I have a new 229(april 2012, extreme model with Hogue grips) which I compared to my buddy,s much older 226 from Germany. Im not sure when his was made, but I think he said around 1990 or so. Anyways, the only difference we could find was the 226's slide was about 1/2" longer. Grip looked identical, in length anyway. I was amazed and was wondering why make a gun so close in size? Seem to be very similar guns to me. Mine is the best, of course
