Need advice on 9mm Sig purchase...

[OH25shooter]

I'm confused on which 9mm model Sig to purchase. Have looked at the P226, P229 and the compact model P239. I want a DA/SA and small enough for conceal carry. I think the P239 might be best, but the others really look and feel great. Anyone have any of these handguns? Thanks

 

[Joe Mamma]

I'll probably confuse you more but, I'd suggest also considering a P225. They are hard to find but, they are out there.

To over simplify your choices, the 225 and 239 are single stack guns so, they are thinner. I think these are the better choices for you. The 226, 228, and 229 are double stack guns so, they are fatter.

This website is down temporarily (I think). But, it is an excellent resource for Sig comparison information http://home.t-online.de/home/cswimm

Joe Mamma

 

[otomik]

I wouldn't go with the P229, they're good but for 9mm the P228 is what you really want (slightly thinner and 2oz lighter). so thats a vote against the P229. They're all the same action and control system, follow your bliss.

there's also the SIG Pro which nobody has mentioned yet, but they're nothing special (cheaper, slightly lighter).

 

[cslinger]

I have a P226, P229, P245, P220, P239 and a P225 so let me weigh in.

The P226 is light enough to carry but big and thick as is the P220. You will need an untucked shirt. IWB is uncomfortable for me.

The P229 or P228 for that matter is a nice compromise in terms of size, weight and capacity but they are still thick which IMHO is the hardest thing to conceal.

That leaves us with the P225 and the P239. The P225 has the nicest feeling grip of any SIG. It is a classic and is a great CCW piece that is only beat out by the P239.

My P239 is a .40 but let me tell you I don't think you can do much better as far as a concealble semi auto. It just dissappears IWB and is comfortable to boot. It shoots like a much bigger gun, has all the harsh edges smoothed and is very comfortable to shoot and plink with. Not to mention that it will digest any ammo you feed it and is more accurate than it has any right to be.

The only real drawback is the single stack magazines, if you feel that is a drawback. I ran an IPSC course with a SIG P225 and did very well even though I had two less rounds then everybody else.

My two cents.

Chris

 

[cslinger]

Ohh yeah, SIG PROs. Spectacular triggers but no getting around they are rather bulky, although light weight firearms. Very thick.

Chris

 

[FJC]

Here's a picture that shows four different SIGs from the rear - gives a good comparison of how big/thick the different ones are.

From left to right:
1) SIG P220ST .45 with hogue grips
2) SIG P225 9mm
3) SIG P239 9mm
4) SIG P226

Note that the P225 has a slide that's slightly thinner than the P239, but the grip is thicker.

 

[FEATHERWEIGHT]

I love my P225 and carry it in a Rosen ARG. I would look at sparks VM-2.

Gun is accurate, light, and points instinctively for me.

 

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's All-

Having been the proud papa of a SIG P226*, P228, and P229*
I will weigh in and say that for my use as a 9m/m CCW piece
the P228 wins hands down.

IMHO, the P226 is large (although I CCW a .45 caliber P220),
and the P229 is just too darn top heavy; and the P239 is
almost as large as the P228; plus I don't like its funky type
hammer. Not to mention that the P239 is also very heavy
for pocket carry.

* FootNote: indicates firearms that are no longer on my
inventory list.

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

 

[cratz2]

I've owned a 9mm 225 police return, a used 229 in 40 and a SIG Pro in 40. All three were 100% reliable for me, and generally good guns, they just don't fit me quite as well as I would prefer. If I was issued a 229, I would have complete confidence in it, but for my personal carry weapon, it's not my first choice.

But on the guns, the 229 is a bit heavier than the very similar 9mm-only 228. I never noticed an overwhelming difference between the balance of the 228 and the 229 but some folks claim there is a considerable difference. They both feel pretty blocky in general to me but if I were seeking a 9mm, I'd probably go for the 228 rather than the 229. The 239 just feels... well... Like not what I'm looking for either.

The 225 is a single stack and mine was probably the most comfortable of the SIGs I've owned, but I sold it to a guy that was just dying to have mine.

I have no issues with the SIG Pro. We bought the SIG Pro and a Glock 23 for my wife to figure out which she preferred... Well, and I wanted to play with one as well. She preferred how the SIG felt in her hand to the Glock, but preferred shooting the Glock with the same ammo. I don't know the weights off the top of my head, but I'm sure the Pro is a few ounces less than the 228 or the 229 and that might be important on a carry gun. I believe the Pro has pretty much identical dimensions to the 229.

 

[otomik]

P226 weight 28.3oz length 7.7''
P229 weight 28.1oz Length 7.1''
P228 weight 26.1oz length 7.08''
P2009 weight 25oz length 7.4''
P239 weight 25.2oz length 6.6''
all SIGs are rather thick on the slide but maybe thats not important. how do you plan on carrying it?

 

[Murphster]

Got a P239 in 9mm a month or so ago to carry in my car. What a great gun. Fits my not-huge hands perfectly. Gun seems to feed, fire, eject, and accurately place rounds with complete reliability (it's a Sig). The thrill of ccw on my person has long gone so I can't comment on its qualities in that regard. For winter, fall, & spring ccw on your person, it would probably be okay. If my summer wear was something like a Speedo and a crop-top (which everyone with eyes should be glad it's not), I might look at something a bit thinner like a P232.

 

[Highpower1]

239, I love mine

 

[Berg01]

I have the P228 and would recommend it highly to anyone that was interested in it, although there really are no bad choices for a 9mm Sig.

 

[OH25shooter]

FJC, thanks so much for the gun comparison pictures. I doubt any gun store could line up four different Sigs side by side. And thanks to all others for their views on the different models, it was very helpful.

 

[Doug Add]

A 239 was my first SIG, and while it shot nicely and was a comfortable size, it just did not feel right. You know what I mean? Some guns when you pick them up you immediately know it is the perfect fit for you. The Browning Hi Power is like that for me, as is the 225, and to a slightly lesser degree the 228.

I debated between the 225 and the 228. I chose the 228 because I can carry it loaded with thirteen rounds, greater availability of wood grips, and I got a good deal in a trade.

From the angle that excellent picture is taken the 228 is just a bit wider in the grip than the 225. Of course if you look at the profile, the grip angle is slightly different.

Notice how everyone has a different opinion? You really need to choose based on what feels best to you. You may go through a couple of models until you get the one that is just right.

Oh, I forgot to post this link. Someone mentioned that 225s are hard to find. Here is a great place to find both new and factory reconditioned SIGs.

http://www.onpointfirearms.com/handguns/sig.htm

Also, if you have not already, check out the SIG Forum, that picture on the entrance page is one of the things that aroused my interest in a 225.

http://www.sigforum.com

 

[faustulus]

Any of the Sigs will work. but some will work better than others. And as you can see from the other posters here you will probably end up with more than one before it is all said and done.
I would suggest you start out with the 225. It is arguably the best of the Sig Classic line. It is not much larger than the 239, but offers a better grip and better balance. Which ever you choose, I have a feeling it will be the start of a lifelong love affair with these little teutonic masterpieces.
Shoot well.

 

[faustulus]

Any of the Sigs will work. but some will work better than others. And as you can see from the other posters here you will probably end up with more than one before it is all said and done.
I would suggest you start out with the 225. It is arguably the best of the Sig Classic line. It is not much larger than the 239, but offers a better grip and better balance. Which ever you choose, I have a feeling it will be the start of a lifelong love affair with these little teutonic masterpieces.
Shoot well.