Israeli Sig P228 "Trade-Ins". How is typical function?

Ignition Override · April 18, 2018, 02:26 AM

My three Sigs are all very nice Non-Israeli examples, with the Kiel Germany proof marks (the bug).

The photos of two available ex-Israeli examples show very dinged and scraped-up external components. I would not mind one as a range gun, if pretty reliable, but don't want any appreciable risk of needing one
shipped to Sig to make it operate ($).
Also, they must have replaced the original Arabic serial #s on the slides with Hebrew numbers etc. Impossible to determine whether matching unless one can read Hebrew symbols.

**But Did the Israeli armorers repair and replace any malfunctioning springs or other parts before the guns were exported to the US?

It's very doubtful that any of you have seen more than one of these 'in the flesh', unless you lived in Israel.
My handgun instructor lives there and is difficult to reach. Very busy times when you are a part-time security officer.

Fishbed77 · April 18, 2018, 04:43 PM

I can't speak to ex-Israeli P228s, but I own a surplus Mach 1-imported P226 that was supposedly an Israeli LEO/corrections officer-issued pistol.

The exterior was pretty rough when I received it (appeared to have been dropped and scraped up a few times), but the internals all looked excellent, and the pistol was obviously well-maintained.

I cleaned the pistol, replaced all springs, and touched up the finish a bit. It looks decent now and has run flawlessly for as long as I've owned it.

P-35HP · April 18, 2018, 05:00 PM

I would address any questions related to work done on the guns to the vendor. Personally I have seen two or three examples and they did not look good, no idea about internals. In general, Israelis are keeping their guns in very good working order.
Please post pictures of the gun you are looking at, I might be able to help with translation. There its no such a think as Hebrew numbers.They use Arab numbers too.

jonnyc · April 18, 2018, 06:31 PM

I am a Hebrew speaker and IDF vet, if that can help get you the info you need. FWIW, yes, Arabic numbers are usually used, but letters can be used as numbers also.
Post a pic.

Ibmikey · April 18, 2018, 11:29 PM

I have many Israeli used pistols and none exhibit anything other than light use when inspecting the interior. The exterior does take a bit of abuse but normally will clean up quickly, my Hi Powers had the enamel removed and lightly polished before being given a “ service blue” and now are hard to tell from a new issue from FN.
Buy the pistol they will not be around for much longer.

PzGren · April 19, 2018, 05:30 AM

The proof house wasn't in Kiel but in Eckernförde until end of last year. It was in the basement of SIG Sauer but with SIG Sauers demise got closed.

WVsig · April 19, 2018, 08:34 AM

If you are talking about the CDI guns they will run but not be pretty. The IDF guns and other Israeli trade ins they get are properly graded and function. That said those guns look pretty rough.

LBussy · April 19, 2018, 08:36 AM

Where are these guns being offered?

tallball · April 21, 2018, 07:42 AM

I have several Israeli surplus pistols. They all arrived worn on the outside and nice on the inside.

April 18, 2018, 02:26 AM	#1
Ignition Override Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2008 Location: About 20 nm from the Big Muddy Posts: 2,884	Israeli Sig P228 "Trade-Ins". How is typical function? My three Sigs are all very nice Non-Israeli examples, with the Kiel Germany proof marks (the bug). The photos of two available ex-Israeli examples show very dinged and scraped-up external components. I would not mind one as a range gun, if pretty reliable, but don't want any appreciable risk of needing one shipped to Sig to make it operate ($). Also, they must have replaced the original Arabic serial #s on the slides with Hebrew numbers etc. Impossible to determine whether matching unless one can read Hebrew symbols. **But Did the Israeli armorers repair and replace any malfunctioning springs or other parts before the guns were exported to the US? It's very doubtful that any of you have seen more than one of these 'in the flesh', unless you lived in Israel. My handgun instructor lives there and is difficult to reach. Very busy times when you are a part-time security officer.

April 18, 2018, 06:31 PM	#4
jonnyc Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2009 Location: PA Posts: 1,731	I am a Hebrew speaker and IDF vet, if that can help get you the info you need. FWIW, yes, Arabic numbers are usually used, but letters can be used as numbers also. Post a pic. __________________ 2024 PA Cartridge Collector Show; Aug. 16-17, 2024!!! Buy...Sell...Trade All Types of Ammunition & Ordnance PM or email me for 2024 show details.

April 19, 2018, 08:34 AM	#7
WVsig Senior Member Join Date: June 30, 2010 Location: NC Posts: 5,309	If you are talking about the CDI guns they will run but not be pretty. The IDF guns and other Israeli trade ins they get are properly graded and function. That said those guns look pretty rough. __________________ -The right to be left alone is the most comprehensive of rights, and the right most valued by free people.-Louis Brandeis -Its a tool box... I don't care you put the tools in for the job that's all... -Sam from Ronin -It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. -Aristotle

April 19, 2018, 08:36 AM	#8
LBussy Senior Member Join Date: February 26, 2012 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 296	Where are these guns being offered? __________________ -- Lee Bad decisions make good stories.

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April 18, 2018, 04:43 PM	#2
Fishbed77 Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2010 Posts: 4,862	I can't speak to ex-Israeli P228s, but I own a surplus Mach 1-imported P226 that was supposedly an Israeli LEO/corrections officer-issued pistol. The exterior was pretty rough when I received it (appeared to have been dropped and scraped up a few times), but the internals all looked excellent, and the pistol was obviously well-maintained. I cleaned the pistol, replaced all springs, and touched up the finish a bit. It looks decent now and has run flawlessly for as long as I've owned it.

April 18, 2018, 05:00 PM	#3
P-35HP Member Join Date: March 31, 2008 Location: NH Posts: 83	I would address any questions related to work done on the guns to the vendor. Personally I have seen two or three examples and they did not look good, no idea about internals. In general, Israelis are keeping their guns in very good working order. Please post pictures of the gun you are looking at, I might be able to help with translation. There its no such a think as Hebrew numbers.They use Arab numbers too.

April 18, 2018, 11:29 PM	#5
Ibmikey Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2013 Location: Now relocated to Texas Posts: 2,943	I have many Israeli used pistols and none exhibit anything other than light use when inspecting the interior. The exterior does take a bit of abuse but normally will clean up quickly, my Hi Powers had the enamel removed and lightly polished before being given a “ service blue” and now are hard to tell from a new issue from FN. Buy the pistol they will not be around for much longer.

April 19, 2018, 05:30 AM	#6
PzGren Senior Member Join Date: August 14, 2001 Posts: 1,258	The proof house wasn't in Kiel but in Eckernförde until end of last year. It was in the basement of SIG Sauer but with SIG Sauers demise got closed.

April 21, 2018, 07:42 AM	#9
tallball Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2014 Posts: 2,444	I have several Israeli surplus pistols. They all arrived worn on the outside and nice on the inside.