Couple of questions for the SIG experts

[Hawk]

Re P228's and P229's: What's the difference? The specs on SIG's web site are virtually identical. There's a difference in overall length of .02" and a couple ounces but the width is the same at 1.5". I'm basically looking for why somebody would buy one over the other.

What's the scoop on the X-5? Is this supposed to be a more available version of the P210? Or is it intended for a different market? Are new P210's even available?

The SigPro's look to be betwixt the Compact and Full Sized models in overall length. Are these supposed to be polymer framed versions of existing models or something else entirely?

Anybody besides me notice that the P220 and P245 are thinner than the P226, P229 and P228?

What brought this on was a P239 that followed me home. It's become one of my favorites much to my surprise and I've grown curious as to whether I'd be as pleasantly surprised with any of its stablemates. That P239 in .357 Sig is kind of a mini-flamethrower and I've found it impossible not to grin like an idiot when I'm shooting it. The trigger on the thing is also way better than I had expected. So what's a good "next SIG"?

 

[MikeJ]

IIRC, the 228 has a stamped carbon steel slide and the 229 has a forged stainless slide. I am sure of the 229 as I own one and may have used the wrong verbiage regarding the 228 but the difference is in the slide.

 

[Phantom Warrior]

As I understand it, the 228 came out in 9mm (and only 9mm) and was a big hit. So they beefed up the design a little to be able to handle .40 and .357SIG and called it the 229.

 

[cslinger]

229 was designed around the .40 caliber cartridge and has a beefier slide. The 228 balances better but is only in 9x19mm.

SIG PROs are actually pretty big feeling guns.

X5 will cost as much if not more than P210s. Designed with competetion specifically in mind.

Anybody notice besides me that the P220 is the finest .45 on the planet.

 

[Billy Sparks]

Both Mike and Phantom are correct. The 229 is offered in 9mm, 40 S&W, and .357 Sig whereas the P228 is a 9mm only gun. The 229 also can get gotten with a rail and in the DAK trigger setup.

 

[Steve F]

OK,I'm going to finally ask what is a DAK?

 

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's All-

While I'm not an expert by any means, I think a SIG's DAK trigger is a
two stage trigger system?

IMHO, for perfect balance one won't find a better handgun than a
SIG P228; even though its only available in 9m/m. BTW, the P229
seems too be "top heavy"; at least in my hands.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Hawk]

The P239 that got me started on my path to the darkside has a decidedly "top heavy" feel that works to its advantage. I can see where the charm of the heavy slide would wear off as the overall pistol grew larger.

I notice that the P220 gains 40% in weight for stainless steel. I gather this actually means "stamped" vs "milled" or somesuch. Since nobody seems to be complaining about standard 220's falling apart, I'd guess there's no problem with the lightweight slide on the 228 (?).

I've lurked around the forum long enough to realize that the answer to "which one" is usually "ALL". However, one has to start someplace. Either the P210 or X-5 would take a good while longer to save up for, but I'm about convinced the P210 is like Nessie or the Yeti: some board members have one or more, but I don't know anyone personally who has had a sighting. A search of the auction sites typically turns up more Korth's than P210's, fer crying out loud. I'll find a NIB P210 about a day after I find a P7M7.

Problem with the X-5 is that, even if it were to be "real" (unlike the mythical P210) I'd have to take it to the range in a brown bag so as not to draw attention to the fact that my skill did not keep pace with my range bag.


Anybody know if the X-5 is made of steel or unobtainium?

 

[at-home-daddy]

"Anybody besides me notice that the P220 and P245 are thinner than the P226, P229 and P228?"
-------------

That's because the first two are single-stacks, and the latter three are double-stacks...hence the wider grip.


------------
"OK,I'm going to finally ask what is a DAK?"
------------

Stands for Double Action Kellerman, "Kellerman" being the gentleman in charge of the design.

 

[MikeJ]

My 229 is in 40 and an absolute joy to shoot. I personally find it to balance perfectly in my hand and not feel top heavy.

 

[pogo2]

Another plug for the P229 in .40

I have 2 Sigs, the P226 in 9mm and the P229 in .40, plus lots of other handguns. The P229 is one of my favorites because it is such a good shooter. The gun seems to have the perfect trigger and grip feel for my hand, and handles the fairly hot .40 caliber with ease. It is beautifully made and completely reliable. The gun is compact enough to carry concealed, but heavy enough to be a good range gun. I consider it the best all around .40 caliber gun I have seen.

 

[JNewell]

The P239 that got me started on my path to the darkside has a decidedly "top heavy" feel that works to its advantage.

It's true that the top heavy feel of the P228 vs the P229 (and the stamped slide P226 in 9x19 vs the milled P226 in .357, .40 and now 9x19) is less noticeable when the gun is loaded.

I notice that the P220 gains 40% in weight for stainless steel. I gather this actually means "stamped" vs "milled" or somesuch. Since nobody seems to be complaining about standard 220's falling apart, I'd guess there's no problem with the lightweight slide on the 228 (?).

The P220 version that I think you're talking about is not only a SS slide but a SS frame, so both components are heavier than the traditional P220 with a stamped slide and an alloy frame.

 

[Hawk]

Any thoughts on a P225?

Just saw this basic black single stack 9mm at the local shop. Could (almost) pass for new. Lucky for me he didn't have any 228's 229's or 220's.

 

[yesterdaysyouth]

i'd say the p220 is also lighter when loaded, than a p228 with a 15rnd mag...

i thought the p226 with the stainless slide was top heavy, if that matters

but the perfect balance has to be the stainless 5" gsr...

 

[WhoKnowsWho]

Any thoughts on a P225?

If your hand doesn't fit very well around a double stack, the P225 is a nice alternative, as the grip is thin and fits smaller hands well.

 

[faustulus]

I think the 225 is the best gun sig makes.

 

[Fumbler]

In addition to the stamped slide of the 228 already mentioned there are other differences.

The slide serrations on the 228 go all the way up the 228's slide, they stop half way on the 229.
The slide on the 229 is very slightly wider than the 228, but both have the same width listed because the widest part is the top of the grip where the decocker lever is.
The 228's slide block houses an internal fixed spring extractor whereas the 229 has a pivoting external extractor in its 1 piece slide.
The 228's stamped slide is carbon steel and the 229's milled slide is stainless.
The mag well in the 229 is slightly wider too to accomodate the fatter 40S&W cartridge. A 228 mag will fit in a 229 but a 229 mag will not fit in a 228.

I like the 228 more, it balances better. It feels more compact even though it isn't significantly smaller.

The main reason that the specifications show that the single stacked Sigs are narrower is they don't have the protrusion for the decocking lever. The actual width of the grip below the decocker is similar between models. Circumference of the single stacked grips is smaller because they are single stacked, but they are not narrower.

 

[Yowza]

I just bought a P225 last month and it's already my favorite gun. If you like single stack 9mm pistols like I do, it's definitely one worth picking up. The only downside to it is it's close to impossible to find accessories or aftermarket parts for it.

Rick

 

[Hawk]

Well, that's quite an endorsement for the P225. I called the shop to make sure it had 2 mags; it did, I weakened and just walked out with it.

Now, off to the range tomorrow for a little stress relief.

Having a friendly gun shop with decent prices 3 minutes from the workplace (and an indoor range 10 minutes away) can have a detrimental effect on one's wallet. That's it. No more purchases for a while. I swear. A P220 of some sort is calling my name, but it'll have to wait.

How can I tell how old this puppy is? Just curious.

Thanks for the input.

 

[orangeninja]

Dadgum Hawk.....I'm about to jump into a pair of 225's myself. Can I shoot yours?

 

[Hawk]

Can I shoot yours?

Absolutely!

 

[BlkHawk73]

There's 7 P210's on Guns America currently. I almost went for one once but "settled' on a P7M8 instead.

 

[Hawk]

There's 7 P210's on Guns America currently

Well, so there is. And here I was accusing them of being vaporware because of gunbroker.com. There was 1 on auctionarms but I couldn't figure out how the aimpoint looking thing with no hole worked.

Doesn't matter - I can resist. Unh, thanks. I think.

 

[TexasRifleman]

A small pile of 239's later, you can guess which one is my favorite......

 

[Hawk]

I've got no explanation as to why I like that P239 as much as I do. I'm pretty sure SIG didn't have FUN in mind when it was designed. Just sort of worked out that way

Those 210's are sure pretty, though. I guess there being that many on gunsamerica means I needn't rush - there should be one when I finally scavange up the money