Platform (NOT caliber) poll. Sig P229/229 v. 1911

[Amadeus]

This one is for the folks that carry either a Sig P228/P229 or a 1911. I'm looking at ccw needs here.

Let's talk weight, concealability, and most of all reliability. Please be very very careful here. This is not a question of caliber. I feel protected with most standard defensive calibers (.38 - .45). I want to get your opinions on the merits of each of the two platforms for concealed carry. I'm looking for real world experiences here too. So please relate first person accounts only.

Thanks.

 

[HSMITH]

I like the thin flat 1911. It hides easily, carries comfortably, and I like the SA trigger pull over DA/SA. I think the Sig is a fine gun, but prefer the 1911 by a good margin.

 

[waterhouse]

Wow. Tough call. I voted 1911. I started carrying my 228 several years ago in college, and quickly switched to the 225. It fit my hand very well, was a little thinner than the 228/229, and I never really figured I'd need the extra mag capacity.

Last year I got my first 1911, and now I own about 6 of them. The lightweight commander size and CCO size are my favorites for carry.

When comparing the 1911 to the 228/229 I prefer the 1911 for size reasons. I don't know if actually is thinner, but it seems thinner and seems to hug closer to my body when carried in similar holsters.

When comparing the 1911 to the 225 it's a toss up . . .the 225 is thin and fits my hand very well. I again choose the 1911 because I like the the single action trigger pull, but I certainly wouldn't hesitate to carry the 225 again. (this is further complicated by the fact that I now have a couple of H&K p7s, so if I'm going to carry a 9mm it will probably be the p7)

I still own a 228 and will likely never get rid of it because I like shooting it so much, but for carry I'll take the 1911.

 

[Black Majik]

Hmm.. wow, two complete different platforms. But both which are my 1st and 2nd favorite platforms

1911: Thinner than the SIG, carried condition 1, Able to shoot the 1911 platform better. More well known 1911 smiths than SIG smiths. Accessories Galore to find something that'll fit you. Almost 40 oz of full steel.

SIG: Shorter barrel length than a full-size 1911. Lot more lightweight. Carried DA/SA. Smooth trigger pull, but not nearly as crisp as the 1911 trigger. Noticeably wider than the 1911. Be sure to change the grip of the 228/229 to rubber fingerless hogues, those plastic grips are slippery and junky feeling.

With good leather and belt, both can be concealed well.

Both both have equal numbers of advantages and disadvantages. Tough call.

Personally however, I'm more confident with the 1911, so that's what I'd choose. I see the SIG's only real advantage over the 1911 is the weight. But you can get aluminum/scandium 1911s now also, so that's minor.

1911.

 

[Mulliga]

Toss-up.

A SIG P228 is obviously much lighter than a Gov't 1911; LW Commander will be about the same. Frame and slides are comparable, with any difference disappearing when carried in a holster.

1911 can be carried C1, which is a plus IMHO. But the SIG will likely have a very good DA and SA pull, so meh.

Accuracy and reliability will be roughly equal, assuming a decent 1911.

Price goes to the SIG - the police trade-ins are probably better than the bone-stock 1911s you can get for the same price.

I actually prefer the double-stack SIGs - the 225/239 type pistols have narrow grips, but they are long - too long for my taste. At least with a double-stack my hand grasps an oval instead of an oblong rectangle.

 

[Sir Aardvark]

I carry the SIG 229 almost daily.

Changes I have made to the SIG include installing XS 24/7 "Big Dot" sights and also installing Nill grips.
The Nill grips cost an arm and a leg, but, in my way of rationalizing the expense, are probably the best grips I could have purchased for concealed carry purposes.

(To see what I think of Nill grips, follow the link: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=150265 )

Since I live in the wonderful state of California, I am limited to 10-round magazines, thus negating one of the major benefits of carrying the SIG vs. the 1911.

The SIG conceals very well, and especially after the installation of the Nill grips, is not too thick. The weight is very managable with a good quality gun belt and holster (I use Milt Sparks). I have not had any reliability issues with my SIG even after 1000's of rounds.

As for the 1911 - I do not carry a 1911, but I do own 2; one is a Series 80 Colt Gold Cup, the other being a SIG GSR.

The SIG GSR would be a little bit too heavy to carry comfortably all day, and I would probably need suspenders to keep the load managed.

The Colt would be a good choice, except that is is blued, and I much prefer the stainless/aluminum rustproof combo of the SIG 229 over my Colt. If I decided to carry a 1911, then I would look for one that is parkerized, or has a polymer coating like Roguard, because everybody sweats at some time.

I am equally comfortable with both the SIG and 1911 - The reason I did not choose a 1911 for my concealed carry permit is because I chose the Glock Model 30 instead. I wanted something in .45ACP and the Glock's small size, light weight, and 10-round capacity won me over. If my permit allowed me to carry more than 3 handguns (my 3rd being a S&W J-frame), then I would certainly add a 1911 to it.

 

[Sylvilagus Aquaticus]

I've carried a P229 almost daily for the last 5 years, except on days when I carry a P220 or BHP. The SIGs ride in Comp-Tac C-TAC holsters, the HP, carried for dress occasions, is in a Roy's Original Pancake holster. My P229 is, of course, 357sig. Neither SIG has bobbled during operation, and the P229 has about 3000 rounds through it by my hand. I'm up to about 1000 rounds with the P220. Both SIGs wear Hogue grips but are otherwise externally unaltered. The HP is largely, and unfortunately, a safe queen these days.

Regards,
Rabbit.

 

[Moonclip]

I voted 1911 for shootability and the thinner profile. I would say my Sig Sauer 239 in 9mm though is an ideal CCW piece.

 

[eclipse1]

1911 it is

 

[Father Knows Best]

I like the thin flat 1911. It hides easily, carries comfortably, and I like the SA trigger pull over DA/SA. I think the Sig is a fine gun, but prefer the 1911 by a good margin.

I couldn't have said it any better.

 

[Chipperman]

I voted Rebel, as I carry a P7M13.

Of the choices listed though, I would take 1911 over Sig. Sigs are great guns, but 1911s are better. In fact, 1911s are Almost as good as P7s.

 

[IZinterrogator]

It really depends on the 1911 model and the threat. I prefer a 228 over a 1911 due to weight, unless it is a CCO or compact 1911. Then you have to look at the likely threat. Are you more likely to encounter a roving street gang or a single mugger? Roving street gang = hi-cap 228, single mugger = six rounds of .45ACP. It's like all the Army gear I'm issued. I don't want to haul it around, but if the threat is high, I'll carry as much gear and bullets as I can stuff in my Humvee. I can't vote on what would be better without knowing what the threat is going to be.

 

[foghornl]

I prefer the 1911-A1 platform. Nothing wrong with the Sig's; they are very fine pistols, just not MY cup-o-tea.

 

[Father Knows Best]

I prefer a 228 over a 1911 due to weight, unless it is a CCO or compact 1911.

I'll disagree. The 228 is not lighter than a 1911. An alloy framed commander size 1911 is about the same size as a 228. The 228 has a 3.9" barrel, while the commander size 1911 has a 4.25" barrel. The 228 weighs 29.2 oz unloaded (with empty mag), whereas a typical alloy frame 1911 commander (like the Para LTC alloy or Smith & Wesson 1911sc) weighs 28 to 28.5 oz unloaded, or about an ounce less than the 228. Even with ammo load, the 228 is not significantly lighter. The 228 holds 13+1 rounds of 9mm, whereas the 1911 holds 8+1 rounds of .45ACP. Using standard ball ammo (115 gr for the 9mm and 230 gr for the .45), the ammo loads weigh 5.8 ounces and 6.8 ounces, respectively. Thus, the .45's ammo only weighs 1 ounce more, so with a full ammo load on board they both weigh almost exactly the same.

In addition, not many people use 115 gr 9mm, preferring bullet weights of as much as 147 grains for defensive purposes. Also, lots of .45ACP users have gone to 200 or even 185 grain bullets such as Speer Gold Dot and Federal Hydra-Shok. 14 rounds of 147 grain 9mm weighs 6.8 ounces, while 9 rounds of 200 grain .45ACP weighs 6.2 ounces. So depending on your ammo choice, the loaded 1911 may actually weigh less than the loaded 228. It certainly won't weigh more.

Then you have to look at the likely threat. Are you more likely to encounter a roving street gang or a single mugger? Roving street gang = hi-cap 228, single mugger = six rounds of .45ACP.

I'll disagree again. The 228 only gives you a 5 round advantage in the gun, and nothing prevents you from carrying additional mags. Even without spare mags, I'll take 9 rounds of .45 over 14 rounds of 9mm any day of the week. The odds that I will have to shoot more than 9 shots are extremely low, but I sure want as much stopping power in the shots I do fire as I can get.

Finally, the 1911's magazines are much slimmer, which makes extra mags much easier to carry than 228 mags.

 

[GroovedG19]

Own a P229 but would never carry it unless it was an emergency.The grip is simply too thick.Biggest grip of all my pistols.Mostly a range gun and lender pistol to family or friend should such a situation arise.

For carry, I prefer my lighter and thinner glocks.Higher capacity as well.So I voted REBEL.

 

[Zach S]

I do admire SIGs. Looks, accuracy, and relibility. I currently dont own one.

I do own six 1911s.

 

[SamlautRanger]

SIG is better for CCW, because it does not have an external safety that can mess you up and is hard to manipulate in a very high stress/high risk situation. 1911s are good for the range and shooting targets, but SIGs are better for combat. If you have not been on a 2 way shooting range before, then don't try to tell me that proper training will elmininate a failure to engage the safety in a moments notice.

 

[DirksterG30]

I choose the 1911. I'm sure SIGs are great guns, but they don't work for me ergonomically. The 1911, on the other hand, fits me perfect, plus you can't beat the SA trigger. Few guns conceal as well for me as a 1911.

"SIG is better for CCW, because it does not have an external safety that can mess you up and is hard to manipulate in a very high stress/high risk situation. 1911s are good for the range and shooting targets, but SIGs are better for combat. If you have not been on a 2 way shooting range before, then don't try to tell me that proper training will elmininate a failure to engage the safety in a moments notice."

- there is a saying - you fight the way you train. A lot of 1911 enthusiasts (myself included) carry their guns for CCW, and train accordingly. I practice drawing with my thumb riding on the safety, and flipping it down before I shoot. I don't have to think about it; it's automatic. A 1911 can come with a small thumb safety or a large one. On my 1911, it's not hard to manipulate at all.

So I couldn't disagree with you more. It just a matter of training and practice.