I HATE the Sig design! The slide stop just happens to be located exactly where your thumb rests if you are right handed, and it prohibits slide lock after the last round. I shoot with thumbs forward, but even with other posistions I still have trouble.
This is something you should test before spending the money on a Sig. Hold the gun like you would if you were firing and ask someone to rack the slide several times with an empty magazine in the gun. If the slide will lock back then you shouldn't have a problem, but I have heard several other people complain about the same thing.
My first Sig was a Mk25 226, and I loved the look and feel of the gun, but I cannot carry a gun that doesn't function properly. I have since tried different models and they all produce the same results.
As for the Walther, I would NOT purchase it! You can buy an excellent gun for the same price and get good customer service with it. You can also get a gun where the customer service doesn't matter because the gun is bullet proof! I have had HORRIBLE encounters with Walther CS here in the states, which is operated by Smith and Wesson.
Not stalking the forum, but I was literally just reading through it again as you posted. Hence, the 30-second response time
I had a Sig 2022, and even though it's the "Wal-Mart" version of Sig pistols, I never had any problems with the controls interfering with operation as a lefty. The only thing that sucked for me was the decocker. It was all but useless as a lefty, and did nothing but take up room for me. I've used my friends P226 and P229, and didn't have a problem with my grip (I use "thumbs forward" about 90% of the time), but maybe that's because I'm not right-handed?
Would you mind going into detail about your experience with Walther/S&W customer service? I'm curious. I had a PPQ, but never had to contact them for any reason. I'm yet to find a handgun with equally good ergonomics as the PPQ, and also that sweet 0.1 inch reset
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I've owned Glocks, Sigs, a few Taurus pistols, Rugers, S&Ws, Walthers and Hi-Points (don't laugh!). What would you recommend? I'm basically looking for a mid-size handgun (to conceal easier than my G22 if needed) and chambered in 9mm (.40 is getting expensive to shoot). A SA/DA would be sweet, but really, I'm down to try anything. I can always sell or trade it if I don't like it.