Sphinx SDP vs. Sig Sauer P229

Independent George said:
Is the Sphinx 3000 still imported? Someday, if I ever win the powerball, I'd like to own one. The SDP looks nice, but doesn't inspire in me the same Old Testament level of envy that the 3000 does.
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I don't know if the 3000 is being built, but it is very similar to other Sphinx models (using the same basic structure as the SDP). All of the current Sphinxs I've seen - including the 3000 - use the two-part frame as is used in the SDP. This is an image of a full-size model, and very similar to pictures of the 3000. I'm pretty sure they'll continue to make their high-end IPSC guns for competitors in Europe; that's really a different market segment.

SDP_Production_Duotone_pl_559_429_90_zpsbdfe4d34.jpg
 
sphinx mastered by Cajun Gun Works

David @ Cajun Gun Works tuned my Sphinx SDP with a 7 lb 15 oz double action and a 3lb 8 oz single action pull. 11,150 rounds without a malfunction. In fact my friends have shot it as well with all types of ammo and CAN'T get it to malfunction. It's bet your life reliable and deadly accurate. I've shot many guns and carried professionally for 20 yrs and the Sphinx SDP is absolutely hands down the best. The only other gun that comes close is the HKP7M13. I had 47.000+ rounds with no failures out of the HKP7M13. By the way David at Cajun Gun Works is the go to person for CZ and Sphinx.....Personable, honest, great gunsmithing work you bet your life on..
 
Independent George:

I talked with a Kriss/Sphinx rep several days ago about other matters and learned that Sphinx IS still building the 3000. That weapon is way over my pay grade in several different ways, so I didn't ask for a lot of details.

I expect you'd have to pay $3000 +/- $500 depending on the dealer, features selected, etc. But if you ARE interested, I'm sure you can find more by contacting someone at the Sphinx website: http://www.sphinxarms.com/

.
 
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Which is a proven combat handgun?

I know the P229 is proven as a combat handgun. For concealed carry P229 has the better profile.
 
khornet224 said:
I know the P229 is proven as a combat handgun. For concealed carry P229 has the better profile.
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Just curious: which militaries or police use the P-229 as their standard issue weapon? (How else might they be "combat proven.") I know the US Coast Guard uses them, and THEY will see some action in their drug interdiction role.

The 229 is a fine weapon. I have a 228r, which is almost the same gun as the 229, but mine has been improved by Gray Guns (perhaps the best SIG gunsmithing firm in the country). I'm also shooting an SDP. I like the SDP better... (And, I suspect, I will eventually sell the GG P-228.)

Have YOU had a chance to try an SDP -- or is your opinion based solely on your appreciation of SIGs?
 
Worc said:
I think the Secret Service carries them. There a bunch of local PD's that carry them in my area.
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The Secret Service carries the P229, but in .357 SIG. Police departments may use them as well, but I'm not sure any of this really justifies the claim that the SIG P229 is a "combat proven weapon." Other SIGs, like the P226 might have a better claim to that title.
 
Yea, not exactly combat troops but, you did ask for different PD's and I gave some LEA's. I think the Ferguson PD carries the 229 as well. No doubt the 226 has more "Combat" experience than the 229 as well as the SDP. Much of it you may never hear about from special forces usage.
 
The Secret Service carries the P229, but in .357 SIG. Police departments may use them as well, but I'm not sure any of this really justifies the claim that the SIG P229 is a "combat proven weapon." Other SIGs, like the P226 might have a better claim to that title.
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While I would agree that technically the comment was wrong, the P229 for all intents and purposes is just a P226 that has had the barrel and grip chopped slightly. The same internal mechanism and design that should/shouldn't give the firearm its reliability exists in both. Looking at it that way I think it's fair to say the P229 is more "proven" than the relatively new SDP. Now Sphinx pistols have existed for some time, but I'm not aware if they are issued for military or law enforcement purposes. The CZ 75 of course is, but as we have established the SDP differs from the CZ 75 in many ways internally.
 
TunnelRat said:
While I would agree that technically the comment was wrong, the P229 for all intents and purposes is just a P226 that has had the barrel and grip chopped slightly.
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Agreed.

But while the P226 has a better claim to "combat proven," it's also not widely used in combat. The US Navy Seals DO use them -- and that's a good indication of their prowess..{/B]. there are less than 3000 SEALS and they don't all use P226s. Their handguns are often along for the ride, but they really seem to prefer sub-guns and things with longer barrels in combat. (One ex-SEAL I knew -- the spouse of a co-worker -- some years ago said given a choice he would rather carry an extra canteen than a handgun. He may have been pulling my leg, but he seemed to be serious. He liked longer barrels and more powerful rounds.)

Even the CZ-75, which I like a lot, hasn't been widely-used in combat (except, perhaps, by the Israelis, using 75s, and then Tanfoglio-built, then IMI-built CZ pattern guns.)

SIGs and Glocks and H&Ks are used by the militaries in the countries where they were originally made, but those countries don't see much combat. The British Army recently retired their BHPs and have moved to Glocks, but they've not carried them into combat yet, either.

Unless you're talking about Beretta M9s (we sent a LOT of troops into combat with M9s over the past couple of decades) or 1911s, I tend to be skeptical when I read claims about "combat proven."
 
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TBT said:
How about a P-07 from CGW? Tricked out and damn near perfect for less than a P229 new and a lot less than a Sphinx.
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I'm a big SDP fan. I'm also a CGW fan. I've never heard anything but raves about David's (CGW) work and design changes. While I don't have and haven't shot or handled a P-07 I hope to remedy that, one of these days. I can't personally comment of the differences between the P-07 and SDP. (I almost bought a used P-07 earlier this year, but someone got it before I could make up my mind.) David Milam at CGW seems to be an excellent gunsmith, has created some very innovative inhancements for CZs and other CZ Pattern guns. (I don't think his skills are limited to CZ Pattern guns, either.)

It may all boil down to whether you've got some extra cash you're willing to spend. The SDP is very nice as is, and with just $20 more in CGW parts, a near perfect CZ-pattern gun is made even better. That bit of "better" may not be worth the substantial extra total cost for some folks. Then, too, some folks just don't care for poly frames, and SDP is available in alloy or stainless, too.

I know a bit about some of the older Sphinxes and am shooting an SDP; I only know what I've read about the P-07/P-09. All that said, it sounds as though the P-07 may be one of the best VALUES going.
 
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What's a lot less?

The P-07, tuned, from CGW is $675.

Most of the the P229s I've seen for sales run from $850 on UP, depending on the models; The P229 Equinox, SAS, Elites, etc. can get pricey. $1000+ seems to be common price on the gun auctions, and some versions go for higher $$$.

The SDP has a MSRP of around $1100 for the alloy/poly model, but can be had for around $850 (and probably less in a few places). I haven't seen prices for the stainless steel and alloy/alloy framed SDP models, but would expect them to be AT LEAST $100+ more than the alloy/poly models.

It's hard to compare the SIGs to the Sphinx SDP models because of all thevariants available from either maker, but they might be pretty close in their prices -- which may have been your reason for asking the question, above..
 
That $675.00 will need things like shipping, taxes, and transfer fees depending where you are and how you buy one. That puts the price right around $700.00 to $750.00.
I just bought a Sphinx SDP for $860.00 for the gun, shipping, and transfer. I was happy to pay the additional $100.00 or so for the SDP over the CGW P-07. The grip, added accuracy, better quality, and unique design made deciding easy for me. That's not a "Lot Less" to me price wise. Curious what TBT considers a lot less since he's that one making a statement one is a "Lot Less" than another.
 
That $675.00 will need things like shipping, taxes, and transfer fees depending where you are and how you buy one. That puts the price right around $700.00 to $750.00.
I just bought a Sphinx SDP for $860.00 for the gun, shipping, and transfer. I was happy to pay the additional $100.00 or so for the SDP over the CGW P-07. The grip, added accuracy, better quality, and unique design made deciding easy for me. That's not a "Lot Less" to me price wise. Curious what TBT considers a lot less since he's that one making a statement one is a "Lot Less" than another.
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Go drink some egg-nog and relax. People are really wearing their hearts on their sleeves lately.
 
I am relaxed. Do you have something useful to add TunnelRat or are you trying to stir the pot for some reason?

Not sure what's wrong with asking what someones definition of a "Lot Less" is. Maybe TBT does not realize there are other costs that need to be added to the CGW P-07 or that you can get the Sphinx SDP for about $400.00 less than the MSRP.
 
I am relaxed. Do you have something useful to add TunnelRat or are you trying to stir the pot for some reason?
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Just pointing out a bit of over the top behavior when I see it. As my mother used to say, "It's not what you said, it's how you said it." :)
 
News flash! This is a text format only and you may read something into a post where there was no ill intent. :o

Have a Merry Christmas:)
 
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