Sig P229 vs P229R

Noreaster · September 7, 2013, 08:07 AM

Looking at picking up another P229. I didn't realize they stopped making the 229 w/o a rail. I carried a P229 no rail for over ten years and loved it. Other than the square trigger guard is there much of a difference. I'm interested in opinions on the P229R.

TunnelRat · September 7, 2013, 08:09 AM

Quote:

I didn't realize they stopped making the 229 w/o a rail.

They didn't. Look up the P229 SAS or M11-A1.

CharlieDeltaJuliet · September 7, 2013, 08:14 AM

TunnelRat is right those two still are standard I believe. I carry the P229R. I cannot complain. I love the trigger guard and my Galco holster was made for the railed version so it fits great. It shoots great is small enough with the rail to be a comfortable carry gun.

TunnelRat · September 7, 2013, 08:17 AM

CDJ is right that there are plenty of holsters and whatnot for the railed version. I prefer the non-railed version for its balance, which is a subjective thing but it seems better to me without the rail. If all it is used for is carry the rail might not be important, but on a home defense gun I do like the rail.

MASigman · September 7, 2013, 08:45 AM

I have a P229 with a rail as my home defense weapon..The rail gives you the ability of mounting a light and laser. The STL-900L tactical light and laser is a good choice for the P229. The high-powered beam (steady or disorienting strobe light) packs 130 peak lumens of light. I'm sure everyone is correct. Other than the addition of a rail both guns are basically the same. As far as a carry gun. I originally carried the P229 with a crossbreed IWB holster. The crossbreed destributes the weight nicely and makes for a comfortable carry. My P229 is now my home defense weapon and I carry the M&P Shield.
Mainly because it is easy to conceal 12 months of the year.

Noreaster · September 7, 2013, 09:18 AM

I'll have to go check the price on the SAS. Good to know there are still making it w/o the rail. I'm not opposed to a rail, just use to the 229 without one. Maybe go feel one with a rail and check it out.

PP99 · September 7, 2013, 06:46 PM

I've owned them both, today the keeper is the non railed smooth clean version.

WVsig · September 7, 2013, 06:52 PM

I prefer the non-railed P229 because I like the cleaner look and I do not use a rail mounted light so I have no need for the rail.

ClydeFrog · September 7, 2013, 07:20 PM

SIG's US headquarters had a major hiring push about 2 years ago.
I recall posting a topic about the new employment openings on TFL,

.

The new execs seemed to have reduced a lot of the SIG Sauer models & firearms that were not selling in the US market(s).
It's a smart business move to thin out the selection but someone is going to be miffed when they can no longer spend a few $$$ on their ideal SIG Sauer pistol.
You can't make every US gun buyer happy.
I prefer the newer 1913/rail pistols for carry or duty. They won't win any blue ribbons but they are functional & allow more carry options.

There are safe queens & there are guns that; "ride the river"(a old US Border Patrol expression).

SIG Sauer wants to meet the demands of the largest segment of the LE & gun buying public.

ClydeFrog

TXAZ · September 7, 2013, 07:35 PM

I have an R, and like it more than the 229 because of the balance with a light on the front rail.

TunnelRat · September 7, 2013, 08:27 PM

Quote:

SIG Sauer wants to meet the demands of the largest segment of the LE & gun buying public.

Which they are doing by still offering both versions

. Yay choices!

CharlieDeltaJuliet · September 7, 2013, 08:34 PM

The railed version isn't for everyone. I personally love it, but understand why some do not. I have a P220R that my wife purchased for me, I would rather it be the rail-less. But being it was a gift from her I will grin and keep it till I die.

DasGuy · September 7, 2013, 09:14 PM

I prefer SIGs without rails, but you can't go wrong with either.

Rinspeed · September 8, 2013, 11:26 AM

I just about always will prefer an older Sig to one of the newer ones.

Noreaster · September 8, 2013, 04:26 PM

Stopped at the Pro shop today. They had two SAS versions on the wall and the price wasn't bad, but now I'm considering the railed version. The rail wasn't as pronounced as I remembered it.

TunnelRat · September 8, 2013, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Stopped at the Pro shop today. They had two SAS versions on the wall and the price wasn't bad, but now I'm considering the railed version. The rail wasn't as pronounced as I remembered it.

Did you handle both?

Noreaster · September 8, 2013, 08:29 PM

I handled a 229R and I liked it. For concealed carry it wouldn't be as smooth as the SAS/non railed. I actually picked up a 2022 and that wasn't bad at all. I could afford the 2022 and a holster and extra barrel. Probably didn't help going there, I found a couple of other things I wanted. Dangerous place to go to with a credit card.

CharlieDeltaJuliet · September 9, 2013, 04:47 AM

I have never snagged my rail on mine, but I personally love the Mk 11-A1. I picked the rail version because I caught it for a song. I never looked back and am proud knowing that my primary is a Sig that will go bang every time....

September 7, 2013, 08:07 AM	#1
Noreaster Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2011 Location: New England Posts: 1,449	Sig P229 vs P229R Looking at picking up another P229. I didn't realize they stopped making the 229 w/o a rail. I carried a P229 no rail for over ten years and loved it. Other than the square trigger guard is there much of a difference. I'm interested in opinions on the P229R.

September 7, 2013, 08:14 AM	#3
CharlieDeltaJuliet Senior Member Join Date: July 25, 2012 Posts: 755	TunnelRat is right those two still are standard I believe. I carry the P229R. I cannot complain. I love the trigger guard and my Galco holster was made for the railed version so it fits great. It shoots great is small enough with the rail to be a comfortable carry gun. __________________ " The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in Government...." - Thomas Jefferson

September 7, 2013, 08:17 AM	#4
TunnelRat Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2011 Posts: 12,212	CDJ is right that there are plenty of holsters and whatnot for the railed version. I prefer the non-railed version for its balance, which is a subjective thing but it seems better to me without the rail. If all it is used for is carry the rail might not be important, but on a home defense gun I do like the rail. __________________ Know the status of your weapon Keep your muzzle oriented so that no one will be hurt if the firearm discharges Keep your finger off the trigger until you have an adequate sight picture Maintain situational awareness

September 7, 2013, 08:45 AM	#5
MASigman Member Join Date: August 27, 2013 Posts: 17	I have a P229 with a rail as my home defense weapon..The rail gives you the ability of mounting a light and laser. The STL-900L tactical light and laser is a good choice for the P229. The high-powered beam (steady or disorienting strobe light) packs 130 peak lumens of light. I'm sure everyone is correct. Other than the addition of a rail both guns are basically the same. As far as a carry gun. I originally carried the P229 with a crossbreed IWB holster. The crossbreed destributes the weight nicely and makes for a comfortable carry. My P229 is now my home defense weapon and I carry the M&P Shield. Mainly because it is easy to conceal 12 months of the year. __________________ “Firearms stand next in importance to the constitution itself. They are the American people's liberty teeth and keystone under independence …" George Washington Last edited by MASigman; September 7, 2013 at 08:52 AM.

September 7, 2013, 06:52 PM	#8
WVsig Senior Member Join Date: June 30, 2010 Location: NC Posts: 5,309	I prefer the non-railed P229 because I like the cleaner look and I do not use a rail mounted light so I have no need for the rail. __________________ -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

September 7, 2013, 09:18 AM	#6
Noreaster Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2011 Location: New England Posts: 1,449	I'll have to go check the price on the SAS. Good to know there are still making it w/o the rail. I'm not opposed to a rail, just use to the 229 without one. Maybe go feel one with a rail and check it out.

September 7, 2013, 06:46 PM	#7
PP99 Member Join Date: August 16, 2013 Posts: 85	I've owned them both, today the keeper is the non railed smooth clean version.

September 7, 2013, 07:20 PM	#9
ClydeFrog Junior member Join Date: May 1, 2010 Posts: 5,797	New blood in the top US ranks of SIG Sauer.... SIG's US headquarters had a major hiring push about 2 years ago. I recall posting a topic about the new employment openings on TFL, . The new execs seemed to have reduced a lot of the SIG Sauer models & firearms that were not selling in the US market(s). It's a smart business move to thin out the selection but someone is going to be miffed when they can no longer spend a few $$$ on their ideal SIG Sauer pistol. You can't make every US gun buyer happy. I prefer the newer 1913/rail pistols for carry or duty. They won't win any blue ribbons but they are functional & allow more carry options. There are safe queens & there are guns that; "ride the river"(a old US Border Patrol expression). SIG Sauer wants to meet the demands of the largest segment of the LE & gun buying public. ClydeFrog

September 7, 2013, 07:35 PM	#10
TXAZ Senior Member Join Date: September 5, 2010 Location: McMurdo Sound Texas Posts: 4,322	I have an R, and like it more than the 229 because of the balance with a light on the front rail. __________________ Cave illos in guns et backhoes

September 7, 2013, 08:34 PM	#12
CharlieDeltaJuliet Senior Member Join Date: July 25, 2012 Posts: 755	The railed version isn't for everyone. I personally love it, but understand why some do not. I have a P220R that my wife purchased for me, I would rather it be the rail-less. But being it was a gift from her I will grin and keep it till I die. __________________ " The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in Government...." - Thomas Jefferson

September 7, 2013, 09:14 PM	#13
DasGuy Senior Member Join Date: January 29, 2011 Posts: 318	I prefer SIGs without rails, but you can't go wrong with either.

September 8, 2013, 11:26 AM	#14
Rinspeed Senior Member Join Date: February 1, 2000 Posts: 1,505	I just about always will prefer an older Sig to one of the newer ones.

September 8, 2013, 04:26 PM	#15
Noreaster Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2011 Location: New England Posts: 1,449	Stopped at the Pro shop today. They had two SAS versions on the wall and the price wasn't bad, but now I'm considering the railed version. The rail wasn't as pronounced as I remembered it.

September 8, 2013, 08:29 PM	#17
Noreaster Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2011 Location: New England Posts: 1,449	I handled a 229R and I liked it. For concealed carry it wouldn't be as smooth as the SAS/non railed. I actually picked up a 2022 and that wasn't bad at all. I could afford the 2022 and a holster and extra barrel. Probably didn't help going there, I found a couple of other things I wanted. Dangerous place to go to with a credit card.

September 9, 2013, 04:47 AM	#18
CharlieDeltaJuliet Senior Member Join Date: July 25, 2012 Posts: 755	I have never snagged my rail on mine, but I personally love the Mk 11-A1. I picked the rail version because I caught it for a song. I never looked back and am proud knowing that my primary is a Sig that will go bang every time.... __________________ " The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in Government...." - Thomas Jefferson