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!