Are You OnPoint?

Long ago I became a huge fan of SIG Sauer products. They are known around the world for producing some of the most reliable, accurate, and durable firearms in the modern age. Just like anything else of Swiss/German engineering, SIG Sauer products exhibited precise tolerances and exact machining. For many years, SIG basked in its reputation of the aforementioned qualities combined with a price tag that the average consumer could endure. Fast-forwarding to present day, it appears that the redeeming characteristics of SIG Sauer (or SIGArms in the U.S.A.) have transformed.

One of SIG’s biggest competitors had always been Heckler and Koch (commonly referred to as H&K or HK), another world-class German manufacturer. In the past few decades, HK products have developed a reputation for precision, reliability, durability, and accuracy, albeit at a high price tag. HK had also won many contracts with Militaries and Police organizations worldwide. Unfortunately, HK had also gained a reputation of having horrible customer service for the civilian sector. Truth be told, SIG Sauer and Heckler and Koch had many things in common. Both had established incredibly strong reputations in the firearms industry with Military, Police, and Civilian clients alike. Because of the higher price of HK products as compared to SIG products and the poor customer service offered by HK to civilian gun owners, SIG Sauer captured more prospective buyers in the civilian world than its competitor. In today’s world of fierce competition for contracts and sales, the tides have turned.

In 2004, SIG Sauer won U.S. Government contracts with the newfound Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Coast Guard in addition to the pre-existing contracts with the F.B.I. and the U.S. Secret Service. In 2005, SIG Sauer eliminated almost all of its distributors and raised prices across the board. All products of similar characteristics were to share the same price tag, which was quite different to the pricing strategies of the past. The SIG Sauer pistols now boasted a price tag that was actually higher than their Heckler and Koch counterparts. Handgun buyers now had a choice to make between two top tier brands that were finally in the same price bracket. At first glance, the edge would belong to SIG, but the new contracts and fame spawned new problems for SIGArms in New Hampshire.

The gun publications had publicized SIG’s victory in these contracts, and demand boomed. In the firearms industry, Military and Police requirements seem to dictate the trends for the civilian sector. The ever-popular SIGArms began pushing out pistols at a rapid rate, many of which would make it to dealer shelves that would never have passed a thorough quality control test. Along with the boost of business came the inability to handle customer service issues regarding these defective products. A three-week wait for a repair is not uncommon. Customers have also had problem obtaining parts and other miscellaneous items from a company that seemed incapable of serving their needs.

I have recently placed an order for a spring kit for a SIG Sauer pistol. This particular order was placed for preventative maintenance, not required parts replacements. I placed the order two weeks ago. The second day after my order was placed, my credit card was charged for the order, but my order has still not shipped. Their web store still shows the order to be in a Processing status. I have sent two emails with regards to this order with no response after 5 days. I have attempted to place telephone calls to Customer Service to inquire about the status of my order. Each time I call, there is a 30 minute wait on a phone line which is not a toll-free number. Luckily for me, the SIG pistol I own is not the only firearm in my inventory, and likewise, I am lucky that my need is not of a dire nature. I cannot imagine depending on this firearm in this day and age where I cannot obtain replacement parts/service in a timely manner.

Self-Defense is a serious matter for serious folks. In a day and age where kidnapping, murder, and rape dominate the news, one simply cannot afford to wait for a lackadaisical manufacturer to slowly respond to their needs. It appears that HK is no longer the worlds leader in expensive (albeit top-quality) products with poor customer service. SIG Sauer now seems to have edged out HKs notoriety for poor service at a high price tag. At the present time, I simply cannot recommend SIGArms products for someone looking for their only self-defense weapon. For the money, there are far better choices out there. Caveat Emptor!

This beautiful custom Ruger Vaquero is owned by my friend, Bill Colby. It is a stainless Ruger Vaquero in .45LC with a custom power action job, trigger job, and jeweled hammer and trigger by Bob Cogan, owner of APW Cogan Custom.

Cogan is one of the premier gunsmiths in the country. He handles custom work for Massad Ayoob, Springfield Armory, Kel-Tec, Rock River Arms, and STI.

Is the new Dark Earth finish from Springfield a bellwether for the shooting industry? Or is this color scheme just another inane marketing ploy, created to sell more pistols?

The introduction of polymer technology in recent decades has certainly contributed to this latest innovation. No, Springfield didn’t do it first, but their new Dark Earth color is grabbing attention from buyers. The finish is billed as the ideal color for a new era in urban combat, centered around the middle east, I suppose. A sand-colored pistola seems appropriate for a region covered in the stuff. However, will shooters see a benefit in the new look?

At present, demand for black/blued firearms is much greater than for their trendy, multi-colored counterparts, even in the military and law enforcement circles that I service. As a gun dealer, I sell many AR15s each month, but only a fraction of those have desert tan or olive drab furniture. Kel-Tec offers pistols in a variety of colors including blue, od green, grey, and even pink, but our best seller is black. Last year, Heckler & Koch introduced a color concept line of their own: USP pistols in urban grey, olive drab, and desert tan. The olive drab version sold well, but the grey and tan versions were dismissed by many buyers. On the other hand, 1911s with exotic finishes sell quite well. Consider the Kimber Desert Warrior, Springfield Loaded 1911s in OD Armory Kote, and two-tone Wilson Combat pistols in olive drab and grey. Despite long waits, many buyers are holding out for black versions of the popular new FN FS2000 and PS90, in lieu of purchasing one in olive drab.

Only time will tell if these finishes become a mainstay in the industry. For now, get in line for the Dark Earth XDs. The 3 units we’ve received are already gone!

Until next time, stay On Point!
–Evan

Taurus is sending shock waves through the gun industry with its latest pistol, the PT1911, a copy of the venerable 1911. The 1911 has always been an exciting topic for gun writers. It’s a classic design that offers reliability, accuracy, and nostalgia. This offering from Taurus is no different. So what’s causing the furore?

For around $500, you can have a completely loaded, stainless steel Taurus 1911. No, this is not your typical stripped-down, mil spec model. This is a full-featured 1911 with all the bells and whistles you would expect from a gun costing 4 times as much! Consider the Heine straight-8 sights, forged stainless slide and frame, vented trigger, 30lpi checkering on the front grip, trigger guard, and back strap! It also has a factory upgraded trigger job, beaver tail, target hammer, and 8rd magazines with bumper (slam) pads.

For the money, you can’t beat this 1911. Nothing out there comes as complete out of the box as this Taurus. Frankly, I’m excited to sell them. Demand is high, so they’re hard to keep in stock. There are four versions right now. You choose stainless or blued, with or without the integral tactical rail.

If you’re interested in one of these fantastic pistols, please feel free to contact me via e-mail: Evan@OnPointFirearms.com
We have a waiting list for these pistols, so orders will be on a first come, first served basis. Thanks!

– Evan