SIG p229 - Page 2

Indawind · May 15, 2016, 12:54 PM

My 9mm 229 SAS has been flawless and has been the catalyst for 3 other people getting 229s. I would consider being sure the model you are looking at has the SRT trigger in it because it just makes the package right.

As for mags, factory are great and I can say Mec-Gar are gtg as well. I run the +3 for reloads and they have never given any problems.

sigxder · May 18, 2016, 01:39 AM

I bought one of the early reconditioned ones from SIG that they bought back from police departments. New nightsights, refinished, looked new. It was one of the early railed 229's in 9mm. I have carried it for years with rounds numbering in not the thousands but over 10,000. Yes shot it a lot.
It rattles now. But it still shoots like a target gun. Has the best DA/SA of any gun of the type I have. And has never not shot.
My other SIG's are German models. But the early 229's rock. I have the whole P-series. The 220 and 229 are my favorites. Heard SIG quality has gone down in the newer guns. Damn shame. One of the finest Combat Handguns ever made.

sigxder · May 18, 2016, 01:41 AM

I use the MEC GAR 15 rounders also and never a problem. MEC GAR was OEM for SIG at one time.

Bamashooter · May 20, 2016, 09:39 AM

I recently bought a used 229 40S&W. Never owned a Sig or a 40S&W until that purchase and can honestly say its one of the finest handguns Ive ever owned. Extremely accurate, very reliable, its just a good gun. I dont think you will regret your decision.

rodfac · May 21, 2016, 07:20 AM

The following is not meant to downplay, Constantine's well reported problems with his used Sig, and Sig's failure to do anything about what is to me an obvious factory defect.

That said, several years ago, I bought a used P290 when they were still fairly new on the market. After a short period of time, the front sight (tritium type) went dark, and I was getting light firing pin strikes resulting in 1-2 failures to fire in each 100 rounds.

A call to Sig (and yes I did tell 'em it was a used gun when I called), resulted in a FEDEX shipping label and Sig fixed both problems in less than two weeks and on their dime. This was 3-4 years ago, so maybe things have changed, or I got an unusually receptive customer service agent. Since then I've had nothing but great dealings with Sig's CS people, albeit with other guns that I purchased new.

As to your choice of a P229...my #2 son has one, and likes it a lot. Other than the typical Sig bulky grip, and the 9mm caliber, I like it a lot as well. I have size "L" hands but still find Sig's in general, have overly round, bulky grips making the reach for the trigger a bit on the long side of things...especially in DA shooting, ie. the first shot for a DA/SA gun.

Hope you like yours if and when you buy it. You might try different Sigs as some have the smaller grip diameter and a better (SRT) trigger. If you find what you want, retro fitting your 229 is an easy job. Too, if you go with a .40, and you're a handloader, brass is easy to find via the LEO or range pick up route...and it's a better SD round with more bullet weight options IMHO.

Best Regards, YMMV....Rod

SansSouci · May 21, 2016, 07:32 AM

In a former line of work, I've known lots of professionals who carried Sigs. I've never known a single one that complained about a Sig.

The most reliable gun I own, and that includes Smith & Ruger revolvers, is a P-229.

I have personal knowledge of an S&W 5904 fired 10k w/o cleaning or maintenance, and it never failed to fire.

I know that there are a lot of old schoolers who refuse to accept that a modern semiauto is more reliable than a revolver. Were it me, I'd go with a good-quality semiauto every time.

dgludwig · May 21, 2016, 12:10 PM

Quote: "...Other than the typical Sig bulky grip, and the 9mm caliber, I like it a lot as well. I have size "L" hands but still find Sig's in general, have overly round, bulky grips making the reach for the trigger a bit on the long side of things...especially in DA shooting, ie. the first shot for a DA/SA gun..."

rodfac, have you handled a SIG pistol with the E2 grip? I have XL hands and much prefer the E2 grip to the "originals". As a bonus of sorts, both of my Models 227 and 226 have E2 grips and they feel exactly alike.

racedawg · May 21, 2016, 12:59 PM

Mine is the gen two sas,srt trigger,e2 grips,night sights,40 cal

Sent from my C6530N using Tapatalk

rodfac · May 24, 2016, 07:38 AM

Quote:

rodfac, have you handled a SIG pistol with the E2 grip? I have XL hands and much prefer the E2 grip to the "originals". As a bonus of sorts, both of my Models 227 and 226 have E2 grips and they feel exactly alike.

Yep, one of my sons has converted over to the E2 grips....much improved in my hands. Just haven't done it to mine as yet. Were I to buy a new Sig, of any model, I'd opt for that grip. Rod

Rinspeed · May 27, 2016, 04:46 PM

Quote:

In a former line of work, I've known lots of professionals who carried Sigs. I've never known a single one that complained about a Sig.

The most reliable gun I own, and that includes Smith & Ruger revolvers, is a P-229.

I've own quite a few Sigs from their lowest end model to their very highest. Every one of them has just plain worked and most of them are at the top of their class for both accuracy and reliability. Sig stills makes a hell of a pistol even though I think they ship more dogs now than they ever did in the past. They quit test firing every pistol they ship several years ago and that has a lot to do with it.

As I've said a couple times before the quality of most manufacturers has been going down hill for years, some very drastically. I doubt I would buy a new gun from most of them, the newest pistol I own is an HK.

lockedcj7 · May 28, 2016, 08:44 AM

I'm not a Sig (or any other) fanboy but I've owned two and they've both been fantastic. I stumbled across one at the LGS for $450 a few years ago and snapped it up before someone else did. It was non-railed and in .357 Sig. During the post Sandy Hook panic I traded it for an AR and instantly regretted it. I started haunting the LGS looking for another one and a used one with the rail and also in .357 Sig. showed up a few months later for only $500. I bought a .40 S&W barrel for it and it runs like a champ.

Those two were the first Sigs I've owned and I've since added a P220, also for $500. If you like to buy used and don't mind waiting, good deals can still be had.

SansSouci · May 28, 2016, 11:30 AM

The Sig P-226 is an excellent weapon. However, unless it has changed, its slide is stamped. The P-229's slide is machined from a block of stainless steel.

While it'll come down to preference, were it me, I'd go with a P-229 with its machined slide. But then again, the reality is machined or stamped, it probably won't matter.

Another consideration is the P-229 was designed for the .40 S&W. Other handguns were simply converted to fire .40 S&W rounds, which caused problems for some.

One more BTW, my preference is .40 S&W with 180 grain bullets. I want penetration and more of it. However, others seem to like the .357 Sig, which, I've read, has either been discontinued or about to be.

I have nothing against hollow point ammo. However, I never expect a hollow point to perform as advertised. Even if they did, I'd still rather have an exit wound. Lets out more blood and lets in more air...

TunnelRat · May 28, 2016, 11:51 AM

Quote:

The Sig P-226 is an excellent weapon. However, unless it has changed, its slide is stamped. The P-229's slide is machined from a block of stainless steel.

New production models have machined slides and have for a few years now. There are many people, including quite a few on this forum, that prefer the stamped slides in terms of the balance they lent the pistols. Sort of a cult following.

Quote:

Another consideration is the P-229 was designed for the .40 S&W. Other handguns were simply converted to fire .40 S&W rounds, which caused problems for some.

The P229 is essentially an upscaled P228 which is essentially a chopped P226 which is essentially a doubly stack frame P220. The P229 slide was machined rather than stamped, but from what I've read this was more out of a need to control slide velocity rather than just pure strength of the slide to handle the cartridge as the chamber pressure between the two cartridges is very similar (but I have heard differing accounts of this). I completely agree that the P229 handles the 40SW well and for me personally is probably a close second to the HK USP series in 40SW. My point is SIG took an existing design and modified it as needed for the 40SW to work. It wasn't a completely new design on its own.

SansSouci · May 28, 2016, 12:08 PM

Hi TunnelRat,

You're probably right. I've bought one when they were first introduced. I did a lot of research before buying. No buyer's remorse. It's the best handgun I own. It was the best handgun I've carried. It's far more reliable than any revolver I've carried, and that includes a 586.

Before I retired, we were forced to go with the USP .45 ACP. It was a great gun. But it was huge and heavy. While it was completely reliable, so is my P-229. I think that the .45 ACP is the best tactical handgun cartridge, yet I wanted to go back to my P-229 because it was smaller and lighter. Nope. Administrators make administrative decisions without input from cops who have to work with their material. I'd of been a whole lot happier with a 1911A1. But I was told that that was excluded because of the offensive appearance of a cocked hammer. That administrator really believed that Joe Public actually paid attention to the appearance of cops' handguns.

The USP is an excellent weapon, but I can't say that it's better than the P-229. Having carried a USP, I'd rather have a P-229. But it's merely my opinion. And I know that others have their opinions.

Stay safe,

Sans

TunnelRat · May 28, 2016, 12:14 PM

Quote:

The USP is an excellent weapon, but I can't say that it's better than the P-229. Having carried a USP, I'd rather have a P-229. But it's merely my opinion. And I know that others have their opinions.

To me a closer comparison to the P229 would be the USP Compact in 40SW. It's a lot more size friendly. I had a P2000 (a refresh on the USP Compact) in 40SW for a while that I really liked. I got rid of it at some point, which was a bad call on my part. Same for the P229 in 40SW. Luckily 40SW pistols can be had for very cheap now if you look.

SansSouci · May 28, 2016, 08:08 PM

Hi TunnelRat,

Both are excellent guns. One can't go wrong with either. I guess it would boil down to personal preference.

When the .40 S&W debuted, I was skeptical of its efficacy. It quickly proved itself as formidable cartridge. I've grown to appreciate the .40 S&W as a self-defense cartridge.

I'm more of momentum guy. I don't much look at kinetic energy. I like heavy for caliber bullets. I want bullets to penetrate. The .40 S&W with 180 grain bullets at 1000 FPS has impressive momentum.

I've carried a 1911 with W-W white box 230 grain ball ammo and never felt the least bit vulnerable. After all, the .45 ACP's stellar reputation was created with 230 grain ball ammo at about 850 FPS.

May 21, 2016, 07:20 AM	#30
rodfac Senior Member Join Date: January 22, 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,624	The following is not meant to downplay, Constantine's well reported problems with his used Sig, and Sig's failure to do anything about what is to me an obvious factory defect. That said, several years ago, I bought a used P290 when they were still fairly new on the market. After a short period of time, the front sight (tritium type) went dark, and I was getting light firing pin strikes resulting in 1-2 failures to fire in each 100 rounds. A call to Sig (and yes I did tell 'em it was a used gun when I called), resulted in a FEDEX shipping label and Sig fixed both problems in less than two weeks and on their dime. This was 3-4 years ago, so maybe things have changed, or I got an unusually receptive customer service agent. Since then I've had nothing but great dealings with Sig's CS people, albeit with other guns that I purchased new. As to your choice of a P229...my #2 son has one, and likes it a lot. Other than the typical Sig bulky grip, and the 9mm caliber, I like it a lot as well. I have size "L" hands but still find Sig's in general, have overly round, bulky grips making the reach for the trigger a bit on the long side of things...especially in DA shooting, ie. the first shot for a DA/SA gun. Hope you like yours if and when you buy it. You might try different Sigs as some have the smaller grip diameter and a better (SRT) trigger. If you find what you want, retro fitting your 229 is an easy job. Too, if you go with a .40, and you're a handloader, brass is easy to find via the LEO or range pick up route...and it's a better SD round with more bullet weight options IMHO. Best Regards, YMMV....Rod __________________ Cherish our flag, honor it, defend it in word and deed, or get the hell out. Our Bill of Rights has been paid for by heros in uniform and shall not be diluted by misguided governmental social experiments. We owe this to our children, anything less is cowardice. USAF FAC, 5th Spl Forces, Vietnam Vet '69-'73. Last edited by rodfac; May 21, 2016 at 07:29 AM.

May 21, 2016, 12:10 PM	#32
dgludwig Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2005 Location: North central Ohio Posts: 7,486	Quote: "...Other than the typical Sig bulky grip, and the 9mm caliber, I like it a lot as well. I have size "L" hands but still find Sig's in general, have overly round, bulky grips making the reach for the trigger a bit on the long side of things...especially in DA shooting, ie. the first shot for a DA/SA gun..." rodfac, have you handled a SIG pistol with the E2 grip? I have XL hands and much prefer the E2 grip to the "originals". As a bonus of sorts, both of my Models 227 and 226 have E2 grips and they feel exactly alike. __________________ ONLY AN ARMED PEOPLE CAN BE TRULY FREE ; ONLY AN UNARMED PEOPLE CAN EVER BE ENSLAVED ...Aristotle NRA Benefactor Life Member

May 28, 2016, 08:44 AM	#36
lockedcj7 Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2007 Posts: 1,215	I'm not a Sig (or any other) fanboy but I've owned two and they've both been fantastic. I stumbled across one at the LGS for $450 a few years ago and snapped it up before someone else did. It was non-railed and in .357 Sig. During the post Sandy Hook panic I traded it for an AR and instantly regretted it. I started haunting the LGS looking for another one and a used one with the rail and also in .357 Sig. showed up a few months later for only $500. I bought a .40 S&W barrel for it and it runs like a champ. Those two were the first Sigs I've owned and I've since added a P220, also for $500. If you like to buy used and don't mind waiting, good deals can still be had. __________________ To a much greater extent than most mechanical devices, firearms are terribly unforgiving of any overconfidence, complacency or negligence.

May 15, 2016, 12:54 PM	#26
Indawind Member Join Date: May 14, 2016 Location: Flyover Country Posts: 55	My 9mm 229 SAS has been flawless and has been the catalyst for 3 other people getting 229s. I would consider being sure the model you are looking at has the SRT trigger in it because it just makes the package right. As for mags, factory are great and I can say Mec-Gar are gtg as well. I run the +3 for reloads and they have never given any problems.

May 18, 2016, 01:39 AM	#27
sigxder Senior Member Join Date: August 20, 2009 Posts: 390	I bought one of the early reconditioned ones from SIG that they bought back from police departments. New nightsights, refinished, looked new. It was one of the early railed 229's in 9mm. I have carried it for years with rounds numbering in not the thousands but over 10,000. Yes shot it a lot. It rattles now. But it still shoots like a target gun. Has the best DA/SA of any gun of the type I have. And has never not shot. My other SIG's are German models. But the early 229's rock. I have the whole P-series. The 220 and 229 are my favorites. Heard SIG quality has gone down in the newer guns. Damn shame. One of the finest Combat Handguns ever made.

May 18, 2016, 01:41 AM	#28
sigxder Senior Member Join Date: August 20, 2009 Posts: 390	I use the MEC GAR 15 rounders also and never a problem. MEC GAR was OEM for SIG at one time.

May 20, 2016, 09:39 AM	#29
Bamashooter Senior Member Join Date: March 12, 2010 Posts: 1,860	I recently bought a used 229 40S&W. Never owned a Sig or a 40S&W until that purchase and can honestly say its one of the finest handguns Ive ever owned. Extremely accurate, very reliable, its just a good gun. I dont think you will regret your decision.

May 21, 2016, 07:32 AM	#31
SansSouci Senior Member Join Date: December 13, 2013 Location: Heart of Reagan Country Posts: 479	In a former line of work, I've known lots of professionals who carried Sigs. I've never known a single one that complained about a Sig. The most reliable gun I own, and that includes Smith & Ruger revolvers, is a P-229. I have personal knowledge of an S&W 5904 fired 10k w/o cleaning or maintenance, and it never failed to fire. I know that there are a lot of old schoolers who refuse to accept that a modern semiauto is more reliable than a revolver. Were it me, I'd go with a good-quality semiauto every time.

May 21, 2016, 12:59 PM	#33
racedawg Member Join Date: February 22, 2016 Location: indiana Posts: 94	Mine is the gen two sas,srt trigger,e2 grips,night sights,40 cal Sent from my C6530N using Tapatalk

May 28, 2016, 11:30 AM	#37
SansSouci Senior Member Join Date: December 13, 2013 Location: Heart of Reagan Country Posts: 479	The Sig P-226 is an excellent weapon. However, unless it has changed, its slide is stamped. The P-229's slide is machined from a block of stainless steel. While it'll come down to preference, were it me, I'd go with a P-229 with its machined slide. But then again, the reality is machined or stamped, it probably won't matter. Another consideration is the P-229 was designed for the .40 S&W. Other handguns were simply converted to fire .40 S&W rounds, which caused problems for some. One more BTW, my preference is .40 S&W with 180 grain bullets. I want penetration and more of it. However, others seem to like the .357 Sig, which, I've read, has either been discontinued or about to be. I have nothing against hollow point ammo. However, I never expect a hollow point to perform as advertised. Even if they did, I'd still rather have an exit wound. Lets out more blood and lets in more air...

May 28, 2016, 12:08 PM	#39
SansSouci Senior Member Join Date: December 13, 2013 Location: Heart of Reagan Country Posts: 479	Hi TunnelRat, You're probably right. I've bought one when they were first introduced. I did a lot of research before buying. No buyer's remorse. It's the best handgun I own. It was the best handgun I've carried. It's far more reliable than any revolver I've carried, and that includes a 586. Before I retired, we were forced to go with the USP .45 ACP. It was a great gun. But it was huge and heavy. While it was completely reliable, so is my P-229. I think that the .45 ACP is the best tactical handgun cartridge, yet I wanted to go back to my P-229 because it was smaller and lighter. Nope. Administrators make administrative decisions without input from cops who have to work with their material. I'd of been a whole lot happier with a 1911A1. But I was told that that was excluded because of the offensive appearance of a cocked hammer. That administrator really believed that Joe Public actually paid attention to the appearance of cops' handguns. The USP is an excellent weapon, but I can't say that it's better than the P-229. Having carried a USP, I'd rather have a P-229. But it's merely my opinion. And I know that others have their opinions. Stay safe, Sans

May 28, 2016, 08:08 PM	#41
SansSouci Senior Member Join Date: December 13, 2013 Location: Heart of Reagan Country Posts: 479	Hi TunnelRat, Both are excellent guns. One can't go wrong with either. I guess it would boil down to personal preference. When the .40 S&W debuted, I was skeptical of its efficacy. It quickly proved itself as formidable cartridge. I've grown to appreciate the .40 S&W as a self-defense cartridge. I'm more of momentum guy. I don't much look at kinetic energy. I like heavy for caliber bullets. I want bullets to penetrate. The .40 S&W with 180 grain bullets at 1000 FPS has impressive momentum. I've carried a 1911 with W-W white box 230 grain ball ammo and never felt the least bit vulnerable. After all, the .45 ACP's stellar reputation was created with 230 grain ball ammo at about 850 FPS.