like some aftermarket options?
As a seasoned tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen countless magazines come and go, some gems, some duds. I was looking to upgrade my older P220 magazines, hoping for that extra round without sacrificing reliability. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic, but I knew the real test would be on the range.
Upon unboxing, the magazine felt solid, with a good weight and a clean black finish. The steel construction instilled confidence, although the plastic follower and baseplate raised some concerns about long-term durability. Compared to my original 7-round mags, the SIG SAUER Magazine P220 45AP 8 Round felt slightly different, but still within expected tolerances. I was both excited and a little apprehensive, eager to see if it would perform as well as the factory originals.
Real-World Testing: Putting SIG SAUER Magazine P220 45AP 8 Round to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the SIG SAUER Magazine P220 45AP 8 Round was at my local shooting range. I ran it through various drills, practicing rapid reloads and controlled pairs. The magazine performed flawlessly for the first few rounds, seating properly and feeding without a hitch.
However, after the first couple of magazines, I began to experience some difficulty loading the last few rounds, mirroring some concerns I’d seen in user feedback. In slightly dusty conditions, the magazine still operated, but the loading issues became more pronounced. I didn’t need time to get used to it, operationally, but the loading was definitely a point of concern that I had to adjust to.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and hundreds of rounds, the SIG SAUER Magazine P220 45AP 8 Round is holding up reasonably well. There are no significant signs of wear and tear on the steel body. However, the plastic baseplate shows some minor scuffing from repeated magazine changes.
Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward; a quick wipe down with a CLP-soaked cloth keeps it running smoothly. Compared to some aftermarket magazines I’ve used, the SIG SAUER magazine definitely feels more robust, but the loading issues remain a nagging concern. It certainly performs better than the “pro mag” series that many users have mentioned having release issues with, but has its own set of challenges.
Breaking Down the Features of SIG SAUER Magazine P220 45AP 8 Round
Specifications
- Manufacturer: SIG SAUER
- Gun Make: SIG Sauer
- Gun Model: SIG Sauer P220
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Magazine Capacity: 8 Round
- Color: Black
- Fabric/Material: Steel
These specifications are important because they dictate the magazine’s compatibility and performance. The steel construction provides durability, while the 8-round capacity offers a slight increase over the standard 7-round magazines. It’s made by SIG SAUER, so it should be a perfect fit and of high quality.
Performance & Functionality
The SIG SAUER Magazine P220 45AP 8 Round does its job adequately, but not perfectly. It reliably feeds ammunition once loaded, but the difficulty in loading the last few rounds detracts from its overall performance. While reliable in firing, the loading issues definitely cause frustration.
The magazine’s strength is its compatibility with the SIG Sauer P220 and its generally robust construction. The weakness is the difficulty in loading and some concern about the long-term durability of the plastic components. It meets expectations in terms of feeding and reliability during firing, but falls short regarding ease of loading.
Design & Ergonomics
The SIG SAUER Magazine P220 45AP 8 Round has a standard magazine design, nothing particularly innovative. The steel body feels solid and well-made, but the plastic baseplate feels a bit cheap.
The magazine is relatively easy to handle and insert, but the loading difficulty can be frustrating. There’s not much of a learning curve, but getting those last few rounds in can be a real pain. It’s a very standard design, so there’s not much to comment on beyond that.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel body of the SIG SAUER Magazine P220 45AP 8 Round should last a long time with proper care. The plastic baseplate is a potential weak point and may need replacing eventually.
Maintenance is simple: regular cleaning and lubrication will keep it functioning smoothly. Overall, the durability is decent, but the plastic components are a concern. The steel should hold up very well, however.
Accessories and Customization Options
The SIG SAUER Magazine P220 45AP 8 Round doesn’t come with any accessories. There aren’t really any customization options for magazines, other than perhaps replacing the baseplate with an aftermarket version.
It is compatible with any standard SIG Sauer P220 magazine pouches. It is a drop-in replacement; it doesn’t require any modification to the firearm. I’d certainly recommend purchasing a mag loader if you plan on using this.
Pros and Cons of SIG SAUER Magazine P220 45AP 8 Round
Pros
- Increased capacity over standard 7-round magazines.
- Reliable feeding once loaded.
- Durable steel construction.
- Direct compatibility with SIG Sauer P220.
- Relatively easy to clean and maintain.
Cons
- Difficult to load the last few rounds.
- Plastic baseplate feels somewhat cheap and potentially fragile.
- Reports of inconsistencies and fitment issues in some units.
Who Should Buy SIG SAUER Magazine P220 45AP 8 Round?
The SIG SAUER Magazine P220 45AP 8 Round is perfect for SIG Sauer P220 owners looking for a slight capacity upgrade. It’s also suitable for those who need spare magazines for range use or competition. Someone who wants a reliable magazine, even if it may take some extra effort to load, will likely benefit from this purchase.
Anyone who demands effortless loading or is particularly concerned about the durability of plastic components should skip this product. Those who are extremely recoil-sensitive or have weak hands may also struggle with loading it. The must-have accessory is definitely a magazine loader, without one, this can be a very frustrating piece of gear to utilize.
Conclusion on SIG SAUER Magazine P220 45AP 8 Round
The SIG SAUER Magazine P220 45AP 8 Round offers a tempting combination of increased capacity and the promise of SIG SAUER quality. However, the loading issues are a significant drawback that potential buyers should be aware of. It’s a functional magazine, but not without its quirks.
At $47.79, the price is somewhat justified given the SIG SAUER name and the steel construction, but the loading difficulty makes it feel a bit overpriced. I would personally recommend it with reservations, advising buyers to purchase a magazine loader and be prepared for some initial frustration. If the loading issue doesn’t bother you, and the price point is right, this could be a suitable addition to your kit.