Released at Shot Show 2013, the P227 in .45 ACP is Sig Sauer’s latest edition to their Classic Series of alloy frame pistols. With a reduced circumference one-piece modular grip, the P227 packs a double-stacked magazine of 10+1 rounds of .45ACP (14 round extended magazine offered soon) into a manageable, very ergonomic package. It’s currently available in two full-size models with 4.4 inch barrels: The P227 Nitron, and the P227 SAS Gen 2. A “Carry” model, which has a slightly shorter 3.9 inch barrel is also available.
I ordered my P227 Nitron with SigLight night sights from the Sig Sauer Pro Shop in Epping, NH in June, and it arrived at my local FFL in late November. The pistol ships with two 10 round magazines, E2 grip removal tool, hard case, owner’s manual, and cable lock. Because I have yet to get my hands on the SAS or Carry version of the P227, this review will be based on my experience with the P227 Nitron.
The P227 shares the same frame dimensions with the P220 and P226 with an overall length of 7.70 inches, height of 5.5 inches and width of 1.5 inches. This allows it to fit in holsters designed for the P226R and P220R. I tested the P227 in several duty holsters designed for the P226, including the Safariland ALS holster with attached Streamlight TLR-1s without any issue. The P227 also fit into several polymer paddle style holsters designed for the 226R and the 220R, including 5.11 Thumb Drive, Black Hawk CQC and Safariland ALS. I have yet to find a holster that would fit my P226 that would not accept the P227. Magazine pouches are a different story, of course, but I’d rather buy new mag pouches than holsters any day.
The P227 comes standard with Sig’s E2 (Enhanced Ergonomics) single-piece “screwless” grips with a skate-tape like texture. A noticeable addition to the P227 is the single finger groove milled into the front strap of the grip directly below the trigger guard. This adds to the slim feel of the grip and seems to improve the overall handling of the pistol, especially when drawing from a holster. Fine checkering on the remainder of the front strap improves traction with wet or oily hands. The bottom of the grip is slightly extended and beveled to form a magazine well funnel to assist with reloads. The P227 is equipped with a standard M1913 Picatinny Rail for your accessorizing needs.
There is not a substantial difference between the grip size of the P226 and the P227. If you were to simply glance at the E2 grips of the two pistols, it would be tough to tell the difference. In hand, the P227 feels slightly larger, but not uncomfortably so.
The Nitron model is equipped with Sig’s standard Double Action/Single Action (DA/SA). The SAS Gen 2 model sports the DA/SA with a short-reset trigger (SRT), which reduces trigger reset travel by about 50%. An SRT conversion kit is available to install on Nitron models.
Out of the box, I found the 227’s trigger not as smooth as I had expected. Granted, the other Sigs I own have 3000+ rounds, and countless dry fire trigger presses in their history, and I would expect the P227’s trigger to smooth out comparatively after a break-in period. After about 100 Double-Action dry-fire presses of the trigger, it had smoothed out a bit. Factory rated double action trigger pull is 10 lbs., with 4.4 lbs in single-action.
The P227’s slide is identical to that of the P220. In fact, you can put a P220 slide on the P227 frame. This is particularly good news for those who own P220 long slide models, or who have P220’s with sight/barrel configurations not yet offered for the P227.
The magazines shipped with the P227 are 10 round capacity, and are basically a P250 magazine with a different floor plate. The P227 magazine floor plate insert (the part inside the magazine that attaches to the bottom of the spring, and rests against the floor plate) is slightly extended, and allows only 10 rounds to be inserted into the magazine. Replacing the P227 floor plate insert with a P229 floor plate insert will allow 11 rounds to be loaded into the magazine. I did not experience any malfunctions during testing with this configuration, however I would not recommend it for self-defense or duty carry simply because it is not a factory-approved modification. Sig will be releasing an extended 14-round magazine for the P227 in the near future.
I put about 300 rounds of various factory loaded .45 ACP (FMJ, Frangible, Jacketed Hollow-point, Bonded Hollow-point) through the P227 without any malfunctions. The pistol is nicely balanced and the recoil of the .45 ACP is easily manageable. It had been a while since I fired a Sig with the standard length trigger reset, and it’s tough to go back after firing a Sig with the SRT. After my first day at the range with the P227, I placed an order for the SRT conversion kit.
I don’t have a mechanical rest for accuracy testing, but reports of 1-3 inch groups at 25 yards with various grades of ammunition are out there on the web. Bottom line: The pistol is capable of far better accuracy than the average shooter’s skill level, and is most certainly adequate for self-defense or duty carry.
Overall, if you’re looking for an ergonomic, high capacity .45 ACP, take a look at the P227. It’s sure to be a hit with Sig Sauer fans and .45 ACP shooters alike. With an MSRP of around a grand, it’s not the most affordable double stack .45 out there, but with Sig Sauer, you generally get what you pay for.
Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points
Claim to Fame: High Capacity .45 ACP
Target Market: Law Enforcement, Armed Citizens
FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product)
- .45 ACP with 10+1 or 14+1 round capacity
- Highly ergonomic low profile grips
- Fits most holsters designed for the Sig Sauer P220R and P226R
- Corrosion resistant Nitron Coating
What other aesthetic options or finishes are available? P227 Carry, P227 SAS Gen 2, and apparently an Eqinox version that is not listed on Sig’s webpage, but can be found online.
What others are saying? “The gun feels great. And yesterday at the range, it shot great. I think SIG has a real winner on their hands” -Nick Leghorn (The Truth About Guns)
Price point
- MSRP = $993, $1085 with night sights
- Retail = $889-$999
I need it now! Availability: Top Gun Supply currently has them.
Our Rating
+ Highly ergonomic + Slim grips allow individuals with small hands to manipulate mag release, slide catch, etc. + 10+1 and 14+1 magazine capacity + Compatible with a wide range of holsters designed for P226R, P220R
- High MSRP - Limited availability (you may have to order and wait a while) - Nitron version does not come standard with SRT
Our Score: 9
