bobby_lori
New member
I am thinkning of buying one (Sig 229 .40) for duty use. Anyone got comments on the gun. Good/bad, likes/dislikes. How is it for concealed carry? Duty use?
Thanks for all the help
Thanks for all the help
Need info on Sig 229
- Thread starter bobby_lori
- Start date
Green Republican
New member
It's one of the best guns out there (opinion only). I don't carry concealed, but it might be a little big for that with some of the other choices out there. For everything else, though, it does it all. Just put 100 rounds of .357 Sig through mine and was hitting small pieces of clay targets at about 60 to 75 yards or so. Very pleasant to shoot and ergonomically very close to perfect (closer than anything else that I've ever shot). Maintenance is as easy as it gets as well. And most importantly: It looks cool.
riddleofsteel
New member
The P229 is one of the finest handguns on the market today. It ranks with Glock, HK, ect. It is a double/single action design with frame mounted decocker. They come with excellent triggers that only get better with age and use. It also has the advantage of having barrels available for it in 9mm, .357, and .40 S&W although a P228 would be lighter if 9mm is your final choice.
While on that subject some folks find a fully loaded P229 a little heavy and thick for day to day carry. On the other hand until you shoot one you don't know what real comfort in shooting .40 S&W is. The P229 has the distinction of being one of the first handguns that designed for .40 S&W and is not a previous 9mm model with a .40 barrel stuck on it.
The only real downside to the P229 is that the majority of them came out with a stainless slide finished with a black nitride coating. This coating is not very durable and will wear on the high spots or contact areas fairly fast. With the slide being stainless this is not a real corrosion problem but many see it as a cosmetic issue.
I have a P229 police trade in that I purchased for $285.00 and tax. It has a little less than 50% of the "black" left on the slide. The frame has a few small nicks here and there but nothing major. I personally see this finish wear as attractive. The weapon has that "been there" look that only comes from being carried and fired over a long period of time. I have no plans to refinish it but my options would be to have the side bead blasted for a satin stainless look ($35.00), send it off to one of the refinishers like Robar, W.W. Birdsong, Arizona Response, ect. or paint it myself with some of the excellent finishes available from the Brownells catalog.
However, I have a medium size handgun that shoots like a mini rifle, holds 12 + 1 of .40 S&W, is absolutely reliable and cost me
less than $500.00 with after market grips and holster. I am not worried about a little wear. Like a good 4WD truck or jeep, a daily carry gun really becomes comfortable when you get to the point were it has those first few nicks or a little wear. The bottom line is the entire SIG line exudes quality. Very similar to owning a fine European automobile like a BMW. But don't take my my word go rent one and try for yourself.
While on that subject some folks find a fully loaded P229 a little heavy and thick for day to day carry. On the other hand until you shoot one you don't know what real comfort in shooting .40 S&W is. The P229 has the distinction of being one of the first handguns that designed for .40 S&W and is not a previous 9mm model with a .40 barrel stuck on it.
The only real downside to the P229 is that the majority of them came out with a stainless slide finished with a black nitride coating. This coating is not very durable and will wear on the high spots or contact areas fairly fast. With the slide being stainless this is not a real corrosion problem but many see it as a cosmetic issue.
I have a P229 police trade in that I purchased for $285.00 and tax. It has a little less than 50% of the "black" left on the slide. The frame has a few small nicks here and there but nothing major. I personally see this finish wear as attractive. The weapon has that "been there" look that only comes from being carried and fired over a long period of time. I have no plans to refinish it but my options would be to have the side bead blasted for a satin stainless look ($35.00), send it off to one of the refinishers like Robar, W.W. Birdsong, Arizona Response, ect. or paint it myself with some of the excellent finishes available from the Brownells catalog.
However, I have a medium size handgun that shoots like a mini rifle, holds 12 + 1 of .40 S&W, is absolutely reliable and cost me
less than $500.00 with after market grips and holster. I am not worried about a little wear. Like a good 4WD truck or jeep, a daily carry gun really becomes comfortable when you get to the point were it has those first few nicks or a little wear. The bottom line is the entire SIG line exudes quality. Very similar to owning a fine European automobile like a BMW. But don't take my my word go rent one and try for yourself.
SouthpawShootr
New member
I have a 229 in 9 mm. Accurate, reliable, and I'm very happy with it. OK, I know a US Customs Agent who has a .40 P229 as a duty gun. I have seen him shoot police pistol matches with it for the past 3 years. I have never seen it jam and he always places near the top. I asked him about it last month and he said he absolutely loves the gun.
KEN CHAVEZ
New member
I love my SIG-P229 .40S&W buy it!, but for concealed carry I like my SIG-P239 .40S&W.
The SIG P228 is different, but since 1992 it has been approved for military use as a compact 9mm - it's called the M11.
According to a FAQ I read, the Army's testing calls for a maximum of 17 stoppages in 15,000 rounds. The three SIGs they tested had a TOTAL of one stoppage in 15,000 rounds.
The SIG P226 was the only pistol that passed all the tests for the service arm - Beretta was $15 per gun cheaper and got the contract. So you can expect a very high level of reliability and durability.
According to a FAQ I read, the Army's testing calls for a maximum of 17 stoppages in 15,000 rounds. The three SIGs they tested had a TOTAL of one stoppage in 15,000 rounds.
The SIG P226 was the only pistol that passed all the tests for the service arm - Beretta was $15 per gun cheaper and got the contract. So you can expect a very high level of reliability and durability.
I love my 229 in 357. It is one probably the most accurate gun I own. The trigger is awesome and everything about is feels "smooth". Mine has never jammed and Ive tried all kinds of ammo. My only complain was the finish which wore off fairly fast. I got mine refinished with a silver moly coating and now I like it even more.
EOD Guy in VA
New member
Out of 24 handguns ... the P229 with both .357SIG & .40S&W barrels is my favorite
Buy the 229! Whether you get the .40 or the .357sig, the barrels are interchangable so it's like gettin' two for one!
Very dependable, I've put 1200 rounds thru the 229 I bought used from a cop, he was forced by his Dept. to only carry the 228 in 9mm he was issued. Put a set of Hogue rubbers on it and it shoots and feels even better!
Get yourself a Fobus paddle holster if you're gonna CC, they sit flat and high with a nice foward cant.
Very dependable, I've put 1200 rounds thru the 229 I bought used from a cop, he was forced by his Dept. to only carry the 228 in 9mm he was issued. Put a set of Hogue rubbers on it and it shoots and feels even better!
Get yourself a Fobus paddle holster if you're gonna CC, they sit flat and high with a nice foward cant.
A random thought about my SIGs. I own the 9mm Para and .357 SIG version of the P229.
Even after having fired thousands of rounds through these guns I am still having a hard time making the transition over from a Glock. The decocking lever keeps throwing me off on my reloads. I keep wanting to use it as a slide release. With more training I could probably overcome this problem.
The SIG is one well made gun however. I doubt anyone could go wrong with getting one. But for me I guess I'm a Glock guy - something I never thought I'd say 17 years or so ago.
(Shameless plug for a Glock 32 - It comes in .357 SIG, can be easily changed over to 40 S&W by changing out the barrel. The G32 can also be easily converted to 9mm Para by changing the barrel, magazine, and ejector, and if I remember correctly the extractor as well - maybe not though)
Good Luck with your choice.
Rob
Even after having fired thousands of rounds through these guns I am still having a hard time making the transition over from a Glock. The decocking lever keeps throwing me off on my reloads. I keep wanting to use it as a slide release. With more training I could probably overcome this problem.
The SIG is one well made gun however. I doubt anyone could go wrong with getting one. But for me I guess I'm a Glock guy - something I never thought I'd say 17 years or so ago.
(Shameless plug for a Glock 32 - It comes in .357 SIG, can be easily changed over to 40 S&W by changing out the barrel. The G32 can also be easily converted to 9mm Para by changing the barrel, magazine, and ejector, and if I remember correctly the extractor as well - maybe not though)
Good Luck with your choice.
Rob
I'm a Sig fan, as you can probably tell by my post's. But the
P229 in .40 caliber is my least favorite. Using
the factory 180 grain offering's, it's grip is just too short
for the stout recoil and muzzle blast of the weapon.
I prefer the more "hand fitting" grip angle of the P220, and
.45 caliber.
Not to mention the fact that the P229
seems a bit "top heavy", when compared to a Sig P228.
This is just my opinion, based on ownership and operation
of all weapon's discussed.
Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
P229 in .40 caliber is my least favorite. Using
the factory 180 grain offering's, it's grip is just too short
for the stout recoil and muzzle blast of the weapon.
I prefer the more "hand fitting" grip angle of the P220, and
.45 caliber.
Not to mention the fact that the P229seems a bit "top heavy", when compared to a Sig P228.
This is just my opinion, based on ownership and operation
of all weapon's discussed.
Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
David Berkowitz
New member
I'm going to sort of disagree with Ala Dan. The 229 is my second favorite of the Sig family. My favorite is the 228.
I have a small to medium hand and the 229 fits it fine. Some say it is even better for large hands, but I wouldn't know. It is top heavy when empty, but a full magazine offsets that. I find the top heaviness helps in control for speed in a second shot.
If this is for duty use, your department will either specify or give you choices. What are your options?
BYW, the 229 conceals just fine, but don't skimp on the holster. It doesn't make sense to put a $700 gun in a $20 holster.
You get your money's worth.
I have a small to medium hand and the 229 fits it fine. Some say it is even better for large hands, but I wouldn't know. It is top heavy when empty, but a full magazine offsets that. I find the top heaviness helps in control for speed in a second shot.
If this is for duty use, your department will either specify or give you choices. What are your options?
BYW, the 229 conceals just fine, but don't skimp on the holster. It doesn't make sense to put a $700 gun in a $20 holster.
You get your money's worth.
I've got a 229 in .40. Excellent gun. Some have mentioned the finish wearing off quickly, and I agree with that as mine has a few nicks. They've also mentioned that it's heavy compared to other carry guns, and while it in line with other metal framed guns, the polymer guns (Glock 19/23, HK USP, Walther P99, etc.) are much lighter. Finally, some mention that the 228 is a better choice in 9mm (not sure if I agree, but that's the general consensus), but I was willing to give up one round of ammo to go with the bigger bullet.
Overall, it's an excellent gun which holds its own with the Glock, HK, Walther, and other fine guns.
Overall, it's an excellent gun which holds its own with the Glock, HK, Walther, and other fine guns.