Any Sig P-239 owners here? Opinions?

[sgt127]

Bought a gen 1 SAS in .40 DAK. Loved it. Bought a Barsto 357 SIG barrel...it's been my primary off duty carry gun for years. (Bought it when they first came out).

I have to carry a Glock at work. The DAK trigger is good for me. No safety, no decocker. I carry it appendix.

I did buy the houge G10 checkered grips. I like thin grips, they work well for me.

 

[AK103K]

That's because you slapped a set of fat wooden grips on it. Put the factory grips back on, or thin down your wooden grips, and you'll notice a huge difference in the grips between the 239 and the 228/228.

The factory panels are to narrow for me, and the gun moves around to much when shot. If they only had that "swell" the other guns have through he palm, it would have been much better. I also much preferred the factory plastic panels over everything else with my other SIG's.

Those Houges, while a little bigger, do make up the difference, shooting wise. They really arent that much bigger though, not enough that you'd notice a difference when carrying it.

Even with the skinnier panels on the gun, its still big, and you still lose the capacity for the size. Always felt the same way about the 225/P6 as well. Might as well just carry the 226/229.

 

[Propforce]

AK103K, thank you for sharing. I already have P226, 229, P6, P220 and the "baby" P230. Was thinking adding the P239 to my collection but it sounds like it does not add much value to what i already have. The P250 sounds interesting but i have not considered the newer Sig, maybe i should give it a second look.

 

[Mainsail]

If it weren't for the P239 I would have been totally divested of 9mm.

Still, this was the gun for which I sold off my G17 Gen1 that I bought in 1986. I never could group with that Glock, so I sold it and bought the P239. Wow, I thought it was me all those years, but the little Sig was making groups where the holes actually touched.

 

[AK103K]

The P250 sounds interesting but i have not considered the newer Sig, maybe i should give it a second look.

The 250 has been around for awhile now, and never took off. I know a lot of people dont like the DAO trigger, but if youre a DAO shooter, I dont think you'll find it to be a problem. It does have a buttery smooth trigger, albeit, longish in stroke.

The fact that its a polymer frame, reduces its size a good bit, and its grip is very nice, even compared to the 226.

Still, this was the gun I sold off my G17 Gen1 that I bought in 1986. I never could group with that Glock, so I sold it and bought the P239. Wow, I thought it was me all those years, but the little Sig was making groups where the holes actually touched.

I went the other direction about 5 or 6 years back now. I divested myself of all but one of my SIG's (the same P230 I started with), and went back to Glocks. SIG just went off on the bazillion models tangent, and their prices went in the same direction.

While my SIG's were all accurate and reliable (except for the P238), I never found them to be any more accurate than my Glocks (or anything else for that matter), and I shoot them both, equally well. I actually find the Glocks to be a little easier, especially when it comes to recoil recovery and shooting them fast.

The main reason I got out of them was cost, and what I get for my money, both in guns and accessories. The ability to use the larger mags in all the different models with the Glocks (of the same caliber/family), and the same ability with holsters, also goes a long way. Mags and parts are a lot cheaper too.

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

I've been back and forth a lot with the idea of the 239. It's a gun I really want to like but when I compared it to the 228 - it was essentially the same size; I get more rounds with the 228 so that's the gun I went with.

Laura

 

[Propforce]

Mainsail, is that an after-market grip on your 239? Is it a hogue grip?

 

[boricua9mm]

The factory panels are to narrow for me, and the gun moves around to much when shot. If they only had that "swell" the other guns have through he palm, it would have been much better. I also much preferred the factory plastic panels over everything else with my other SIG's.

Those Houges, while a little bigger, do make up the difference, shooting wise. They really arent that much bigger though, not enough that you'd notice a difference when carrying it.

I think you're missing one of the main reasons for the single stack niche. People continue to choose to buy, shoot and carry these guns for the fact that they offer a slimmer grip, and for people who do not have huge hands, they are easier to shoot well. The slimmer grip of a single stack such as the 239 is easier to conceal than the wider double stack grip of the 228/229. If the gun in its stock form strikes you as being too small, then "Do Not Pass Go. Do Not collect $200. Go Straight to the P228/229." I'm just not following the logic of putting fatter grips on the 239 and then complaining that the gun is too thick.

The Hogue wood panels do, in fact, make the grip significantly thicker, which is why you find that it isn't much smaller than the double stack frame. I have done grip reductions on several sets of wood grips, and the Hogues are always much thicker than necessary, unless of course, making the grip thicker is the desired result.

Even with the skinnier panels on the gun, its still big, and you still lose the capacity for the size. Always felt the same way about the 225/P6 as well. Might as well just carry the 226/229.

We have to look at metal framed, single stack, compact pistols as a class; we cannot go comparing something like a 239 to a Glock 19 for the sake of this discussion, although in today's world I do find the G19 to be the better carry gun. The 239, Walther P5 Compact, 225/P6, H&K P7 and 3913/14 are all in the same size category. They all offer the same capacity. They all make the same concessions for ergonomics over a higher capacity magazine. Sure, my Glock 26 is a smaller gun that holds more rounds, but it's a completely different animal in every respect.

Wearing factory grip panels, the 225 has a thicker grip than the stock 239, that's for sure. It feels superb, though, at least in my opinion. There are those of us who find the 228/229 unnecessarily wide for the capacity offered. Personally, I find the P229 to be much too chunky for a regular concealed carry pistol. When I shoot a 226 or a 228/229, my accuracy is much worse compared to guns with a thinner grip profile. Again, if we are criticizing the width-to-capacity equation, then the P229 is on the losing end, especially amongst the modern, polymer, double stack offerings.

I think it is interesting and telling, at the same time, that NSW is making use of the P239-9 in contemporary times for concealment/plainclothes roles. If any group has options, they do.

 

[AK103K]

I'm just not following the logic of putting fatter grips on the 239 and then complaining that the gun is too thick.

I never said the gun was to thick, with either grips (just to thin through the palm, with the factory panels), simply that is wasnt "significantly" smaller, and worth the bother to warrant giving up the capacity. The over all size of the guns is pretty close, even with the P226. The P250C comes very close to matching the P239's factory numbers, but with double the capacity.

I have done grip reductions on several sets of wood grips, and the Hogues are always much thicker than necessary, unless of course, making the grip thicker is the desired result.

The desired result, was more "swell", not a fatter grip. With Houge, you do get an over all larger grip, no matter which ones you choose, but you also gain that swell.

If SIG would just offer a set of factory panels with that, the gun would be much more controllable, and not give up any real "thinness", but it still would not be significantly smaller.

The difference in concealing the two is really minimal, and I never noticed one bit of difference. Another reason, to me anyways, for going with the larger guns. The P239 in the SIG world, is very much like a Glock 19 in the Glock world, and actually goes more into the negative, due to the capacity issue.

We have to look at metal framed, single stack, compact pistols as a class; we cannot go comparing something like a 239 to a Glock 19 for the sake of this discussion

Never compared the 239 to the 19, until the above. I did with the P250, and do believe, its the better choice, if you can deal with the trigger, which I know, many dont seem to be able to.

There are those of us who find the 228/229 unnecessarily wide for the capacity offered. Personally, I find the P229 to be much too chunky for a regular concealed carry pistol. When I shoot a 226 or a 228/229, my accuracy is much worse compared to guns with a thinner grip profile. Again, if we are criticizing the width-to-capacity equation, then the P229 is on the losing end, especially amongst the modern, polymer, double stack offerings.

Theres no doubt, the 229 is a chunk, although I never had any issues carrying/concealing them, nor shooting them.

Again, SIG has/had weird ideas as to what compact meant, when compared to its general full sized guns. The 229 was fat compared to the 226. I always found the 226's to have the most comfortable grips of all the metal framed guns. I also I had no troubles carrying or concealing them either. They all carried about the same to me. The P230 on the other hand, even as big as it is, can go places the other SIG's cant.

I have carried all of them, in daily use, enough to say that too.

 

[Mainsail]

Mainsail, is that an after-market grip on your 239? Is it a hogue grip?

Yes.

I prefer the way the stock grips look, but the Houges feel MUCH better.

 

[BSA1]

Float Pilot,

It seems your questions has got lost in a off-topic debate about how much better a double stack high capacity gun is over a single stack so I will share my opinions;

First as my photo in Post #20 shows there isn't much difference in size between the P239 and a J-Frame 38 Special revolver.

Second for the same size package you get nine rounds of 9mm vs. five rounds of 38 Special. This is no small increase in firepower. Just about double the number of rounds.

Third my SIG is the traditional DA/SA. It has one of the smoothest double action pulls I have shot. Single action trigger pull is very manageable.

Fourth for real world carry the slim single stack is important to me. When the weather is warm enough or too hot concealability under a light garment such as a shirt becomes important. Nine rounds on my hip vs. 15 rounds laying on the dresser at home because the double stack is too hard to carry without printing is a big consideration.

Fifth weight is much less with the single stack vs. double stack including a spare magazine. I carry a spare magazine is a nylon pouch used for carrying a multitool such as the Leatherman. Very inexpensive low tech that even though carried on the belt in plain view it just looks like I am carrying a multitool.

Controllability with hotter rounds. The P239 is designed for all types of 9mm ammunition . It is much more controllable with +P loads than say the J-frame revolver with +P. My P239 shoots spot on double action.

What the high capacity fans overlook is everything in a handgun is compromise whether it is the caliber, the cartridge, the size of the gun, etc.

Sales of handguns show that smaller lower ammo capacity handguns are the biggest sellers and the most likely to be carried.

My P239 is 10 years old yet the only holster wear is shiny edge on the bottom of the slide shown in the photograph.

Finally do some searching and you will find used 9mm P239's hard to come buy.

 

[littlebluevette]

Not to switch subjects but what is the difference between the 239 and the p938?

 

[mavracer]

P239 is a typical Sig da/sa with a decocker a P938 is a SA 1911 like gun.
One thing I like single stacks because spare mags are slim and much more comfortable to carry.

 

[jimbo555]

Photos are deceiving. A j-frame S&W can easily be carried in most pockets. A Sig P-239 cannot. It is strictly a belt carry pistol.

 

[ABTOMAT]

Jimbo is right. The effective profile of a J-frame is much, much smaller than a semi auto pistol of a similar size. Like a banana shape vs. a square. And an Airweight J-frame is half the weight of the 239.

 

[BSA1]

True.

But like I said everything in a handgun is compromise whether it is the caliber, the cartridge, the size of the gun, etc.

You pay your money and take your chances.

 

[AK103K]

But like I said everything in a handgun is compromise whether it is the caliber, the cartridge, the size of the gun, etc.

Exactly, so why handicap yourself any more, by choosing something that is less? Especially when it isnt necessary to do so.


The P239 is not a "little" gun, by any means. If youre going to bother wearing a gun its size in a holster on your belt, wear a gun that reduces the compromise. Whats the point in doing otherwise?

I realize the "little" guns, are all the rage these days, but the "little" guns, are back ups to your main gun, not the main gun itself. If it is, that truly is a compromise, and a poor one at that.

Ive carried a basically full sized hand gun, a double reload, and a back up, pretty much every day, for around 35 some odd years now.

Dont mind me, if I have trouble believing, that the minor bit of difference in size and thickness, between a 226 and 239, is something to worry about. Ive carried them both, and know its not.

 

[BSA1]

AK103K,

So what?

Methinks you protest too much.

Your choice does not make it the right choice for me or the many others that choose to carry the P239. Besides the O.P.'s question was about the P239 not the P226.

 

[AK103K]

So what?

Yea, youre right. So what?

I already went down that road, and figured out why it didnt work for me, and for the reasons stated. I was simply pointing out to the OP as to why, and that he may want to consider it. You obviously have a different opinion and/or experience.

The only sure way of knowing, is to get one of each and compare, and decide for yourself. What ever you choose, Im sure youll have no trouble selling the others off after you decide. I had no trouble selling any of my SIG's, and the P239 was no different.

 

[1SOW]

I've owned a 9mm P239 for quite some time. I shoot it often and have actually competed with it in USPSA years ago when I first started out, and still use it in comp. for BUG stages. I've installed the short reset disconnector, changed sights to give POI = to level with the top of the sights and lightened the hammer spring a little. I also have a 10rd mag for H.D.
It likes any and all 9mm ammo. Speer GDs and Hornady XTPs are my choice and shoot easily and accurately

While many 'say' it's never had a malfunction of any kind, it is precisely true in my case.
It's my bedside and EDC pistol of choice. It shoots accurately to 25 yards. I have a pic of one shot touching a 1" bull at 25 yards---lucky for me, but the pistol is accurate.

I'm small and light weight and no problem concealing year round IWB.

For competition I shoot CZs, but for the real deal, the P239 is a great handgun to have handy.

JMHO

 

[evan price]

Sig p239 was my first 9mm, with hogue finger groove grips it feels like part if my hand. accurate and reliable. sure the capacity is less than a single stack. but the weight balance and pointability are nearly perfect for me. like any choice what matters is how an individual shoots it. it either works for you or it doesn't. try it, see if it works for you. if not try something else.
people get too wrapped up in this stuff. shoot what you shoot well. carry what you like.

 

[snooperman]

I have 4 SIGs and the one I like the best is the P225. I had the P239 but the top heavy slide , small grip and muzzle flip was not for me. Hence I sold it. I much prefer the older P225 and P228.

 

[SIGLBER]

I have the whole original SIG P series except for the P6(225). The reason I don't have the P6 s the 239 that replaced it is smaller, carries the same number of bullets, gives up nothing in the accuracy department. In fact the 239 is one of the most accurate guns I own. As far as not being much bigger than the 228/229 that is deceptive. Inside the waistband you don't even know the little SIG is on you. And the shorter grip is easier to conceal.
SIG has no trouble selling the 239's. And their are many reasons why. I carried a 229 for years. In the summer I switched to the 239 because it was easier to conceal plan and simple. It is a gun that needs to be shot to be appreciated. Roughly the same length as a lot of the small snubbies. The width being thinner. More rounds and more potent rounds. It makes good sense for a summer carry gun. Or as others have stated a good guns for those with small hands.

 

[Hyrule]

P239 here in two-tone with crimson trace laser grips. this is my EDC in 357 SIG. Also have a 40 barrel and mags. Orig came in 40 and EDC it in 40 for 5 years. Switched over to 357 SIG about a year ago.

About 800 rounds of 40 through it and about 300 round of 357 SIG through it. Never once had an issue.

Installed the SIG short reset trigger about a year ago on it too and made it even a sweeter DA/SA!

 

[tiamat]

The P239 was the first pistol I bought when I couldn't find a P225 for sale anywhere. I never achieved the laser-like accuracy with the P239 that everyone else seems to rave about, but it gets the job done like any other modern autoloader. I still carry it during the colder months but have switched to a KelTec P11 for my summertime carry, as it's smaller, lighter and has greater capacity.
Like someone else mentioned, the P239 was Sig's 'compact' model, back when there weren't as many options as there are today. While it's a fine pistol, it seems to 'miss the mark' so-to-speak what with all the other options available.