Should I buy a new Sig P229?

[welshrabbit]

Hi,

I am looking for an ultra reliable and durable carry gun that requires very minimal maintenance for it to run well. I am considering a Sig 229, a Glock 23 or the HK P2000, all iin .40. I know there are other calibers but I am pretty well set on carrying .40.

If it were not for the magazine release on the HK P2000's which I think is too small to be used under serious stress, it might be my first choice.

I like the feel of the Sig 229 a lot. I owned a couple of Sigs, 226 and 228, bought in the mid 90's, and they were fine, but toward the end the 226's slide may have began not to lock back after the last shot. It is possible though that this was related to weak mag springs or possibly I was riding the mag release, I cannot be sure as it was a long time ago.

- Do the new Sig 229s still come with a Nitron finish, and how does this finish resist rust (the reason I got rid of the older Sigs) compared to HK's or Glock's finishes? How does the new Nitron finish compare to the older K-Kote?

- I have heard some negative things about the quality of newer Sigs and I am curious if the newer Sigs are equal to older models in quality and reliability?

- Every gun type can have its known issues, with 229's are there any problems that might crop up? What things have you encountered that needed to be fixed? And when did these problems start?

- Is a Sig or an HK generally as durable as a Glock?

- Is it possible to buy replacement parts (such as magazine and recoil springs) from Sig in NH?

Thank you for the help!

 

[Spartacus451]

Sig quality is still pretty good right now. Triggers take longer to break in and have less potential with the current hammers and sears. The 220 was having some trouble because they redesigned the extractor and botched it but they just came out with an external to try and correct that.

The 229 design has been %100 since it was first introduced. It's all a matter of finding one with no QC issues. Check the grip screws when you get it to make sure the holes in the frame are in good condition. If you get an elite model with wood grips you need to make sure the fit of the grips is good. They technically have a lifetime warranty right now and they usually don't put up much of a fuss and pay shipping both ways if you ask for it.

 

[1BLINDREF]

Welcome to THR!

Sigs quality issues seem to be behind them.
I don't think that there were any more or worse than any of he other big names mfgs out there.
All of the "black" slide Sigs have the Nitron finish over stainless steel. Most of the newer Sig finish issues were with the CPOs (certified pre-owned). There were quite a few posts on the Sig Forum and some here about the finish flaking off.
I have a P220 with K-Kote and many newer Nitron'd Sigs. IMHO, the Nitron finish is more durable.

As far as choosing which gun to buy, it comes down to which gun you shoot best and how much you want to spend.
Good luck with your choice!

 

[Lonestar49]

You can't go wrong with a Sig P229

...

+1 Blindref.. saved me more typing..

Great shooters, I know, have one and it has replaced my Beretta Px4 40cal, both in softer recoil, faster, more accurate follow-up shots, and smaller, ccw, wise both in length and height..

4000 flawless rounds, as the rest of my Sigs, all flawless, all 100%..

One of, IF not, the easiest guns to disassemble, inspect, clean, and reassemble out there, bar none.. KEY

As far as preventing rust, I, and many others, use and swear by EEZOX, as it is not only a metal sealer, but a *light cleaner and lubricator, in one, as it bonds to the metal pores, making metal to metal contact, slippery without attracting dust, powder residue, and works just as great for feed ramps, and interior mag walls and springs.. directions on can

I wouldn't leave home without my P229 40cal


Ls

 

[LUPUS]

If I ever asked to choose a handgun to bet my life, SigSauer handguns are among the ones that I would not hesitate to choose from. Enough said.

 

[jddssc121]

229 is a fantastic pistol. I've got a buddy with one, and it's just as reliable and accurate as my p226. I like the extra grip width of the 229 vs. the 226 for comfort.

The p2000 is a fine piece of hardware as well. great shooter. I would hold my breath and wait to see if the p30 comes out in .40 before getting the p2000 (i really like the stock grips on the p30)

229 is a good choice.

 

[CWL]

I've owned one for 12 years, never had any hiccups. Mine's ss with nitron finish, haven't noticed any wear in the finish during this time.

My only complaint is the long trigger pull, just have never gotten around to swapping a short trigger for it.

 

[welshrabbit]

Thanks!

Thank you gentlemen.

It is nice to learn from those who have the experience.

Does anyone know after how many rounds should one change the recoil spring for one of these? I have read on a Glock it's around 3000, but what about Sig?

 

[phantomak47]

I love Sigs, but ever since the large government contract, they have had some QC issues, I would check each sig gun out individually before I bought.

 

[Ala Dan]

Just Call Me

a SIG-A-HOLIC~! I trusted my life to an old West German
.45 ACP caliber P220A everyday, for over 12 years~!

 

[Floppy_D]

I love my 229, they're great guns. Any hiccups I've had were during the first 200 rounds, and nothing else since.

 

[pogo2]

Ditto Sig P229

The Sig P229 in .40 is one of the best and most versatile handguns made, in my opinion. I've had the one below for about 8 years and it has never failed to function. It is also a very accurate gun with a good trigger feel.

 

[nwilliams]

I just bought an older used one and I really love it. I took it out the other day for the first time and I just love the way it shoots! I have both the .40 and .357 Sig barrel for mine.

Get one you won't regret it!

 

[rich0372]

The 229 is my favorate gun

Man I love this gun Shoots great, no problem to speak of. I just got the .357sig barrel it's like having 2 guns in one (.40 &.357) plus I just got CT laser grips and installed them today.

 

[Moonclip]

I'd get the Sig Sauer P229 and get the .357sig barrel also.

 

[riceboy72]

Awesome pistol. Recently got a NIB older style P229 from a friend who kept it in his safe, and I couldn't be more pleased with it. Reliable, absorbs that funky .40 recoil nicely, and it feels good in the hand. For me, it points well and I love everything about it. As for the quality, I'm not quite sure about the newer Sigs, but I tend to fancy older ones so I can't give you the right information there.

Just sent the slide off today to Tripp Research for a hard chrome job before he stops doing the refinishing come June. That, along with a full P226 pistol, should be back in about four weeks looking darn nice. Can't wait.

I left Sig for about ten years while I had an affair with Glocks and 1911. Glad I'm back to rekindle things. So far, so good. Go with Sig; it's an experience you won't regret.