[SASS44439]

I am looking for advice on getting either a 228 or 229 for a range gun. I like the 9mm due to cheap ammo prices for practice. The .40 or 357 sig also are a thought in case I do use it as a CCW. If I do choose the 229 can't you get a 9mm barrel for it. When I do get one it will be used. I picked up a S&W 5904 for the range and found it to be a very nice firearm. Now I am in the market for a Sig.


Any help will be greatly appreciated.:)

[doofus]

The P228 has been deprecated in favor of the P229, though both are excellent pistols. The P229 can be had either in 9mm, .357 Sig, or .40 S&W.

If you get a .357 or .40, you can switch rounds with a simple barrel swap (the mags are compatible). You can't move to .357 or .40 with a 9mm model.

[Alan Fud]

The 229 is slightly smaller than the 5904 and a better choice for concealed carry.

[Tom Servo]

Don't count out the 9mm for self-defense. With good loads, it's an excellent manstopper.

Both are great guns, but you're going to have a hard time finding the P228. Personally, I find it to balance in the hand a bit better than the P229 (which feels a bit top-heavy). Either is a great shooter and utterly reliable.

[OH25shooter]

I think the only noticable difference between the 228 and the 229 is the slide grooves. A little more area to grip onto in the 228 model. If I remember correctly, the 228 slide is stamped metal, where the 229 is milled from a solid piece of stainless steel. Also, I believe the 228 has been discontinued.

[lunde]

The P228's slide is thinner than that of the P229. The P228 also has better balance, some say. Here is one of my two-tone P228s wearing Nill grips:

http://www.praxagora.com/lunde/photos/p228tt-left-full.jpg

Here is my only all-black one:

http://www.praxagora.com/lunde/photos/p228-left-full.jpg

For 9mm, my vote is for the P228.

[Mayo]

As some have stated before, I prefer the P228 myself. If you get the chance to handle both at the same time you may notice the P229 seems top heavy vs the P228 which is perfectly balanced IMO.

[MadMercS55]

I prefer the P228 since to me it balances better in my hand than the P229. My current P228 is an older all nickel coated piece that I feel bad about beating on since it looks so darn nice!

[pablo45]

I personally like the p228 because of it's longer serations on the slide and the look.They are both built on the same frame,so the sizes are the same.The p229 i have is in the .40 and the barrels to change are fairly cheap.I found one for about 250.00.The mags are both the same.I have only seen the p228 in a few places and seem to be weeding out.So maybe the p228 might be an investment if they are so rare now.The p229 does have alot of accessories and the magazines are always available.
But if you want to try something new you may want to try the Sig sauer pro2022.I just picked one up in a 9mm with night sights for a 550.00 and it is a polymer frame which is what i like.With a light rail and 15 round magazines.Good luck

[SASS44439]

Thanks for the help so far. I am leaning towards the 228. A local gun shop has four 228s in stock right now. One is DAO. All of them looking to be in great shape and range for $500-$575. Again I am looking mostly for a range gun but will not rule out using it for CCW. Some times my Glocks, Kimber, and revolvers need a break.

Thanks for all of the advice.